Le Labo Santal 33vsLe Labo Another 13
Complete comparison guide to help you choose between these two fragrances.
Quick Verdict
Santal 33 is the fragrance that launched a thousand pickles - a creamy, leathery sandalwood that became so ubiquitous in NYC elevators it achieved meme status. Another 13 is Le Labo's collab with AnOther Magazine - a musky, woody skin scent that's more subtle. Santal 33 is the bolder signature scent; Another 13 is the "your skin but better" experience. Both are excellent niche fragrances, but Santal 33's distinctiveness makes it more memorable while Another 13 is more versatile.
Side-by-Side Overview
Le Labo
Santal 33
Le Labo
Another 13
Scent Profile Comparison
Santal 33
Santal 33 opens with violet leaf and cardamom, but the star quickly emerges: a creamy, leathery sandalwood that's been described as "pickles" by some (the violet leaf's green quality). It's polarizing but unforgettable. The heart features Australian sandalwood, papyrus, and cedarwood - dry, creamy, and distinctive. The dry-down adds iris, leather, and white musk for lasting complexity. Performance is excellent at 8-10 hours with moderate projection.
Another 13
Another 13 is built around ambroxan (like Molecule 01 and Sauvage) but with more complexity. The opening is subtle - mossy, musky, slightly animalistic. It's hard to describe because it's more about texture than distinct notes. The heart features jasmine and ambrette, adding organic warmth. The dry-down is your skin elevated: musky, clean, slightly animalic in the best way. Performance is excellent at 8-10+ hours as a skin scent.
Key Differences
Santal 33 is distinctive and recognizable - you smell like Santal 33. Another 13 is subtle and personal - you smell like yourself but better. Santal 33 has stronger projection and more presence. Another 13 sits closer and rewards intimacy. Santal 33 polarizes people (the pickle note); Another 13 is more universally pleasant. Both are equally good quality; the choice is about how much you want to stand out.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Santal 33
Choose Santal 33 if you want a distinctive signature scent that people remember. The creamy sandalwood profile is unique and attention-getting. Perfect for those who don't mind the "NYC elevator" reputation and appreciate its artistic merit despite ubiquity.
Choose Another 13
Choose Another 13 if you prefer subtle, skin-like fragrances that enhance rather than overpower. It's ideal for workplaces and situations where projection matters. Perfect for those who want a luxurious experience without being "that person" with the strong perfume.
Frequently Asked Questions
The violet leaf note combined with sandalwood creates a dill-like quality to some noses. It's not universal - many don't detect it at all.
Ironically, despite Santal 33's ubiquity, its scent profile is more distinctive. Another 13 can blend with other musk-based fragrances.
For Santal 33, ALT. Santal or Dossier's sandalwood options come close. Another 13 is harder to dupe due to its subtle complexity.
Similar performance, but Another 13 can feel longer because it's more of a skin scent that stays with you rather than projecting away.
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