Polo Cologne: Alcohol Content And Its Effects

Polo cologne is an iconic fragrance that has been around since 1978. The original scent, known as Polo Green, was created by Carlos Benaïm and has notes of juniper berries, basil, artemisia, caraway, coriander, bergamot, pine tree needles, leather, chamomile, pepper, carnation, geranium, jasmine, rose, tobacco, oakmoss, patchouli, cedar, vetiver, musk, and amber. Over the years, the formula has been reformulated multiple times, and the current version is quite different from the original. The newer versions are described as having a strong pine note and a more synthetic smell.

The Polo line also includes other fragrances such as Polo Black, Polo Red, and Polo Blue. These fragrances have different scent profiles, but they all share a similar sleek and simple design, with their namesake colors playing a central role in the packaging and bottle.

As for whether Polo cologne contains alcohol, it is safe to assume that it does. Almost all fragrances on the market today are alcohol-based, and the exception is usually noted explicitly. The alcohol in cologne helps to evaporate the fragrance, allowing it to be detected by the wearer and those around them.

Polo Green's history and reformulations

The iconic Ralph Lauren Polo cologne was first introduced in 1978. The fragrance has since become a hot commodity on secondary markets. Ralph Lauren decided to enter the fragrance business in 1976, almost 10 years after establishing his clothing brand.

The first iteration of the cologne was produced by Warner Communications, a strange bedfellow for Ralph Lauren, until 1984 when Warner Communications' poor investments saw it sold to Cosmair, the American subdivision of French cosmetic giant L'Oreal. Cosmair produced the scent until 2000, when it was folded back into L'Oreal, which continues to make Polo fragrances today under the name Luxury Products, LLC.

The cologne's packaging has remained virtually unchanged throughout its reformulations. However, the scent has evolved over time. The original formula was characterised by a green, wet moss scent, while the modern-era fragrance is brighter and pinier, and more synthetic-smelling.

One of the more concrete reasons for the shift in the cologne's character is the elimination of oakmoss from the fragrance industry. Oakmoss, a central ingredient in the chypre family of fragrances, was largely regulated out of the industry due to its link to allergic reactions, including skin rashes. While the International Fragrance Association began sounding the alarm on the natural ingredient in the 1990s, it wasn't until 2003 that they issued a self-regulating edict that eventually reduced oakmoss's composition to no more than 0.1% of a scent.

The removal of oakmoss, and the changing ownership of the fragrance, are what really divide Polo into "past" and "present".

Reformulation Dates

• 1978-1983: Warner/Lauren
• 1983-1985: Warner/Cosmair
• 2000-present: Luxury Products (L'Oreal)

Bottles up to 2002/2003 were still Cosmair-juice/formula because of stock.

The scent of the original Polo Green

The original Polo Green cologne, launched in 1978, is a woody chypre fragrance for men. Its top notes are juniper berries, basil, artemisia, caraway, coriander and bergamot. The middle notes are pine tree needles, leather, chamomile, pepper, carnation, geranium, jasmine and rose. The base notes are tobacco, oakmoss, patchouli, cedar, vetiver, musk and amber.

The opening of the composition is green and fresh, made of grassy notes of artemisia, basil and thyme, with spicy notes of cumin, coriander and cloves. The heart is strong and masculine as conifer woods, decorated with notes of patchouli, oakmoss and vetiver. The base contains leather, tobacco and thyme, which create a wonderful, intensive trail.

The scent is very masculine and does not contain floral notes, apart from chamomile, which has a more grassy than floral scent.

The scent of Polo Black

During the dry down period, the woodsy notes begin to take more prominence. The smooth and familiar sandalwood note comes through and I can detect the tonka bean as well, which is one of my favorite notes.

Also, the lemon and tangerine are still there somewhat, which gives the top layer an added citrusy zest to it. The citrus is nice, a welcome addition really, but isn't the main attraction.

To me, the opening act of Polo Black is the most dynamic aspect of this fragrance. You get an interesting development and contrast, between fruits, spices and wood. After that, the cologne becomes much more of a linear affair.

It’s mango, citrus as a background, sandalwood, and tonka bean. This Ralph Lauren fragrance, becomes less juicy, and has more of its dry woody element come through.

The scent of Polo Blue

The scent is described as clean, crisp, fresh, aquatic, fruity, masculine, modern, versatile, inoffensive, safe, classic, timeless, sophisticated, and mature. It is also said to be a good choice for daytime wear, the office, and the gym.

The scent of Polo Red

The top notes of Polo Red include lemon, grapefruit, cranberry, sage, saffron, and coffee beans. The citrus in this fragrance produces a sweet but masculine scent. The fruity scents combine with warm amber undertones that leave a lasting sweetness. The amber and spices detected in this fragrance are best suited for colder temperatures, but users will not feel out of place wearing Polo Red in any season or location.

Frequently asked questions