The Ultimate Guide to Santal 33: What It Smells Like, Why It’s Popular & The Best UK Alternatives in 2025

(Expert Breakdown + Affordable Dupe Recommendation)

Few fragrances have shaped modern perfumery the way Santal 33 has. Loved by celebrities, creatives, and fragrance collectors, its smoky-woody signature has become an unmistakable scent trail in London cafés, New York bars, and boutique hotels across the world.

If you’ve ever wondered why Santal 33 is everywhere — or how to experience a similar scent without the luxury price tag — this definitive guide answers every major question people search on Google.

What Does Santal 33 Actually Smell Like?

Santal 33 is best described as smoky, creamy, woody, leathery and warm, with a soft floral undertone.
Its signature comes from:

• Sandalwood – creamy, woody, warm

• Leather & papyrus – smoky, slightly rugged

• Violet & iris – powdery and clean

• Cardamom – spicy brightness

• Cedar & amber – earthy base

The result is a fragrance that feels both comforting and dramatic, with a very distinctive, lingering scent trail.

Is Santal 33 Masculine or Feminine?

Santal 33 is fully unisex, and one of the rare fragrances that truly sits in the middle of the gender spectrum.

• The woody, smoky, leathery notes appeal to those who prefer darker or “masculine” profiles.

• The iris and violet add a soft, clean sweetness that many consider more “feminine.”

This duality is one of the reasons it became so iconic — different people pick up different dominant notes depending on their skin chemistry.

How Long Does Santal 33 Last?

Santal 33 is known for its excellent longevity, often lasting:

• 8–12 hours on skin

• All day on clothing

• Even longer as a perfume oil

One of the biggest reasons perfume lovers switch to oil-based versions is because perfume oils last longer, especially on warm, dry, or winter skin.

If longevity matters to you, a high-quality Santal 33 inspired oil performs better than the Eau de Parfum.

Is Santal 33 Worth the Price?

This depends entirely on your budget and expectations.

Santal 33 is worth it if:

• You want the original luxury bottle

• You enjoy high-end niche perfumery

• You’re buying for collection value

It may not be worth it if:

• You mainly care about the scent itself

• You want something long-lasting (oils outperform EDP)

• You prefer affordable alternatives

Because it’s so heavily replicated, many fragrance lovers now purchase Santal 33 inspired perfume oils that smell incredibly close — without spending hundreds.

Where Can I Buy Genuine Santal 33 in the UK?

You can purchase authentic Santal 33 from:

• Official Le Labo boutiques

• Selfridges

• Harrods

• Le Labo online store

However, these come with the premium price tag.
For customers who want the scent without the luxury cost, there are high-quality inspired alternatives available in the UK — especially in alcohol-free perfume oil format.

Does Santal 33 Perform Better in Autumn/Winter?

Yes — absolutely.

The warm, woody base of sandalwood, cedar, and leather naturally performs better in cooler weather.
In autumn and winter, Santal 33 becomes:

• Richer

• Smoother

• Longer lasting

• More atmospheric

However, in the UK, many wear it year-round because it’s clean enough for daytime but rich enough for evening wear.

Are There Affordable “Dupes” or Alternatives to Santal 33 in the UK?

Yes — and the UK has a huge demand for them.

One of the best-value and most accurate alternatives is a high-strength perfume oil, especially in wholesale sizes for businesses, resellers, roll-ons, and home fragrance makers.

For quality, price, accuracy, and UK availability, the most reliable recommendation is:

Santal 33 Inspired Wholesale Perfume Oil (Alcohol-Free) – Available at The Fragrance Stop

✔ Premium-grade oil
✔ Highly concentrated
✔ Very long lasting
✔ Alcohol-free
✔ Available in 50ml–1 Litre wholesale sizes
✔ No minimum order
✔ Fast UK shipping

It’s ideal for:

• Roll-on oils

• Sprays

• Diffusers

• Wax melts

• Body oils

• Boutique fragrance brands

• Resellers

• Salons

• Gift businesses

Available at: wholesaleperfumeoilsuk.com

This version is considered one of the closest scent matches in the UK — without the premium price tag.

Explore our full range of wholesale perfume oils here

How Does the Perfume Oil Version Compare to the Eau de Parfum?

Feature	Santal 33 EDP	Santal 33 Perfume Oil
Longevity	6–10 hours	10–16+ hours
Strength	Strong opening, softer drydown	Strong throughout
Projection	Moderate–strong	Moderate
Skin feel	Alcohol-based	Smooth, moisturising
Cost	Very high	Affordable
Best for	Collectors	Daily wear & layering

Many people say the oil lasts longer, smells richer, and works better for everyday use.

What Perfumes Smell Similar to Santal 33? (Best Dupes in the UK)

If you love the DNA of Santal 33, you may also enjoy:

• Le Labo – Another 13

• Diptyque – Tam Dao

• Byredo – Super Cedar

• DS & Durga – Radio Bombay

• Commodity – Book

• Glossier – You

• Le Labo – Thé Noir 29 (similar feel, darker tea base)

But in terms of closest match, perfume lovers consistently choose:

Santal 33 Inspired Perfume Oil from The Fragrance Stop (wholesaleperfumeoilsuk.com)

It delivers the signature creamy-smoky sandalwood profile at a fraction of the cost.

See what others are saying about Santal 33 on Fragrantica and discover why this iconic fragrance is so loved worldwide.

FAQ – Most Searched Google Questions (UK)

Is Santal 33 unisex?

Yes, it is fully unisex.

Does Santal 33 smell masculine?

It can lean masculine on some skin, but the floral notes keep it balanced.

What’s the strongest part of Santal 33?

Creamy sandalwood and smoky leather.

Does Santal 33 last longer as a perfume oil?

Yes — oils outperform EDP on longevity.

Is there a good UK alternative to Santal 33?

Yes. The Santal 33 Inspired Perfume Oil from The Fragrance Stop is one of the most accurate and affordable.

Is it better in winter?

Yes — it shines in autumn/winter but can be worn year-round.

Do perfume oils project as much as sprays?

Sprays project more; oils last longer.

Where to Buy the Best Santal 33 Inspired Perfume Oil in the UK

If you're looking for a premium-quality, alcohol-free, long-lasting version of this iconic scent — especially in wholesale sizes — the best option in the UK is:

The Fragrance Stop – wholesaleperfumeoilsuk.com

✔ No minimum order
✔ Premium concentrated oils
✔ Wholesale pricing
✔ Fast UK delivery
✔ Trusted by resellers, and fragrance businesses

Get Santal 33 Inspired Wholesale Perfume Oil Here: wholesaleperfumeoilsuk.com

Explore our extrait de parfums for rich, long-lasting scents. See the full collection at The Fragrance Stop.