Zen Original
“Zen Original by Shiseido is a Chypre fragrance for women”
The Quick Read
Well loved by wearers — a floral, green composition with a powdery undertone. Voted best for spring and fall wear, leaning feminine.
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Launched in 1964 by Shiseido, Zen Original is a chypre fragrance for women crafted by perfumer Josephine Catapano. It opens with the fresh green notes of galbanum and bergamot, giving way to a heart of orange blossom, jasmine, and rose. The earthy base of oakmoss, sandalwood, and cedar creates a grounding effect that ties together its floral and powdery accords, making it both lasting and modern.
Composition & Character
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
How It Wears
Application Tips
Apply two sprays to pulse points for a balanced presence. The green top notes are bright but fleeting, so allow it time to develop on skin before reapplying if necessary. This fragrance is best enjoyed close to the skin rather than across a room.
Josephine Catapano
Founding perfumer · 4 fragrances

Designer Shiseido
More from Shiseido
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The quiet intensity of an early morning garden, where the first light reveals a blend of flowers and earthy notes that settle into a serene harmony.
Fig. 01 — Zen Original, Shiseido
Where to buy.
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