Bergamote 22

The Verdict

Le Labo Bergamote 22 is a study in the tension between exceptional scent quality and frustrating performance. Created by perfumer Daphne Bugey in 2006, this woody aromatic composition places bergamot front and center in a way that few fragrances manage, delivering a sparkling, natural citrus experience that reviewers consistently praise. However, it is nearly impossible to discuss this fragrance without addressing its most divisive quality: it fades fast.

The fragrance community widely regards Bergamote 22 as one of the finest citrus compositions available, with some calling it a masterpiece. Yet that admiration rarely translates into a full-bottle purchase recommendation, largely because the performance simply does not justify Le Labo's premium asking price.

What It Smells Like

The opening is where Bergamote 22 truly shines, presenting a freshly squeezed cocktail of bergamot and grapefruit that is sharp, vibrant, and effervescent without any harshness or sour edge. There is a sprinkling of sweetness, not vanillic but more like sugar dusted over fresh-cut fruit. Petitgrain adds a pleasant juniper-like quality that bridges the citrus to the heart.

As the initial citrus burst fades, orange blossom emerges with gentle floral warmth, while vetiver contributes a smooth, green-sweet earthiness. The drydown settles into a soft, musky cedar and amber base that is pleasant but unremarkable compared to the spectacular opening. Reviewers frequently note that the beauty of Bergamote 22 lies in its neutrality and comfort, making it a scent that offends no one.

When to Wear It

Bergamote 22 excels as a warm-weather fragrance, perfectly suited for hot summer days when a refreshing citrus scent is most welcome. It works beautifully in professional settings where discretion is valued, from office environments to business lunches. Its inoffensive, clean character makes it a safe choice for any daytime occasion.

However, its brief lifespan means it is poorly suited for events lasting more than a couple of hours unless you plan to reapply. Cold weather diminishes its already limited projection further.

Longevity & Projection

This is Bergamote 22's Achilles heel. The gorgeous bergamot opening typically lasts five minutes in its full glory, remains lovely for about an hour, then fades significantly. Most reviewers report the fragrance becoming a skin scent within two hours, with total longevity of three to four hours at best. Some report needing six to seven sprays to achieve all-day performance, which at niche pricing translates to burning through a 100ml bottle in roughly six months.

The Community Says

The fragrance community is united in praising the scent itself but divided on value. Enthusiasts call it the only citrus fragrance they genuinely love, while critics describe it as thoroughly boring once the bergamot fades, leaving behind what some characterize as a scratchy, chemical residue. The majority position falls somewhere in between, acknowledging a beautiful scent that simply does not last long enough to justify its cost. Many suggest it would be a fair buy at half the current price.

Who Should Buy This

Bergamote 22 is for the fragrance lover who prioritizes scent quality over performance metrics and does not mind reapplying throughout the day. If you wear fragrance primarily for your own enjoyment rather than to project to others, its intimate, close-to-skin nature becomes a feature rather than a flaw. Those who find most citrus fragrances too synthetic or aggressive will appreciate its natural, refined approach. Consider a discovery sample before committing to a full bottle.

The Bottom Line

Bergamote 22 is arguably one of the most beautiful bergamot fragrances ever created, offering a natural, sparkling citrus experience that is hard to fault on pure scent quality alone. Its fatal weakness is performance that fails to match its premium price, making it a fragrance that inspires admiration from a distance more often than it inspires a purchase.