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The haute couture of the fragrance industry, Le Labos beguiling range of perfume, home fragrance and botanical body care has become iconic for its unconventional yet luxurious handmade olfactory offerings. Another 13 EDP is an utterly hypnotising unisex scent composed of ambroxan (an addictive heady musk) alongside 12 other ingredients such as moss, jasmine and ambrette seeds. However, with the popularity of this fragrance, there are also many fake versions of this product available in the market. And it can be challenging to differentiate between a real and fake Le Labo Another 13. Therefore, it's imperative to understand the key differences between the two to ensure that the money spent on this fragrance is worth it.

About Le Labo Another 13 Eau De Parfum

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Scent Type: Oriental Woody

Top Notes: Pear, Apple, Citruses

Middle Notes: Ambrette (Musk Mallow), Amyl Salicylate, Moss, Jasmine

Base Notes: E Super, Cetalox, Ambrettolide, Helvetolide

This captivating unisex fragrance, crafted with precision by the renowned design house, Le Labo, was launched in 2010 and has since been captivating the senses of fragrance enthusiasts around the globe.

Bask in the intoxicating blend of ambroxan, a synthetic animal musk, which forms the backbone of this unique scent. This ingredient gives Another 13 its addictive edge, making it a fragrance that you will find hard to resist. It's not just a perfume, it's a statement of individuality and sophistication.

Accentuating the ambroxan are 12 other carefully selected ingredients that complete this olfactory masterpiece. The sweet floral notes of jasmine petals add a touch of femininity, while moss and woody ambery notes provide a grounding earthiness. The addition of musk intensifies the overall depth of the fragrance, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

If you want a fragrance that is not "perfumey" at all, but are looking for more of a scent-enhancer, this might be for you. It is a very pleasant, inoffensive, clean woody musk, "your-skin-but-better" fragrance.

Another 13 is incredibly versatile, as it smells very neutral and clean. This can pretty much be worn by anyone, anywhere.

When buying Le Labo Another 13, you can ensure its authenticity by carefully examining the bottle's physical details and understanding its unique scent profile. Counterfeit versions are common, but the differences are often obvious upon close inspection.

Here is a quick summary of the key differences between an authentic and a fake bottle of Le Labo Another 13:

The Another 13 EDP Original vs. Fake Guide

Le Labo's unique, minimalist aesthetic makes it challenging to spot fakes, as small "imperfections" can sometimes be part of the brand's handmade process. However, focusing on specific details—especially on the labels and scent—can help confirm a product's authenticity.

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1. The Packaging and Box

1). Cellophane Wrapping

  • Authentic: Le Labo does not traditionally cellophane-wrap its boxes.

  • Fake Warning: If the box is sealed tightly in plastic wrap (cellophane), it is a major red flag and likely a fake.

2). Box Quality and Printing

  • Authentic: The box material should be sturdy, high-quality, and matte cardboard. The printing is clear and crisp.

  • Fake Warning: Look for thin, flimsy, or overly shiny cardboard. Check for poor print quality, smudged ink, or misspellings on the outside box or the regulatory label (the smaller sticker typically found on the bottom).

2. The Bottle and Label

The label is the most critical component to inspect, as it is custom-printed for each order.

1). The Custom Label (Typography and Layout)

  • Authentic: The labels are printed on matte, textured paper and applied by hand, meaning they may not be perfectly straight—this slight crookedness is normal.

  • Fake Warning:

    • ✧  Typos: Check for any misspellings, especially in the fragrance name (ANOTHER 13), ingredients, or lab location.

    • ✧  Non-Matte Paper: If the label paper looks glossy or cheap, it's a fake.

    • ✧  The "Dots" or Periods: This is a famous tell. On authentic Le Labo labels, the periods or dots (.) used in the text (e.g., in ingredient lists) are often oval-shaped or slightly imperfect/smudged. If the periods are perfectly formed, small, clean circles, it can indicate a generic, pre-printed fake label.

2). Batch Code and Bottom Sticker

  • Authentic: A batch code (a combination of letters and numbers) should be printed on the box and typically on a small sticker at the bottom of the bottle. These two codes MUST match.

  • Fake Warning:

    • ✧  Missing, blurry, or misaligned stickers/codes.

    • ✧  A batch code that does not match the one on the outer box.

    • ✧  While you can use third-party websites to check the batch code, fakes are now often printed with codes that "check out," so rely more on the label quality.

3). Atomizer and Spray Mechanism

  • Authentic: The atomizer should spray a fine, dense mist with a consistent, strong press. The bottle should feel heavy and the glass smooth.

  • Fake Warning: Fakes often have a weak atomizer that sputters, sprays a stream of liquid, or produces an overly fine, alcohol-heavy mist that evaporates quickly. Also, check the cap—it should fit securely and have a satisfying weight.

3. The Scent Profile

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Another 13 is a notoriously unique scent, making high-quality duplication difficult. This is often the biggest giveaway for fakes.

1). Immediate Impression (The Opening)

  • Authentic: Another 13 opens with a luminous, clean, slightly fruity note (like a subtle pear/apple accord), immediately followed by the dominant, clean, musky Ambroxide/Cetalox notes. It is known for its sheer, almost transparent quality.

  • Fake Warning

    • ✧  Overly Alcoholic: A fake will often have a very strong, harsh burst of ethanol/alcohol that takes time to dissipate.

    • ✧  Missing Sheerness: The fake may smell like a standard, heavy laundry musk or be overly "perfume-y," lacking the signature airy, molecular transparency of the original.

2). Mid and Dry Down (The Core)

  • Authentic: The true scent is defined by the way it interacts with your skin (it's often called a "skin scent"). It should be addictive, slightly metallic/mineral, and deeply musky, often seeming to disappear and then reappear. The performance is typically long-lasting but subtle to the wearer (Ambrox fatigue).

  • Fake Warning:

    • ✧  Too Loud/Simple: Fakes might be overpowering initially but disappear quickly (poor longevity). They often smell like a simple, flat musk with a powdery or harsh chemical undertone.

    • ✧  Powderiness: If the scent is dominated by a strong, classic powdery note, it's often a sign of cheap fillers used in fakes.

4. Purchasing Precaution

The single best way to guarantee authenticity is to buy from an authorized retailer:

  • Le Labo's official website or boutiques.

  • High-end department stores (e.g., Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus).

  • Sephora (authorized retailer).

If buying from an unauthorized seller (eBay, Mercari, etc.), assume the risk is high. If the price is significantly lower than retail, be extremely suspicious.

Conclusion

It is important to remember that when purchasing Le Labo Another 13 you should be wary of counterfeit products. These fake perfumes are not only a health hazard but also mean a loss of investment. To ensure authenticity, consumers must purchase from authorized dealers and reputable stores. Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to the fake market.