A perfume dupe is a lower-priced fragrance made to smell like a well-known designer or niche perfume. Dupe brands study the scent of the original and then build their own formula that gives a similar result.
Dupe, clone, or “inspired by”?
People use these words in almost the same way. “Clone” often means a very close copy. “Inspired by” often means the dupe shares the main idea but changes some notes. On this site, we call all of them dupes, and we give each one a similarity score.
Why are dupes so much cheaper?
Much of the price of a designer perfume pays for the brand: advertising, celebrity campaigns, shop space and packaging. A dupe brand does not have these costs, so it can sell for much less.
Are dupes as good as the original?
Sometimes they are very close. Often the opening smells almost the same, but the dry-down is simpler, or the scent does not last as long. That is why we rate similarity and longevity separately, and we say when a dupe is weaker than the original.
Are dupes legal?
In most countries, a scent itself is not protected. But a brand name, logo and bottle design are protected. A legal dupe is sold under its own name and in its own bottle. We do not list fakes that copy the original brand name or packaging.
How to choose a good dupe
- Compare the price per ml, not the bottle price.
- Check the concentration. An Eau de Parfum usually lasts longer than an Eau de Toilette.
- Read what is different, not only what is the same.
- If you can, buy a small size or sample first.