Le Labo Another 13 Perfume Review: Is It Worth It?

Every fragrance enthusiast has that one scent they hear about constantly, the one that inspires a cult following, sells out instantly, and sparks heated debates on Reddit. For me, that scent has always been Le Labo's Another 13. After years of curiosity, I finally caved and bought a bottle. Now, after wearing it for weeks, I'm ready to give you the unvarnished truth.

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Scent Profile and Notes

Another 13 was created in collaboration with Another Magazine and is built around a single, divisive note: ambroxan. If you've smelled Molecule 01 or Escentric 02, you have some idea. But Le Labo's take is different, less screechy, more blended.

The official notes: ambroxan, synthetic moss, jasmine petals, ambrette seed, and pear. On paper, that sounds like a floral-fruity mishmash, but in practice, it's minimalist magic.

  • Opening: A blast of what I can only describe as "radioactive clean laundry.â" It's sharp, almost industrial, with a synthetic edge that many find off-putting at first. The ambroxan hits hard, pushing a salty, slightly metallic warmth.
  • Heart: As it settles, the ambroxan calms and the jasmine and ambrette seed peek through. The jasmine is not indolic or romantic; it's a pale, translucent whisper. The ambrette adds a subtle, musky fruitiness. This is where the "skin scentâ" label becomes clear.
  • Base: The synthetic moss comes into play, giving a cool, damp foundation that anchors the warmth. It's not a traditional moss (not oakmoss or tree moss), but a clean, sheer version. The pear? Honestly, I barely detect it, maybe a hint of sweetness in the dry down.

The overall impression is futuristic, sleek, and utterly addicting. It smells like you, but better: clean, warm, and subtly magnetic. It's the olfactory equivalent of a white t-shirt that fits perfectly.

Longevity and Sillage

Here's the paradox: Another 13 is a "skin scentâ" that lasts forever. On my skin, I get a solid 8-10 hours with decent projection for the first two hours. It settles into a close bubble that others can smell when they hug you or stand within arm's reach. After four hours, it's intimate. But here's the weird part: I can still smell it on my clothes the next day, and sometimes even after washing. The ambroxan molecule is tenacious.

Sillage is moderate, not a beast mode fragrance by any means. You won't walk into a room and announce your presence. But those who come close will notice. The scent seems to amplify in humid or warm environments; I got multiple compliments on a sweaty summer subway ride.

One quirk: I've heard some people report anosmia (nose blindness) to ambroxan after a few minutes. I didn't experience that, but it's worth noting. If you're sensitive to synthetic musks, this might happen.

Who It Suits and Best Occasions/Seasons

Another 13 is unisex, leaning slightly masculine. It works for anyone who loves modern, minimalist scents: think Byredo Super Cedar, Escentric Molecules, or Glossier You. If you prefer traditional floral, gourmand, or woody-amber perfumes with distinct note progression, you might find this boring.

  • Best occasions: Every day wear, office, date nights, and intimate settings. It's too subtle for clubs or loud parties. Also great for layering, add it over a lotion or under a stronger scent.
  • Seasons: Year-round superstar. The ambroxan gives a warm, clean-cozy feel in cold weather, while the jasmine and synthetic moss keep it light enough for summer heat. I wore it in 90°F humidity and it performed beautifully, no cloying sweetness.

Value: Check Current Price

Here's the rub: Le Labo charges a premium. Another 13 comes in 50ml and 100ml, and the price is undeniably steep. When you check current price on Amazon, you'll find it slightly discounted (but still in luxury territory). Is it worth it? That depends on your relationship with perfume.

For me, the cost per wear is reasonable because I use it constantly. It's a signature scent that never feels out of place. But if you're seeking a complex, evolving fragrance experience, you can find better value elsewhere. The minimalist ambroxan genre has many cheaper players.

Bottom Line

Another 13 is not a crowd-pleaser. It's a polarizing, abstract work of art that some will adore and others will find underwhelming. It doesn't tell a story or paint a picture; it just makes you smell really, really good in a subtle, compelling way. If that's your vibe, and you can stomach the price, it's a worthy investment. If not, don't let the hype fool you.