Tomato Inspired Fragrances: Yay Or Nay?
Written by Sima Keijzers-Puodziute
Tomato in perfume? Sounds a bit odd at first, but stay with me. This note has become more popular lately, bringing a fresh, green, slightly tangy twist to warm-weather fragrances. Think tomato leaf, a hint of greenhouse air... It’s a note that can feel both refreshing and quietly unexpected.
Photo credit: Pexels / Markus Spiske
Here are a few fragrances in my collection that explore the tomato or tomato leaf accord in beautiful and different ways. Maybe you’ll find one that piques your curiosity, too.
Henrik Vibskov – L'eau Rouge Heirloom
When I spray L'eau Rouge Heirloom, it greets my nose with green but soft, natural facets. Green and herbaceous fragrances can often lean sharp and sometimes overpowering, but this one feels gentle and balanced on my skin. A subtle hint of citrus lifts the composition beautifully, and there’s a delicate basil note I really enjoy—it’s present but not overpowering.
L'eau Rouge Heirloom is a pretty linear fragrance, meaning that it does not shift dramatically from top to heart notes. I quite like that. It suits the relaxed, effortless character of this scent.
L’Artisan Parfumeur – Vétiver Écarlate
This one has a little personal story behind it. I got it as a gift from my husband for my 40th birthday. I remember we were visiting Harrods in London and were very nicely greeted at L’Artisan Parfumeur’s boutique. We fell in love with all those vegetable-inspired scents!
What I love about Vétiver Écarlate is how simplistic but, at the same time, unique it is! It opens very fresh and vegetal, with a distinctive tomato leaf accord and a touch of crisp grapefruit. However, the tomato leaves are not overpowering, and vetiver kicks in very gently, making this composition smooth and balanced.
This scent is a refreshing twist on classic vetiver-based perfumes. It’s perfect for those seeking a fragrance with real personality. Vétiver Écarlate has that unexpected vibe to it that is definitely worth trying!
Buly 1803 – Groseille de Scandinavie et Tomate du Pérou
If the other two are a bit more classic in structure, this one is like a summer daydream. First of all, it’s a water-based, no-alcohol scent, which gives it this soft, skin-like quality. The scent itself is sunny and juicy, with golden Inca tomato and a burst of redcurrant. It leans more fruity than green, but there’s still that familiar tomato vine touch in the background.
I find it really uplifting—easy to wear, perfect for days when I don’t want anything too “perfumey” but still want to smell like something delicious and slightly unexpected. And of course, the bottle is a beauty. Just holding it makes me happy.
Final Verdict: Yay or Nay?
For me, it’s definitely yay! It might not be everyone’s go-to note, but there’s something really alive and fun about it. It reminds me of my grandma’s greenhouse: sun-warmed leaves, tomato vines, and that quiet, earthy summer air.
If you're in the mood for something fresh, green, and a little different from your usual citrus or floral, give one of these a try. And who knows—you might find yourself slowly collecting tomato scents, too.