60ml
60ml
10ml
1.5ml
ZOOLOGIST
MOTH
Extrait De Parfum
Unisex
Sizes
Starting
$200
Description
Zoologist Moth opens with a bold and intricate blend of dark spices, creating an immediate sense of mystery and depth. As it develops, a rich, honeyed sweetness emerges, beautifully balanced by powdery florals like heliotrope and iris, which lend a soft, almost melancholic elegance. The fragrance settles into a smoky, resinous base, where notes of oud, guaiac wood, and patchouli intertwine with a persistent smoky undertone, evoking the delicate yet dangerous allure of a moth drawn to a flame. It's a complex and artistic composition that feels both gothic and surprisingly wearable. Perfumer: Tomoo Inaba
Scent Profile
Floral
Woody
Musk
Spicy
Powdery
Smoky
Honeyed
Amber
Gothic
Notes
Top Notes
Clove
Black Pepper
Saffron
Cumin
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
LemonMiddle Notes
Heliotrope
Mimosa
Iris
Rose
Jasmine
Lily-Of-The-ValleyBase Notes
Honey
SmokeAgarwood (Oud)
Resins
Musk
Guaiac Wood
AmbergrisCypriol Oil Or Nagarmotha
Patchouli
VetiverAbout ZOOLOGIST
Zoologist Perfumes, founded by Victor Wong in 2013, specializes in animal-inspired fragrances that capture the wild idiosyncrasies of the animal kingdom through bold, unusual scents ranging from eerie caves to mossy rainforests. Collaborating with independent award-winning perfumers, the brand emphasizes creative freedom, ethical synthetic musks, and transformative olfactory art that evokes entire ecosystems, appealing to niche enthusiasts seeking shocking, artistic, and long-lasting perfumes. Its signature style features detailed animal illustrations with human features and a philosophy of pushing perfumery boundaries beyond conventional wearability.
Perfumer
Tomoo Inaba
Tomoo Inaba is a Japanese perfumer, fragrance journalist, and educator who self-taught perfumery after establishing a fragrance-distribution company and publishing over 5,200 reviews on his website profice.jp. Inspired by his family's love for fragrant plants and extensive travels to 25 countries to study raw materials at distilleries and farms, he debuted with Nightingale for Zoologist Perfumes in 2016, drawing from ancient Japanese poetry, followed by Moth in 2018 and Tuberai for Beau Kwon. His creations masterfully blend traditional Japanese botanical elements with contemporary techniques, often evoking emotional depth through smoky, spicy, and natural accords.
Reviews
4.0
Very Good26 reviews
Luckyscent
4.1/5 • 17 reviews
Ministry of Scent
3.9/5 • 9 reviews
Community Insights
Reviewers often describe Moth as a highly artistic and complex fragrance, frequently noting its gothic and mysterious character. It's seen as a polarizing scent, but those who appreciate it commend its unique blend of dark spices, honey, and smoke with delicate florals, finding it captivating and thought-provoking.
Pros
Performance excellence: Many reviewers highlight its excellent longevity, often lasting well over 12 hours, with noticeable but not overwhelming sillage.
Quality composition: The fragrance is consistently praised for being incredibly well-blended, with notes that harmonize rather than compete, creating a rich and evolving scent experience.
Unique and artistic: It's celebrated as a truly unique and artistic creation, offering a distinctive olfactory journey that stands out in the niche fragrance world.
Cons
Specific limitation: The opening can be challenging for some, with a few reviewers finding it initially off-putting or intense due to the heavy spice and smoky elements.
Situational drawback: Its dark, intense, and complex nature means it might not be a universal crowd-pleaser and is often considered a fragrance that requires a commitment to wear.
Comparisons
Similar to Serge Lutens Chergui: Reviewers sometimes draw parallels to Chergui for its warm, honeyed, and somewhat smoky profile.
Reminds reviewers of Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur: The rich, animalic, and spicy warmth of Musc Ravageur is occasionally brought up in discussions.
Similar to Maison Martin Margiela By the Fireplace: The smoky aspect of Moth leads some to compare it to the popular By the Fireplace.
Vibe & Emotions
Gothic mystery: Evokes a sense of dark elegance, ancient places, and a mysterious, nocturnal atmosphere.
Contemplative and unsettling: The fragrance can make wearers feel introspective, sometimes even a little unsettled, due to its complex and evolving nature.
Sensual transformation: Captures the delicate yet dangerous beauty of transformation, with a balance of comfort and seduction.
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