Acqua di Colonia, also known as Cologne water, is a type of fragrance that was first developed in the 18th century by an Italian perfumer named Giovanni Maria Farina. Farina was based in Cologne, Germany, and created a scent that he called "Eau de Cologne" that was inspired by the scents of the Italian countryside.
The original formula for Eau de Cologne contained a blend of citrus oils, including bergamot, lemon, and orange, as well as other aromatic oils such as lavender and rosemary. The resulting fragrance was light, refreshing, and had a clean, citrusy scent that was very popular at the time.
Eau de Cologne became so popular that it soon became associated with the city of Cologne itself, and many other perfumers began to create their own versions of the scent. Over time, the formula for Eau de Cologne evolved, and many new ingredients were added, such as neroli, petitgrain, and musk.
Today, Acqua di Colonia is still very popular and is produced by many different perfumers around the world. Some of the most famous examples include:
4711: This is one of the oldest and most famous Acqua di Colonia fragrances, first created in 1792 by Wilhelm Muelhens. It contains a blend of citrus oils, lavender, and rosemary, and is still produced in Cologne, Germany.
Acqua di Parma: This Italian fragrance brand was founded in 1916 and is famous for its line of Acqua di Colonia fragrances. The brand's signature scent contains a blend of bergamot, lemon, and neroli, and is a popular choice among both men and women.
Santa Maria Novella: This Italian perfume house was founded in 1221 and is one of the oldest in the world. The brand's Acqua di Colonia fragrance contains a blend of bergamot, lemon, and rosemary, as well as other aromatic oils such as lavender, jasmine, and neroli.