Yves Saint Laurent 1977 Parfum

F ££ Acquired

Opium

by Jean-Louis Sieuzac , Jean Amic

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Yves Saint Laurent Opium is a Parfum launched in 1977, created by Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Jean Amic. Opium opens with Citrus, Bergamot, Mandarin, and Jasmine, settles into a heart of Sandalwood, Patchouli, Rose, and Iris, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Cedar, and Vetiver. Yves Saint Laurent's Opium carries an Acquired verdict, a musk-led wear.

This is a masterpiece, the Queen of Fragrance. Forget the insipid modern versions - vintage Opium is a potent, intoxicating oriental that screams confidence and luxury. It's a love-it-or-hate-it scent with real gravitas. If you know, you know.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Sensual
  • Warm
  • Luxurious
  • Classic
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Opium Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

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
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Given its intense sillage and exceptional longevity, Opium is far too commanding for an office environment. It shines on dates and formal occasions, where its opulent, warm spicy, and amber accords can truly make a statement and leave a memorable trail.

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

  • Bay laurel Laurus Nobilis Leaf Oil from Bay Leaf
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Clove Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil from Clove
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk
  • Vanillin from Vanilla

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

Opium opens with a spicy assault of pepper, clove, and coriander, brightened briefly by citrus before plunging into a rich, complex heart of cinnamon, rose, and a hint of fruity peach. The true drama unfolds in the base, a deeply sensuous blend of warm amber, creamy vanilla, earthy patchouli, and carnal castoreum, all enveloped in smoky incense and balsamic resins. It’s a warm, sweet sin, yet comforting.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Opium Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Opium Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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