Fragrances inspired by Bal d'Afrique Absolu Extrait
The original
Bal d'Afrique Absolu
Byredo
The two side by side
How it unfolds
Notes
- Bal d'Afrique Absolu
- Afrique Absolu
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Our verdict
Editor reviewedOur verdict
Bal d'Afrique Absolu (Byredo) and Afrique Absolu (Perfume Parlour) deliver similar scent profiles, yet diverge in price and refinement.
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Musk, Bergamot, Lemon
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Choose Afrique Absolu when
You want a similar scent on a tight budget.
What they share
Shares 8 of its 9 notes, including Musk, Bergamot, Lemon
The main difference
Adds amber, drops ambergris
What they share
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Musk, Lemon, Cedar
The main difference
Without bergamot
What they share
Shares 8 of its 9 notes, including Musk, Bergamot, Lemon
The main difference
Adds ambergris, drops amber
What they share
Shares 5 of its 13 notes, including Musk, Bergamot, Vetiver
The main difference
Adds grapefruit and lavender, drops cedar and lemon
What they share
Shares 5 of its 7 notes, including Musk, Bergamot, Cedar
The main difference
Adds grapefruit and sandalwood, drops blackcurrant and lemon
What they share
Shares 5 of its 15 notes, including Musk, Bergamot, Cedar
The main difference
Adds cashmeran and grapefruit, drops blackcurrant and lemon
What they share
Shares 5 of its 13 notes, including Musk, Bergamot, Lemon
The main difference
Adds ambroxan and cashmere wood, drops blackcurrant and cedar
Scent profile
How we judge a match
We score each pairing on the two fragrance profiles: shared accords, overlapping notes, longevity and projection, and the occasions each suits. A good inspired-by scent captures the original's character rather than copying it molecule for molecule.
The full method, and what to look for in a dupe. Prices are UK retail and change often. Check before buying.
Inspired-by fragrances. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or produced by Byredo. Match scores are our estimate of how alike two perfumes smell, calculated from their published notes, not a measurement. How we score similarity.