Santal

Santal, inspired by Creed Original Santal (2005)

Despite the name, Original Santal is built like a fougère, the lavender-and-moss structure behind many classic men's scents, with sandalwood set inside it. Ginger and juniper berries give the start a peppery, gin-like tang, while rosemary and coriander keep it herbal. Lavender and geranium take over in the heart, and sandalwood rises gradually beneath them. Tonka, which smells of almond and hay, sweetens the base alongside oakmoss and musk.

About the original

Original Santal launched in 2005, one of two Creed releases that year alongside Love in White. Creed says it was inspired by the opulence of India. Launch-era descriptions mention cinnamon and vanilla, and Creed's note list has changed since then; whether the formula itself changed is not documented. It is still sold by Creed as an eau de parfum.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Creed stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Shoppers expecting a pure sandalwood may be surprised, because here the wood shares space with lavender, herbs and spice. Creed sells it as unisex, and the tonka base gives it a rounded sweetness that sits well on anyone who likes ambery fougères.

Related scents

• Creed Original Vetiver
• Le Labo Santal 33
• Creed Love in White

Notes of the original fragrance, as published by the brand.

Top notes: Ginger, Juniper Berries, Bergamot, Rosemary, Coriander, Mandarin

Heart notes: Lavender, Geranium, Orange Blossom, Sandalwood

Base notes: Oakmoss, Musk, Tonka Bean, Cedarwood

Ginger and juniper berries open it with a spicy, slightly resinous tang. Bergamot and mandarin add citrus, and rosemary with coriander gives a dry, herbal edge.

Lavender and geranium, both aromatic and faintly rosy, carry the heart, with orange blossom in support. Sandalwood begins to show here, smooth rather than dominant.

Tonka bean and musk settle the drydown, with oakmoss and cedarwood keeping it from turning sugary.

Is this Creed Original Santal or Le Labo Santal 33?

This page is inspired by Creed Original Santal (2005), a spiced lavender and sandalwood fougère. Le Labo Santal 33 is a different scent, which we also make.

Is Original Santal mainly sandalwood?

Not really. Sandalwood sits in the heart, but lavender, ginger and tonka shape the overall character as much as the wood does.

Is Creed Original Santal sweet?

Moderately. Tonka bean gives the base an almond-like sweetness, while the herbs and oakmoss keep it dry at the edges.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Creed and Original Santal are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Creed in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.