In the ever-evolving world of niche fragrance, Heretic Parfum continues to stake its claim with bold, clean formulas that aim to push the boundaries of botanical perfumery. I recently tested The Essentialist Discovery Set, a curated selection of six of their bestsellers. While the set leans into Heretic’s signature all-natural, non-synthetic ethos, the results vary in distinction and impact.
Standouts: Dirty Peach & Dirty Hinoki
Two fragrances took center stage.
Dirty Peach is a sultry, ripe peach with a surprisingly dirty twist—think sun-warmed skin, juicy fruit, and a shadow of musk that makes it far more grown-up than your average fruity spritz. It’s luscious, carnal, and far more complex than I expected from something labeled “peach.”
Our mission is to show the provocative side of naturals and the dirty side of clean.
Dirty Hinoki, on the other hand, is a study in contrast—smoky, dry woods softened by a whisper of incense and citrus. It walks the line between sacred and sensual, and of all the scents, this is the one that lingered in my memory (and on my skin) the longest.
Underwhelming: Scandalwood & Dirty Coconut
Not every fragrance delivered a top note.
Scandalwood, despite its provocative name, felt surprisingly flat. There’s a soft sandalwood presence, but it lacked the depth or drama I hoped for. It’s wearable, yes, but it doesn’t demand attention.
Dirty Coconut promised decadence but delivered more of a skin-scent whisper—pleasant enough, but forgettable in the context of such a bold lineup. For those who like barely-there beachy vibes, it might satisfy. For me, it didn’t leave a strong impression.
Honorable Mention: BergaMusk (layered with Scandalwood)
Bergamot Musk was pleasant on its own—sparkling citrus with a musky dry-down—but it became genuinely compelling when layered over Scandalwood. The blend brought out a crisp freshness and made Scandalwood feel more alive. If you’re open to experimenting, this duo is worth a try.
Final Thoughts
The Essentialist Set is a worthwhile dive into Heretic’s world, especially for those curious about natural perfumery with an edge. While not every scent resonated with me, the hits—particularly Dirty Peach and Dirty Hinoki—make this set a compelling introduction to the line.
