Fragrances Similar to Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume: Minimalist Perfume Dupes and Alternatives

Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume has built a cult following thanks to its minimalist formula, clean scent profile, and hypoallergenic appeal. Centered around a single synthetic note—Cetalox (Ambroxan)—it’s a whisper of fragrance that smells different on each person, blending subtly with the skin’s natural chemistry. But whether you're looking for more affordable alternatives, fragrance twins with a twist, or just exploring more in the clean-skin scent category, this guide covers the best fragrances similar to Not a Perfume.

Why People Love Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume

Before diving into alternatives, here’s why Not a Perfume stands out:

• Single-ingredient fragrance: Cetalox is the only listed ingredient, making it ideal for sensitive skin and allergy-prone individuals.

• Hypoallergenic & musky-clean: It smells like clean skin with a dry, woody amber warmth.

• Layerable and unintrusive: It doesn’t overpower and works beautifully for daily wear, office settings, or layering.

• Molecular magic: Because Cetalox interacts with body chemistry, it evolves subtly and smells “unique” on everyone.

Fragrances Similar to Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume

1. Escentric Molecules Molecule 02

• Main Note: Ambroxan

• Vibe: Dry, clean, airy, futuristic

• Why it's similar: Like Not a Perfume, Molecule 02 uses a single synthetic molecule—Ambroxan—to produce a minimalist scent. It’s crisp, warm, and virtually invisible yet deeply alluring to those around you.

• Best for: Fans of the "your skin but better" fragrance family.

2. Glossier You (especially on drydown)

• Key Notes: Ambrette, Ambrox, Musk, Iris

• Vibe: Creamy, soft, slightly powdery skin scent

• Why it's similar: While Glossier You is slightly more floral and musky, the Ambrox base gives it that same clean, musky signature. If Not a Perfume is too linear for you, Glossier You offers more personality while keeping the same DNA.

• Bonus: Widely adored for being intimate and wearable for daily life.

3. Dedcool “01 Taunt”

• Key Notes: Vanilla, Amber, Ambroxan

• Vibe: Sweet minimalism

• Why it's similar: Dedcool’s take on Ambroxan introduces a soft, sweet vanilla undertone without sacrificing the clean minimalism. It’s unisex, fresh, and gives a musky glow.

• Clean beauty bonus: Dedcool focuses on non-toxic, vegan, and sustainable ingredients—like JHAG.

4. Armani Privé Musc Shamal

• Key Notes: White Musk, Rose, Amber, Ambrette

• Vibe: Warm, powdery, radiant

• Why it's similar: Though richer and more opulent, Musc Shamal highlights musky-amber warmth similar to Cetalox. It’s more floral and sensual, but fans of Not a Perfume might enjoy this luxury interpretation.

5. Initio Musk Therapy

• Key Notes: White Musk, Hedione, Bergamot, Ambroxan

• Vibe: Uplifting, clean, creamy

• Why it's similar: Uses Ambroxan and white musk in a radiant, minimalist structure. Offers a more elevated, therapeutic feel, like a spa in a bottle. It’s molecular yet soulful.

• Best for: High-end lovers of skin scents and wellness-inspired perfumery.

6. Mix:Bar Cloud Musk (Target Exclusive)

• Key Notes: Musk, Iris, Vanilla, Tonka

• Vibe: Cloud-like soft musk

• Why it's similar: Affordable and clean-smelling, Cloud Musk hits that same comforting skin-like vibe with added sweetness and softness. It lacks the singular Ambroxan focus but creates a very similar effect.

• Best for: Budget-friendly options under $20.

7. Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt

• Key Notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Amber Wood

• Vibe: Earthy, creamy, minimalist

• Why it's similar: This scent leans more toward woody-amber minimalism, but the drydown gives the same clean, skin-scent vibe. Think of it as a woodier, more unisex alternative to Not a Perfume.

• Clean formula: Vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic—much like JHAG’s ethos.

8. Dossier Musky Musk (Inspired by Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume)

• Main Note: Cetalox

• Vibe: Almost identical

• Why it's similar: It’s a direct dupe, and very successful at mimicking the core DNA of Not a Perfume. If you want a lower-cost version without sacrificing scent identity, this is it.

• Best for: Scent twins on a budget.

Tips for Layering or Enhancing the Scent

If you're a fan of Not a Perfume but wish it had a twist:

• Layer with vanilla-based body oils (e.g., Nemat Vanilla Musk or Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Crush 62) to create a creamy-musky combo.

• Add a citrus splash (e.g., Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine) for brightness.

• Use as a base and spray a floral or spicy perfume on top—Cetalox works as a molecular anchor.

Conclusion

Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume redefined what it means to wear fragrance. With just one note, it proves that less truly can be more. But if you want to explore more minimalist perfumes, experiment with clean-skin scents, or find a more budget-friendly twin, these alternatives give you a variety of options—from dupes to luxurious variations. Whether you’re navigating fragrance sensitivities or just obsessed with that invisible-magic trail, there's a scent on this list for you.

Which of these have you tried—or which one do you want to explore next? Share your scent story in the comments!