Viktor & Rolf Bon Bon has been one of the most recognisable bottles on the fragrance counter since it launched back in 2014. Wrapped in its signature pink bow, it's built around a caramel-jasmine gourmand that made it a modern classic long before TikTok rediscovered it and sent search interest climbing all over again. The catch is the price: a 50ml bottle currently retails for around £97 at John Lewis, with the 90ml size closer to £134. That's a lot to pay for a scent you might only reach for on certain days.
What does Bon Bon actually smell like?
According to Viktor & Rolf's own fragrance notes, Bon Bon is built in three stages:
- Top notes: Mandarin, orange and blackcurrant
- Heart notes: Peach, jasmine and orange blossom
- Base notes: Cedarwood, guaiac wood and caramel
The opening is bright and fruity, but it's the caramel running through the base that gives Bon Bon its identity — sweet without tipping into pure sugar, and grounded by warm woods rather than vanilla or musk.
Why people look for a Bon Bon dupe
Not everyone wants to commit £97 to a scent before they know how it wears on their own skin, and a gourmand like this can smell noticeably different from one person to the next depending on chemistry. For a lot of people, an affordable alternative is simply a low-risk way to try the caramel-jasmine style without the designer price tag attached — whether that's for everyday wear, layering, or just having a backup bottle for gifting or travel. It's not about replacing the original for those who already love it; it's about access for those who are curious.
Introducing Caramel Petal — Insp by Viktor & Rolf Bon Bon
D&E's Caramel Petal takes its direction from that same caramel-and-floral gourmand territory, priced at £14.99. It leans into the warm, sweet caramel character alongside soft floral notes, aiming for a similarly cosy, wearable feel rather than a light citrus or purely fruity profile. It suits anyone who wants a comforting, slightly indulgent scent for autumn and winter days, evenings out, or layering under a coat — the kind of fragrance that feels a bit special without needing to be reserved for special occasions.
Being upfront about the comparison
We want to be honest here: Caramel Petal is not a clone or an exact replica of Viktor & Rolf Bon Bon, and we'd never claim it is. "Inspired by" means exactly that — our perfumers have taken cues from the same caramel-floral fragrance family and built our own original composition around it. The concentration, the individual raw materials, and the way it develops on skin will all differ from the designer version. If you've worn Bon Bon before, expect something in the same neighbourhood rather than an identical twin.
Longevity and projection
As with most fragrances in this price bracket, expect moderate longevity — realistically a few hours of clear presence before it settles closer to the skin — with projection that's noticeable up close rather than filling a room. Reapplying once during a long day, or layering with a matching body product if you have one, will help it last. This is a general expectation for affordable eau de parfum-strength fragrances generally, and can vary with skin type, climate and how it's applied.
The verdict
If you love the idea of a caramel-jasmine gourmand but don't want to spend £97 upfront to find out whether it works for you, Caramel Petal is a low-cost way to explore that fragrance family. It won't replace Bon Bon for die-hard fans of the original, but as an affordable, wearable alternative inspired by the same scent profile, it does its job well.
Shop Caramel Petal — Insp by Viktor & Rolf Bon Bon
Viktor & Rolf and Bon Bon are registered trademarks of L'Oréal / Viktor & Rolf. D&E Fragrances is an independent UK fragrance brand and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Viktor & Rolf. "Caramel Petal" is our own original composition, inspired by the popular fragrance family that Bon Bon helped define.