The market for men’s grooming products is ever expanding and is expected to continue to move in an upwards trajectory into 2024. Cremo is a growing brand with an indie heart. In addition to grooming products, they sell cologne, but are they any good?
Cremo is a high quality but accessible personal care company. Most of their product fragrances cater to men, but Cremo offers some unisex cologne fragrances as well. As eau de toilettes, Cremo colognes are surprisingly long-lasting fragrances, made only with the most essential ingredients.
Keep reading for reasons why you should add this affordable cologne to your fragrance collection.
All About the Cremo Company
Cremo Company produces barber-grade men’s grooming products that are “astonishingly superior.” The company was founded in California, USA, by Mike Boone and Kyle Shroeder in 2005, offering only shaving cream. But now Cremo is part of the Edgewell Personal Care portfolio.
Edgewell acquired the company in 2020 for reportedly over $230 million USD. Cremo had been a pretty inconspicuous brand, but they achieved steady growth, nonetheless.
In addition to their website, you can now find their products at big box retailers, like Walmart and Target, in addition to drug stores, and online commerce sites, like Amazon.
The Cremo Company Brand Story
In decades past the words “men” and “grooming” were rarely ever used in the same sentence in the United States. Grooming was synonymous with pampering, a term more closely associated with women – that is unless you were amongst the wealthy.
The common American man typically had a very small section of the grooming aisle – basic razors and canisters holding expanding foam used to prevent razor nicks.
As grooming rituals began to become the norm for American men, founders of Cremo Company hired chemists who went into the lab to formulate a concentrated, foam-free, thus more refined shaving cream for men.
One tube of their Classic Shave Cream lasts for three months, and this is the heart behind Cremo Company. They not only aim to release “astonishingly superior” products, but they do so with even the most modest budgets in mind. This one product led to a company profit of over $2 million USD.
Since 2005, they’ve increased product offerings from shaving creams to moisturizers, and then face washes.
After bringing on Matthew Biggins in 2015, they expanded even further with a beard care line in 2016, colognes in 2017, and skin care and body wash in 2018. All of their shaving, skin, and hair products are described as “barber grade” and the company places a lot of emphasis on helping men to not only adopt but enjoy their grooming ritual.
Cremo Company Product Lines
Customer feedback and market trends heavily influence Cremo Company’s product development. They have specialists in each of their product categories who formulate products that customers have come to love. Production is based in the USA.
The company is committed to not only launching superior products, but ones that produce noticeable results. Their product lines are primarily marketed towards men, and include skin, beard, hair, shaving, body and skincare items.
For women they solely offer shave cream but the fragrances offered overlap with the men’s, so I won’t list them separately. Here are the Cremo Company product lines by category:
Beard Category
- Beard balm
- Beard oil
- Beard serum
- Beard and face wash
- Beard and scruff cream
- Beard and scruff softener
- Thickening/Styling beard cream
Body Category
- All season body wash
- All season lip balm
- Anti-perspirant and deodorant
- Cooling body wash
- Deodorant
- Exfoliating body wash
- Exfoliating body bar
- Moisturizing hand soap
- Moisturizing body wash
- Spray cologne
Hair Category
- 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
- Matte cream
- Sculpting clay
- Shine pomade
- Styling cream
- Thickening paste
Shave Category
- Barber grade razor
- Concentrated shave cream
- Concentrated cooling shave cream
- Cooling post-shave balm
- Post-shave balm
Skin Category
- Brightening serum
- Detoxifying 2-in-1 scrub and mask
- Detoxifying face mask
- Detoxifying peel-off mask
- Exfoliating face scrub
As you can see, they’ve certainly grown their offerings from their humble beginnings of offering only one product in 2005. A number of gift sets are also available.
Cremo Fragrances: Uncommon Scents
In addition to affordability, the company prides itself for producing more refined fragrances than what’s typical for affordable men’s grooming products.
Cremo Company has an in-house perfumer, whom they affectionately call the Cremo Nose. This person oversees all the fragrance formulas for Cremo products.
With their team of scent specialists, Cremos is known for “uncommon scents” by making products that smell more like a refined gentleman rather than the stereotypical arctic fresh and extreme sport fragrances that are more common at average price points.
Cremo prides itself on offering “superior scents that are appealing without being overpowering.”
This is because, per Michael Biggins, Cremo Company believes that “A well-groomed man not only looks and smells good, but he also feels good.” When wearing their fragrances, you can feel good knowing that your fragrance doesn’t smell cheap and offensive.
Currently, they offer 25 fragrance options that include:
- Blue Cedar & Cypress
- Bourbon and Oak
- Bourbon Vanilla
- Cedar Forest
- Citrus & Mint Leaf
- Coconut Mango
- Coconut Tea Tree
- Cooling
- Distiller’s Blend
- French Lavender
- Heritage Collection
- Iced Citron & Driftwood
- Jasmine Tuberose
- Juniper & Eucalyptus
- Pacific Sea Salt & Grapefruit
- Palo Santo
- Sage & Citrus
- Sandalwood
- Seagrass & Driftwood
- Silverwater & Birch
- Spice & Black Vanilla
- Vanilla Mint
- Vanilla Orchid
- Vintage Suede
- Wild Mint
Many of their fragrances are available across categories. This prevents your cologne from clashing with your body wash or other products.
Top 7 Cremo Cologne Fragrances
Unlike typical affordable colognes, Cremo cologne doesn’t have a stenchy overpowering fragrance. These colognes have one dominant fragrance note on each top, middle, and base layers.
All Cremo colognes come in a rectangular clear glass container embossed with the Cremo logo on the front and side. The atomizer cap is cylindrical and either silver or black. A small square label differentiates the scents.
Every bottle is 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) and typically costs under $25 USD. But the price doesn’t affect the quality of Cremo fragrances.
Its atomizer releases a wide fine mist, and each scent gives you an average to deep sillage and medium to lengthy longevity. As an eau de toilette, you can expect Cremo colognes to last upwards of four hours, which is on the higher end.
1. Cremo Cologne Spray: Blue Cedar & Cypress
- A FRAGRANCE FOR TODAY'S MAN - The rich, powerful fragrance of refreshing blue cedar wood, aromatic cypress, and a citrus zest in a luxurious cologne for men
- QUALITY - Thoughtfully designed to perfection by our team of world-class scent experts and produced using only the finest ingredients
- GOOD UNCOMMON SCENTS - Our layered, long-lasting, and complex scents are a true sensory experience creating multiple levels of notes that provide a men's cologne unlike any other
- VALUE - A scent you’d expect to find in a high-end boutique without going to a high-end boutique
- TRAVEL - At 3.4 fluid ounces, this mens cologne is considered TSA compliant and can safely pass the carry-on baggage screening process
This is amongst the first fragrances released in 2017. Fresh and woodsy, lemon leaf is Blue Cedar & Cypress’ top note. Cypress is the middle note, leaving cedar as the base note.
Also called petitgrain, lemon leaf is citrusy and aromatic. It smells similar to neroli, but lemon leaf smells fresher, greener. Less sweet, tarter and more lemony, this is a refreshing introduction to Blue Cedar & Cypress cologne.
The complexities of cypress cover most of the fragrance wheel. Its notes are clean and fresh while also earthy and woody. You’ll also experience a hint of spice along with herbaceous notes.
Blue cedar is the strongest and longest lasting fragrance accord. Blue atlas cedar truly has silvery bluish-green needles. As an evergreen tree, its fragrant wood notes are undeniable. It’s a very strong and earthy fragrance.
Blue Cedar & Cypress cologne can be worn year-round, but it might not project as much during the winter or late evening.
This is Cremo’s third best-selling fragrance. It’s likely one of the most masculine scents they offer, and can be more fitting for older men.
2. Cremo Cologne Spray: Bourbon & Oak
- A FRAGRANCE FOR TODAY'S MAN - A masculine scent with a tantalizing essence of lively distiller's spices, smoked bourbon and oak in a luxurious cologne for men
- QUALITY - Thoughtfully designed to perfection by our team of world-class scent experts and produced using only the finest ingredients
- GOOD UNCOMMON SCENTS - Our layered, long-lasting, and complex scents are a true sensory experience creating multiple levels of notes that provide a men's cologne unlike any other
- VALUE - A scent you’d expect to find in a high-end boutique without going to a high-end boutique
- TRAVEL - At 3.4 fluid ounces, this mens cologne is considered TSA compliant and can safely pass the carry-on baggage screening process
Cremo’s second best-selling fragrance was also released in 2017 and is described on their packaging as having a “smooth and lively scent.” Distiller’s spice is the top note, followed by bourbon accord in the middle, and it dries down to white oak.
Distiller’s spices vary but can include pepper, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, caraway. This scent adds warm and peppery notes that can also smell yeasty and sweet.
Smoked bourbon is the longest-lasting accord, but it isn’t overwhelming. You won’t smell like a distillery, but at the same time, the bourbon accords are noticeable and quite masculine.
To some people, the fragrance comes off as a little too sweet. For others, they enjoy the boozy bourbon notes. This is definitely a scent that you have to test out on your own skin.
Lastly, we have white oak. The scent of oak in general is earthy but mild. White oak also carries vanilla notes, making this a sweet woody base note.
Sweet and seductive, this fragrance would wear well on a date night. Best worn during fall, winter, or early spring, Bourbon & Oak cologne would likely be too strong if worn during the summer. The exception would be a cool summer evening.
3. Cremo Cologne Spray: Citrus & Mint Leaf
- A FRAGRANCE FOR TODAY'S MAN - A cool, refreshing scent with notes of fresh mint, citron, cedar and moss in a luxurious cologne for men
- QUALITY - Thoughtfully designed to perfection by our team of world-class scent experts and produced using only the finest ingredients
- GOOD UNCOMMON SCENTS - Our layered, long-lasting, and complex scents are a true sensory experience creating multiple levels of notes that provide a men's cologne unlike any other
- VALUE - A scent you’d expect to find in a high-end boutique without going to a high-end boutique
- TRAVEL - At 3.4 fluid ounces, this mens cologne is considered TSA compliant and can safely pass the carry-on baggage screening process
A refreshing unisex fragrance, Cremo’s Citrus & Mint Leaf cologne, was released in 2020.
Fragrance notes include citron, mint, cedar, and moss.
Although opening notes are quite lemony, this isn’t a sickly sweet Lemonhand candy-type fragrance. Instead, it’s well balanced by the mint and wood notes. Even the moss adds complexity.
Along with the bright notes, you’ll experience the scent of fresh cut greens. Herbal mint notes make their presence known – but without being too punchy.
Citrus-forward fragrances should be reserved for spring, and more appropriately, summer months. This is when the scent will project best. You won’t smell it at all in the winter. And the scent accords simply don’t seasonally fit with all of the other fragrances you’ll smell outdoors during the fall or winter.
Due to its lighter scent accords, the longevity of this scent isn’t as long as the others.
In many ways, Citrus & Mint Leaf smells similar to Cremo’s Iced Citron & Driftwood. The difference is that its wood notes are not as strong as Iced Citron & Driftwood. Also, the mint notes are missing from Iced Citron & Driftwood. But if you have one, you may not want to purchase the other one.
Lastly, Citrus & Mint Leaf won’t unfold like most other Cremo colognes. This isn’t a layered fragrance, instead, you’ll smell hints of all the notes throughout the day. Lemon citrus notes remain at the fore of this fragrance.
4. Cremo Cologne Spray: Silver Water & Birch
- A FRAGRANCE FOR TODAY'S MAN - A sparkling, aquatic dive into a mountain lake surrounded by cool moss and clean woods in a luxurious cologne for men
- QUALITY - Thoughtfully designed to perfection by our team of world-class scent experts and produced using only the finest ingredients
- GOOD UNCOMMON SCENTS - Our layered, long-lasting, and complex scents are a true sensory experience creating multiple levels of notes that provide a men's cologne unlike any other
- VALUE - A scent you’d expect to find in a high-end boutique without going to a high-end boutique
- TRAVEL - At 3.4 fluid ounces, this mens cologne is considered TSA compliant and can safely pass the carry-on baggage screening process
Another 2017 release, Silver Water & Birch is an aquatic woody fragrance.
You’ll be introduced to the fragrance with a spring water accord on the top layer. In the middle is oakmoss, and the base layer is sun washed wood.
Oak moss has a moist and inky fragrance – like fresh soil and tree leaves. Birch also lends clean green notes, but you’ll also smell wood bark and tree sap.
Although this is marketed as a masculine fragrance, the freshness of this scent also appeals to women who prefer not to wear floral notes.
To some, this fragrance is a Creed Silver Mountain Water alternative. Others feel that this scent is very similar to Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue.
Silver Water & Birch is most appropriate during the day during warmer months.
5. Cremo Cologne Spray: Spice & Black Vanilla
- A FRAGRANCE FOR TODAY'S MAN - An explosion of vibrant spices contrasts with dark woods and tobacco to express a sense of adventure in a luxurious cologne for men
- QUALITY - Thoughtfully designed to perfection by our team of world-class scent experts and produced using only the finest ingredients
- GOOD UNCOMMON SCENTS - Our layered, long-lasting, and complex scents are a true sensory experience creating multiple levels of notes that provide a men's cologne unlike any other
- VALUE - A scent you’d expect to find in a high-end boutique without going to a high-end boutique
- TRAVEL - At 3.4 fluid ounces, this mens cologne is considered TSA compliant and can safely pass the carry-on baggage screening process
Released in 2017 as well, Spice & Black Vanilla can be worn every day, but it’s most fitting for fall and winter evenings.
Kashmiri cardamom is a distinct fragrance with hints of pepper along with subtle mint and citrus notes. It’s an apparent top note.
Cashmere wood is dry with hints of musk. Bourbon vanilla offers rich, velvety vanilla notes. Although not listed as a fragrance layer, you’ll notice tobacco notes as well, which is what leads many to suggest that this fragrance is a solid alternative to Spicebomb Extreme by Viktor & Rolf.
6. Cremo Cologne Spray Reserve Collection: No. 13 Distiller’s Blend
- A FRAGRANCE FOR TODAY'S MAN - A rich, elevated blend with notes of Kentucky bourbon, smoked vetiver, and American oak in a luxurious cologne for men
- QUALITY - Thoughtfully designed to perfection by our team of world-class scent experts and produced using only the finest ingredients
- GOOD UNCOMMON SCENTS - Our layered, long-lasting, and complex scents are a true sensory experience creating multiple levels of notes that provide a men's cologne unlike any other
- VALUE - A scent you’d expect to find in a high-end boutique without going to a high-end boutique
- TRAVEL - At 3.4 fluid ounces, this mens cologne is considered TSA compliant and can safely pass the carry-on baggage screening process
Released in 2020, this fragrance is similar to Cremo’s Bourbon & Oak cologne but without the spicy top notes and with the addition of vetiver accords.
The three fragrance accords in order from top to base layers are Kentucky bourbon, smoked vetiver, and American oak.
Vetiver adds grassy, citrusy, and earthy notes to the smooth bourbon notes. Of course the wood adds more earthiness but vetiver is most pronounced.
This scent can be worn pretty much all day and year-long, which is another distinction from Bourbon & Oak.
7. Cremo Cologne Spray Reserve Collection: No. 18 Palo Santo
- A FRAGRANCE FOR TODAY'S MAN - A distinctive combination of bright cardamom, dry papyrus, and aromatic Palo Santo in a luxurious cologne for men
- QUALITY - Thoughtfully designed to perfection by our team of world-class scent experts and produced using only the finest ingredients
- GOOD UNCOMMON SCENTS - Our layered, long-lasting, and complex scents are a true sensory experience creating multiple levels of notes that provide a men's cologne unlike any other
- VALUE - A scent you’d expect to find in a high-end boutique without going to a high-end boutique
- TRAVEL - At 3.4 fluid ounces, this mens cologne is considered TSA compliant and can safely pass the carry-on baggage screening process
Last but not least is Cremo’s current best-selling fragrance, Palo Santo. It’s a unisex fragrance.
As a woody aromatic fragrance with cardamom on the top, papyrus notes in the middle, and palo santo wood as the base note, its essence is spicy, fresh, and earthy.
Cardamom we’ve already discussed, but papyrus is surprisingly woody, smoky, and leathery – all adding depth to this fragrance blend. Palo santo is definitely woody, but you’ll also pick up on citrus notes.
This scent can be worn all year and is especially fitting for fall and winter months. Some suggest that it’s a good substitute for Le Labo’s Santal 33.
Customer Opinions about Cremo Cologne
Most individuals who transition to Cremo products become loyal customers. It’s appealing to come across a product that’s not only affordable but smells nice and performs well.
After researching customer feedback about Cremo cologne, below are some experiences worth sharing.
What Customers Enjoy about Cremo Cologne
Most customers are pleasantly surprised by the fact that Cremo colognes have a fragrance quality that’s on par with high-end niche fragrances.
- Cremo cologne fragrance notes are well-developed and sit well on the skin.
- It’s amazing how long these fragrances last on the skin considering their low asking price.
- Many of Cremo’s spray colognes appeal to both men and women. Women who prefer not to wear floral scents gravitate towards Cremo colognes.
- Cremo colognes are subtle and long-lasting.
- Customers love that they can layer Cremo fragrances with the other grooming products, like the body wash and deodorants.
What Customers Dislike about Cremo Cologne
Not every Cremo cologne fragrance meets customer expectations. For instance, one customer really enjoys using the Bourbon & Oak body wash but felt that the cologne was lacking. The fragrance was less intense and didn’t seem to have the same bourbon accords.
- Another customer felt that Bourbon & Oak cologne lacked bourbon or oak accords. This person solely smelled vanilla, and not the smooth, expensive-smelling vanilla.
- Cremo’s Citrus & Mint Leaf cologne doesn’t last as long as some customers would like it to, but this is common for citrus fragrances. Citrus notes are known to be more fleeting and have less projection.
Overall, though, unfavorable feedback about Cremo collagen typically has more to do with varying scent preferences.
Final Thoughts
Cremo Colognes are surprisingly well-performing fragrances that can be found at an affordable price. Part of a larger grooming line, you can confidently walk out the door knowing that the scent of your grooming products isn’t clashing with one another.
If you’ve never tried Cremo cologne, it’s time. They have modern and mature scents that last long on the skin and are more accessible than designer and niche fragrances.
I would suggest starting with Silver Water & Birch, or Spice & Black Vanilla. They’re both solid everyday fragrances to wear.
Looking for an alternative to the luxury perfume house Kilian Paris? Cremo’s No. 13 Distiller’s Blend is a must try.
No matter which fragrance you choose, all Cremo colognes offer exceptional value for the price.
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