Santal 33 by Le Labo is a Woody Aromatic fragrance for women and men, launched in 2011 and created by perfumer Frank Voelkl.

Dry, woody, leathery, and unmistakably distinctive, Santal 33 is built around a powerful interpretation of sandalwood, surrounded by rugged leather, papyrus, cedarwood, aromatic cardamom, powdery iris, violet, and warm amber.

Rather than presenting sandalwood as purely creamy or sweet, Santal 33 gives it a much drier personality. Sandalwood and Virginia cedar create the woody backbone, while papyrus adds an unusual dry, earthy texture. Leather brings a rugged warmth that gives the fragrance its instantly recognizable edge.

Cardamom adds aromatic spice and brightness, cutting through the heavier woods with a cool, subtly green freshness. Violet and iris introduce a softer contrast, adding powdery floral nuances that smooth the composition without making it traditionally floral.

As it settles into the skin, amber adds warmth beneath the woods, leather, and powdery florals. The result is minimalist yet incredibly textured—dry woods, warm skin, soft leather, spice, and a subtle creamy undertone all existing at once.

THE SCENT PROFILE

Sandalwood — Creamy • Dry • Woody • Warm • Smooth
The signature of Santal 33. Sandalwood provides a smooth woody richness, but here it feels considerably drier and more rugged than the sweet, creamy sandalwood found in many traditional compositions.

Leather — Rugged • Dry • Warm • Smoky
Adds attitude and depth to the sandalwood. The leather isn't overly polished or sweet—it has a rawer, worn-in character that contributes to the fragrance's distinctive personality.

Papyrus — Dry • Earthy • Woody • Slightly Smoky
One of the notes that makes Santal 33 so recognizable. Papyrus introduces an intensely dry, almost parchment-like woodiness with earthy and subtly smoky facets.

Virginia Cedar — Dry • Pencil-Wood • Aromatic • Structured
Sharpens the sandalwood with a cleaner, drier woody character, giving the fragrance structure and reinforcing its minimalist feel.

Cardamom — Aromatic • Spicy • Cool • Slightly Green
Adds a fresh aromatic lift to the heavier woods. Its cool spice provides contrast and keeps the composition from becoming overly dense.

Violet — Powdery • Soft • Floral • Slightly Green
Introduces a delicate floral softness with a subtle green character, creating an interesting contrast against the dry leather and woods.

Iris — Powdery • Elegant • Smooth • Velvety
Adds refinement and texture, creating a soft powdery layer that rounds out some of the sharper woody and leathery edges.

Amber — Warm • Smooth • Resinous • Enveloping
Provides warmth beneath the entire composition, helping the sandalwood, leather, and florals settle into a smoother, more skin-like drydown.

FRAGRANCE NOTES

MAIN NOTES
Sandalwood
Leather
Papyrus
Virginia Cedar
Cardamom
Violet
Iris
Amber

Overall Scent: Woody • Sandalwood • Leathery • Dry • Aromatic • Powdery • Warm • Spicy

Santal 33 is sandalwood with an edge. Creamy woods are stripped of excessive sweetness and surrounded by dry cedar, earthy papyrus, worn leather, and aromatic cardamom. Powdery iris and violet soften the composition just enough, while amber leaves warmth lingering underneath.

The result is dry, rugged, smooth, and effortlessly unisex—a modern woody fragrance with a scent profile that has become instantly recognizable.

Dry sandalwood. Worn leather. Aromatic spice. Warm skin.

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