During a time of premium luxury perfumes, not many have hit the mark quite like Le Labo's Santal 33.  The perfume has been released in 2011. A fragrance that is waxy-woody, unisex and lacks a boundary, a frontier spirit of the West America. But exactly What Is Santal 33? Explain the notes, the media attention and whether this is worth the hype or not, from its exotic sandalwood scent to its controversial “pickle juice” quirk.

The Inspiration Behind Santal 33

Santal 33 by Le Labo was developed in order to capture the atmosphere of the American West. It was conceived by open deserters, worn leather, smoke from camp fires and rugged freedom. 

Fragrance Family

• Woody

• Leathery

• Smoky

• Unisex

Unlike many traditional designer fragrances, Santal 33 avoids obvious sweetness and instead focuses on dry woods, spices, and warm musk.

Santal 33 Notes Explained

One reason Santal 33 feels so distinctive is its layered composition.

Top Notes

• Cardamom

• Violet accord

• Cedar

The opening smells spicy, dry, and slightly green.

Heart Notes

• Australian sandalwood

• Papyrus

This is where the creamy woody texture begins to develop.

Base Notes

• Leather

• Musk

• Ambrox

The dry-down becomes warmer, smoother, and more sensual over time.

What Does Santal 33 Smell Like?

Santal 33 is difficult to compare to mainstream fragrances because of its unusual balance between smokiness and soft woods.

The Opening

At first spray, some people notice:

• Smoky cedar

• Dry spice

• Herbal sharpness

Others immediately detect the famous “pickle juice” effect caused by the combination of violet, cedar, and cardamom.

The Dry-Down

After 20–30 minutes, a soft sandalwood, leather and musky warmth will enrich the fragrance, making it smoother and creamier. 

The overall vibe feels like:

• A worn leather jacket

• A smoky library

• Minimalist urban luxury

Why Santal 33 Became So Popular

Celebrity Influence

The recent attention Santal 33 has garnered comes from the fact that it's worn by celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Frank Ocean, and Emma Roberts. 

Minimalist Luxury Appeal

The apothecary-style bottles and custom made labels of Le Labo gave a sense of "exclusivity". 

Strong Performance

Santal 33 remains popular because it performs extremely well.

• Longevity: 10–12 hours

• Projection: Strong and noticeable

• Best seasons: Fall and winter

Even a few sprays can last all day on clothing and skin.

The "Pickle Juice" Controversy

• Why?
  The violet, cardamom as well as cedar mix smells like dill to some people, which has sparked debate over the Santal 33 pickle juice debate.

• The reality:
  The chemical makeup of skin differs. Some people have pure smoky sandalwood, while in other cases, the dill fading occurs in minutes.

• Tips:
  Apply the spray to your clothes to avoid the first medicinal note and to enjoy the smooth dry-down.

Who Should Wear Santal 33?

Santal 33 works best for people who enjoy:

• Bold woody fragrances

• Smoky and leathery scents

• Long-lasting niche perfumes

• Minimalist luxury aesthetics

It’s especially popular for:

• Evening outings

• Creative environments

• Concerts and nightlife

• Cold-weather wear

The Final Verdict

What is Santal 33? It is not just smell, but rather a cultural icon. Smoke, leather accents, and sweet sandalwood turn it into a typical Le Labo signature scent.

• If you are looking for a powerful, lasting, signature scent that has sharpness.

• Avoid it if sweet flowers are your style or you're averse to odd openings.

At FragranceLord, test it for yourself risk-free by using the Le Labo Discovery Set, featuring Santal 33 as well as the other four scents.