Acqua Di Gio, a successful Giorgio Armani line of male fragrances, boasts several wildly successful colognes. The Profumo and Profondo perfumes form part of these releases. If you are looking to own one of these classic scents, let us help you determine which one would suit you best.
Acqua Di Gio Profumo is an aromatic, aquatic fragrance featuring rosemary and oriental incense notes. It boasts a summery vibe thanks to bergamot and salty marine notes. Conversely, Profondo is fresh, juicy, and intensely marine with metallic elements but a little less floral.
In this Acqua Di Gio Profumo vs. Profondo review, we will delve into the differences between the two scents to uncover what sets them apart. We will also seek to establish which is the better Acqua Di Gio.
| Image | Recommended ProductsProduct | Features | Price | |
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Acqua Di Gio Profondo vs Profumo
Acqua Di Gio Profondo and Acqua Di Gio Profumo are sister scents created by the House of Armani. Profumo came first, debuting in 2015, while Profondo launched in 2020. They are flankers of Acqua Di Gio (1996), a renowned bestselling masculine aquatic fragrance.
Here is a summary of the variances between the two designer colognes:
| Product | Acqua Di Gio Profumo | Acqua Di Gio Profondo |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Lasting power | Lasts 8+ hours on the skin | Lasts up to 8 hours on the skin |
| Sillage projection | Scent leaves behind a 4-6 foot (1.2- 1.8m) trail | Scent leaves behind a 2-3 foot (0.6-0.9m) trail |
| Opening scent | Bergamot and fresh aquatic accords | A fresh, juicy blend of bergamot and green mandarin |
| Scent | An aromatic, woody, and spicy masculine scent with smoky nuances and an oceanic aroma | A green, fresh, woody, and ultramarine scent with mineral undertones |
| Character | Elegant, airy, deeply intense, and more mature | Aquatic, blue, fresh, uplifting, and extremely likable |
| Best use | Highly versatile; ideal for all seasons, night or day, formal and romantic occasions | Ideal for daytime in spring and summer |
| Cost | Fair | More expensive |
| Buy |
Acqua Di Gio Profumo
Acqua Di Gio Profumo is a creation of Alberto Morillas. Armani describes this scent as a “sophisticated fragrance born from volcanic rock and deep ocean waters.” Indeed, Profumo is a spicy, smoky, highly sophisticated, and ultra-masculine fragrance whose salty marine accords remind one of the intense depth of the Mediterranean.
Deep, dark, and mysterious, Profumo comprises bergamot and salty marine notes that lend it a summery vibe. It also features sage, incense, and dark minerals. The smokey-spicy masculine element comes from the incense and other earthy notes.
So, what does Acqua Di Gio Profumo EDP smell like exactly?
The Profumo’s opening is bright and sharp with a refreshing, aquatic, summery aroma. The top notes comprise bergamot, the marine accords, and spicy sage. You can pick out the sage and incense from the start, but you can’t miss the signature sea notes that make up the Acqua Di Gio DNA.
Heart notes kick off with rosemary, sage, and geranium flavors, while incense and patchouli form the base. The incense is responsible for the smoky flavor, while the patchouli is quite prominent in the drydown. Still, the warmth of the drydown takes on a slightly metallic-like edge from the geranium note.
Profumo delivers a solid projection and performance. The longevity is pretty good at 8+ hours – and even longer on clothing. This cologne isn’t heavy, but you won’t fail to notice it. It starts out strong on your skin and then evolves into a more moderate aroma.
A remarkably versatile scent, you can wear Profumo in all seasons, though it’s best suited for summer as it performs superbly in the summer heat. It’s perfect for casual occasions, nightlife, and the workplace too.
- Top notes: Bergamot, marine notes
- Middle notes: Rosemary, geranium, sage
- Heart notes: Incense, patchouli
Acqua Di Gio Profumo
Acqua Di Gio Profondo
In 2020, Armani added Profondo to the Acqua Di Gio lineup, likening it to a deep dive into the blue depths of the sea. Alberto Morillas also crafted this masterpiece.
Acqua Di Gio Profondo boasts a deep woody essence coupled with a smooth, resinous finish. It also sports a deep aquatic scent, though this leans more towards the smell of fresh water rather than the full oceanic smell of saline water. Unlike the Profumo, it’s neither dark nor smoky and is less floral.
So what is the Profondo opening like?
Upon sniffing this masculine scent, a blend of green mandarin and bergamot rouses your senses. A little while later, Acqua di Gio’s iconic marine accords usher in an intense marine undertone. The citrus mandarin orange notes are apparent, though the bergamot flavors are more potent.
The top notes are closely followed by rosemary, cypress, lavender, and lentisk heart notes. The lentisk brings in a woody sweetness with a strong hint of resin. To wrap up the base, woody, patchouli, and musky notes combine with the salty accents of mineral amber.
As it dries down, Profondo morphs into a light, aquatic scent. The smooth and creamy mineral accords waft through still, but the aroma is less saline, ending with a fresh, deep finish.
This deep and intense fragrance is super sexy and incredibly attractive. It boasts a fairly good performance, lasting 7-8 hours. The light EDP is ideal for daytime wear in spring and summer, perfect for you if you reside in a super hot region. You can wear it on dates, casual, or even semi-formal events.
- Top notes: Bergamot, marine notes, green mandarin
- Middle notes: Rosemary, cypress, lavender, mastic, or lentisk
- Base notes: musk, amber, woody minerals, patchouli
Acqua Di Gio Profondo
Which Acqua Di Gio Is the Best?
When analyzing a perfume, you want to judge it based on its uniqueness, scent, performance, and value. So, when it comes to Profumo vs. Profondo, which one is best?
Unfortunately, the answer might not be that clear-cut.
Perfume choice is a very personal matter, and what appeals to one individual might be off-putting to another. Yet, while the two classic colognes bear some considerable similarities — bergamot, the same designer, aquatic essence — they remain uniquely distinct.
Judging merely from the scent, the best Acqua Di Gio is Profumo, as it smells more appealing than Profondo. It’s highly versatile and performs quite strongly. If you prefer less aquatic scents, then go with Profondo. It lasts long for a summer scent and is perfect for all men, regardless of age.
Acqua Di Gio Profumo’s profile boasts a more solid aromatic essence than Acqua Di Gio Profondo. This makes it stand out. Furthermore, the cologne’s fantastic blend of aquatic, smoky, spicy, woody, dark ocean vibes and metallic elements make it a classic signature scent that’s quite the crowd puller.
Not to be left behind, Acqua Di Gio Profondo performs remarkably well for a summer scent lasting much longer than the industry’s 3-4 hours. It performs even better in higher temperatures.
Wrapping Up
Acqua Di Gio has been a longstanding bestseller, and the Profumo and Profondo flanker scents are a testament to Armani’s prowess in formulating signature perfumes. We recommend the Profumo but if you still can’t make up your mind, test each fragrance on your skin, then decide which of the two you find most appealing.
Sadly, Giorgio Armani has discontinued Profumo, but you can still purchase the incredible fragrance from online stores like Amazon.
