Equivalent fragrances: what they are and why they are not the same thing

An equivalent perfume is a fragrance inspired by a famous perfume and designed to resemble it, sold under a different name and at a lower price. It is not a fake, because it does not imitate the brand, but it is not the same perfume either: the raw materials, composition, and evolution on the skin are different.

We do not sell equivalents, but we are often asked for them. Here is how we respond, with honesty.

Equivalent, fake, original

• Original: the perfume created by the maison, with its name and its bottle.
• Equivalent: a different perfume that claims to resemble another. Legal, as long as it does not use the name and brand of the original.
• Fake: an imitation that copies the name, bottle, and packaging. Illegal, and often made with uncontrolled ingredients.

Why it is not the same thing

A perfume is not just its scent in the first few minutes. It is how it changes over the hours, how long it lasts, and what it leaves on your clothes the next day. An equivalent may resemble the opening, but the heart and base are usually different because the raw materials are different. We talk about this in top, heart, and base notes.

If you are looking for something similar to a perfume you love

There is an alternative to an equivalent: an original perfume from the same family that you like on its own. This is what we do on our "if you love" pages, where we start with a well-known perfume and suggest similar niche perfumes. The method is explained in from commercial to niche.

How to choose

• If you want that perfume, buy that perfume from an authorized retailer.
• If you like its style, look for an original from the same family.
• If the price is the problem, try a sample or a smaller size.

Frequently asked questions

What are perfumes similar to originals called?

They are called equivalents, or by the English word "dupe". They are different perfumes that claim to resemble a famous one.

Are equivalent perfumes legal?

Yes, as long as they do not use the name, bottle, or brand of the original. When they copy them, they are fakes.

How do I find a perfume similar to the one I love?

Start with its fragrance family and the notes you like, then try two or three original perfumes from that family. In the boutique, we often do this, starting with the name of your perfume.