Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 +

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + — A New Era of Minimalist Perfumery

In the ever-evolving world of niche perfumery, few fragrances have achieved cult status like Escentric Molecules Molecule 01. With the launch of the Molecule 01 + series, the brand takes its radical simplicity to the next level—fusing the iconic Iso E Super molecule with complementary single notes. The result? A subtle yet impactful olfactory statement that feels deeply personal and strikingly modern.

Brand

Founded in 2006 by Geza Schoen, Escentric Molecules challenges the conventions of traditional fragrance creation. The brand is best known for its minimalist approach—showcasing individual aroma molecules in isolation or with minimal interference. Their mission? To highlight the beauty of chemistry and skin chemistry.

Fragrance Name

Molecule 01 + [Note] — the name clearly communicates the concept: Molecule 01 (Iso E Super) enhanced with a single complementary ingredient.

Collection

Molecule 01 + is a sub-line of the original Molecule Series. It now includes six variations, each pairing Iso E Super with a single, high-quality natural ingredient:

• Molecule 01 + Iris
• Molecule 01 + Patchouli
• Molecule 01 + Mandarin
• Molecule 01 + Black Tea
• Molecule 01 + Guaiac Wood
• Molecule 01 + Ginger

Each version maintains the brand’s DNA of molecular minimalism, offering a subtle twist on the original Molecule 01.

Description of the Scent

Each Molecule 01 + fragrance opens with the velvety, cedar-like smoothness of Iso E Super. Depending on the variant, the added note lends freshness, warmth, brightness, or texture.

Bottle design stays true to the brand’s aesthetic: laboratory chic meets futuristic minimalism. Transparent glass, pixelated labels, and clear typography make it look like bottled innovation.

Fragrance Notes

All fragrances in the Molecule 01 + series are based on Iso E Super, a velvety, woody, cedar-like aroma molecule known for its subtle, skin-enhancing character.

The Molecule 01 + fragrances do not follow a traditional top–heart–base note pyramid.

Instead, they are structured around a single aroma-molecule (Iso E Super) combined with one additional ingredient. The result is a linear, minimalist composition that evolves more on the skin than through a note progression.

Here’s why:

• Iso E Super is a large, diffusive molecule that doesn’t behave like traditional perfume notes. It doesn’t “open” and “dry down” in layers — instead, it floats in and out of perception.
• The added note (like mandarin, patchouli, etc.) is carefully balanced to complement the molecule without building a full pyramid.
• These scents shift subtly with body heat and skin chemistry, but without clearly defined top, middle, or base phases.

Each version combines Molecule 01 with one standout note:

• Molecule 01 + Iris

• Iso E Super
• Iris Concrete (from Tuscany): soft, buttery, powdery, and creamy — adds a floral-woody texture with suede-like depth.

• Molecule 01 + Mandarin

• Iso E Super
• Mandarin Orange (extracted using CO₂): zesty, bright, juicy — adds a vibrant citrus burst, especially fresh on warm skin.

• Molecule 01 + Patchouli

• Iso E Super
• Patchouli Oil (Indonesian): earthy, woody, slightly sweet and spicy — gives warmth and grounding richness to the composition.

• Molecule 01 + Black Tea

• Iso E Super
• Black Tea Extract (from Sri Lanka): aromatic, smoky, slightly leathery — adds meditative depth and a mysterious herbal nuance.

• Molecule 01 + Guaiac Wood

• Iso E Super
• Guaiac Wood Oil (Paraguay): smoky, balsamic, woody — evokes slow-burning wood and adds a soft incense-like trail.

• Molecule 01 + Ginger

• Iso E Super
• Ginger Root Extract (from Nigeria): fresh, spicy, and effervescent — adds an energizing, radiant zing that contrasts beautifully with Iso E Super’s smoothness.

🧪 What Is Iso E Super? The Molecule Behind the Magic

At the heart of Molecule 01 + lies Iso E Super, a synthetic aroma molecule developed by International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) in 1973.

🧬 Key facts:

• Scent Profile: Smooth, woody, musky, cedar-like, velvety
• Behavior: Often “disappears and reappears” depending on temperature and skin chemistry
• Effect: Enhances the perception of other notes and creates a soft, radiant halo
• Used in: Hundreds of perfumes—including Terre d’Hermès, Narciso Rodriguez For Her, and Glossier You

Despite being nearly odorless to some, Iso E Super is highly addictive and often described as the scent of “clean skin, elevated.”

Olfactive Classification

This collection sits within the Woody fragrance family, but individual versions may cross into Aromatic, Citrus, or Soft Floral, depending on the added note.

Fragrances of the World Classification

• Molecule 01 + Iris: Soft Floral Woody
• Molecule 01 + Mandarin: Citrus Woody
• Molecule 01 + Patchouli: Woody Earthy
• Molecule 01 + Black Tea: Aromatic Woody
• Molecule 01 + Guaiac Wood: Smoky Resinous Woody

Who Is It For?

Designed for all genders, Molecule 01 + is perfect for:

• Fragrance minimalists
• Lovers of subtle, skin-like scents
• Niche fragrance enthusiasts
• Those sensitive to heavy perfumes
• People looking for a “your skin but better” scent

Occasion

Molecule 01 + is ideal for:

• Everyday wear
• Office environments
• Close-contact moments
• Layering with other perfumes
  It adapts beautifully to warm skin, making it feel personal and intimate.

How to Layer Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 +

Molecule 01 + is more than a standalone scent—it’s also a perfect fragrance layering base. Thanks to its sheer, molecular structure, it boosts other perfumes without overpowering them. Here’s how to create your own scent signature:

✅ General Layering Tips:

• Always apply Molecule 01 + first to clean skin.
• Wait 10–30 seconds before adding your second scent.
• Choose something complementary, not identical.

💡 Layering Ideas by Variant:

• Molecule 01 + Iris

➕ Try with: Diptyque Eau Rose or Chanel No.19 Poudré
→ Adds elegant floral softness and depth.

• Molecule 01 + Mandarin

➕ Try with: Hermès Eau de Neroli Doré or Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine
→ Enhances citrus zest and solar brightness.

• Molecule 01 + Patchouli

➕ Try with: Tom Ford White Suede or Maison Margiela Jazz Club
→ Creates a sexy, smoky aura with texture.

• Molecule 01 + Black Tea

➕ Try with: Bvlgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Noir or Jo Malone Earl Grey & Cucumber
→ Deepens the aromatic, herbal side.

• Molecule 01 + Guaiac Wood

➕ Try with: Le Labo Another 13 or Comme des Garçons Wonderwood
→ Emphasizes smoky, ambient woods.

• Molecule 01 + Ginger
  

➕ Try with: DS & Durga Debaser or Mizensir Eau de Gingembre
→ Adds brightness and aromatic sparkle.

Perfumer

All Molecule 01 + fragrances are created by Geza Schoen, the visionary behind the original Escentric Molecules concept.

History of the Fragrance

• 2006: Original Molecule 01 debuts with a single molecule — Iso E Super. It becomes an underground icon.
• 2011–2020: Variants appear in the Escentric line but not in the Molecule 01 series.
• 2021: Launch of Molecule 01 + line, combining Iso E Super with one additional ingredient.
• 2022–2024: Gradual expansion of the line; limited editions gain popularity.
• Sustainability: The brand emphasizes biodegradable packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and a minimal carbon footprint.
• All fragrances are cruelty-free.

Trivia:

• Molecule 01 is often said to “disappear and reappear” throughout the day.
• It’s known for “ghost trail” projection—others smell it more than the wearer.

Advertising Campaign

The Molecule 01 + series has had minimalist, art-driven campaigns, often focused on visual abstraction and science-inspired design.
There are no celebrity faces—the concept itself is the star. Campaigns are centered on:

• Visualizing molecules
• Motion graphics and light diffusion
• Transparent layering as a visual metaphor

Public Reception

• Widely praised by fragrance communities and minimalist scent lovers
• Highly rated on platforms like Fragrantica and Basenotes
• Winner of several indie fragrance awards (2022–2023) for innovation
• Popular in niche boutiques and concept stores

Famous Wearers

Due to its skin-adapting nature, Molecule 01 and its variants are rumored favorites among:

• Gwyneth Paltrow
• Naomi Campbell
• Ryan Reynolds
• Daisy Ridley
  Although the brand does not publicly confirm these connections, the buzz adds to its mystique.

Price Range

• 100 ml: €125–€150 (depending on retailer and version)
• 30 ml: approx. €60–€80
• Discovery sets are often available for sampling the full range

Similar Fragrances

If you enjoy the bright and minimalist character of Molecule 01 +, you may also like the following fragrances — especially if you’re drawn to specific versions:

💨 General Alternatives to Molecule 01 + Line:

Juliette Has A Gun – Not A Perfume: Ambroxan-based, clean and linear

Glossier – You: musk, iris, and ambrette skin scent

DS & Durga – I Don’t Know What: fragrance enhancer with Iso E Super

Zarkoperfume – Molecule 08 Wood: woody, ambient, soft

Le Labo – Another 13: Ambroxan-forward, musky and translucent

🍊 If You Like Molecule 01 + Mandarin:

Hermès – Eau de Mandarine Ambrée: sweet mandarin and amber

Acqua di Parma – Mandorlo di Sicilia: citrus with creamy warmth

🪵 If You Like Molecule 01 + Patchouli or Guaiac Wood:

Diptyque – Tam Dao: sandalwood and woody incense

Nasomatto – Duro: bold woods, spices, and depth

Comme des Garçons – Wonderwood: layered, textural woods

🌿 If You Like Molecule 01 + Ginger:

Mizensir – Eau de Gingembre: fresh and sharp ginger

Miller Harris – Tea Tonique: includes ginger, tea, and bergamot

Jo Malone – Ginger Biscuit: warmer and spicier, gourmand twist

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + proves that less is more in the world of scent. With its clean construction and sensual transparency, it appeals to modern fragrance lovers who seek subtle sophistication. The added note in each variant enhances Iso E Super without overpowering it, making the Molecule 01 + line a compelling evolution in molecular perfumery.

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