The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
I Found Lemon in Desaru arrived in 2022 from Bahfamsn Fragrance, the work of perfumers Sonali Said and Kriss Mokhtar. Its composition begins with a simple idea: lemon, the kind you might encounter growing somewhere, rather than the kind sealed in a plastic bag at the back of the fridge. The name points to Desaru, while the scent itself is built around a lively fruit profile. Lemon and pineapple lead the composition with bright, juicy character. Orange brings additional citrus depth, and Lavender adds a softer aromatic layer that balances the sharper fruit notes. Amber, Ambroxan, and Musk form the foundation, giving the fragrance a warm, softly textured finish.
What makes this interesting is the balance between brightness and restraint. Lemon and pineapple supply a fresh opening, with Lemon providing a sharper edge and Pineapple adding juicy sweetness. Lavender keeps the fruit from becoming overly sharp, while Orange adds another rounded layer of citrus to the middle. Ambroxan supports the base beneath the fruit, giving the composition a subtle sense of depth without taking over. Amber and Musk provide the quieter foundation, adding warmth and a clean, softly textured character.
The evolution
The composition opens with Lemon and Pineapple, a pairing built around bright citrus and juicy fruit. Lemon gives the first impression its clearest lift, while Pineapple adds a rounder, sweeter quality to the blend. Orange reinforces the citrus character, and Lavender introduces an aromatic note that softens the fruit without covering it. Beneath these brighter elements, Ambroxan adds a subtle modern structure, while Amber and Musk contribute warmth and a soft, close-to-the-skin effect. The overall impression is fresh and fruit-forward, with enough aromatic and musky depth to feel more composed than a simple citrus scent. Longevity is described as above-average, allowing the wearer time to enjoy the blend as its different note families interact.
Cultural impact
I Found Lemon in Desaru offers a refreshing take on citrus fragrance through its combination of lemon, pineapple, orange, and lavender. One Parfumo statement describes the citrus as old school, a quality that gives the scent a familiar character despite the more varied fruit and aromatic elements around it. The fragrance also carries a broad accord profile: citrus, amber, musky, sweet, fruity, aromatic, powdery, tropical, fresh, spicy, and floral. That range makes it worth exploring from several angles. Lemon and Pineapple draw attention first, while Lavender adds a smoother aromatic counterpoint.
The House
Bahfamsn FragranceBahfamsn Fragrance is an indie perfume house rooted in the rain‑forested highlands of North Borneo, Malaysia. The brand opened its doors in 2020 and quickly built a modest online presence that now reaches collectors worldwide. Its 2022 launch introduced a suite of scents that echo specific locales – from the misty mornings of Kundasang to the aromatic notes of Borneo tea. Bahfamsn positions itself as a small‑batch creator that ships globally while staying tied to the natural rhythms of its birthplace.
The Creator
Sonali Said & Kriss MokhtarLuwak Touch serves as the primary evidence of Sonali Said's stylistic sensibilities. The fragrance's character suggests a perfumer unafraid of animalic complexity and unusual accords.
