Opium

Opium, inspired by Yves Saint Laurent Opium Eau de Parfum (1977)

Mandarin and bergamot open Opium with a zesty glow that soon gives way to jasmine. Myrrh, a resin with a dusky, church-incense character, then becomes the defining note. Patchouli, opopanax and vanilla build a deep amber base that is rich and enveloping without the fiery clove of the vintage version.

About the original

Jean Amic and Jean-Louis Sieuzac composed Opium for Yves Saint Laurent in 1977, and its name and later advertising drew both protests and publicity. In 2009 the fragrance was reformulated and given a redesigned bottle; the perfume blog Bois de Jasmin credits Antoine Maisondieu with a reworking that leans on resins and incense rather than the original's spice. The 1977 formula is no longer made. This page is the women's Opium; Opium pour Homme (1995) is a separate scent.

Our version

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

Who it suits

Evening wear and cold months are where this resinous style shows best. Opium is potent and heavy by modern standards, and its incense side can feel austere to people used to sweet, fruity scents.

Related scents

• Yves Saint Laurent Opium pour Homme
• YSL Black Opium
• Dior Poison

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

Top notes: Mandarin, Bergamot

Heart notes: Jasmine, Myrrh

Base notes: Opopanax, Amber, Patchouli, Vanilla

Mandarin and bergamot give a lively citrus opening.

Jasmine and myrrh form the heart, floral at first and increasingly resinous.

Opopanax, amber, patchouli and vanilla settle into a deep, smoky-sweet base.

Is this the women's Opium or Opium pour Homme?

The women's Opium. Opium pour Homme (1995) is a different fragrance, which we sell separately.

Is this the vintage 1977 Opium?

No. This page refers to the current Eau de Parfum, reformulated in 2009, which is described as more resinous and less spicy than the vintage.

How does Opium differ from Black Opium?

Black Opium is a separate, later fragrance that shares the name. This page refers to the original Opium, a spiced, resinous amber.

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.

Yves Saint Laurent and Opium are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Yves Saint Laurent 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.