What is a generic or equivalent perfume?

Definition of Generic Perfume

A generic or equivalent perfume is a fragrance whose composition differs from that of the original. By opting for a generic perfume, you will have a very attractive price, but rarely fidelity to the original note.

What is a generic or equivalent perfume?

Behind the generic perfume name

Generic drugs are subject to strict rules, the active ingredient is either equivalent or identical. Only the presentation, the form of administration (example: only orally) and the excipients are different.

Generic drugs benefit from the expiration of a patent put in place when the drug was launched and then fell into the public domain after a certain time.

Generic perfumes should not be equated with generic drugs; drugs treat and perfumes provide pleasure or comfort.

Perfumes are not subject to patents, even if their regulation is serious and rigorous with the IFRA standards. The perfume file for an original brand is filed with the anti-poison center, unlike equivalent or generic perfumes. Original perfumes are subject to very rigorous dermatological tests which are quite expensive.

The differences between equivalent or generic perfumes 

Equivalent or generic perfumes can have other names such as copies, fakes, imitations, counterfeits. They target major well-known brands or trendy brands, known to a wide audience. A confidential or niche perfume is much less often. 

They are often of poor quality and above all do not provide any guarantee regarding allergic reactions because they are rarely or never tested in a dermatology laboratory. You will be more subject to skin reactions or serious allergies.

Please note that a dermatological test is very expensive for the original perfume brand. 

Also Visit: Chanel No. 5 Perfume

By what process can a generic or equivalent perfume be created?

It is important to know that any perfume launched on the market can be analyzed by a very sophisticated device called a gas chromatograph which can reveal 80% to 90% of the perfume formula.

But you should know that the 10% to 20% of the formula that cannot be detected by this device can really change the aesthetics of the fragrance. The intricacy and provenance of the exquisite natural raw ingredients used in fragrance are, in fact, beyond the scope of this apparatus.

As with any copy or imitation, it is a kind of theft of property, in this case it is a theft of formula.

Many layers of investment were made by the perfume corporations or perfumers who created the scent formulations, including consultants, evaluators, buyers of raw materials, laboratory personnel, and perfumers themselves. 

These same companies also spent a lot of money on renting or buying premises, on salaries and also on dermatological tests. They also invested time, you should know that it takes one to two years to develop a perfume.

Although the top notes of these perfumes can occasionally be accurately replicated, giving you the impression that you are discovering the notes of the original scent, you will undoubtedly be disappointed by the evolution and skin care.

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Different approaches to generic or equivalent perfume

The packaging may look similar from a distance to the original, same color of the box, similar logo, similar brand name such as Rada instead of Prada, different name of the perfume: Fusion d'Aroma instead of Infusion de Mandarine.

Or even the same general look but with a different smaller format, a format that does not exist in the original brand like the perfumes that can be found at flea markets in Paris or on Amazon: 

Or even equivalent perfumes with correspondences by numbers, for example No. 1 corresponding to the perfume Shalimar, No. 10 corresponding for example to Guerlain's Petite Robe noire, Equivalenza to Bilbao.

The Divain brand clearly displays on the packaging X equivalence for example to Lancôme's Vie Est Belle.

In addition, the Avon Corporation suggested several names. For instance, Dior's J'adore is the equal of Incandescence.

Ps: the list of companies that copy is of course not exhaustive.

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Conclusion on generic perfume or equivalence

Generic perfumes concern well-known perfumes, legendary perfumes (N°5 by Chanel) or best-selling perfumes, and less so author or confidential perfumes.

Generic or equivalent perfumes will not be able to bring you the pleasure and quality of an original perfume. This approach is not ethical.

For more Fragrance related articles visit Bahisht Aroma