If there is one fragrance that has become almost synonymous with the modern luxury perfume wardrobe, it is Le Labo Santal 33.
The cult favorite is instantly recognizable for its dry, smoky woods, creamy sandalwood, spicy cardamom, violet and leather. Le Labo describes Santal 33 as a fragrance inspired by the rugged American West, combining cardamom, iris, violet, Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, and spicy, leathery, musky notes.
The result is woody, smoky, slightly powdery, leathery, and incredibly distinctive.
But there is one problem.
Santal 33 is expensive.
If you love the signature scent but would rather not spend luxury fragrance prices on an everyday perfume, a good Santal 33 dupe can be a very smart alternative.
We looked at over 25 different Santal 33-inspired alternatives to find the best options:
2. Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances
3. Pleasure Noir No. 63 by The CLONE
Our overall winner is Memry Desert Air, but each fragrance has a different reason for making the list.
The 3 Best Santal 33 Dupes at a Glance
| Rank | Santal 33 Dupe | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Memry Desert Air |
Best overall Santal 33 alternative | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2 | Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances | Stronger, richer interpretation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3 | Pleasure Noir No. 63 by The CLONE | Closest dry down and everyday wear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Our winner
Best for a richer interpretation
Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances
Best for the Santal 33 dry down
Pleasure Noir No. 63
If you are searching for a perfume that smells like Le Labo Santal 33, these are the three alternatives we would put at the top of your list.
What Does Le Labo Santal 33 Smell Like?
Before choosing a Santal 33 dupe, it helps to understand exactly what makes the original so recognizable.
Santal 33 is not a traditional creamy sandalwood fragrance.
It is much drier, smokier and more aromatic.
Le Labo describes the fragrance as combining cardamom with iris and violet, followed by a smoky wood combination of Australian sandalwood and cedarwood, with spicy, leathery and musky notes.
The fragrance profile can be summarized as:
| Fragrance Character | Santal 33 |
| Sandalwood | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cedarwood | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cardamom | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Violet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Iris | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Leather | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Musk | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Smoky woods | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall style | Woody, spicy, leathery and musky |
The opening has a cool, spicy quality from cardamom.
Violet and iris add a slightly powdery, almost papery texture.
Then the woods take over.
Sandalwood creates the creamy foundation, while cedarwood and the leathery elements make the fragrance feel much drier and more rugged than a typical sandalwood perfume.
That is the secret to Santal 33.
It smells warm and cool at the same time.
It is creamy but dry.
Woody but soft.
Smoky but clean.
Spicy but understated.
And that unusual balance is exactly what makes finding a convincing Santal 33 dupe difficult.
Why Is Santal 33 So Popular?
Santal 33 has achieved cult status because it does not smell like a conventional designer perfume.
It has an unmistakable identity.
Le Labo’s own description imagines an open fire on the American plains, with smoke drifting through the air and sandalwood, cedarwood, leather and musk creating the atmosphere.
That translates into a fragrance that feels:
Minimalist
Expensive
Modern
Woody
Slightly smoky
Unisex
Artistic
Effortlessly cool
It is also incredibly versatile.
You can wear Santal 33 with a tailored suit, jeans and a T shirt, a cashmere sweater or a leather jacket.
It works because the fragrance does not depend on sweetness or florals to make an impression.
Instead, it creates a signature through woods, spice and texture.
That is also why Santal 33 dupes are so popular.
People are not necessarily looking for another sandalwood perfume.
They are looking for that Santal 33 effect.
1. The Memry Desert Air
Best Overall Santal 33 Dupe
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
If you want the simplest answer to the question “What is the best Santal 33 dupe?”, our number one pick is The Memry Desert Air.
Inspired by Le Labo Santal 33, Desert Air is designed around the same warm, dry, and woody fragrance personality that makes the original so recognizable.
What makes it our top pick is its overall balance.
Santal 33 is not just about sandalwood.
It is the combination of spicy cardamom, powdery violet and iris, smoky woods, cedarwood, leather and musk that creates its signature character.
A good alternative therefore needs to feel like more than a generic sandalwood perfume.
Desert Air is the option we would choose if you want the complete Santal 33 experience in an inspired fragrance.
What makes Desert Air a good Santal 33 alternative?
The appeal of Santal 33 is its ability to feel rugged and polished at the same time.
It has the atmosphere of a desert campfire but somehow still smells appropriate in a minimalist city apartment.
That contrast makes it incredibly wearable.
Desert Air follows that same overall direction.
Think dry woods, warm sandalwood, a subtle smoky character and a clean, sophisticated finish.
It is the type of scent that works especially well when you want to smell expensive without wearing something sweet or overly perfumed.
The Memry Desert Air vs Santal 33
| Category | Le Labo Santal 33 | The Memry Desert Air |
| Overall fragrance style | Woody, spicy, leathery | Santal 33-inspired woody fragrance |
| Sandalwood character | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dry woody character | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spicy quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Smoky effect | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Leather character | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Everyday versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unisex appeal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall similarity | Original | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Who should buy Desert Air?
Choose The Memry Desert Air if you want:
A close Santal 33 inspired fragrance
A dry woody perfume
A sophisticated everyday scent
A warm sandalwood fragrance without excessive sweetness
A unisex fragrance
A minimalist luxury fragrance aesthetic
A more affordable way to enjoy the Santal 33 fragrance profile
The verdict
The Memry Desert Air is our number one Santal 33 dupe.
If you want the signature combination of sandalwood, dry woods, spice, smoke and leather, this is the fragrance we would try first.
2. Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances
Best Stronger and Richer Santal 33 Alternative
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1/5
The second fragrance on our list is Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances, an Extrait de Parfum explicitly inspired by Santal 33.
MOD lists Festive Dreams as a 50 ml unisex Extrait de Parfum priced at $39.99 on its product page. The brand describes it as a woody, warm and spicy fragrance for men and women.
Its fragrance pyramid is:
Top notes
Violet accord
Cardamom
Middle notes
Iris
Ambrox
Base notes
Cedarwood
Leather
Sandalwood
This is an extremely relevant note structure for anyone looking for a Santal 33 alternative.
Le Labo’s official description also highlights cardamom, iris, violet, sandalwood, cedarwood and leathery notes.
So although Festive Dreams is its own interpretation, it clearly targets the same core fragrance DNA.
Why Festive Dreams Is Worth Considering
One of the main points of interest is its concentration.
MOD lists Festive Dreams as an Extrait de Parfum, and the brand says its Extrait fragrances use a concentration of approximately 30 to 35 percent. MOD also says performance can reach six to eight hours depending on skin chemistry.
That makes Festive Dreams an option worth considering if you prefer fragrance dupes with a more concentrated formula and longer-lasting performance.
The brand also describes the fragrance as an intense interpretation of Santal 33.
Customer feedback offers some support for that description. One verified customer describes it as a close Santal 33 match with a more intense vibe, while another says it lasted more than eight hours on their skin. Another customer described it as a stronger version of Santal 33 and reported five-plus hours of wear.
As always, individual fragrance performance can vary depending on skin chemistry, climate and application.
Festive Dreams vs Santal 33
| Category | Le Labo Santal 33 | MOD Festive Dreams |
| Cardamom | ✓ | ✓ |
| Violet | ✓ | ✓ |
| Iris | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sandalwood | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cedarwood | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ambrox | Not highlighted in official description | ✓ |
| Fragrance type | Eau de Parfum | Extrait de Parfum |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
| Overall similarity | Original | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1/5 |
The inclusion of ambrox gives Festive Dreams its own interpretation while keeping the core woody, powdery and leathery direction intact.
Who should buy Festive Dreams?
Choose Festive Dreams if you want:
A strong Santal 33 inspired perfume
A richer interpretation
An Extrait de Parfum
A unisex fragrance
A woody and spicy scent
A fragrance with sandalwood and cedarwood
A fragrance designed with higher concentration
A more affordable alternative to the original
MOD currently lists Festive Dreams at $39.99 for 50 ml, with promotional pricing sometimes available on the site.
The verdict
Festive Dreams is the Santal 33 dupe to consider if you want a richer and more intense interpretation.
If you love Santal 33 but wish it projected more strongly or lasted longer on your skin, this is the one to investigate.
Shop Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances
3. Pleasure Noir No. 63 by The CLONE
Best Santal 33 Dupe for the Dry Down
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0/5
The third fragrance on our list is Pleasure Noir No. 63 by The CLONE, which is explicitly inspired by Le Labo Santal 33.
The 50 ml fragrance is currently listed at $40, reduced from $45, and the brand describes it as an Extrait de Parfum with a smooth, smoky and modern clean character.
Its main listed notes include:
Ambrox
Cardamom
Cedarwood
Orris
Sandalwood
Violet leaf
The fragrance pyramid then develops through violet and cardamom in the opening, orris, ambrox and papyrus in the heart, and cedarwood, leather and sandalwood in the base.
That makes Pleasure Noir particularly interesting for anyone who loves the dry down of Santal 33.
What makes Pleasure Noir different?
The CLONE openly acknowledges that its interpretation is slightly different from the original.
According to the brand, the opening is softer than Santal 33, while the dry down is where the two fragrances come closest.
The company says its version uses a creamier sandalwood accord and reduces the violet leaf in the opening to create a less soapy effect on warm skin.
That distinction is important.
If you love the first few minutes of Santal 33 most, another option may be more appropriate.
But if what you really love is the smooth sandalwood, cedarwood, leather and ambrox dry down, Pleasure Noir becomes very compelling.
The brand claims its dry down is approximately 92 percent similar to Santal 33, although this is a brand claim rather than an independent test.
Pleasure Noir performance
The CLONE states that Pleasure Noir lasts around eight hours on skin and often longer on cotton.
The product page also recommends it for year round wear, office settings, travel and casual evenings.
That versatility is one of its strongest selling points.
It is designed to be noticeable without dominating the room.
The brand recommends a maximum of two sprays and says applying it over unscented body lotion can extend the dry down.
Pleasure Noir vs Santal 33
| Category | Le Labo Santal 33 | Pleasure Noir No. 63 |
| Cardamom | ✓ | ✓ |
| Violet | ✓ | ✓ |
| Iris or orris character | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sandalwood | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cedarwood | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Papyrus | Associated with Santal 33 profile | ✓ |
| Ambrox | Present in fragrance profile | ✓ |
| Opening intensity | Stronger | Softer |
| Dry down similarity | Original | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall similarity | Original | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0/5 |
Who should buy Pleasure Noir?
Choose Pleasure Noir if you want:
A Santal 33 inspired fragrance
A smooth sandalwood dry down
A clean woody perfume
A softer opening
A modern unisex fragrance
A scent for work and everyday wear
A 50 ml fragrance at a lower price point
The CLONE currently lists the fragrance at $40 for 50 ml and offers a 30 day return policy on the product page.
The product page also displays more than 100 customer reviews, with 95 percent of the displayed ratings being five star ratings at the time of checking.
The verdict
Pleasure Noir No. 63 is appealing if the Santal 33 dry down is your favorite part of the original.
It is smoother and more restrained in the opening, while the sandalwood, cedarwood, leather and ambrox combination becomes the star as it develops.
Shop Pleasure Noir No. 63 by The CLONE
Santal 33 Dupes Compared
Still deciding?
Here is the quick comparison.
| Feature | Memry Desert Air | Festive Dreams | Pleasure Noir No. 63 |
| Overall similarity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sandalwood | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cedarwood | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cardamom | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Violet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Leather | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Smoky woody character | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Everyday wear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best for | Overall alternative | Richer interpretation | Dry down |
| Overall rating | 5/5 | 4.1/5 | 4.0/5 |
Which Santal 33 Dupe Smells the Closest?
If you want the simplest answer, The Memry Desert Air is our top overall Santal 33 dupe.
However, the three fragrances have different strengths.
The Memry Desert Air is the best all-around option for recreating the recognizable Santal 33 mood.
Festive Dreams has an exceptionally relevant note structure and is particularly appealing if you want a stronger Extrait interpretation.
Pleasure Noir No. 63 is especially interesting if the dry down is what you love most about Santal 33.
So if your search is specifically:
“What perfume smells most like Santal 33?”
Start with The Memry Desert Air.
If your question is:
“Which Santal 33 dupe has the closest dry down?”
Try Pleasure Noir No. 63.
And if you are asking:
“Which Santal 33 alternative is stronger?”
Festive Dreams is one option worth considering if you’re looking for a more concentrated interpretation.
Which Santal 33 Dupe Should You Buy?
Buy The Memry Desert Air if…
You want the best overall Santal 33 alternative.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It is our number one pick for the person who wants a balanced, sophisticated and easy to wear Santal 33 inspired fragrance.
Buy Festive Dreams if…
You want a stronger and richer interpretation of Santal 33.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Its Extrait de Parfum concentration and woody, warm, spicy profile make it particularly interesting for people who prioritize intensity and performance.
Buy Pleasure Noir No. 63 if…
You love the smooth woody dry down of Santal 33.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Its sandalwood, cedarwood, leather, ambrox and orris profile is especially targeted toward the part of Santal 33 that develops after the opening.
Is Le Labo Santal 33 Worth It?
If you are a fragrance collector, there is a strong argument for owning the original.
Santal 33 is not simply another sandalwood fragrance.
It has a distinctive identity that has made it one of the most recognizable modern niche perfumes.
But that does not mean everyone needs to spend luxury fragrance money on it.
Le Labo’s official fragrance description makes clear how carefully the composition is built around cardamom, iris, violet, sandalwood, cedarwood and leathery, musky notes.
If you already know you love Santal 33 and want the original bottle and formulation, it may be worth the investment.
But if you simply want the signature smell, a Santal 33 inspired perfume can be a much more accessible way to enjoy the same general fragrance direction.
That is especially true if you want an everyday bottle that you can spray generously without worrying about the cost of every spray.
What Does Santal 33 Smell Like on Skin?
The first spray is spicy and aromatic.
Cardamom creates a cool, slightly peppery effect, while violet and iris add a soft powdery quality.
Then the woods become more prominent.
Sandalwood gives the fragrance its creamy character.
Cedarwood makes it drier and more structured.
Leather adds warmth and texture.
Musk helps everything settle into a smooth skin scent.
Le Labo describes the overall effect as an open fire with soft smoke drifting through the air.
That is a surprisingly accurate way to think about it.
Santal 33 is not a sweet campfire fragrance.
It is more like the smell of warm wood, leather and smoke after the fire has burned down.
Is Santal 33 a Unisex Perfume?
Yes.
Santal 33 is a unisex fragrance and its appeal comes partly from the fact that its woody, leathery and spicy profile does not lean strongly toward a traditionally masculine or feminine fragrance category.
MOD describes Festive Dreams as unisex, while The CLONE describes Pleasure Noir as genuinely unisex.
That makes all three options especially versatile.
You do not need to shop for a “women’s Santal 33” or a “men’s Santal 33.”
If you like the smell, it works.
Is Santal 33 Good for Everyday Wear?
Absolutely.
In fact, everyday wear is one of the strongest reasons people look for Santal 33 dupes.
The fragrance is distinctive without relying on sweetness.
It works with casual clothes.
It works with office outfits.
It works with evening looks.
It works with travel.
And it works particularly well when you want to smell polished without smelling overly perfumed.
Pleasure Noir is specifically positioned by The CLONE for office, travel and casual evenings, while MOD describes Festive Dreams as suitable for men and women.
When Should You Wear Santal 33?
Santal 33 is remarkably versatile, but its warm woody character makes it especially appealing during:
Fall: The sandalwood and leather feel naturally cozy.
Winter: The smoky woods work beautifully in colder weather.
Spring: The violet and cardamom keep the fragrance from feeling too heavy.
Summer: It can work in cooler evenings, although very hot and humid weather may amplify the woody character.
Pleasure Noir specifically recommends avoiding very hot and humid summer afternoons, while positioning the fragrance as suitable for year round wear overall.
How to Make a Santal 33 Dupe Last Longer
Woody fragrances already tend to have good staying power, but application can make a difference.
Moisturize before spraying
Apply an unscented moisturizer first to give the fragrance a better surface to cling to.
Spray on pulse points
Try the neck, chest and wrists.
Do not rub the fragrance
Let it dry naturally.
Spray clothing carefully
Wool, cotton and other fabrics can hold fragrance for longer than skin. Always test a small hidden area first.
Give the fragrance time
Santal 33 is a fragrance that develops.
Do not decide whether you love an alternative based only on the first few seconds.
The opening can be sharper and more aromatic, while the dry down becomes smoother, warmer and more woody.
Why Santal 33 Dupes Are So Popular
The appeal of a Santal 33 dupe is simple.
You get access to one of the most recognizable fragrance profiles in modern perfumery without necessarily paying the price of the original.
And because Santal 33 is an everyday friendly scent, that can make an inspired fragrance especially appealing.
You can keep the original for special occasions.
You can wear the dupe every day.
Or you can simply decide that the alternative fits your budget and style better.
There is no wrong choice.
The important thing is finding a fragrance that gives you the dry sandalwood, smoky woods, cardamom, violet and leather effect you actually love.
Final Verdict: The Best Santal 33 Dupes
Santal 33 is famous for a reason.
Its combination of cardamom, violet, iris, sandalwood, cedarwood, leather and musk creates one of the most recognizable woody fragrance profiles around.
But you do not necessarily have to buy the original to enjoy that aesthetic.
These are our three picks.
1. The Memry Desert Air
⭐ 5/5
Best overall Santal 33 dupe
The fragrance we would choose if you want the most balanced alternative and the full Santal 33 mood.
You want the most affordable option without compromising on quality.
You want the scent to last 8-12 hours.
You want matching scents across body oils, body lotions, hand washes, and body washes. They are the only ones who provide that.
You want a Santal 33-inspired fragrance that can become an everyday signature.
2. Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances
⭐ 4.1/5
2nd Best for a stronger interpretation
A woody, warm and spicy Extrait with violet, cardamom, iris, ambrox, cedarwood, leather and sandalwood.
3. Pleasure Noir No. 63 by The CLONE
⭐ 4.0/5
Best for the Santal 33 dry down
A smooth, smoky and modern clean fragrance built around violet, cardamom, orris, ambrox, papyrus, cedarwood, leather and sandalwood.
If you have been searching for the best Santal 33 dupe, start with The Memry Desert Air.
If you want something stronger and richer, try Festive Dreams.
And if what you really love is the creamy sandalwood and woody dry down, Pleasure Noir No. 63 is the one to put on your list.
Because the best Santal 33 alternative is not necessarily the one with the most notes in common.
It is the one that gives you that unmistakable feeling of warm sandalwood, dry woods, soft smoke and effortless cool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santal 33 Dupes
What is the best Santal 33 dupe?
The Memry Desert Air is our top overall pick for the best Santal 33 dupe. Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances and Pleasure Noir No. 63 by The CLONE are also strong alternatives.
What perfume smells like Le Labo Santal 33?
The Memry Desert Air, Festive Dreams and Pleasure Noir No. 63 are all Santal 33-inspired fragrances, with The Memry Desert Air standing out as our top overall pick. All three focus on the woody, spicy, sandalwood, violet and leather character associated with the original.
What are the notes in Santal 33?
Le Labo describes Santal 33 as combining cardamom, iris, violet, Australian sandalwood, cedarwood and spicy, leathery and musky notes.
What does Santal 33 smell like?
Santal 33 smells dry, woody, spicy, leathery, smoky and slightly powdery. Cardamom and violet create the opening, while sandalwood, cedarwood, leather and musk create the signature warm woody character.
Is Santal 33 a unisex fragrance?
Yes. Santal 33 is a unisex fragrance and its woody, spicy and leathery composition is designed to work across genders.
Is there an affordable Santal 33 dupe?
Yes. Memry Desert Air, Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances and Pleasure Noir No. 63 by The CLONE are three alternatives to explore if you love Santal 33 but want a more affordable option.
Which Santal 33 dupe has the closest dry down?
Pleasure Noir No. 63 is particularly focused on the Santal 33 dry down. The CLONE says its opening is softer than the original, while the dry down is where the fragrances come closest.
Is Festive Dreams similar to Santal 33?
Yes. MOD Fragrances explicitly describes Festive Dreams as inspired by Santal 33. Its notes include violet accord, cardamom, iris, ambrox, cedarwood, leather and sandalwood, creating a fragrance profile that closely follows the key elements of Santal 33.
Is Pleasure Noir No. 63 similar to Santal 33?
Yes. The CLONE explicitly describes Pleasure Noir No. 63 as inspired by Le Labo Santal 33. Its listed notes include cardamom, violet, orris, ambrox, papyrus, cedarwood, leather and sandalwood.
Which Santal 33 dupe lasts the longest?
MOD says Festive Dreams is designed as a long lasting Extrait de Parfum and reports six to eight plus hours depending on skin chemistry. The CLONE says Pleasure Noir lasts around eight hours on skin and often longer on cotton. Actual performance varies by person, climate and application.
Is Santal 33 good for everyday wear?
Yes. Its woody, spicy and unisex profile makes it versatile enough for everyday use, including work, travel and casual occasions.
Is Santal 33 worth the price?
That depends on what you value. The original offers the authentic Le Labo formulation and brand experience. If you mainly want the recognizable scent profile, an inspired perfume can be a much more affordable option.
Where can I buy a Santal 33 dupe?
You can shop Festive Dreams by MOD Fragrances or Pleasure Noir No. 63 by The CLONE through their product pages.
The Memry Desert Air is our number one pick in this comparison.
