What is Santal Exactly? Santal 33 by Le Labo is one of the most iconic and beloved fragrances in the world, particularly in the USA. This unisex scent has gained an almost cult-like following due to its warm, woody, and leathery aroma that feels both modern and timeless. But what is Santal, and why has it captivated so many fragrance enthusiasts?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore:
✔️ The origins of Santal and its role in perfumery.
✔️ What makes Santal 33 so unique and desirable?
✔️ A detailed comparison of Santal 33 and similar luxury fragrances.
✔️ The best affordable alternative to Santal 33 – including IMIXX Perfumes’ No.62 Inspired by Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume.
✔️ FAQs about Santal, its scent profile, longevity, and more.
If you love the scent of Le Labo Santal 33, but find its price too steep, this article will also show you how IMIXX Perfumes provides a high-quality alternative that delivers the same luxurious experience at a fraction of the cost.
What is Santal? Understanding the Essence of Sandalwood
The word “Santal” comes from the French word for sandalwood (bois de santal). Sandalwood is one of the most treasured ingredients in the world of perfumery, loved for its creamy, woody, and slightly sweet aroma.
There are several different types of sandalwood, each with its own distinct scent profile. Below is a breakdown:
| Type of Sandalwood | Scent Profile | Commonly Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) | Warm, creamy, rich, slightly sweet | Luxury perfumes, essential oils |
| Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) | Woody, dry, slightly smoky | Niche modern perfumes |
| Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum) | Fresh, green, slightly floral | Tropical and exotic fragrances |
What is Santal 33? The History & Popularity of This Iconic Scent
The Birth of an Icon: How Santal 33 Became a Worldwide Sensation
Santal 33 was originally intended to be a candle scent but quickly became so popular that Le Labo transformed it into a full-fledged perfume in 2011.
What sets Santal 33 apart from other perfumes is its smoky, woody, and slightly spicy composition that feels both nostalgic and ultra-modern.
Santal 33 Fragrance Notes Breakdown
| Fragrance Layer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes | Cardamom, Violet, Iris |
| Heart Notes | Australian Sandalwood, Cedarwood |
| Base Notes | Leather, Amber, Musk |
The result? A versatile, long-lasting fragrance that is both bold and intimate, making it a favorite among both men and women in the USA.
How Does Santal 33 Compare to Other High-End Sandalwood Perfumes?
While Le Labo Santal 33 is one of the most famous sandalwood fragrances, there are other luxury perfumes that also highlight sandalwood in a similar way. Below is a comparison of Santal 33 vs. other top sandalwood-based perfumes:
| Perfume | Sandalwood Type | Key Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Labo Santal 33 | Australian Sandalwood | Leather, Cardamom, Iris | Everyday wear, signature scent |
| Tom Ford Santal Blush | Indian Sandalwood | Cinnamon, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang | Evening wear, luxurious occasions |
| IMIXX No.62 Inspired by Le Labo Santal 33 | Premium Sandalwood Blend | Cedarwood, Musk, Leather | Affordable alternative, similar scent |
| Byredo Super Cedar | Virginian Cedarwood | Rose, Cedar, Vetiver | Fresh, clean, office-friendly scent |
Where to Buy Le Labo Santal 33 & High-Quality Alternatives?
For those who want the true experience of Santal 33 without paying $220+ per bottle, IMIXX Perfumes offers a high-quality, affordable alternative:
IMIXX No.62 Inspired by Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume
✅ 99.98% scent similarity to Santal 33
✅ Luxury fragrance ingredients sourced from premium suppliers
✅ Long-lasting formula (8-12 hours)
✅ A fraction of the price of Le Labo
If you still prefer the original Santal 33, it is available in the USA at Le Labo boutiques and major retailers.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Santal 33
What does Santal 33 smell like?
Santal 33 has a woody, smoky, and leathery scent with subtle spicy and floral undertones. The cardamom and iris in the top notes add a soft, powdery freshness, while the Australian sandalwood and cedarwood in the heart provide warmth and depth. The base notes of leather, amber, and musk create a long-lasting, sensual dry-down. The combination of these notes makes Santal 33 a versatile fragrance that can be worn both day and night, in casual or formal settings.
Is Santal 33 a unisex fragrance?
Yes, Santal 33 is 100% unisex. It has woody, smoky, and musky characteristics that appeal to both men and women. Unlike many floral or overly sweet fragrances that lean feminine, Santal 33 balances spice, woods, and soft floral notes, making it a favorite among fragrance enthusiasts of all genders. The way it reacts to an individual’s skin chemistry also means it smells unique on each person.
Where can I buy Le Labo Santal 33 in the USA?
Le Labo Santal 33 is available for purchase in:
- Le Labo boutiques across major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
- Department stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
- Le Labo’s official website for online shopping.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, you can get the same luxurious scent with IMIXX No.62 Inspired by Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume at IMIXX Perfumes.
What are the best alternatives to Santal 33?
The best Santal 33 alternative is IMIXX No.62 Inspired by Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume. It captures 99.98% of the original’s scent and is made using premium fragrance oils, ensuring high longevity and projection. Unlike other knock-offs, IMIXX perfumes source ingredients from the same high-end suppliers as the luxury brands they emulate, making their scents nearly identical to the originals.
Other luxury sandalwood-based perfumes include:
- Tom Ford Santal Blush – More floral and spicy.
- Byredo Super Cedar – Lighter, fresher, more cedarwood-forward.
- Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule – A more gourmand, sweet take on sandalwood.
How long does Santal 33 last?
Santal 33 is a long-lasting fragrance, with a wear time of 8-12 hours on skin and even longer on clothing. It has a strong sillage (the scent trail it leaves behind) and is often noticed hours after application. IMIXX No.62, which is inspired by Santal 33, offers the same longevity due to its high-quality perfume concentration.
What makes Santal 33 unique compared to other sandalwood fragrances?
Santal 33 is unique because of its leathery, smoky, and slightly spicy take on sandalwood. While most sandalwood perfumes are creamy and smooth, Santal 33 adds a modern, rugged edge with the addition of leather, violet, and cardamom. This makes it feel urban, sophisticated, and genderless, appealing to a broad range of perfume lovers.
Is Santal 33 suitable for all seasons?
Yes! Santal 33 is one of the rare fragrances that works year-round.
- Spring & Summer: The violet and cardamom add freshness, making it wearable even in warm weather.
- Fall & Winter: The wood, leather, and musk provide warmth, making it cozy and inviting in cold temperatures.
This versatility is another reason why Santal 33 has remained a bestseller for over a decade.
Why is Santal 33 so expensive?
Santal 33 is priced at $220+ per 50ml due to:
- High-quality raw materials like real sandalwood oil, cardamom, and cedarwood.
- Artisanal, small-batch production by Le Labo.
- Brand prestige and exclusivity, which adds to its luxury appeal.
However, if you love Santal 33 but don’t want to spend over $200 per bottle, IMIXX No.62 offers the same high-quality scent for a fraction of the price.
What are the key ingredients in Santal 33?
Santal 33 is composed of:
- Top Notes: Cardamom, Violet, Iris
- Heart Notes: Australian Sandalwood, Cedarwood
- Base Notes: Leather, Amber, Musk
The blend of these notes creates a woody, spicy, musky scent that is both earthy and sophisticated.
Can I wear Santal 33 as a signature scent?
Absolutely! Many people wear Santal 33 as their daily fragrance because it is:
✅ Versatile – Suitable for both casual and formal settings.
✅ Long-lasting – Stays on the skin for hours.
✅ Unique – While many try to copy it, Santal 33 still stands out as an instantly recognizable scent.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative that still feels luxurious and signature-worthy, check out IMIXX No.62 Inspired by Le Labo Santal 33.
What are the main differences between Le Labo Santal 33 and IMIXX No.62?
While both fragrances smell nearly identical, here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Le Labo Santal 33 | IMIXX No.62 Inspired by Santal 33 |
|---|---|---|
| Scent Accuracy | 100% (Original) | 99.98% similarity |
| Longevity | 8-12 hours | 8-12 hours |
| Price | $220+ (50ml) | Under $39(50ml) |
| Luxury Ingredients | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Vegan & Cruelty-Free | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
IMIXX No.62 offers a near-identical scent experience at a much lower price, making it an excellent alternative for Santal 33 lovers.
Where can I buy an affordable version of Santal 33?
If you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable alternative, IMIXX No.62 Inspired by Le Labo Santal 33 is available exclusively at:
IMIXX Perfumes is known for creating luxury-inspired fragrances that use the same high-end ingredients as designer brands. Their fragrances are made to last as long as, if not longer than, the originals, making them the best choice for perfume lovers looking for high quality at a reasonable price.
Final Thoughts: Is Santal 33 Worth It?
If you love woody, smoky, and leathery fragrances, Santal 33 is absolutely worth experiencing. However, at $220+ per bottle, it can be quite expensive.
For those looking for a high-quality, affordable alternative, IMIXX Perfumes’ No.62 Inspired by Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume delivers an authentic, luxurious scent at a much better price.
