What Is Santal? 5 Things You Never Knew About This Legendary Fragrance
What is Santal? It is a question commonly posed by those dipping their toes into the niche and luxury fragrance world and one that has become synonymous with elegance & modern perfume craft rather than just an aromatic blend one spritzes on. All Santal-based fragrances have one thing in common — sandalwood, the superstar ingredient that holds up to some of the most classic creations in perfumery (including the ever-popular Santal 33 by Le Labo).
So here we are exploring 5 top things which you must know about Santal, how it basically is made and what makes their craze in the world of scent. Check out the IMIXX take on Santal 33 for one that looks and feels just as luxurious, at a fraction of the price.
1. What Is Santal? The Core of Sandalwood
Santal, a word known in fragrances, would be more commonly called sandalwood. With its warm, creamy notes, sandalwood is one of the most expensive woods in the world and one of the oldest perfumery materials known to humans. Sandalwood has been used for thousands of years in perfumery, traditional medicine, and religious ceremonies because of its calming effects.
Santal perfumes typically revolve around this sandalwood essential oil base in a rich and woody fragrance that suits many other preferences. Sandalwood: In perfumes, sandalwood is a base note used to provide depth and warmth to the fragrance as it can strengthen and blend with light top notes prevalent in other natural ingredients.
2. Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
This means it is one of the most iconic fragrances ever, to be honest; Le Labo Santal 33 is THE REFERENCE for all other Santals. Black with a surprising hint of pink, Santal 33 features the earthy and woody profile of sandalwood but is accented by notes of iris, violet, cardamom, and cedar, creating it more layered — unisex (I mean…her husband steals hers all the time) than any fragrance on this list.
Santal 33 is a cult classic that even inspired the moniker “New York in a bottle.” With notes of Santal fragrance complemented by leathery, spicy undertones throughout this scent, it is the best fragrance for your signature perfume.
3. Holy Wood Scent: A Niche Perfumery Classic
Santal fragrances are taboo, intriguing, and powerful — in the world of fragrance, niche scents are prized for their novelty and their use of rare ingredients, a reputation Santal aromas do much to uphold. Sandalwood, or Santal, has long been a mainstay in the world of fine fragrance for both its complexity and opulence. Santal, whether spiced up with florals or citruses, plays the role of balance and elegance in any fragrance blend.
This is an art form for perfumers who choose to use sandalwood in their scents. It fills up in all the right places, allowing any accompanying materials to come forward; a backbone that everyone who loves complex fragrances and perfumery should (at some point) cultivate.
4. Santal’s Enduring Popularity
The Santal is one of those perfume notes that are known, and for all the right reasons, to bring so much zen-like elegance into a composition. The enigmatic warm aroma of sandalwood helps the fragrance to create an enveloping nature and often transports the wearer into a cocooned space, hence the reason even luxury brands are not yet done with it. In general, sandalwood tends to be thought of as a grounding, calming scent — one that we often hear described as soothing but sophisticated in perfumery.
No wonder why Santal 33 by Le Labo is so trendy in the world of celebrities and influencers. Within its opulent blend of notes and intrinsic lasting power, Santal 33 emerged as one of the signature scents of the decade.
5. Why Santal Should Be Your Scent of Self
If you like the weirdness of niche perfume, in particular, Santal 33, the depth of these fragrances, the complexity, and their versatility. Santal is a beautiful fragrance for all-season wear because it’s strong enough for the cold and soft enough for the heat.
Santal is a great pick if you are planning to have a signature perfume. A top-quality sandalwood fragrance is a long-lasting, woody aroma enhanced by spices and floral scent tones that can become your personal makeup.
FAQ Section
Santal has a long history in perfumery, but what exactly is Santal?
Santal is the fragrance note sandalwood, a rich and warm woody smell that is highly prized in perfumery for its creamy, soft, sweet aromatic properties. A common base note that provides longevity to a lot of fragrances.
How unisex is Santal 33?
Le Labo Unisex Santal. With a blend of sandalwood, leather, and different spices, it is a versatile scent that will suit most tastes.
✨ WHY SANTAL 33 IS SO POPULAR ✨
The attraction of Santal 33 lies in its layered aroma, incorporating glamorous elements and the high-class perfume making it a luxury fragrance. And of course, high-fashion-type people and celebrities have already started sporting the trend, and everyone else is sure to follow a-là cult fashion trends.
Is there a cheaper dupe for Santal 33?
We are not kidding, but IMIXX offers its variant of the Santal 33 at a lower price for all you guys who want to smell exactly like a scent worn by that cool neighbor last summer!
Primary notes of Santal 33
Keynotes: sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, leather
Scent: smoky and woody
Santal Fragrance Comparison Table
| Santal Fragrance | Key Notes | Price Range (USD) | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santal 33 by Le Labo | Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Violet, Leather | $230 – $335 | 10-12 hours |
| Santal Blond by Atelier Materi | Sandalwood, Jasmine, Tonka Bean | $200 – $250 | 8-10 hours |
| Santal Volcanique by Maison Crivelli | Sandalwood, Coffee, Ginger, Ylang Ylang | $75 – $150 | 6-8 hours |
This table provides a comparison of different Santal fragrances, their key notes, price range, and longevity, helping you choose the best option based on your preferences.
