Is Aldi 5th Element a dupe of Chanel N°5?

N°5 EDP

Chanel by Jacques Polge Original Acquired

5th Element EDT

Aldi   Inspired Favourite
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N°5 Eau de Parfum bottle N°5 EDP
EDP Concentration EDT
F Gender F
1986 Year 2020
££ Price Tier £
5th Element Eau de Toilette bottle 5th Element EDT
Our Verdict

Chanel No 5 and Aldi's 5th Element share similar woody, citrus, and floral accords. However, Chanel No 5 distinguishes itself with a potent aldehyde blast and indolic florals, creating a vintage and mature feel. 5th Element offers a modern, fresher interpretation, toning down the aldehydes for a more subtle, everyday wear. If you appreciate bold, classic perfumery with a distinctive personality, Chanel No 5 is the choice. If you prefer a lighter, more wearable, and budget-friendly option with a modern twist, 5th Element is the better pick.

£82.00 from
35ml at The Fragrance Shop
Best value £1.30/ml (200ml)
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Where they differ

Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.

ScentArt

View Liquid → N°5 EDP
View Liquid → 5th Element EDT

Which Should You Buy?

Choose N°5 if...
  • You want a fragrance with iconic status and historical significance.
  • You enjoy dominant aldehydes and a powdery, vintage aesthetic.
  • You appreciate complex, challenging fragrances.
  • You want a stronger, longer-lasting scent.
Choose 5th Element if...
  • You want a budget-friendly alternative.
  • You prefer a lighter, more modern take on the classic.
  • You want a versatile fragrance for everyday wear.
  • You dislike strong aldehyde notes.
Our Verdict - N°5 EDP
A legend for a reason - N°5 Eau de Parfum is the definition of powdery, aldehydic luxury. Not for the faint of heart, this is a statement in sophistication, best worn by those who want to be remembered.
Acquired
Our Verdict - 5th Element EDT
Balanced and versatile, 5th Element's subtle fresh spiciness delivers a modern twist on a classic scent, perfect for everyday wear.
Favourite

Scent Profile

How they compare
N°5 EDP A 5th Element EDT B
Where they part company by gap size

How They Wear

Showing: Overall Blend

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
N°5 EDP
5th Element EDT

Notes

Shared Notes
Aldehydes 22% vs 51%
Bergamot 18% vs 27%
Lemon 17% vs 21%
Shared Notes
Iris 21% vs 13%
Jasmine 20% vs 35%
Rose 20% vs 31%
Only in 5th Element
Ylang-Ylang 20%

Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.

Performance

N°5 5th Element
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Moderate
Projection
Intimate
Strong
Intensity
Moderate

Season and Occasion Fit

N°5

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring

No. 5's opulent floral aldehydic character and rich powdery-woody base shine in cooler weather, making it ideal for fall and winter. It can work in spring with a light touch, but its density and sillage may feel overwhelming in summer heat.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Office Casual

A timeless, elegant scent suited for formal occasions or evenings, but also iconic for romantic dates. Its presence and sophistication may be too commanding for sport or very casual daily wear, and can be polarising in close office settings.

5th Element

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn
Also Works:
Spring Summer

The warm spicy and woody accords of 5th Element make it suitable for fall and spring when temperatures are moderate. It may be less ideal for the extremes of summer and winter.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual
Also Works:
Office Formal

With moderate projection and a subtle fresh spicy character, this fragrance works well in casual settings and for date nights. It's also appropriate for office wear, though may not stand out at formal events.

Similarity Breakdown

Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.

Overall scent match
81%
Key Similarities

Every one of its 10 notes is in the original, including Sandalwood, Musk, Iris

Key Differences

Without amber and civet

Where to buy

N°5 EDP
5th Element EDT
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