I’ve experienced several times when spraying my cologne that it smells similar to the one my friend uses. When I asked what perfume he was wearing, I was shocked to find out it’s not the same. What’s even more surprising and a bit disheartening is that his perfume is much cheaper than the one I use! There are also instances where the same perfume is used, but their perfume lasts longer, and the scent’s impact feels different.
Many fragrances smell strikingly similar due to these reasons related to scent. Now, you will discover what these reasons are.
Table of Contents
1. Shared Ingredients and Notes
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “notes” in perfumery, it refers to the individual components or ingredients that make up a fragrance. These include floral, fruity, woody, and musky components.
The following notes are mass appealing, which is why they are commonly used in popular fragrances.
- Vanilla
- Sandalwood
- Bergamot
Now, these notes are loved by consumers, and many brands tap into these ingredients which is also the reason why they end up smelling the same.
Another example is colognes that are citrus-based, often relying on bergamot as the top note. Similarly, gourmand scents frequently feature vanilla and tonka bean, creating comparable sweet aromas.
2. Industry Duplication and Trends (Inspired, Dupes & Clones)
When Pierre Bourdon released Davidoff’s Cool Water in 1988 as a fresh aquatic scent, other brands quickly developed similar fragrances to meet the demand. This practice is known as “inspiration,” or “duplication.” It allows brands to compete without reinventing the wheel.
In some cases, “dupes” are intentionally crafted to mimic high-end perfumes but are sold at more affordable prices just like clones. These often use a similar blend of notes to achieve a nearly identical scent. I frequently encounter this with many Middle Eastern fragrances, which, surprisingly, often perform better than the original scents they imitate.
To give you an example of what dupes or clones are, here are some popular brands and perfume houses with scents you might not know have been replicated.
| Designer/Niche | Dupes/Clones |
| Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male | Afnan 9pm |
| Dior Sauvage EDT | Prada Carbon / Al Rehab Officer |
| Dior Sauvage Elixir | Lattafa Perfumes Asad |
| YSL Y Edp | Lattafa Fakhar |
| Creed Aventus | Armaf Club de Nuit intense man |
| Creed Green Irish Tweed | Armaf Tres Nuit |
| By Kilian Angels’ Share | Lattafa Perfumes Khamrah |
| Parfums de Marly Layton | Al Haramain Perfumes Détour Noir |
| Amouage Interlude Man | Afnan Supremacy Incense |
| Baccarat Rouge 540 | Club de nuit Untold |
Be careful when buying perfumes, as some counterfeit and fake ones exist. Learn how to tell if perfume is fake and why many scents smell alike to us.
3. Limited Raw Materials
While the perfume industry boasts thousands of ingredients, the most commonly used materials are surprisingly limited. Natural ingredients like jasmine, rose, and patchouli are staples, and synthetic compounds such as iso e super (a woody note) or ambroxan (a warm, musky note) are used in many formulas. The repetition of these materials often results in fragrances that smell alike, even if created by different brands.
4. Nose Perception and Scent Memory
Our perception of scents is deeply influenced by memory and personal experiences. Research indicates that when two fragrances share a dominant note, such as lavender or citrus, they can evoke similar memories, leading individuals to perceive them as nearly identical. This phenomenon is due to the brain’s tendency to associate specific scents with past experiences, making scent perception highly subjective.
For instance, a study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience discusses how olfactory memory networks, from emotional learning to social behaviors, play a crucial role in how we perceive and differentiate scents.
5. Designer vs. Niche Perfumes
Mass-market designer perfumes are made to appeal to a wide audience, often resulting in safe and familiar scent profiles. If you’re new to the perfume world, designer perfumes are usually the best place to start. On the other hand, niche brands focus on creating unique and bold compositions, which often stray from mainstream trends. This is why niche perfumes are less likely to smell like popular colognes.
Many niche perfumes are strong, and striking, and can feel overwhelming if you’re not used to them. Exploring niche fragrances requires an open mind and patience to find the ones that truly resonate with you.
Topic You Might Like: How to Smell Good and Stay Fresh All Day
6. Reformulations and Licensing
Fragrance reformulations and shared licensing agreements also contribute to the similarity. Sometimes, a brand may reformulate its scent or sell the rights to another company, leading to fragrances that closely resemble one another under different names.
How to Find a Truly Unique Scent
If you’re tired of perfumes and colognes that smell alike, consider these tips:
- Explore Niche Brands: Niche perfumers prioritize unique, artistic compositions over mass appeal.
- Experiment with Layering: Combine two or more scents to create a signature fragrance.
- Research Notes: Look for perfumes with unusual or rare ingredients like oud, saffron, or seaweed.
Some perfumes and colognes may smell similar, but knowing why can help you appreciate the art of fragrance more. Whether you prefer familiar scents or unique ones, there’s a perfect fragrance out there for everyone.
Jessie Bongolo
