Eau de parfum

Le Labo Santal 33

Gender image: Unisex
Gender:
Unisex
Segment image
Segment:
Lux perfumes
Fragrance information:

History and Identity

In 2011, the world of perfumery saw the birth of a cult fragrance – Le Labo Santal 33, which quickly became a symbol of modern niche perfumery.

Released under the influence of the brand's laboratory aesthetic, founded in 2006 by former marketers from Giorgio Armani Fragrances, this perfume embodies the pursuit of authenticity and minimalism, changing the perception of how cities and their inhabitants can smell.

Le Labo Santal 33 belongs to the Fougère and Woody families, reflecting its complex character that combines classic elegance with modern boldness.

Its concentration as an eau de parfum ensures intensity and longevity, making it an ideal choice for those who value depth and lasting power in a fragrance.

Positioning and Character

Santal 33 is a unisex fragrance that breaks gender stereotypes, offering something universal and appealing to everyone.

Its medium trail leaves a delicate yet confident trace, not overpowering others but inviting close and intimate contact, making it an excellent companion for daily life.

For optimal application, it is recommended to use 1 to 2 sprays on the skin and 1 to 2 sprays on clothing, allowing you to control the intensity and enjoy the fragrance throughout the day, gradually revealing its layers on your skin or fabrics.

Creators and Inspiration

The creation of Santal 33 was led by two talented perfumers: Fabrice Penot and Frank Voelkl.

Their collaboration gave birth to a fragrance that reflects Le Labo's philosophy – minimalism, quality, and individuality, strengthening the brand's reputation as an innovator in niche perfumery and attracting enthusiasts worldwide.

This release became not just a perfume but a cultural phenomenon, associated with urban aesthetics and a must-have for those seeking unique scents that speak of personality and style without words.

How to Wear Santal 33

Santal 33 is perfect for cooler seasons – autumn and winter, when its warm woody and spicy notes unfold most fully, adding coziness and sophistication to any look.

It fits seamlessly into everyday wardrobes, whether in an office setting, casual meeting, or evening outing, thanks to its versatility and complementary nature.

The fragrance is recognizable but not intrusive, making it a safe choice for those who want to stand out without risk, and it pairs well with leather accessories or woolen fabrics, enhancing its atmosphere and creating a cohesive look.

Similar Fragrances to Explore

If you enjoyed Santal 33, it's worth exploring other perfumes that offer similar notes or atmospheres.

For example, By Kilian In the City of Sin with its sensual chords, Escentric Molecules Escentric 05 for lovers of minimalist woody notes, or Van Cleef & Arpels Santal Blanc with a lighter sandalwood profile, which will expand your olfactory journey.

Santal 33 from Le Labo is more than just a perfume; it is a timeless choice that continues to inspire generations of fragrance lovers with its unique composition and universal character.

For more detailed information, visit the official website: http://www.lelabofragrances.com.

More than 82% of users recommend this fragrance!
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Key fragrance characteristics

Perfume information

Description of the composition

The Santal 33 pyramid consists of eight blended notes that harmoniously interact, creating a complex and memorable bouquet, where warm and creamy sandal serves as the base, surrounded by spicy cardamom and woody cedar.

Delicate floral accents of iris and violet add softness and elegance, while the leather chord and papyrus impart a modern urban note, reminiscent of the creak of leather jackets and old books.

The composition is completed by warm amber, which unites all elements into a cohesive and long-lasting fragrance, unfolding on the skin over time, transitioning from a spicy-woody opening to a gentle floral heart and a deep amber base.

Perfumers

Gender Unisex
Brand Le Labo
Segment Niche perfumery
Country United States
Website http://www.lelabofragrances.com
Year of production 2011
Status Produced
Concentration Eau de parfum
License holder Estée Lauder Companies

Composition pyramid

Families

Fragrance characteristics

based on 20 opinions
Chords
Relevance
Dosage
Perception
Appearance quality
Similar
Persistence
The persistence of a fragrance is determined by how long it can be felt. It is a characteristic associated with ingredients that evaporate slowly. Persistence depends on the physical properties of the perfume ingredients—mainly their volatility and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
Persistence
Medium (2 to 5 hours)
3
Sillage
Imagine a light cloud of fragrance that, like an aeroplane trail, remains in the air after your appearance. This is the sillage - a subtle or vivid imprint left by the most diffuse element of a perfume composition. The sillage can be almost invisible when it is felt only by you and those around you. Or it can be so expressive that its presence is noticed even long after you have left.
Sillage
Medium
3
Complexity and depth
The complexity of a fragrance is the number and variety of notes that create a unique composition. A complex fragrance contains many different notes that reveal themselves on the skin. The depth of a fragrance is the richness and intensity of the fragrance. Fragrances with a deep composition include heavy and powerful notes that stay on the skin longer and affect others over long distances.
Complexity and depth
Medium and varied
2
Gender
This scale depicts gender focus and demonstrates how the brand positions the fragrance - as masculine, feminine or universal.
Male
20%
Unisex
65%
Female
15%
What kind of event
Date
0%
Wedding
0%
Sport
14%
Sleep
0%
For party
14%
For every day
43%
Sex
0%
For Holiday
14%
Theatre
0%
Office
14%
For what time of year / season
Winter
Winter
14%
Spring
Spring
29%
Summer
Summer
19%
Autumn
Autumn
38%
For what style / mood
Casual
33%
Gala
22%
Classic
22%
Avant-garde
22%
Romantic
0%
Sporty
0%
For what age
under 18
35%
18-25 years old
12%
26-35 years old
12%
36-45 years
12%
46+ years old
12%
Any
18%
On the skin
The optimum amount of atomisation on the skin is the balance at which the fragrance reveals itself in its entirety and sounds its best.
Spot
10%
Enter the cloud
20%
1-2 atomisations
40%
2-3 atomisations
20%
3-4 atomisations
10%
4-5 sprays
0%
Where is the best place to apply the fragrance?
The best places to apply a fragrance are the areas where it will reveal itself most fully and create the most vivid impression.
On the chest
20%
On the wrist
40%
On the knees
0%
On the back of the neck
0%
Behind the ears
0%
On the elbow
0%
On the abdomen
0%
On the back of the hand
0%
On clothes
40%
Не могу оценить
0%
On clothing
The optimum amount of atomisation of the fragrance on clothes, at which it reveals the best quality of the fragrance.
Spot
10%
Enter the cloud
20%
1-2 atomisations
40%
2-3 atomisations
20%
3-4 atomisations
10%
4-5 sprays
0%
Associations
Perfume associations are the emotions and images that pop into the imagination when you perceive its unique notes and accents
Freshness
14%
Exoticism
7%
Luxury
29%
Euphoria
7%
Passion
14%
Joy
7%
Calm
21%
Excitement
0%
Sadness
0%
Despair
0%
Effect
Fragrances can attract attention and evoke positive emotions, others can leave neutral, and others can cause negative associations and repel people.
Effect
Attracts attention
4
Intensity
The intensity of a fragrance is like its ‘volume’, the degree of intensity and strength with which it is felt around you or on the surface.
Intensity
Moderate
2
Bottle
Bottle
Excellent quality
5
Spray
Spray
Excellent quality
5
Packaging quality
Perfume bottle packaging quality is about protection and aesthetic appeal, including strength, reliability, design and materials. High quality ensures the safety and security of the product, a good first impression and attractiveness
Packaging quality
Excellent quality
5
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Reviews
Average rating
4.1
32 ratings
32 comments
5
41%
4
41%
3
9%
2
6%
1
3%
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5/5
5
This fragrance undoubtedly reflects the spirit of our time, but frankly, it's unlikely to surprise true perfume connoisseurs. Everyone who tries it will find something familiar in it. At the start, there's a pleasant green nuance that resembles dill, and then powdery notes of iris and violet unfold. Woody accents and a light leather note create an interesting effect that can be compared to suede. Cardamom adds a bit of tartness and lactonic quality, which makes the scent very pleasant and bodily. Its sillage is also quite good. Overall, it's a unisex fragrance that many might enjoy
5/5
5
A sandalwood scent that's simply impossible to miss! This is, without a doubt, one of Le Labo's most popular perfumes. It's loved and hated at the same time. Many buy it in large quantities despite the high price, while some don't understand how anyone could want such a smell. <br><br>It's all about its bright, specific aroma that can be shocking. But for those who don't associate Santal 33 with lightly salted cucumbers, it opens up a completely different world. Here, sandalwood is just one component. Vetiver adds smoky notes, and violet leaf hints at leathery accords. A light powderiness and a warm, almost coconut-like creaminess create an amazing combination. <br><br>This fragrance surprises with its dual nature: it's simultaneously loud and soft, warm and cold, comfortable and yet avant-garde. A true source of inspiration!
3/5
3
A legend, and nothing less. This fragrance is a true bestseller and a desired gift for many. Its popularity is largely due to Olivia Fleming, who wrote an article in The New-York Times about Santal 33. When Le Labo was just starting, this fragrance became one of the most coveted perfume souvenirs from New York. Why this one specifically?

First, its scent profile is truly unusual. Sandalwood, as an essential oil, isn't particularly expressive on its own, but its soft, enveloping effect is familiar to many. However, in Santal 33, it seems there's no natural sandalwood; the accord is built on synthetic materials. Synthetic odorants with a sandalwood scent are diverse, and their interaction can create interesting effects. In this fragrance, sandalwood is fresh, floral, and transparent, yet very persistent and diffusive. This is precisely what makes Santal 33 so beloved.

Perfumer Frank Voelkl added something reminiscent of vetiver and leather to the woody part of sandalwood. The leather here is delicately woven into the overall composition, creating harmony. The floral part, which I couldn't precisely identify, is complemented by cardamom and violet leaf. These notes can resemble cucumber pickle brine, and that's precisely what deters many.

Nevertheless, for those who don't perceive this salty nuance, Santal 33 is a comfortable fragrance. It's unobtrusive but leaves behind a stunning sillage that you want to inhale again and again. It's a niche scent with luxury quality that's hard to find in other brands.

Third, Santal 33 is an amazing work by the perfumer. Creating such a balance of elements is no easy task. Softness, fluidity, and effortlessness - all are the result of mastery. Some might notice a similarity to Dior's Fahrenheit, but only in broad strokes. The heart of the fragrance is sandalwood, and everything else
5/5
5
I can't say it's really my favorite. Sandalwood is definitely in the perfume, but its woody softness isn't always pleasing. Honestly, the scent is an acquired taste, and no joke, dill with pickle brine somehow isn't great. On me, it's more creamy, but the florals aren't far behind. Unisex, yes, but it clearly lacks longevity, there's a sillage, of course, but not very noticeable. This perfume is definitely not for everyone, in my opinion, it's somehow too introverted and meditative. It calms, yes, but it doesn't relax as much as I'd like. It sparks interest in people, but not always with fondness, sometimes just bewilderment. I can't recommend it, but if you want to try, go for it 😒
1/5
1
Dill remained dill for me, I didn't feel any of the magic everyone talks about 😅 Oh well, there are so many sandalwood scents in the world, no need to get upset 😌 I didn't find anything outstanding, but let others enjoy it if it suits them, I'm just happy for them 😊
4/5
4
If you approach testing without a deep understanding of the notes listed in the pyramid, you might feel that the scent resembles brine used for soaking chips with a hint of salted cucumber and dill. But if you listen more closely, you can then catch leather notes and something strange, floral!!! This opens new facets of perception, making you wonder how much interesting can be found in each fragrance
5/5
5
Sometimes beauty truly lies in simplicity. I received a sample and I'm very happy about it. When I sniff the cap, I smell brine, but as soon as I apply it to my skin, delicate notes of wood and violets appear, and the slight dill scent quickly fades. It's like a mix of familiar fragrances: sometimes it reminds me of Santal Volcanique by Maison Crivelli, and at times I hear echoes of the iris-based Iris Ukiyoé. I don't like to spray a lot, usually a drop is enough, so for me, this perfume is quite calm. But I have a problem with violet-iris scents: even the lightest ones start to seem cloyingly sweet, I don't know why. I don't clearly detect leather, but there are faint hints. And after half an hour, a nude quality emerges 🌸
2/5
2
The scent on my skin turned out to be something like an alcoholic tincture with herbs and roots. Honestly, it's not for me. I got a sample, but I immediately decided to get rid of it. I can't stand scents like that
3/5
3
I don't smell any cucumber or dill at all. There's no freshness or spiciness either. Honestly, I can't figure out what kind of scent this is. It's completely unlike anything familiar. Very complex, with leathery and woody notes, sandalwood and amber, plus floral accents. Iris and violet aren't clearly perceptible. This fragrance is definitely not for me. I don't know what accords are at play here, but the feeling it gives is just unpleasant!! Perhaps it's created for those who understand art and can truly appreciate it
5/5
5
This fragrance is indeed on many people's minds, and for good reason. Its base notes are leather, violet, and iris. The addition of cardamom and sandalwood gives it a special sharpness and complexity. As a result, we get an interesting combination of freshness and leather accents, with a slight hint of powdery and creamy undertones 🌸
5/5
5
From the first breath, an incredible freshness is felt, and on the skin, this fragrance is like a playful companion. You absolutely must stock up on at least a liter jar! It holds wonderfully both in winter and summer, doesn't get boring, and mysteriously envelops you, like a cozy blanket
5/5
5
The fragrance is truly interesting, with the freshness of sandalwood and a hint of cardamom's sharpness, but so subtle it's barely perceptible. Leather notes add depth, creating a feeling of freedom and open spaces. This is a complex perfume that can win hearts, but it won't suit everyone. Don't look for the usual sandalwood oil, like in most perfumes - here it's woody sandalwood, like in a factory in Asia. Some might catch notes of cucumber pickle brine, but that's more a trick of the imagination )) If you're used to standard oriental fragrances, your nose might not recognize it and will start looking for familiar associations. Yes, green cardamom sometimes gives off a dill scent, but sandalwood is clearly present here. It's a truly beautiful fragrance, but not everyone can pull it off 🌿
4/5
4
For me, the most prominent accord in this fragrance is leather. It's so luxurious, and for some reason, specifically brown)) The first few minutes after application reminded me of boutiques with chic leather bags and shoes. Then the leather softened, like suede, and woody notes appeared. Hooray, I didn't notice any dill or pickle brine! I didn't find any powder either, even though I really love fragrances with it. Perhaps spring isn't the best time of year for this scent. It seems it would unfold better in early autumn, when the sun is still shining and there's colorful foliage underfoot. I'll definitely try it again then 🍂
4/5
4
This scent is a bit oppressive, creating a feeling of heaviness. I used to like it, wore it with pleasure, but now it feels uncomfortable. Young Eisenberg, by the way, I wear with ease; its citrus notes, cardamom, and sandalwood are delightful. That scent inspires, unlike Santal 33. In the end, I prefer the more affordable option 😌
5/5
5
The scent is really strange and interesting. At first, you smell something like earth, rotten fruits, and foliage. If you've ever been to a village, you'll know what I mean. Then it seems to change, and a pleasant sillage appears with a slight hint of decay. Honestly, it reminds me more of trash than the I am trash scent from Etat Libre d'Orange. But despite that, the smell isn't too harsh, and it still attracts attention from others. All in all, I can't say I completely dislike it, but I'm not thrilled either ))

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