Antonio Banderas 2010 EDT

M ££ Favourite

The Secret

by Christophe Raynaud , Elisabeth Vidal

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Antonio Banderas The Secret is an Eau de Toilette launched in 2010, created by Christophe Raynaud and Elisabeth Vidal. The Secret opens with Grapefruit and Mint, settles into a heart of Pepper and Cinnamon, and dries down to a base of Woody Notes, Musk, and Leather. Antonio Banderas's The Secret carries a Favourite verdict, a woody-led wear.

A universally agreeable, mass-appealing scent, The Secret delivers a softer, more wearable take on the 1 Million DNA. It's a reliable cheapie that won't blow anyone's socks off but earns solid respect for its price.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Warm
  • Cozy
  • Clean
  • Relaxed
  • Modern
£17.99 at Amazon UK 100ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
The Secret Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Grapefruit50%
Mint50%
Heartas listed
Cinnamon50%
Pepper50%
Baseas listed
Leather33%
Musk33%
Woody Notes33%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall Winter
Also Works:
Summer

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual
Also Works:
Office

Its moderate projection and generally inoffensive nature make it suitable for casual wear or even the office, though some find it too intimate for grand gestures. It's often recommended for 'date night' due to its warm, seductive accords, but its price point makes it an ideal everyday reach.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Spearmint Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil from Mint
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Opening with a subtle burst of fresh grapefruit and a surprisingly distinct mint, The Secret quickly transitions into a warm, inviting heart. Cinnamon and spicy pepper are softened by musky woods, underpinned by a smooth, sophisticated leather that lends a luxurious, 'new car' feel. It settles into a cosy, lightly sweet base that's easy to wear.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with The Secret Eau de Toilette - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements The Secret Eau de Toilette - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 2 October

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.