TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2024
Quentin Bisch
EDT
Spring, Summer, Fall
OLFACTORY ARCHITECTURE
Issey Miyake
Le Sel d’Issey
Male 2024 Le Sel d’Issey
Le Sel d’Issey Le Sel d’Issey by Issey Miyake is a revitalizing 2024 release that explores the interaction between marine freshness and earthy woods. Created by perfumer Quentin Bisch, the fragrance is a tribute to the "salt of life," capturing a unique, non-sweet mineral character. It opens with a vibrant burst of sea salt and spicy ginger, delivering a sharp, natural energy. This "pulsating" composition avoids traditional citrus or floral trends, opting instead for a minimalist, high-quality profile that feels both modern and sophisticated.
The scent transitions into a heart of marine seaweed and sand vetiver, grounding the aquatic top with a powerful mineral depth. The base of cedarwood and oakmoss provides an elegant, woody finish that lingers on the skin. Known for its impressive longevity for an Eau de Toilette, it offers a clean, non-cloying experience ideal for warm weather and office wear. Housed in a sustainable, refillable bottle, it represents a bold, contemporary addition to the Issey Miyake collection.
Le Sel d’Issey offers solid performance for an Eau de Toilette, typically lasting between six to seven hours on the skin. While it is not a heavy projector, it maintains a persistent, gentle presence that avoids becoming a simple skin scent.
The sillage is sophisticated and non-confrontational, making it an ideal choice for professional environments. It effectively captures a luminous, airy quality that remains perceptible throughout the day without being overpowering or causing significant olfactory fatigue.
Launched in 2024, Le Sel d’Issey marks a significant new chapter for Issey Miyake, arriving thirty years after the iconic L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme. Created by perfumer Quentin Bisch, the fragrance shifts the brand's focus from the element of water to salt. Bisch aimed to capture the sensory transition between sea and land, envisioning salt as the "memory of a wave" left upon the skin and earth.
The fragrance launch was celebrated with a major exhibition in Tokyo titled "Imagination of Salt," featuring a bottle designed by long-time collaborator Tokujin Yoshioka. Emphasizing modern sustainability, it is the brand's first refillable men's bottle, crafted with 20% recycled glass and a vegan formula. This release reinforces Issey Miyake’s heritage of finding inspiration in the raw, essential elements of the natural world.
KEY ADVANTAGES
- - Clean and refreshing scent profile that perfectly captures the essence of sea salt and ocean air without typical fishy undertones
- - Exceptional longevity and projection for an Eau de Toilette, often performing as well as higher-concentration fragrances
- - Highly versatile for daily wear, performing especially well as a signature office scent or a reinvigorating summer fragrance
- - Unique and modern composition created by master perfumer Quentin Bisch that stands out from typical sweet or citrus-heavy releases
- - Sustainable and elegant presentation featuring a refillable bottle made from recycled glass and packaging containing upcycled seaweed
POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS
- - Some users find the scent profile overly synthetic or chemical-smelling, likening it to a toilet freshener or laundry detergent.
- - The fragrance has been described as linear and lacking evolution, staying a consistent "pseudo-salt" note throughout the wear.
- - Performance is inconsistent across different skin types, with some users reporting low longevity of only 5 hours.
- - The distinct salty and mineralic character can be polarizing, with some finding it nauseating or "off-putting" rather than pleasant.
- - It lacks the traditional mass-appeal elements like citrus or sweetness, which may make it unsuitable for those preferring a conventional aquatic.
Designer Biography
Quentin Bisch is a renowned French perfumer born in Strasbourg who began his artistic journey in music and theater. Despite lacking a traditional science background, he pursued his passion for scent and graduated from the prestigious Givaudan Perfumery School.
Known for his bold and emotive compositions, Bisch has become a leading industry figure. He frequently blends classic techniques with modern molecules like Akigalawood. His prolific portfolio includes iconic creations for houses such as Amouage, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Parfums de Marly.
Global User Sentiment
| SOURCE | RATING | SENTIMENT CLUSTER |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrantica | 4.29 / 5 | MARINEWOODYSALTYAQUATICEARTHYFRESH SPICYMOSSYFRESH |
| Sephora | 4.7 / 5 | MINERALMARINEWOODY |
