Short answer: Ozzy is D&E Fragrances' Extrait de Parfum take on Byredo Black Saffron Absolu. It costs from £14.99 (5ml sample) to £44.95 (50ml), against about £190 for 50ml of the original. Shop Ozzy →
- Smells like: saffron and leather with a dark, spicy fruit twist and incense.
- Best for: autumn and winter, evenings out and anyone who likes a bold, leathery signature.
- Honest note: inspired by, not an exact clone.
Byredo is one of the most talked-about niche houses, and Black Saffron Absolu is the richer, more concentrated take on its popular Black Saffron. It is a statement fragrance, and UK retailers list the 50ml at about £190.
What does Black Saffron Absolu actually smell like?
- Top: pepper, blackcurrant accord, saffron accord
- Heart: rose absolute, violet orchid, osmanthus absolute, raspberry
- Base: black leather, incense, patchouli and agarwood accord
The opening is peppery and jammy, with dark blackcurrant and a warm saffron glow. The heart adds a floral, slightly fruity softness before the base turns smoky and leathery, with incense and patchouli giving it depth.
Why people look for a Black Saffron Absolu dupe
Price is the main reason. At roughly £190 for 50ml, it is a big spend for a scent you may only wear in colder months. Many people also like to try a leather-and-saffron style before buying a full bottle, and a small sample is a far lower-risk way to do it.
Black Saffron Absolu vs Ozzy at a glance
| Byredo Black Saffron Absolu | D&E Ozzy | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About £190 (50ml) | £14.99 (5ml) to £44.95 (50ml) |
| Concentration | Absolu de Parfum | Extrait de Parfum |
| Style | Saffron, leather, incense | Spicy, leathery, warm |
| Sizes | 50ml | 5ml, 12ml, 15ml, 30ml, 50ml |
Introducing Ozzy - Insp by Byredo Black Saffron Absolu
Ozzy is our own composition inspired by the saffron-and-leather family that Black Saffron Absolu belongs to. It comes as a 5ml sample at £14.99, a 15ml at £19.99, a 30ml at £34.99 and a 50ml at £44.95. As an Extrait de Parfum it has a higher concentration of fragrance oils than an eau de parfum, which usually means more depth and staying power. Try Ozzy from £14.99 →
Being upfront about the comparison
Ozzy is not identical to Black Saffron Absolu, and it is not a replica or a clone. Different ingredients mean the fruit, floral and leather balance will differ, and so will the way it develops. What it offers is a similar mood: dark, spicy and leathery. The sample is the best way to judge whether it suits you.
Longevity and projection
Extrait strength fragrances generally last many hours, and leather, incense and patchouli bases tend to cling to skin and fabric. Expect a confident presence early on that settles into a warm, close trail. Longevity varies with skin type, weather and how much you spray.
The verdict
If you love the idea of Byredo Black Saffron Absolu but not the £190 price, Ozzy is an affordable way to explore that bold saffron and leather style. Start with the 5ml and see how it wears. Shop Ozzy →
Another Byredo-inspired favourite: see our Byredo Vanille Antique dupe guide.
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Byredo, Black Saffron Absolu and all related names are trademarks of their respective owners. D&E Fragrances is not affiliated with them. Ozzy is its own original composition inspired by the fragrance family.