Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry has always been known for its luxurious, sweet, and slightly indulgent scent profile, but recent discussions on social media have cast the fragrance in a rather unexpected light. Retailing at $255, the perfume—loved for its notes of black cherry, almond, and tonka bean—has gained attention for an entirely different reason. Users have compared it to embalming fluid, sparking debate and surprise across the beauty community.
A TikTok Horror Story
The debate began when Anna Van Burnen, a Stanford University student, took to TikTok to share her experience. After saving up for the perfume’s hefty price tag and purchasing it during a trip to Hong Kong, Anna’s excitement quickly turned to disappointment when she stumbled across comments comparing the scent to embalming fluid.
Her TikTok, captioned “Still heartbroken… and smelling like embalming fluid,” resonated with others, sparking a wave of responses.
TikTok users had mixed reactions to the comparison, with some agreeing that the fragrance bore an uncanny resemblance to chemicals used in mortuaries. One user humorously noted that while working with cadavers, they had often thought, “Who’s wearing Lost Cherry?” Another user commented on the artificiality of the scent, likening it to early 2000s cherry lip balms, but with a strange twist.
Fragrance Fans Rally
While some were quick to jump on the embalming fluid bandwagon, others passionately defended the perfume.
For many, Lost Cherry is a beloved signature scent. One user shared that it was even their wedding perfume, which had garnered countless compliments. Others brushed off the comparison, claiming that if the scent were truly reminiscent of embalming fluid, only those familiar with such environments would recognize it.
Despite the uproar, loyal fans continue to praise the fragrance, calling it an irresistible blend of sweet, warm, and slightly spicy notes. However, for some, the newfound association has left them reconsidering their once-favorite scent.
The Chemical Behind the Controversy
The question remains: why are some people drawing this peculiar connection between Lost Cherry and embalming fluid? The answer could lie in the fragrance’s composition. Lost Cherry is composed of notes of black cherry and almond, both of which are heavily influenced by a chemical called benzaldehyde.
Benzaldehyde, used in perfumes to mimic almond or cherry scents, is also a common component in embalming fluid. This overlap may explain why some people associate the perfume with a funeral home environment. While the connection may seem far-fetched to the untrained nose, those familiar with mortuary practices may be more sensitive to such ingredients.
Tree Carr, a death doula, offered insight into the connection, noting that the smell of benzaldehyde is often masked in funeral homes but can still resemble fragrances with strong almond or cherry notes. “I’ve smelled this at wakes… It reminds me of marzipan actually, with a slightly spicy undertone,” Carr said, pointing out that while the scent may seem pleasant, it can bring forth unexpected memories for some.
Is Lost Cherry a Keeper or a Creeper?
As the debate around Lost Cherry continues, it’s clear that the fragrance has become a controversial conversation piece. Regardless of this fact, whether people associate it with cherry-filled sweetness or something more chemical, the discussions haven’t deterred fans from embracing the perfume. For many, the fragrance represents luxury and indulgence, while for others, the morbid embalming fluid comparison is simply too strong to ignore.
Ultimately, Lost Cherry is a scent that divides opinion. Some adore its fruity, fresh profile, while others remain unconvinced by its chemical, artificial, and waxy undertones. Whatever side of the debate you fall on, one thing is certain: Lost Cherry has left a lasting impression, for better or worse.
