The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
H24 arrived in 2022, a fragrance meant to capture the present moment rather than look backward. Christine Nagel, the in-house perfumer, wanted to build something that felt immediate and relevant, avoiding the leather-and-earth references that nod to the house's equestrian heritage. The result centered on Sclarene, a molecule developed specifically for this composition. This synthetic material had never been used in fragrance before, and it forms the structural backbone of H24, giving the scent its distinctive character and providing the foundation around which the other materials orbit.
Five notes make up H24: clary sage, Sclarene, oakmoss, narcissus, and Brazilian rosewood. Nagel stripped the formula down to these essential elements, giving each material space to express itself fully. The clary sage opens the composition with a crisp, herbal character that feels clean and immediate. The Sclarene then moves into focus, providing an ozonic warmth that some reviewers describe as slightly metallic or electric, performing the role typically reserved for a heart note.
The evolution
When H24 is applied, the clary sage arrives first, green and herbal, asserting itself immediately. Within seconds, Sclarene takes over, bringing warm, synthetic tones that feel alive and contemporary. The narcissus smooths the transition between these phases, adding an almost creamy quality that tempers the sharp opening. As the fragrance develops further, the oakmoss emerges, contributing mossy, green dimensions that give the composition quiet confidence. The sillage remains close to the skin, present without being overwhelming. In the drydown, oakmoss and the lingering warmth of Sclarene settle into a skin-close embrace. The rosewood persists longest, its soft wood holding the entire composition together as the other notes fade.
Cultural impact
H24 occupies an interesting position in the contemporary fragrance landscape. It avoids the approach of statement fragrances, neither shouting nor demanding attention. Yet it doesn't vanish into the background either. Some reviewers have noted comparisons to classic fougère structures that share its sense of barbershop elegance. The presence of Sclarene sets H24 apart from those heritage precedents, providing a synthetic warmth that feels distinctly modern. The fragrance represents Hermès's approach to luxury: precise, restrained, and focused on essential quality rather than abundance.
