N°5 Eau de Parfum is Chanel’s 1986 interpretation by Jacques Polge, drawing on Ernest Beaux’s 1921 original. Aldehydes and citrus accompany May rose and jasmine, with bourbon vanilla adding warmth. The aldehydes are what made N°5 famous: they give the flowers a soapy, sparkling, almost metallic lift. The Parfum, EDT, L’Eau and Eau Première are different.
What Wearers Say
One wearer enjoys the current EDP’s jasmine-soap character, powderiness and soft woody base.
Another owner particularly enjoys its aldehydic character.
One wearer finds it too earthy.
Another likes the scent but would not wear it because it reminds them too much of laundry detergent and strongly scented soap.
Great for
Try the EDP if aldehydic, soapy florals with vanilla warmth appeal.
Not for
Sample first if soap, powder or earthy impressions would put you off.