Le Labo Citron 28 Seoul

Le Labo’s City Exclusive collection represents one of the most unique marketing strategies in modern perfumery. These fragrances are typically only available in the cities they are named after, with a brief global release window every September. Citron 28, dedicated to Seoul, South Korea, joined this prestigious lineup in 2020. This fragrance aims to capture the spirit of a city that balances ancient traditions with hyper-modern technology. Seoul is a metropolis defined by its pace, its cleanliness, and its vibrant street life. Citron 28 attempts to translate this into an olfactory experience through a structured citrus-floral-musk composition. While the name suggests a simple lemon scent, the '28' indicates a complex structure of 28 ingredients, moving far beyond the kitchen-counter citrus profile often found in lower-tier perfumery. In this review, we examine whether Citron 28 justifies its premium price point and its status as a 'City Exclusive.' We will break down the chemical composition, the scent progression, and how it stands up against other citrus heavyweights in the Le Labo catalog, such as Bergamote 22 and Limette 37.