Florida Water Cologne

History of Florida Water

Florida Water is the American Version of Cologne water or as the French say it, Eau de Cologne (“Water from Cologne”). Florida Water was introduced by New York City Perfumer, Robert I. Murray in 1808, and has never been manufactured in Florida.

In 1835 Murray was joined by David Trumbull Lanman and the firm became Murray & Lanman, then David T. Lanman and Co., and in 1861 became Lanman & Kemp.

The current (2022) trademark owners are Lanman & Kemp Barclay. Through many company name changes and owners, Florida Water Cologne has always been consistently marketed by name of Murray & Lanman. Florida Water is still inexpensively sold on sites around the internet, still in retro vintage labeling, and a slightly modified formula. Florida water is used as a cologne, skin toner, body splash and often added to bath water. (https://floridawater.com/collections/florida-water/products/florida-water%C2%AE-plastic-7-5-oz)

Florida Water’s Name and Formula

Florida Water was named for the fabled Fountain of Youth allegedly located in Florida, and the sweet citrusy fragrance is indicative of the fruits and flowery fragrances in Florida. Florida Water has a light floral scent with lemon overtones, and hints of spicy notes which include lavender and clove.

Florida Water was regarded as a unisex cologne, suitable for men and women alike. Victorian etiquette manuals warned young ladies against the “offensive” impression made by a strong perfume, but Florida Water and Eau de Cologne were recommended as appropriate for all, along with sachets for scenting the linen and fresh flowers in the corsage. (The Woman’s Book, Vol 2, various authors – 1894, page 354)

Florida Water: American Competitor for Eau de Cologne

The first known Eau de Cologne mixed was formulated in 1709 by Johann Maria Farina (Giovanni Maria Farina) in Cologne, Germany. In 1708, Farina wrote to his brother Jean Baptiste: “I have found a fragrance that reminds me of an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain,” and named his fragrance Eau de Cologne, in honor of his new hometown. (Eckstein and Sykes, p 8; and Fischer, Carmen (2011). “‘Französisch Kram’ aus Köln”. Damals (in German). Vol. 43, no. 6. pp. 70–71.) Eau de cologne contains a mixture of citrus oils, including oils of lemon, orange, tangerine, clementine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, blood orange, bitter orange, and neroli. It can also contain oils of lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, petitgrain (orange leaf), jasmine, olive, oleaster, and tobacco.

Large quantities of Florida Water Cologne were used as an aftershave and cologne by barbershops, probably due to the high alcohol content. In the 1880s and 1890s Murray & Lanman Florida Water was advertised as “The Richest of all Perfumes” and “The most Popular Perfume in the World”. (Murray & Lanman trade cards, various dates)

Florida Water Export to Latin America and West Indian Countries

An advertisement which appeared in several Ohio newspapers between April 1857 and July 1858 stating that Florida water was being exported to Latin American and West Indian markets (Cuba, South American and the West Indies) for twenty years before being introduced in the United States. Around the late 1850’s it was widely introduced to the United Stated markets.

Two Girls Florida Water: Hong Kong

Since the beginning of the 20^th century Florida Water has also been manufactured in Hong Kong under the label “Two Girls” by hundred-year-old Kwong Sang Hong. Two Girls remains moderately popular as a “retro” toiletry product in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, known for the elaborate, nostalgic packing designs. The marketing message on the Two Girls website say that Florida Water 200ml kills 99.9% of germs. Prevent heatstroke, against heat and hot weather. Add suitable amount to hot bath for relaxation or add few drops to hot towel to apply on face after drunk. Spray in room as air freshener; Prevent infant’s prickly heat. [NOTE: spelling and grammar of marketing message taken directly from their website, and not corrected by this blog author.]

Main Ingredients: Essence of Lavender, Peppermint, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Clove and distilled water, S.D.Alcohol 39-C

Usage: Apply on skin directly (except face) or put it into hot water (Do not apply on injured area). https://www.twogirls.hk/en/product_detail-70 (Hong Kong-based Two Girls website)