Jo Malone London has launched Sea Salt & Bergamot Cologne (from £24), a new fragrance inspired by the rugged British coastline. While it draws on the same mineral, sea-salt quality as the cult classic Wood Sage & Sea Salt, the new scent takes a noticeably deeper and more textured approach.
A Fresh but Grounded Scent
The cologne combines bright bergamot with sea salt and driftwood, creating a fresher, more textured finish with mineral notes and moss for depth. Rather than simply recreating the airy freshness of its predecessor, Sea Salt & Bergamot has a noticeably deeper character. The bright bergamot gives it immediate freshness, but the salty, woody base soon makes itself known, leaving a more grounded, almost smoky impression on the skin.
It also has a more traditionally masculine facet than Wood Sage & Sea Salt, something similar to Acqua Di Parma's Blu Mediterraneo (£73.10, Allbeauty). That makes the two fragrances particularly appealing as a his-and-hers pairing: Wood Sage & Sea Salt for the lighter, breezier scent; Sea Salt & Bergamot for something darker, woodier and more rugged.
Fan Reviews and Mixed Reactions
The new scent has already racked up some great reviews from fellow Jo Malone devotees. One fan shared: "It has such a fresh, clean, and refreshing scent with the perfect balance of citrusy bergamot and airy sea-salt notes." Another added: "An amazing brand of perfume that has a citrus and a light woodiness scent with a texture of sea salt that makes you feel like you're exploring the ocean."
However, not all reviews are glowing. One mixed review reads: "It was so strong that I felt like I could taste it throughout the day. It ended up being too masculine for me." On a brighter note, another fan said: "Fresh, airy and clean, this cologne is perfect for everyday wear. It's the perfect balance between masculine and feminine. I could recommend it to anyone. It's long-lasting but not overpowering; the sea salt makes it peaceful to wear."
The sea salt-fresh scent is inspired by the 'untamed beauty of the British coast'. If Wood Sage & Sea Salt is the feeling of breathing in salty air from the clifftop, Sea Salt & Bergamot is the cold jolt of water itself—its moodier sibling.
