is™
Targeted at avant-garde perfume enthusiasts and collectors of conceptual scents, is by Neandertal delivers a modern take on green aromatic perfumery. The fragrance blends lush fig and earthy sandalwood with clean musk, galbanum, and a distinct mineral airiness. It performs best during cool autumn days, rainy commutes, and minimalist architectural environments where its quiet, non-traditional sillage can be appreciated without overpowering those nearby. If you gravitate toward challenging artistic creations rather than standard designer gourmands, this unisex release offers a refreshing, thought provoking option for solitary wear.
Similar Suggestions
BETAFragrances with the nearest note and performance profile.
For more in-depth suggestions.
Performance Metrics
82 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity ranges between 3 and 5 hours on skin, with the vivid green top notes fading within 45 minutes. Sillage stays intimate, projecting no more than 1 to 2 feet during the initial opening before pulling close to the body, making it ideal for mild spring or autumn days in quiet indoor environments.
Notes Pyramid
Search these notesChoose where each note belongs.
is by Neandertal opens with a sharp burst of bitter galbanum, bergamot, and aromatic myrtle before settling into a heart of powdery violet, metallic notes, and dusty dark chocolate. The dry-down rests on cool suede, earth-tinged patchouli, and clean musk, offering a dry, chalky texture with an unusual bitter-sweet tension.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe powdery and violet accords dominant the opening hours, giving the scent a cool, paper-like texture. Meanwhile, the metallic accord introduces a clean, industrial chill that balances the bitter cocoa in the mid-development. On skin, the musky and leather base notes soften these sharp edges, turning the herbal greenness into a muted, suede-wrapped hush.
Community Data
186 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in spring and summer. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Unique blend of bitter galbanum and dark chocolate notes
Cool metallic and violet accords create a distinct futuristic vibe
Excellent fit for quiet rainy spring mornings and gallery visits
Subtle sillage makes it safe for intimate creative office spaces
Unisex composition appeals to collectors seeking non-standard scents
Smooth suede and peru balsam dry-down feels soft against the skin
Intriguing conceptual backstory combining AI and human perfumery
Refreshing break from mass-market sugary gourmand fragrances
Atmospheric scent profile shines in cool overcast weather
Non-intrusive projection ensures it stays personal to the wearer
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Short longevity of only 3 to 5 hours on most skin types
Intimate sillage lacks the projection needed for outdoor events
Unconventional metallic and green opening may alienate casual buyers
Dark chocolate note feels dry rather than sweet or rich
High niche price point relative to its fleeting performance
Not suitable for hot summer days or humid tropical climates
Lacks the crowd pleasing warmth expected from leather base notes
Complex accord interplay requires sampling before purchase
Hard to find in physical retail stores for testing
Fades quickly on dry skin without a scent-free moisturizer base
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Neandertal is Fragrance Review: Chalky Galbanum Meets Dark Chocolate”
The opening of is by Neandertal hits skin with an uncompromising blast of bitter galbanum and bergamot. Fresh myrtle and a dry dusting of nutmeg lend an aromatic, almost medicinal crispness to the first ten minutes. It feels cool and damp, resembling crushed green stems in rainy spring weather. Rather than relying on bright citrus sweetness, the initial projection stays sharp, green, and unapologetically raw.
As the top notes settle, a distinct metallic note cuts through the foliage alongside powdery violet leaf. Soft fig adds a muted, fleshy fruitiness that keeps the composition from feeling sterile. Then comes the unexpected pivot as dark chocolate enters the heart. Bitter, dry cocoa dust interlocks with the green leaves to form an engaging contrast.
On skin, the dominant powdery and metallic accords begin to soften after the first hour. Suede and clean musk wrap around the chocolate, creating a tactile texture like unpolished leather or damp stone. Peru balsam and vetiver provide a woody, resinous backbone, while patchouli keeps the dry-down anchored in cold earth. The fragrance stays taut, never melting into warm gourmand comfort.
Performance leans modest, yielding roughly 3 to 5 hours of total wear on skin before the bitter galbanum and chocolate fade to a faint musk. Sillage projects about two feet during the first half hour, then contracts to an intimate radius. Because of its quiet volume and cool profile, it performs exceptionally well during damp overcast days, temperate autumn mornings, and calm indoor work sessions where heavy projection would feel intrusive.
This scent is clearly designed for niche fragrance collectors, lovers of conceptual perfumery, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of artificial intelligence and human blending. Traditionalists seeking a sweet vanilla gourmand or a mass-appealing bergamot aquatic will likely find the metallic violet and dusty cocoa jarring. It requires patience and an appreciation for non-standard accord pairings.
is by Neandertal succeeds as an atmospheric piece of olfactory art, even if its brief longevity limits daily utility. The interplay between green galbanum, myrtle, and bitter chocolate makes it a memorable wear for solitary afternoons and gallery outings. Order a sample decant before committing to a full bottle, as its metallic, earthy character is strictly a try before you buy experience.
FAQs
What does is by Neandertal smell like?+
is by Neandertal opens with bitter galbanum, bergamot, and crushed violet leaf before revealing a cold metallic note. Its heart brings an unexpected dusty dark chocolate accord combined with fig, settling into an earthy base of suede, peru balsam, and patchouli. It smells like damp soil, herbal tea, and dry cocoa in a cool room.
How does the opening of is by Neandertal compare to its dry-down?+
The opening is sharp, bitter, and green, driven by galbanum, myrtle, and bergamot. As it dries down over two hours, the aggressive greenness recedes into a powdery violet and metallic mid, eventually softening into a quiet skin scent of dark chocolate, suede, and patchouli with a chalky mineral texture.
How long does is by Neandertal last on skin?+
On skin, is by Neandertal lasts between 3 and 5 hours before fading significantly. The bright galbanum top notes dissipate within the first 45 minutes, leaving the quiet suede and dark chocolate base notes lingering close to the skin for the remainder of its wear cycle.
What is the sillage and projection of is by Neandertal?+
Sillage is soft and intimate. The fragrance projects roughly arm's length for the initial 30 minutes before pulling tight against the skin. It forms a personal aura of cool metallic green and dusty cocoa rather than a heavy room-filling scent trail, making it very comfortable for small spaces.
Which season is best for wearing is by Neandertal?+
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for is by Neandertal. The cool, damp air of shoulder seasons highlights its galbanum, violet, and metallic notes without overwhelming the wearer. High summer heat can cause the dark chocolate to feel dusty, while deep winter cold muted its subtle green nuances.
What occasions suit is by Neandertal best?+
This fragrance excels during casual daytime wear, rainy afternoons, creative office work, and art gallery openings. Its quiet, avant-garde combination of metallic notes, galbanum, and suede feels thoughtful and non-intrusive, making it a great pick for solitary outings or small indoor gatherings rather than loud parties.
Is is by Neandertal masculine or feminine?+
is by Neandertal is completely unisex. The bitter galbanum, myrtle, and metallic notes lean traditionally green and woody, while the violet leaf and soft suede add a smooth, balanced texture. Anyone who appreciates experimental, botanical scents can wear it comfortably regardless of gender.
Who is the ideal audience for is by Neandertal?+
This perfume is tailored for niche fragrance enthusiasts, art lovers, and collectors seeking unique, conceptual compositions. If you prefer mass-market aquatic or sweet gourmand scents, its metallic violet and dry dark chocolate pairing may feel too challenging. It rewards wearers who value atmospheric storytelling over crowd pleasing compliments.
Can you layer is by Neandertal with other fragrances?+
Yes, layering is by Neandertal with a straightforward cedar or vetiver single-note fragrance helps extend its woody base and longevity. Alternatively, pairing it with a light citrus cologne can brighten the galbanum opening, though its intricate balance of metallic notes and dark chocolate is best enjoyed on its own.
How does is by Neandertal compare to Neandertal Them?+
While Neandertal Them focuses heavily on powdery iris, grey amber, and cold mineral stone, is by Neandertal introduces a greener opening of galbanum and bergamot alongside a dry dark chocolate note. Both share a cold, chalky signature, but is feels slightly more botanical and herbal by comparison.
Rankings
Full rankingsWear Diary
0 COMMUNITY WEAR LOGSKeep sprays, longevity, weather, and compliments in one practical log.
Sign in to keep private wear notes.
Compliment Signal
FROM WEAR LOGSReviews
No owner review yet. You can be the first.
Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREIf you want similar metallic iris and mineral powder without the chocolate facet, try Neandertal Them. For a more aggressive green galbanum experience without the dusty suede base, Frederic Malle Synthetic Jungle offers a crisp alternative, while Zoologist Squid explores a darker, inky atmospheric space.
No User submitted dupes yet. The first useful DupeScore can come from your community.
Live questions about is™
Ask one quick question and let the community weigh in while it is live.
No live pulse yet.
Trusted Sellers
Community-submitted stores that regular buyers trust, by country.
No trusted sellers added for this fragrance yet.
Where to Sample
Discovery sets, official samples, and trusted decants.
No sample or decant options shared for this fragrance yet.