Best Rien by Etat Libre d'Orange Alternatives & Similar Perfumes
Rien by Etat Libre d'Orange is a woody chypre that combines leather and incense with aldehydes and animalic facets for a smoky, intense experience. Its heart of labdanum and patchouli is enriched by spicy cumin, black pepper, and a floral touch of rose and orris root. The addition of oakmoss and amber provides a warm, resinous base. Those drawn to complex, smoky compositions with a leathery, slightly spicy character will find this fragrance compelling.
Rien by Etat Libre d'Orange £150.00
- Key notes:
- aldehydes
- animalic notes
- chypre
- cumin
- frankincense
- incense
- labdanum
- leather
- Aromagroups:
- leather
- transparent
Rien ('nothing' in French) is a beautiful animalic chypre, with an aldehydic (rather than classic citrus) opening and seriously naughty leathery vibes provided by the cumin and labdanum duo. Also check this perfume out if you like frankincense in bold oriental interpretation.
Wolf (Extrait) by Wolf Brothers £160.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- frankincense
- incense
- leather
- oakmoss
- pine
- plum
- Aromagroups:
- aromatic
- spicy
- woody
An emphasis on amber and leather in this extrait version of the original EdP renders this Wolf darker and more dangerous. The higher perfume oil content means that the shadings of vetiver, pine and oakmoss are richer and deeper. The dark sparkle of cardamom holds its ground, providing a tantalising chiaroscuro to this sumptuous composition.
- Key notes:
- amber
- cinnamon
- cumin
- ginger
- incense
- patchouli
- rose
- Aromagroups:
- leather
- spicy
- woody
The Orange Extraordinaire collection.
An homage to the role of spices in Western perfumery, history and culture. Naturally it’s a majestic aromatic flow of cinnamon and ginger, with numerous sparks of pepper and a rich incense background.
Hey Bitch! by Ourte £115.00
- Key notes:
- black pepper
- labdanum
- leather
- orris (iris root)
- sandalwood
- vanilla
- Aromagroups:
- edible
- leather
- woody
“Hey Bitch! You smell fucking good.” In Perfume World, that’s what we call a result. Hey Bitch! raises eyebrows with its dissonance between buttery, blowsy orange blossom and tough, bitter leather. Tangy rhubarb at the top snaps its fingers in your face, before dissolving into a blur of suedey iris and milky sandalwood. The dance between bitter and sweet keeps you on your toes throughout, conjuring hints of…what? Photocopier ink? Coffee? For sure it conjures ambered black leather, Bitch!
Incensi by Lorenzo Villoresi £135.00
- Key notes:
- frankincense
- incense
- myrrh
- styrax
- tolu balm
- vetiver
- Aromagroups:
- spicy
- vintage/old school
- woody
An ancient ritual. The wonder of green, perfumed resin flowing from the tree. It is reminiscent of journeys along the perfume routes, of the magic of nocturnal ceremonies. Fresh, intense notes of Incense, Opoponax, Storax and Tolu.
ARA(GON) by Mallo £220.00
- Key notes:
- coumarin
- cumin
- incense
- lavender
- oakmoss
- thyme
- wormwood
- Aromagroups:
- aromatic
- leather
- vintage/old school
Aragon is an olfactory tribute to the Aragon region of Spain, the birthplace of Mallo. A unique aromatic fougere, the scent showcases local aromatic plant extracts from cypress, basil, thyme, rosemary and artemisia. Added to this busy mix is the pipirigallo flower, exclusive to the region. The scent is rounded off by mossy, resinous elements for a warm, enveloping feel.
Eye Of God by Ylem £190.00
- Key notes:
- birch tar
- labdanum
- oud
- smoke
- styrax
- Aromagroups:
- woody
Inspired by the majestic Helix Nebula, known as the “Eye of God,” this extrait captures the mystical balance between infinity and the now. Radiant spice notes open the experience, followed by a complex heart of smoky buddhawood, charred birch tar, earthy moss and leathery oud. The chorus of woods is unexpectedly tenderised with cotton candy and vanilla. A metallic coolness adds an almost otherworldly aura to the composition. A fragrance for those who seek to be present in the deepest aspects of their lives.
- Key notes:
- benzoin
- cloves
- oud
- patchouli
- styrax
- tobacco
- Aromagroups:
- leather
Lynch is a mysterious and hypnotic fragrance, an olfactory portal that pays homage to the work of surrealist film director David Lynch (Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive). The mesmerising sweetness of cherry pie mingles with cozy woods, creating an illusion of domestic warmth. But nothing is as it seems. Vanilla and night-blooming jasmine swirl around dusty saffron, charred leather and smoky styrax. Dark resins, earthy oud and nocturnal musk leave a dreamy trail, a fragment of restless reality that crumbles upon awakening.
Woody Mood by Olfactive Studio £140.00
- Key notes:
- patchouli
- saffron
- sequoia
- styrax
- Aromagroups:
- aromatic
- woody
The concept of the smell is walking among giant sequoias, so tall the sunlight never reaches the ground, breathing crisp air of a coniferous forest. Expect a seriously dark woody character, more on the drier resinous side of the woody spectrum.
The perfume has a smoky nuance but neither in the creamy way of Le Labo's Santal 37 nor in the outrageous gunpowder way of Beaufort's Tonnere. Woody Mood's smokiness is a gentle facette combined from smoky nuances of frankincense, sequoia and black tea.
Amygdala by Mendittorosa £430.00
- Key notes:
- cinnamon
- coffee
- incense
- labdanum
- leather
- ylang-ylang
- Aromagroups:
- floral
- leather
- woody
A fragrant and floral dedication to emotions and the intricate patterns that shape and run through the structure of our brains. Liquid joy prepared with balsamic labdanum, leathery orange blossom and violet leaf absolutes and a drop of fruity coffee nuance.
Perfumer: Luca Maffei
Strength: 35% extrait de parfum
The origin of some materials in the formula:
pink pepper -> South America
arabica coffee -> South America
cinnamon -> Sri Lanka
galbanum -> Iran
jasmine sambac -> India
violet leaf absolute -> Egypt
orange blossom absolute -> Tunisia
Ylang Ylang -> Madagascar
guaiac -> Paraguay
Vetiver -> Haiti
Labdanum -> Spain
About Rien by Etat Libre d'Orange
- How does Rien differ from other woody chypre fragrances?
- Rien stands out for its pronounced animalic and smoky qualities combined with a complex mix of leather, incense, and spices. Unlike many woody chypres, it incorporates aldehydes and cumin, giving it a unique spicy and almost leathery-animalic depth.
- Are the fragrances listed suitable for someone new to Rien’s scent style?
- Yes, the selection includes variations that share key notes with Rien but differ in intensity, sweetness, or freshness. This range offers options for those exploring smoky, leathery, and resinous scents with varying degrees of complexity and approachability.
- What should I consider when choosing a fragrance similar to Rien?
- Focus on the balance of smoky incense, leather, and spicy or resinous notes. Some fragrances here lean towards freshness or sweetness, while others emphasise beastly, smoky, or powdery facets. Identifying which aspects of Rien appeal most will guide the best choice.









