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MODERN ACCORD
The Aquatic / Marine Accord — Ocean in a Bottle
The Aquatic accord emerged in 1988 with Davidoff’s Cool Water and became the defining scent of the 1990s. Built around calone — a synthetic molecule that smells of sea breeze and watermelon — this accord evokes the sensation of ocean air, fresh water, and clean ozone. It revolutionized men’s fragrance by replacing the heavy powerhouse fragrances of the 1980s with transparent, refreshing compositions that felt effortlessly modern.
Accord Structure
Core Molecules
- Calone (methylbenzodioxepinone) — The watermelon-marine molecule that defines the category; used at very low concentrations (0.1-0.5%) due to its extreme power
- Dihydromyrcenol — Fresh, citrusy-metallic; the single most used molecule in masculine fragrances; provides the “clean laundry” backbone
- Hedione (methyl dihydrojasmonate) — Transparent, jasmine-like radiance that opens up any composition; essential for creating the “air” in aquatic fragrances
Supporting Elements
- Ambroxan — Mineral, salty amber that evokes driftwood and sea spray
- Linalool — Light, clean floral-herbal top note for naturalness
- Citrus oils (bergamot, lemon) — Bright opening that transitions into the marine heart
- White musk — Clean, skin-like dry down that extends the fresh impression
Key Ingredients in Our Database (21)
Ambroxan (Ambroxide)
Bergamot Oil
Calone (Methylbenzodioxepinone)
d-Linalool
Dihydrocoumarin
Dihydrojasmone
Dihydrolinalool
Dihydromyrcenol
Ethyl linalool
Galaxolide
Galaxolide
Indane Musk (Phantolide)
l-Linalool
Linalool
Methyl dihydrojasmonate HC
Musk
Musk
Musk Ketone
Violet Leaf Absolute
White Musk
White Musk
