Launched in 2015, Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male represents a bold evolution of the iconic Le Male line. Created by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, this Amber Oriental Fougère composition diverges sharply from its predecessor’s mint-lavender freshness, instead embracing a sweeter, more seductive profile centered on juicy pear and warm vanilla.
Positioned as an Eau de Toilette Intense, Ultra Male targets a younger demographic seeking high-impact fragrance performance. The scent has cultivated a dedicated following for its “beast mode” longevity and pronounced sillage, though its intensity demands careful consideration regarding appropriate wearing contexts.
The fragrance arrives in the signature Gaultier torso bottle, rendered in dark blue with black stripes that signal its more mysterious, evening-oriented character compared to the original’s sailor-striped design.
What is the price of Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male?
Fragrance Family
Amber Oriental Fougère
Launch Year
2015
Perfumer
Francis Kurkdjian
Key Notes
Pear, Lavender, Vanilla
- Eau de Toilette Intense concentration offering 8+ hour longevity
- Available in 125ml and 200ml formats
- Retail pricing ranges from $82 to $125 depending on vendor
- Dark blue striped bottle design distinct from original Le Male
- Optimal performance in cooler weather and evening settings
- Frequently draws comparisons to Paco Rabanne 1 Million
- Features prominent “pear bubblegum” top note accord
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2015 |
| Perfumer | Francis Kurkdjian |
| Concentration | Eau de Toilette Intense |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Oriental Fougère |
| Top Notes | Pear, Bergamot, Lemon |
| Heart Notes | Lavender, Cinnamon, Sage |
| Base Notes | Vanilla, Amber, Cedarwood |
| Longevity | 8+ hours |
| Projection | 3-4 feet (initial 3-4 hours) |
| Available Sizes | 125ml, 200ml |
| Price Range (125ml) | $80–$125 |
International buyers should monitor the exchange rate euro to pound when purchasing from European retailers, as currency fluctuations impact final costs significantly.
What do reviews say about Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male?
Critical Reception and User Feedback
Reviews across Fragrantica and major retailers consistently highlight Ultra Male’s compliment-generating ability. Users report frequent positive attention, particularly from younger demographics, with many describing it as a “confidence booster” for social situations.
However, the intensity that drives its popularity also generates criticism in professional contexts. Multiple reviewers note that the fragrance performs poorly in office environments or high-heat conditions, where its sweetness can become overwhelming.
Data from retailer reviews indicates Ultra Male receives unsolicited compliments at rates significantly higher than average men’s fragrances, particularly within the first four hours of application when projection peaks.
Performance in Real-World Testing
YouTube fragrance reviewers consistently document beast-mode performance exceeding eight hours, with some users reporting detectable traces after twelve hours on skin. The projection maintains a three-to-four-foot radius for the initial three to four hours before settling into a closer skin scent.
Macy’s customers frequently cite the fragrance’s longevity as justification for its premium pricing, noting that minimal spritzes provide all-day coverage.
What are the notes in Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male?
The Opening: Fruity Accords
Ultra Male diverges immediately from the original Le Male through its prominent pear note, often described by reviewers as “pear bubblegum”—a sweet, slightly synthetic fruity accord that dominates the first thirty minutes. Bergamot and lemon provide brief citrus sparkle, though the pear remains the unmistakable signature.
The pear note in Ultra Male operates differently than natural fruit essences, presenting as a candied, gourmand interpretation that contributes significantly to the fragrance’s youthful appeal and seductive positioning.
The Heart: Spicy and Aromatic
As the initial sweetness recedes, lavender and cinnamon emerge, creating a spicy-aromatic bridge between the fruity opening and the oriental base. Clary sage adds an herbaceous element that prevents the composition from becoming entirely gourmand, maintaining a masculine structural backbone.
The Base: Oriental Warmth
The drydown reveals vanilla and amber as dominant forces, supported by cedarwood and patchouli. This foundation provides the 8+ hour longevity for which the fragrance is known, leaving a warm, slightly powdery trail that lingers on clothing fabrics for days.
What is Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male Elixir?
Understanding the Variant Line
While the 2015 Ultra Male remains the primary reference point, the brand has released additional flankers including an “Elixir” formulation. Details regarding the Elixir variant remain less documented than the original, though it reportedly intensifies certain base notes while maintaining the core pear-vanilla structure.
Retailers sometimes mislabel the standard Ultra Male as “Elixir” or “Eau de Parfum.” The 2015 original is explicitly an Eau de Toilette Intense; any “Elixir” or “EDP” designation represents a different product with potentially distinct concentration and note emphasis. If you’re interested in learning more about the cast of this popular film, you can find details about the Акторський склад Good Burger 2 here: Акторський склад Good Burger 2.
Concentration Differences
Unlike the original’s EDT Intense classification, Elixir variants (where available) may offer different juice concentrations. Buyers should verify bottle labeling carefully, as Fragrance Outlet and similar retailers occasionally stock discontinued or regional variations under similar names.
When Did Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male Launch?
- 1995: Jean Paul Gaultier launches original Le Male, establishing the sailor-striped torso bottle design and mint-lavender-vanilla profile.
- 2015: Ultra Male debuts as a flanker, with Francis Kurkdjian reinterpreting the line through an Oriental Fougère lens. Source
- Post-2015: Limited editions and variant concentrations (including Elixir interpretations) enter select markets, though availability varies by region and retailer.
What Facts Are Verified About Ultra Male?
| Established Information | Uncertain or Variable |
|---|---|
| Launched in 2015 by Francis Kurkdjian | Exact release date of Elixir variant |
| Amber Oriental Fougère classification | Availability of Eau de Parfum concentration |
| 8+ hour longevity documented | Regional formulation differences |
| 125ml and 200ml standard sizes | Long-term discontinuation plans |
| Pear, vanilla, lavender core notes | Exact Elixir note pyramid differences |
Why Does Ultra Male Stand Out in the Fragrance Market?
Ultra Male occupies a specific niche within the designer fragrance landscape: the youthful seducer category. While the original Le Male targeted a broad demographic with barbershop-fresh appeal, Ultra Male narrows its focus to evening social contexts and dating scenarios.
The fragrance’s commercial success stems from its ability to balance sweetness with masculinity—a combination that generates compliments while avoiding the juvenile associations of pure gourmand scents. Its popularity on Walmart and other mass-market platforms indicates it has transcended niche fragrance communities to become a mainstream choice for men in their twenties and thirties.
Compared to competitors like Paco Rabanne 1 Million, Ultra Male offers greater complexity in its drydown, transitioning from fruity sweetness to woody warmth rather than maintaining linear sweetness throughout its lifespan.
What Do Experts and Users Say?
“Oriental Fougere fragrance for men. The nose behind this fragrance is Francis Kurkdjian.”
— Fragrantica
“Sweet, fruity, bubblegum scent, very masculine and youthful. Very loud fragrance.”
— Amazon User Review
“Juicy pear, black lavender and sensual woody vanilla.”
— Superdrug Product Description
Is Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male Worth the Investment?
For consumers seeking a high-impact, compliment-generating fragrance for evening wear and cooler months, Ultra Male delivers measurable value despite its premium positioning. The concentration justifies the cost through exceptional longevity, requiring fewer applications than weaker alternatives. Those calculating take home pay for luxury purchases should note that online retailers like FragranceX offer significant savings over department store pricing. However, professionals seeking office-appropriate scents or individuals in hot climates should sample before committing, as the intensity that defines Ultra Male’s appeal can become a liability in inappropriate contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes is Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male available in?
Ultra Male is commonly available in 125ml (4.2 oz) and 200ml (6.7 oz) formats. The 125ml size typically retails between $80 and $125, while the 200ml premium size commands higher prices at select retailers like Macy’s.
How does Ultra Male compare to the original Le Male?
While Le Male features mint, lavender, and vanilla for a fresh barbershop feel, Ultra Male replaces the mint with sweet pear and amplifies the oriental base notes. Ultra Male projects more intensely and lasts longer but offers less versatility for professional settings.
Is Ultra Male suitable for summer wear?
Most reviewers advise against wearing Ultra Male in high heat. The sweet, intense profile can become cloying in temperatures above 75°F (24°C). It performs optimally in fall, winter, and cool spring evenings.
What is the difference between Ultra Male and Ultra Male Elixir?
The original Ultra Male (2015) is an Eau de Toilette Intense. Elixir variants, where available, reportedly feature intensified base notes and potentially different concentrations, though specific details remain less documented than the original formulation.
Where can I find reliable reviews for Ultra Male?
Fragrantica offers comprehensive user reviews and note voting, while YouTube fragrance reviewers provide video demonstrations of performance and projection.
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.