Which is the Best Dior Sauvage Fragrance?

Christian Dior’s Sauvage is probably the most popular men’s fragrance line in the world, right now. However, when you are given three options with the same name, it can be difficult to discern the differences and which you should choose. In this post, I am going to rank these colognes, and break down which smells the best. I’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed each Sauvage scent, so, the rankings are very clear in my mind.

Dior Sauvage EDP vs. Parfum vs. EDT vs. Elixir

The Best Sauvage

Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s– The newest release is now the best of the bunch. In terms of smell, it’s slightly ahead of the EDP version, but this concentrated Elixir is an absolute beast performer.

It does go in a different direction from the other Sauvage fragrances. However, it retains is central lavender note and the same structure of citrus, spice, and woods.

To me, the best part of Elixir comes from its newer spice accord, mainly the cinnamon and nutmeg notes. I never liked the Sichuan pepper very much in the original, but this new blend is absolutely great. 

Yes, it’s more expensive, but it lasts all day and actually brings a new interpretation to the line. Sauvage Elixir Review

The Close Second

1. Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray, 2 Fl Oz– Sauvage EDP was (before 2021) my favorite offering from this lineup, without a doubt. I was pretty much indifferent to the original EDT, but this edition, really grabbed my attention and I thoroughly enjoyed wearing it.

It opens up, as a much smoother wear. The warm ambroxan leads the way and calms down the sharper elements of Sichuan pepper and bergamot. Beyond that, you get a dark and smoky vanilla note, and the EDP is less of a lavender bomb than its predecessor.

It’s clean, well put together, and has depth. The anise, pepper, and nutmeg trio are introduced later on to give Sauvage EDP some more spice, but it’s never overwhelming.

Finally, the performance is top notch. The sillage is huge, it can project itself very well off of my skin, and lasts all day without quitting. For those who don’t want to pay the high price of Elixir, this is still a great option.  Sauvage EDP Full Review

Darker and Woody

2. Dior Sauvage Parfum 100 ml 3.4 oz spray– Parfum really strikes me as the middle ground fragrance of the Sauvage line. It opens up with a citrus blast, like the EDT, but with an added juicy mandarin orange note. It also doesn’t have the same spice.

It differs from the EDP version, with way less of the ambroxan note. You do get vanilla, but it is paired with tonka bean and sandalwood, giving this a creaminess that is more pronounced than the others. 

Later on though, Sauvage Parfum develops its own identity. It’s dark, dry, woody, with a some sweetness. Sandalwood and cedar are in a leading role, along with vanilla, and some of the citrus juiciness.

It doesn’t have the same strength as the EDP, but it is still a powerful fragrance, and will last 10+ hours. I do enjoy this one, it’s just a notch below EDP, in my opinion. Though, if you want a less ambroxan heavy version, this is it. Sauvage Parfum Review

The Original

3. Sauvage by Christian Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– To me, the original Sauvage is the least compelling of the bunch. Not that it is a bad fragrance, it’s just been outdone by its successors, and other colognes on the market. Luna Rossa Carbon, for example, smells very similar to Sauvage EDT but is a better version. 

Sauvage EDT is much more geared toward the citrus notes. The opening is a mix of sharp bergamot and spicy pepper. It is intense and not my favorite aspect of the scent.

Later, the signature ambroxan note comes in, along with lavender to calm down the composition. The longevity is good, but not as long lasting as the EDP. Though, this is a good performer when the climate is warm. Sauvage EDT Full Review

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.