Penguin
“Penguin by Zoologist Perfumes is a Leather fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a ozonic, musky composition with a fresh undertone. Voted best for spring and winter wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Penguin by Zoologist Perfumes, crafted by Chiaki Nomura and launched in 2024, is a distinctive blend of fresh ozonic notes and warm musk that creates an intriguing contrast. The opening ice and pink pepper introduce a crisp, invigorating freshness, while the heart of juniper berry and saffron add a subtle spiciness. This leads to a base of suede, moss, and sandalwood, which grounds the composition with earthy warmth and leather undertones.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
Top
Opening
Heart
The Soul
Base
Foundation
How It Wears
Application Tips
Penguin is best applied with one or two sprays to the pulse points. The ozonic top notes fade within an hour, but the musky and woody base notes continue to develop on the skin throughout the day. It reads better close to the skin rather than filling a room.
Chiaki Nomura
Founding perfumer · 3 fragrances
Chiaki Nomura, who grew up in Japan, studied pharmacy in Tokyo before earning a master's in cosmetics and fragrances at ISIPCA in Versailles and the University of Plymouth in England. She joined IFF New York as a perfumer in 2008, has lived in six countries across four continents, and is known for minimalist formulas favoring woods like vetiver and cedarwood, creating fragrances for Bath & Body Works.
Also created
Designer Zoologist Perfumes
More from Zoologist Perfumes
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The hiss of an espresso machine two seconds before the cup arrives, where the crisp steam meets the warm earthiness of a leather-bound book.
Fig. 01 — Penguin, Zoologist Perfumes
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