Infusion d'Iris Cèdre

The Verdict

Prada Infusion d'Iris Cedre, released in 2015 as part of the revived Les Infusions collection, is a collaboration between perfumer Daniela Andrier and Miuccia Prada. It represents the Infusion line's exploration of iris through the lens of woody, incense-tinged elegance. The fragrance community regards it as one of the most refined entries in a collection known for quiet sophistication.

Reviewers consistently describe it as smelling like expensive soap, and they mean it as a compliment. In a market crowded with loud niche fragrances competing for attention, Infusion d'Iris Cedre takes the opposite approach, projecting calm confidence and understated luxury. Those who appreciate this philosophy tend to rate it very highly. Those who expect their fragrance to announce itself from across the room will be left wanting.

What It Smells Like

The composition opens with a dry, powdery iris that is fluffy and delicate rather than cold or austere. Neroli adds a subtle citrus brightness to the top, while cedar contributes a refreshing, green crispness that distinguishes this from the more purely floral Infusion d'Iris. The incense and benzoin notes are present but blend so seamlessly that they read as a warm, balsamic glow rather than as distinct smoky elements.

The overall effect is one of clean, sophisticated freshness with woody depth. Several reviewers draw comparisons to Prada L'Homme, noting that Cedre is drier, sharper, and more soapy, without the sweet drydown. It is more powdery-fresh than the more soapy Infusion d'Homme, occupying a distinctive space within the Prada range.

When to Wear It

Infusion d'Iris Cedre is a consummate daily fragrance, performing beautifully in professional settings where discretion is valued. Its clean, non-offensive character makes it ideal for meetings, office wear, and any environment where smelling polished and put-together matters more than making a bold statement. It transitions well to casual dinners and evening socializing.

Its three-season versatility is a strength, working equally well in spring freshness, summer warmth, and autumn crispness. Only deep winter might call for something richer.

Longevity & Projection

Performance reviews are mixed but trend positive. The projection is light and soft, creating a refined personal aura rather than a room-filling cloud. Several reviewers report impressive longevity of six to ten hours, with one noting compliments after wearing it for over ten hours. However, this longevity comes with a caveat: the fragrance stays close to the skin for most of its life. It lasts a long time but does not project far, as one reviewer succinctly put it. This intimate behavior suits its understated personality.

The Community Says

The community appreciates Infusion d'Iris Cedre as a fragrance that operates on a completely different level from mainstream soapy scents. Reviews on Basenotes and Fragrantica praise its elegance and ease of wear, with multiple reviewers reporting unsolicited compliments at work and social gatherings. The truly unisex character is celebrated, with women and men wearing it equally comfortably. The primary criticism centers on whether the price is justified for what some perceive as a beautifully made but ultimately simple soap-like scent.

Who Should Buy This

Infusion d'Iris Cedre is perfect for the fragrance wearer who values subtlety and refinement over impact. It suits professionals who want a signature scent that conveys taste without distraction, and anyone who finds beauty in quiet, well-crafted compositions. Fans of iris fragrances who want a woodier, more grounded interpretation will find much to admire. It is also an excellent choice for those new to niche-adjacent fragrances seeking something elevated but accessible.

The Bottom Line

Prada Infusion d'Iris Cedre is the olfactory equivalent of a perfectly tailored neutral suit: understated, elegant, and effortlessly appropriate for nearly any occasion. Its soapy iris-and-cedar accord may lack the drama of bolder compositions, but what it offers instead is a rare quality of refined calm that reveals its beauty to those who lean close enough to notice.