Whether it’s the best scented candles, women’s perfumes, or men’s colognes, we’re on a perpetual quest for fragrances that defy the ordinary and celebrate the extraordinary.
Enter: Le Labo.
This Brooklyn-based perfume brand, founded in 2006 by former L’Oréal French executives Fabrice Penot and Eddie Roschi, is an intoxicating blend of French soul and New York spirit, offering a modern twist on traditional scents.
Le Labo, translating to ‘The Lab’ in French, is continually reinventing and innovating to create scent-sational (sorry we had to) fragrances that have a high concentration of oil (meaning they last longer), are completely vegan, and pay respect to Mother Nature through nostalgic aromas, masterfully crafted to evoke vivid landscapes.
When it comes to bottling, the brand is equally alluring.
Personalized labels speak to Le Labo’s innate desire to celebrate individualities. Eco-conscious refills address the brand’s commitment to protecting the planet. And each fragrance’s name ends with a number that signifies the count of notes and ingredients used, highlighting the idea that every element is carefully considered and thoughtfully chosen.
Re-(scentering) and reviving, join us as we explore the realm of Le Labo’s soul-stirring scents.
Which one speaks (most) to you?
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? As luxury enthusiasts and highly discerning individuals, our expert team at Luxe Digital has years of experience unearthing soul-stirring essentials.
For this article, we researched Le Labo’s most popular fragrances, reading through hundreds of unbiased reviews to get an idea of which are most loved by many. Once we had an idea of public opinion, we tried samples for ourselves in order to decide which would receive our sought-after stamp of approval.
For more on how we test products in general, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxuries.
Our favorite Le Labo fragrances
Santal 33
Santal 33: you may not know the name, but you’ve definitely smelt it. Somewhere between unknown and ubiquitous, Le Labo Santal 33 is the not-so-secret scent of every chic person you know, Justin Bieber and Ryan Reynolds included.
The signature scent is a captivating blend of warm, woody notes and rich, spicy undertones. Reminiscent of sharing folklore around an open fire, the long-lasting unisex fragrance features a sophisticated mix of sandalwood, cedarwood and cardamom, complemented by subtle hints of violet and leather.
The Santal 33 perfume exudes an aura of rugged elegance and earthy charm, perfect for the urban individual who loves to venture into open spaces and wild frontiers.
| Smells like: | The serenity of smoke floating through a dense forest at dusk. |
| Scent family: | Woody |
Another 13
Another 13 perfume by Le Labo is an enigmatic, modern fragrance, crafted in collaboration with AnOther Magazine.
Conceived as a unique artistic expression, it embodies a fusion of ambroxan—a synthetic animal musk—with twelve other ingredients, including jasmine, moss, and ambrette seeds. The scent is clean and musky, with a hint of green freshness, evoking urban sophistication.
Androgynous and contemporary, Another 13 is created for anyone seeking a hypnotizing scent, instantly recognizable to those who know you best.
| Smells like: | A secret whispered in a musky, moonlit garden. |
| Scent family: | Musky |
Thé Noir 29
Celebrating the freshness of the noble leaf, Thé Noir 29 evokes the deep, lingering aroma of a twilight stroll through a lush, ancient forest.
This scent is a complex blend of black tea leaves, bergamot, fig, cedarwood, vetiver, and musk, creating a sophisticated, layered profile. It exudes a sense of timeless elegance and introspective warmth, reminiscent of the serene, mysterious allure of shaded woods.
Thé Noir 29 is suited for those who appreciate a nuanced, woody fragrance with a hint of enigmatic nighttime whimsy.
| Smells like: | A lingering conversation over a cup of black tea in an ancient library. |
| Scent family: | Woody |
Thé Matcha 26
Matcha 26 draws its inspiration from the serene, ritualistic world of matcha tea ceremonies.
This scent captures the delicate balance of the fresh, earthy aroma of matcha powder with subtle hints of creamy, sweet elements. Infused with notes of green tea, cedarwood, and lime, it creates a soothing yet invigorating olfactory experience.
Perfect for those who appreciate a fragrance that embodies tranquility and mindfulness, Matcha 26 is a tribute to the calm elegance of Japanese tea traditions.
| Smells like: | Introspective morning meditations in a zen garden. |
| Scent family: | Fresh |
Rose 31
Rose 31 by Le Labo redefines traditional floral fragrances with a bold, unisex twist.
The unconventional perfume exudes a personality of confident sophistication, blending the classic, romantic essence of Grasse rose with warm, spicy, and woody notes. Infused with cumin, cedar, and musk, it transforms the delicate rose into something more edgy and intriguing.
Rose 31 suits those who embrace both their softer, floral side and a daring, assertive character, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of wearers.
| Smells like: | A daring dance amongst rose bushes. |
| Scent family: | Floral |
Bergamote 22
Bergamote 22, often nicknamed “the firework,” stands out for its exceptional blend of freshness and depth.
The Le Labo fragrance uniquely combines the sunny, sparkling notes of bergamot with the warmth of amber, musk, and vetiver. The scent is vibrant and effervescent, reminiscent of a sun-kissed citrus grove with a smoky, woody undertone.
Sensual and sophisticated, the Le Labo unisex fragrance is ideal for the height of Summer.
| Smells like: | A vibrant sunrise over citrus plantations. |
| Scent family: | Citrus |
Tonka 25
Tonka 25 is a sophisticated and warm fragrance inspired by the aromatic Tonka bean. It combines the sweet, nutty, and vanilla-like notes of Tonka with cedar, orange flower, and musk to create a distinctively dark olfactory experience.
This Le Labo scent is reminiscent of a cozy, comforting embrace, making it ideal for fall and winter evenings. It’s perfect for individuals who appreciate a rich, gourmand scent with a touch of woody depth.
Wear it for a romantic dinner or when you want to feel enveloped in a sensuous, luxurious aroma that lingers long after you leave.
| Smells like: | A warm cup of coffee with homemade vanilla cookies in Winter. |
| Scent family: | Oriental |
Baie 19
Baie 19 is an intriguing fragrance inspired by the Latin word “baie,” meaning “berry.” It combines the freshness of berries with floral notes and green undertones.
While the tangy sweetness of juniper berry infused with earthy patchouli is the prominent note, the Le Labo fragrance is also crisp and fresh with hints of Petrichor—an earthy post-rain aroma reminiscent of the tiny dew drops twinkling on the end of lush green leaves at dawn.
Baie 19 is perfect for individuals who seek a nature-inspired, uplifting fragrance that evokes the spirit of childhood adventure and secret fairy gardens.
| Smells like: | An ethereal fairy garden kissed by morning dew. |
| Scent family: | Fresh |
Lavande 31
Lavande 31 challenges preconceived notions of lavender fragrances with its bold and unconventional approach.
Unlike your traditional lavender scent sachet, the Le Labo perfume offers a unique blend of lavender, woody notes and spices, creating an edgy aromatic experience. By infusing the calming purple flower with dirty, musky, tonka notes, the fragrance alludes to a hint of sensuality and mystique.
Perfect for multifaceted individuals who prefer to remain unpredictable, Lavande 31 is a blend of complementary contradictions.
| Smells like: | A lavender field lit up by the mystery of the midnight moon. |
| Scent family: | Aromatic |
Patchouli 24
Patchouli 24 by Le Labo is a fragrance that defies expectations with its daring interpretation of patchouli.
Rather than the traditional earthiness, it offers a smoky, leathery blend of patchouli and birch tar. This unexpected twist creates a scent that’s both intense and alluring, while subtle hints of vanilla infuse the scent with peace and tranquility.
Exuding a unique warmth and bold sensuality, Patchouli 24 is ideal for celebratory evenings.
| Smells like: | Leather jackets and late-night cigars. |
| Scent family: | Woody |
Ylang 49
The allure of Ylang 49 lies in its unique ability to express floral compositions as more than just flowers. By allowing patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver, sandalwood and benzoin to balance and complete the aroma of the ylang-ylang flower, the Le Labo fragrance reveals a new depth and understanding of floral bouquets.
It combines the elegance of ylang-ylang with a complex medley of spices and woods, exuding mysterious confidence and seductive sensuality.
Ylang 49 is perfect for those who appreciate sophisticated and versatile scent profiles that can be worn both day and night.
| Smells like: | A festive table laden with florals and spices. |
| Scent family: | Floral |
Frequently asked questions about Le Labo fragrances
Santal 33 by Le Labo gained popularity for its unique, unisex blend of smoky, woody notes and spicy cardamom, creating a distinct, memorable scent. Its versatility and long-lasting aroma appeal to a wide audience, evoking a sense of rugged sophistication. Its widespread acclaim is bolstered by celebrity endorsements and a strong presence in high-end hotels and fashion circles.
Le Labo is renowned for its artisanal approach to perfumery, emphasizing handcrafted, fresh-blended fragrances with unique, unconventional scents. Famous for its personalized customer experience, including custom labeling, the brand stands out for its ethical practices and sustainable sourcing. Signature fragrances like Santal 33 have garnered a cult following, further cementing Le Labo’s status in the luxury fragrance world.
Le Labo’s most sold perfume is Santal 33. It has gained a cult following for its distinctive, unisex blend of smoky wood and spicy notes.
Santal 33 by Le Labo is a favorite among various celebrities, including Justin Bieber, Alexa Chung, and Ryan Reynolds. Its unique, unisex appeal and distinct, memorable scent have made it a popular choice in famous circles.
