Extrait Blanc

Perfumer Philippine Courtière traces Extrait Blanc to a lassi tasted in India: the softness of milk, the steam rising from rice, and the lively bite of ginger. Founder and creative director Franck Salzwedel says he has long been drawn to white for its light and silence, and he imagined something immaculate for this extrait.

The top pairs Nigerian ginger with amyris and verbena, so the opening reads tangy and bright rather than sugary. In the heart, pink pepper adds sparkle to the ginger, while orange blossom absolute and an infusion of tuberose round off its edges with gentle floral warmth. The base gathers sandalwood, cashmeran, basmati rice, musks and milky notes into a pale, creamy softness with a faint grain-like nuance.

At 25% concentration, it suits someone who wants a milky scent with lift, as the white flowers and spice keep the creaminess from feeling heavy.