Even [Fabrice] Penot has said he has mixed feelings about its success—the scent that put his brand on the map often overshadows Le Labo’s other fragrances.

But for all the jokes and memes, Santal 33 drove “strong double digit” growth for Le Labo in every region of the world for the first quarter of 2024. And it has held our attention for far longer than most. “Santal 33 is the icon fragrance of an entire generation, male and female,” said John Demsey, the former executive group president of the Estée Lauder Companies. Not many perfumes can claim that.

— Read more in The Tragedy of Santal 33—Everyone’s Signature Scent at The Kit.