Alternatives
Perfumes that smell like Opium
Opium by Yves Saint Laurent (1977) is built around Mandarin, Plum, Clove, Jasmine. Here are the ten perfumes in our encyclopedia that come closest, with what each one shares and what sets it apart.
« Clove, dark plum and warm resins: an oriental that never asks permission. »
- 1
Chanel · 1984
Coco
Shared notes: Mandarin, Jasmine, Rose, Clove, Sandalwood. What differs: Peach, Coriander, Tonka Bean. Same family (Oriental Spicy).
- 2
Givenchy · 1991
Amarige
Shared notes: Mandarin, Plum, Jasmine, Carnation, Vanilla. What differs: Peach, Neroli, Violet.
- 3
Calvin Klein · 1986
Obsession for Men
Shared notes: Mandarin, Carnation, Amber, Vanilla, Sandalwood. What differs: Lavender, Bergamot, Lime. Same family (Oriental Spicy). Positioned as Masculine.
- 4
Guy Laroche · 1966
Fidji
Shared notes: Carnation, Rose, Clove, Jasmine, Sandalwood. What differs: Galbanum, Ylang-Ylang, Tuberose.
- 5
Kenzo · 1996
Kenzo Jungle L'Éléphant
Shared notes: Clove, Mandarin, Vanilla, Amber. What differs: Cardamom, Cumin, Ylang-Ylang. Same family (Oriental Spicy).
- 6
Rochas · 1987
Byzance
Shared notes: Mandarin, Carnation, Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood. What differs: Aldehydes, Cardamom, Basil.
- 7
Mauboussin · 2000
Mauboussin (femme)
Shared notes: Plum, Mandarin, Jasmine, Rose, Amber. What differs: Bergamot, Ylang-Ylang, White Peach.
- 8
Van Cleef & Arpels · 1987
Gem
Shared notes: Plum, Rose, Jasmine, Clove, Amber. What differs: Peach, Cypress, Cardamom.
- 9
Cartier · 1981
Must de Cartier
Shared notes: Jasmine, Rose, Carnation, Vanilla, Amber. What differs: Galbanum, Bergamot, Green Mandarin.
- 10
Montana · 1986
Parfum de Peau
Shared notes: Plum, Rose, Jasmine, Carnation, Sandalwood. What differs: Marigold, Peach, Black Currant.
Frequently asked questions
Which perfume smells most like Opium?
Based on our analysis of fragrance pyramids, Coco by Chanel is the closest: it shares 6 notes with Opium, including Mandarin, Jasmine, Rose.
What is an alternative to Opium from another house?
Coco (Chanel, 1984) picks up Mandarin, Jasmine, Rose in a different interpretation.
How is this ranking built?
We compare the top, heart and base notes of every perfume. Rare notes weigh more than very common ones like musk or bergamot; olfactory family and gender refine the score. Nothing replaces trying it on skin.