Polo Ralph Lauren Black Eau De Toilette

Polo Ralph Lauren Black Eau de Toilette, launched in 2005, is a popular Woody Aromatic fragrance for men.¹ It was created to represent the sophisticated, modern urban man with a “slick, impertinent edge,” aiming for a bold fusion of crisp energy and dark sensuality.² It’s distinct from the classic green Polo scent, offering a more contemporary and mysterious vibe.

Fragrance Profile (Notes):

The note breakdown can vary slightly across sources, but the core essence is consistent:

• Top Notes: Iced Mango Accord, Mandarin Oil, Lemon Oil, Cardamom Accord. This creates a unique and vibrant opening that is fresh, fruity (with a distinctive tropical mango note), and subtly spicy.
• Middle Notes: Ozone Accord, Silver Armoise Oil (also known as Artemisia or Wormwood), Jasmine Accord. The heart introduces a clean, airy, slightly metallic freshness from the ozone, an aromatic, herbaceous quality from armoise, and a hint of clean floralcy from jasmine.
• Base Notes: Patchouli Noir Oil, Tonka Bean Absolute, Cedarwood Accord, Moss Accord (often Oakmoss or similar).³ The dry down is warm, earthy, woody, and subtly sweet. Patchouli adds depth and a “dark” earthiness, tonka bean provides a creamy, vanilla-like sweetness, and cedarwood/moss round out the masculine, lasting finish.⁴

Key Characteristics:

• Unique Fruity-Woody Blend: What sets Polo Black apart is its prominent “iced mango” note in the opening, which is not overly sweet but provides a refreshing, slightly tropical edge, contrasted by darker woods and patchouli in the base.⁵
• Modern and Urban: It has a contemporary feel, designed for a man who is confident and stylish in an urban environment.⁶
• Sophisticated and Sensual: It aims for an alluring and sophisticated aura, balancing freshness with a darker, more mysterious sensuality.⁷
• Good Mass Appeal: It’s generally a well-liked and compliments-getting fragrance due to its pleasant and relatively unique blend.⁸
• Performance (EDT): As an Eau de Toilette, its longevity is often reported as moderate (around 4-6 hours), and projection is typically moderate, becoming a closer skin scent over time. Some users report excellent longevity, while others find it fades quickly, so individual skin chemistry plays a role.

Usage:

• Occasions:
  • Versatile for both day and night wear.
  • Excellent for casual outings, social events, and dates. Its alluring quality makes it a good choice for romantic encounters.
  • Suitable for office wear if applied sparingly, as it’s sophisticated but not overly loud.⁹
  • Can work for smart-casual gatherings and general everyday use.
• Seasons:
  • Due to its fresh and “iced mango” opening, it’s particularly well-suited for spring and summer.¹⁰
  • However, its woody and dark base allows it to transition well into mild autumn conditions too. It’s generally an all-season versatile fragrance.
• Application:
  • Apply to pulse points such as the neck, wrists, and chest.
  • Given its EDT concentration and moderate projection, 3-5 sprays are often a good starting point for noticeable presence.