At this point, Santal 33 is widely regarded as one of the best perfumes on the market, alas it does come with quite a steep price tag. Thankfully though, TikTok TikToked—supplying us with a number of Le Labo Santal 33 dupes to rival the iconic unisex scent...
As a wearer of Santal 33—which is, by the way, Niall Horan's cologne of choice—I can attest to the hype. Oh boy does it deserve its viral status as one of the best TikTok perfumes. Thanks to its perfume notes of cardamon, Australian sandalwood and cedarwood, blended with iris and violet, it oozes sophistication and individuality. It's the epitome of a signature scent but for all its many positive attributes, its cost is what you would call an investment.
Good thing our go-to app is a treasure trove of beauty-related intel, especially in the fragrance department. Yep, like with the Ex Nihilo dupes, TikTok users have found a few affordable alternatives to the famous skin scent.
TikTok's Le Labo Santal 33 dupe recs
RRP: $23.48
With it's blend of spicy cardamom, dry papyrus and aromatic Palo Santo, this Cremo cologne has been named as a close match to Le Labo's 33 and it even comes in bodywash form!
RRP: $88
This vegan scent is both warm and spicy, with hints of myrrh, vanilla, coconut and sandalwood—the sweeter sister to Santal 33, if you will.
RRP: $65
This perfume oil is described as long lasting and is also available available in a mini rollerball size. It's been called a dupe on the app thanks to it's earthy and woody vibe, brought forward by notes of sandalwood, vetiver and amber wood.
RRP: £10 (UK only)
For our UK shoppers, this M&S Apothecary scent is another dreamy alternative, with its cozy notes of cardamom, cinnamon, cedarwood and sandalwood—and for just £10, it's a no-brainer!
Le Labo 33 is a perfume like Glossier You, in the way that it perfectly melts into the skin, creating a musky aroma that is warm, complex and totally irresistible. Naturally, the hype around it has made a very coveted scent, but it will set you back $230 for 1.7 fluid ounces...
Fret not though, as perfume-lovers on TikTok have found a few close alternatives, for a fraction of the OG's price.
@kmanrara ♬ original sound
One of the most popular scents swaps for Santal on the app is Cremo Palo Santo, which is around the $20 mark and boasts notes of cardamom and dry papyrus. One Amazon shopper even said in their review: "Great inexpensive dupe if you love le labo santal 33. Smells almost identical just a tad bit sweeter/less smoky. But the main scent is spot on."
Cremo Palo Santo is also available in a body wash (available at Amazon) which is perfect for perfume layering and helping your perfume last longer!
User @anastasiasovah also dubbed The 7 Virtues Santal Vanille perfume a dupe, describing it as 'more creamy and wearable' than Santal 33—so, if you find Le Labo's offering a bit too musky, this sweeter option might be right up your alley! The scent itself features a similar spice blend of sandalwood, with myrrh and hints of coconut and vanilla.
@anastasiasovah ♬ original sound - Anastasia
TikToker @makeupsessions shared a video describing the Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil as another long-lasting and affordable dupe—with its dreamy mix of sandalwood, vetiver and amber wood.
@makeupsessions ♬ TWINNEM - Coi Leray
A N Other WD/2018 is also known to be a close contender to Santal 33, though it's not as easily accessible in the US as the other scent matches. For our UK readers though, M&S' 'Warmth' Apothecary scent was also amongst TikTok's dupe recommendations!
So, if you've always wanted to try Le Labo's scent but it's a little out of your price range—or you just want to build your collection of woody perfumes—why not add one of these TikTok-tried and tested smellies to your wishlist?
