Best Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens Alternatives & Similar Perfumes
Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens is a rich, resinous amber fragrance layered with incense, myrrh, and benzoin, complemented by aromatic herbs like bay, coriander, thyme, and angelica root. A woody base of sandalwood and patchouli grounds its warm, spicy sweetness with a hint of vanilla. Those drawn to complex amber scents with smoky, balsamic, and herbal nuances will find Ambre Sultan distinctive for its deep, powdery warmth and dry aromatic bite.
Vanille Mafonja by Reserve en Afrique 1934 £150.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- incense
- myrrh
- pink pepper
- sea salt
- vanilla
- Aromagroups:
- edible
- spicy
- woody
This fragrance is a tribute to the beauty of Madagascan vanilla — one of the finest vanillas in the world. Mafonja means “intense” (as in power or strength) in Malagasy.
It opens with a breath of fleur de sel, evoking salt-kissed skin. A soft heat follows, as cinnamon, pink pepper (Mauritius), and nutmeg wrap the senses in warmth. Ylang-ylang (Comoros) lends a creamy, luminous floral note. As the scent deepens, a darker story unfolds: resinous myrrh (Somalia) and olibanum (Somalia) melt into dark amber.
Réserve en Afrique eaux de parfum feature responsibly sourced naturals, and are free from parabens, phthalates, UV filters and colorants. Their natural alcohol base is derived from beetroots, and they are a PETA-listed vegan & cruelty-free brand.
Ambre Gris by Perris Monte Carlo £160.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- ambergris
- benzoin
- incense
- powdery notes
- vanilla
- Aromagroups:
- edible
- marine
- woody
This perfume is part of Perris 'perfume gold' collection celebrating staple vintage materials and the formula is a true recreation of sweet the salty/vanillic haze of ambergris with that alluring radiating volume only ambergris would have.
Nebula Viridis by Aura Eximia £165.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- benzoin
- incense
- saffron
- sandalwood
- Aromagroups:
- leather
- woody
Nebula Viridis is Latin for “fresh mist”, and this extrait billows with hazy radiance. A luminous opening of Sicilian lemon and Calabrian bergamot cuts through the air like sunlight, sharpened by saffron and the rich depth of labdanum. The effect is crisp, golden. Warm woods glow in the heart, including guaiacwood, patchouli and Caledonian sandalwood, before vanillic benzoin and amber assert their sensuality.
Terram by D:SOL MMXVI £140.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- benzoin
- coriander
- magnolia
- patchouli
- vetiver
- Aromagroups:
- woody
Terram captures the Mediterranean embrace of autumn. The path winding up from the beach is silent. Sweet aromatic notes of dry soil and clifftop pines float in the air. A haze of ambery benzoin and dusty patchouli settles over musk. Warm, woody, still — this is a fragrant mood that comforts and lulls.
Spezie by Lorenzo Villoresi £130.00
- Key notes:
- bay
- cardamom
- cinnamon
- coriander
- cypress
- rosemary
- sage
- tomato leaves
- Aromagroups:
- aromatic
- green
- spicy
The green, relaxing scents of the Tuscan countryside blend with the liveliness of exotic spices. Cypress and Cinnamon, Bay and Pepper, Tomato and Cardamom leaves all dance together to create a rich, fresh, unique fragrance.
Dark Side of the Goddess by Anna Zworykina £95.00
- Key notes:
- bay
- incense
- jasmine
- marigold
- Aromagroups:
- floral
- unconventional
- woody
Gothic balsams: smoke of the ritual fires, quiet splashes of jasmine, moist earth, frankincense, deep woods.
Starring
(these fragrant materials reanacted the Dark Side of the Goddess story):
Myrtle e.o.
Bergamot e.o.
Juniper berry CO2 extract
Frankincense e.o.
Frankincense abs
Benzoin abs
Patchouli e.o.
Cedarwood Atlas e.o.
Vetiver e.o.
Myrrh e.o.
Cassia abs
African wormwood e.o.
Nutmeg CO2 extract
Ylang-ylang e.o.
Jasmine sambac abs
Jasmine auriculatum abs
Castoreum tincture
Cinnamon e.o.
Tagetes abs
Important notice:
Anna Zworykina’s blends are olfactive smellscapes (but neither aromatherapy, nor ‘spray-and-go’ perfumes). Her blends are sensory experiences, closer to works of art created in the scented plane (rather than, say, visual or audio).
Certain essential oils and absolutes that are used in her 100% natural perfumes may potentially cause allergies in some people. Please spray Anna Zworykina’s blends on fabric (on sleeves, scarves, etc.). This said, Anna Zworykina has acquired a huge fan base over many years and people interacted with her blends for quite a while now. We are not aware of any reports of any skin reactions so far.
However, Anna advises that those who are prone to allergic reactions, pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with chronic illnesses to be extra careful. Before trying natural blends, study the list of ingredients and consult with a doctor if you are not sure or a had a history of allergies. If you do decide to put these blends on your skin (unable to resist the temptation) always test the blend on the inside part of your elbow first and wait.
Do not spray these blends liberally as a cloud in the way you would spray a conventional perfume. Anna’s smellscapes need to be… carefully applied and experienced. Be mindful that some oils can also make your skin hyper-sensitive to UV.
Tiger Rouge by Byermia £125.00
- Key notes:
- bay
- blood orange
- cherry
- cloves
- frankincense
- incense
- leather
- lemon myrtle
- mineral accord
- oud
- paprika
- pimento pepper
- pomegranate
- rose
- Aromagroups:
- leather
- spicy
- woody
Tiger Rouge summons the mythical Red Tiger, embodying the soul of the Indian wilderness. Fierce black pepper, pimento and paprika contrast with blood orange and lemon myrtle, with cinnamon and cloves weaving through the landscape. Muscular Hainan oud and Indian vetiver put meat on the bones, while rose, cherry and pomegranate add bright, voluptuous beauty.
303 Marbre Rouge (Red Marble) by Bon Parfumeur £175.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- benzoin
- chilli
- incense
- pink pepper
- tolu balm
- vetiver
- ylang-ylang
- Aromagroups:
- spicy
The fusion of the Taj Mahal's cold marble and its surrounding garden. Marbre Rouge brings the flowers inside the palace walls. Initially spicy, the fragrance warms up around cardamom before revealing its ylang-ylang heart. The amber notes of benzoin and Tolu balsam leave intensely sensual scents on the skin.
Perfumer: Sidonie Lancesseur
Orson by Carine Roitfeld £190.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- benzoin
- incense
- ylang-ylang
- Aromagroups:
- edible
- floral
Leaning against the rooftop railing of your walk-up, the timid light of the studio opposite lit up our faces. Your coat draped over my shoulders, your floriental fragrance enveloping my thoughts, together we watched them – the young artist and his colorful canvas.
A fragrance of unwavering sensuality. The sensuality of the petals of hawthorn flowers, the very generous tuberose absolute and ylang ylang are illuminated by peppers. The powerful presence of sandalwood, benzoin laos, opoponax and venezuelan tonka bean root the ethereal petals in the earth.
Story Of Your Life by Etat Libre d'Orange £155.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- benzoin
- caramel
- incense
- labdanum
- orange blossom
- rum
- Aromagroups:
- edible
- leather
- woody
Some of us have known it, others have yet to experience it, but we are all waiting or looking for it. It will come. True love is an eternal beginning again
About Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens
- How does Ambre Sultan differ from these similar fragrances?
- Ambre Sultan is characterised by a complex blend of amber, incense, myrrh, and herbal notes like bay, coriander, and thyme, creating a dry, powdery, and resinous warmth. The similar fragrances vary by emphasising different aspects such as powderiness, freshness, animalic facets, or additional spices, but none replicate Ambre Sultan’s exact balance of smoky resin and aromatic herbs.
- What are the key notes that define Ambre Sultan’s scent?
- The defining notes of Ambre Sultan include amber, incense, myrrh, benzoin, sandalwood, vanilla, and a mix of herbs such as bay, coriander, thyme, angelica root, and myrtle. These combine to produce a smoky, warm, and slightly powdery amber fragrance with aromatic depth.
- Which fragrances here highlight the herbal notes found in Ambre Sultan?
- Fragrances like Spezie, Dark Side of the Goddess, and Tiger Rouge share the herbal bay note, while Terram and Vanilla Shot include coriander. These options emphasise the aromatic herbs that contribute to Ambre Sultan’s complexity but present them with differing supporting notes and overall characters.









