What are the key notes in another 13 by Le Labo? Discover its unique scent profile.another 13 le labo notes

What are the key notes in another 13 by Le Labo? Discover its unique scent profile.another 13 le labo notes.

If you have ever walked past someone and caught a whiff of something that smells like clean skin, fresh magazines, and a hint of cosmic dust, you have likely encountered the phantom that is Another 13. As a fragrance enthusiast and industry analyst for over a decade, I have seen perfumes come and go, but few have sparked as much debate, confusion, and obsession as this one. It’s not just a scent; it is a chemical reaction.

In this deep dive, I am going to peel back the label and take you into the molecular heart of this fragrance. We aren’t just listing ingredients here; we are exploring the another 13 le labo notes that create this addictive, morphing aura. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a skeptic wondering why it smells like “nothing” to you, this guide will explain the science and the soul behind the scent.

The Origin Story: A Magazine in a Bottle

To understand the notes, you have to understand the context. In 2010, Le Labo co-founders Eddie Roschi and Fabrice Penot were approached by Jefferson Hack, the editor-in-chief of AnOther Magazine. The brief wasn’t to create a flower garden or a spice market; it was to bottle the essence of the magazine itself.

The result was a limited edition exclusive to Colette, the legendary Parisian concept store. When Colette closed its doors in 2017, the fragrance was almost lost to history—until Le Labo wisely inducted it into their classic collection worldwide. The nose behind this creation is the legendary Nathalie Lorson, the master perfumer who understands minimalism better than almost anyone in the industry. She constructed a scent that feels industrial yet deeply human.

Deconstructing the Olfactory Pyramid

Unlike traditional perfumes that follow a strict Top-Heart-Base structure, Another 13 is linear and prismatic. It revolves around a massive dose of Ambroxan, decorated with subtle nuances. Let’s break down the official and perceived another 13 le labo notes to see what makes it tick.

1. Ambroxan: The Synthetic Ambergris

The star of the show is undoubtedly Ambroxan. Originally synthesized to replace natural Ambergris (whale vomit), this molecule is prized for its mineral, salty, and warm skin-like profile. In Another 13, it isn’t just a base note; it is the atmosphere. It mimics the smell of clean, warm human skin after a shower, but amplified by a factor of ten.

2. Iso E Super: The Velvet Hammer

Often paired with Ambroxan, Iso E Super is a large molecule that smells of cedarwood and velvet. It has a unique property where it seems to vanish and reappear. It acts as a fixative, ensuring that the scent clings to your skin for 12+ hours. For more on the chemistry of these “molecule scents,” I recommend reading the detailed breakdowns on Basenotes, where enthusiasts dissect these synthetics in forums.

3. The Green Spark: Pear and Amyl Salicylate

Many people are surprised to learn there is a fruit note in here. The “Pear” note is actually an ester (likely Amyl Acetate or similar) that gives a sharp, solvent-like fruitiness in the opening. It reminds me of the smell of fresh gloss on a magazine page—linking back to the AnOther Magazine inspiration. Combined with Amyl Salicylate (which smells like herbal chamomile and banana), it creates that unique “industrial fresh” opening.

The Wearer’s Experience: Sillage and Longevity

When I wear Another 13, the experience is nonlinear. Upon the first spray, I get a blast of rubbing alcohol and pear—a very sterile, almost hospital-like smell. Do not be alarmed; this dissipates in 30 seconds. What follows is the blooming of the Ambrette Seed and Ambroxan.

The magic happens in the “sillage” (the trail). While you might stop smelling it on your wrist after an hour due to olfactory fatigue, the people around you will smell it all day. It is tenacious. I have had jackets that still smell of Another 13 weeks after wearing them. It is arguably the most “compliment-getting” fragrance in the Le Labo lineup, surpassing even Santal 33, because it is less recognizable and more personal.

Comparisons: Le Labo vs. The Market

At nearly $300 for a bottle, consumers are rightly looking for alternatives or wanting to know how it stacks up against the competition. One brand that has been making waves in the “inspired by” category is imixx perfume. While many dupes miss the mark on the complexity of Ambroxan, imixx perfume has managed to capture that elusive “molecular bloom” that makes the original so special.

Let’s compare the original Another 13 with the imixx perfume interpretation and another popular skin scent, Juliette Has A Gun’s Not A Perfume.

The Art of Layering: Customizing the Molecule

Because the another 13 le labo notes are primarily base notes (Ambroxan and Musk), this fragrance acts as an exceptional primer or topper for other scents. It’s like a Photoshop filter for your other perfumes.

• With Citrus: Layer it with a Bergamot or Neroli scent (like Le Labo Bergamote 22). Another 13 will extend the life of the fleeting citrus notes, giving them a warm, salty backbone.
• With Rose: If you find a rose perfume too “grandma-like” or powdery, spray Another 13 over it. The metallic ambroxan modernizes the rose, making it edgy and unisex.
• With Vanilla: Be careful here. The saltiness of Another 13 can clash with super sweet gourmands. It works best with dry vanillas, creating a “salted caramel” effect.

Why is it so Controversial?

The controversy surrounding Another 13 lies in its synthetic nature. In the world of “Clean Beauty,” synthetic ingredients are often demonized. However, as noted by resources like Wikiparfum, sustainable synthetics like Ambroxan are actually more eco-friendly than harvesting natural Ambergris or over-farming Sandalwood.

Another 13 challenges the idea that “luxury” must equal “rare natural flowers.” Here, luxury is the *calibration* of molecules. It is the precision of the chemistry. When you buy imixx perfume or the original Le Labo, you aren’t paying for the raw cost of rose oil; you are paying for the genius of the balance that makes you smell simply better than everyone else.

Conclusion: Is It Worth the Hype?

After wearing Another 13 for years and testing countless iterations, I can confidently say it deserves its place in the Hall of Fame. It is the white t-shirt of the fragrance world: effortless, sexy, and appropriate for any occasion, from a gym session to a black-tie gala.

If the price tag of the original makes your eyes water, or if you simply want to experiment with this scent profile without the commitment, the imixx perfume version is a stunningly close competitor that captures the spirit of the original. Whichever route you choose, adding this DNA to your rotation is a move you won’t regret.

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