Le Labo

Le Labo is an artisanal fragrance house founded in 2006 by Eddie Roschi and Fabrice Penot, known for its minimalist, high-quality fragrances and personalized approach to perfumery. With a focus on craftsmanship, Le Labo has gained a cult following for its unisex, straightforward scents that often highlight single notes or simple compositions, yet unfold with depth and complexity. Le Labo places an emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and authenticity, with each fragrance freshly hand-blended upon purchase and labeled with the customer’s name, creating a personalized experience.

Brand Concept and Signature Style

Le Labo fragrances are designed with a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the raw ingredients to shine. Each scent is named after its main note and the number of ingredients used in its formula, like Santal 33 or Rose 31. This pared-back approach makes Le Labo scents versatile and wearable, but the brand’s use of high-quality ingredients and artisanal production methods ensures that each fragrance has a unique, memorable character. Le Labo’s compositions often balance woody, floral, and smoky notes, creating unisex scents that feel both modern and timeless.

Notable Fragrances and Their Appeal

  1. Santal 33

    • Santal 33 is Le Labo’s most famous fragrance and has become an icon of modern perfumery. This scent centers around sandalwood, combined with notes of cedar, cardamom, leather, and musk. It’s warm, smoky, and slightly spicy, with a smooth, creamy quality that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Santal 33 is known for its versatility and ability to adapt to the wearer’s skin, making it an easy choice for both men and women.
    • Best For: Day or evening wear; ideal for those who enjoy woody, smoky scents that are both distinctive and approachable.

  2. Rose 31

    • Rose 31 redefines the classic rose scent with a darker, more complex approach, combining rose with spicy, woody, and musky notes. The fragrance includes cedarwood, cumin, and oud, giving it an earthy, slightly animalic edge. The rose here is not overly sweet or floral; instead, it’s raw, dry, and sophisticated, with a hint of spice.
    • Best For: Year-round wear, especially for fans of unconventional florals who appreciate a unique twist on rose.

  3. Another 13

    • Created in collaboration with Another Magazine, Another 13 is an unusual, clean, musky scent. It features Ambroxan, a synthetic musk that’s subtle and skin-like, combined with moss, jasmine, and ambrette seed. The result is a fragrance that’s fresh, slightly fruity, and delicate, with an intimate quality that’s more about creating a “second-skin” effect than projecting a strong sillage.
    • Best For: Everyday wear; suitable for those who prefer light, subtle scents that feel personal and understated.

  4. Thé Noir 29

    • Thé Noir 29 is an aromatic tea fragrance with notes of black tea, fig, bay leaves, and tobacco. This scent is both smoky and green, with a slight sweetness from the fig that balances the darker notes. It has a mysterious, sophisticated quality that feels meditative and grounding, making it a unique and versatile choice in Le Labo’s lineup.
    • Best For: Day or evening wear, perfect for anyone who enjoys aromatic, smoky scents with a fresh undertone.

  5. Bergamote 22

    • Bergamote 22 is a bright, citrus-forward scent with a balance of floral and woody notes. Featuring bergamot, grapefruit, vetiver, and musk, it’s fresh, slightly sweet, and refreshing, with a warmth that emerges as it dries down. This fragrance is light, uplifting, and perfect for warmer weather, embodying a relaxed, carefree spirit.
    • Best For: Spring and summer wear; ideal for those who love fresh citrus scents with a woody, elegant finish.

Key Characteristics of Le Labo Fragrances

  • Minimalist and Unisex: Le Labo’s scents are designed to be unisex, with minimalist compositions that emphasize high-quality raw ingredients and straightforward olfactory themes.
  • Sustainability and Transparency: Le Labo’s commitment to eco-friendliness includes refillable bottles, eco-conscious packaging, and a transparent approach to ingredient sourcing.
  • Artisanal Craftsmanship: Each fragrance is blended fresh upon purchase, with personalized labels that make each bottle feel like a unique, custom piece.

Overall Impression

Le Labo has made a significant impact in the niche fragrance world by offering high-quality, thoughtfully crafted scents that are both accessible and artisanal. With standout releases like Santal 33 and Rose 31, the brand has redefined classic fragrance categories and won over a diverse following. Le Labo’s scents are versatile and memorable, often highlighting unexpected twists on familiar notes, making them suitable for both casual wear and special occasions. Le Labo remains a top choice for fragrance lovers who appreciate a minimalist, sustainable, and high-quality approach to perfumery.