The Best YSL Black Opium Dupe in the UK: An Honest Review
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Short answer: The closest YSL Black Opium dupe in the UK is Leclair & Moreau's No. 248 — a vegan, cruelty-free, UK-made Eau de Parfum that recreates the sweet coffee, vanilla and white-floral profile of Yves Saint Laurent's original, from just £4.95 instead of around £75.
YSL Black Opium is a modern feminine icon — a sweet, addictive coffee-and-vanilla scent made for evenings out. A dupe gives you that same glamour for a fraction of the price.
What does YSL Black Opium smell like?
Black Opium is a sweet gourmand fragrance built around coffee and vanilla. The signature notes are:
- Top: pink pepper and orange blossom — bright and slightly spicy
- Heart: coffee and jasmine — rich and addictive
- Base: vanilla, patchouli and cedar — warm, sweet and long-lasting
The result is a bold, sweet, night-out scent that's especially lovely in colder months and impossible to ignore.
YSL Black Opium vs Leclair & Moreau No. 248
| Feature | YSL Black Opium (original) | Leclair & Moreau No. 248 |
|---|---|---|
| Scent family | Sweet / gourmand / floral | Sweet / gourmand / floral (inspired by) |
| Key notes | Coffee, vanilla, jasmine, pink pepper | Coffee, vanilla, jasmine, pink pepper |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Eau de Parfum |
| Vegan & cruelty-free | Not specified | Yes — 100% vegan & cruelty-free |
| Made in | France | United Kingdom |
| Price | From around £75 | From £4.95 |
How close is the dupe?
No. 248 recreates the sweet coffee-and-vanilla heart that makes Black Opium so loved, with the same warm, addictive trail. It opens a touch spicy-sweet and settles into a cosy vanilla dry-down. Longevity is strong for an evening scent, and most people find it a satisfying stand-in for a night out.
Who is it for?
Perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, glamorous evening fragrance and wants a vegan, affordable alternative for nights out and colder days.
How much is it and where can I buy it?
No. 248 starts at just £4.95, with larger sizes available, and ships free across the UK on orders over £19.99. You can shop the Black Opium dupe here, or try it in a discovery set first.
Frequently asked questions
Is No. 248 a good dupe for YSL Black Opium?
Yes — it recreates the signature sweet coffee and vanilla profile as an Eau de Parfum, and it's the closest affordable Black Opium alternative we offer, from £4.95.
Is it vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes. Every Leclair & Moreau fragrance, including No. 248, is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and made in the UK.
How long does it last?
As an Eau de Parfum it offers strong longevity for the price, typically lasting through the evening.
How much cheaper is it than Black Opium?
Black Opium starts at around £75, while No. 248 starts at £4.95 — the same sweet signature for far less.
Disclaimer: Leclair & Moreau is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Yves Saint Laurent. “Black Opium” is a trademark of its respective owner, referenced here only to describe the scent profile our fragrance is inspired by.