Molecule 01 is unlike anything you will ever wear. It is one of the most mysteriously alluring scents wrapped in simplicity. For us, the phenomenon of Molecule 01 came completely out of left field. When we first encountered it in 2005, our first impression was that we couldn't smell a thing. We weren't sure what to think, but we wore it just as the description urged us to do, and didn't really notice the subtle scent on ourselves. The response from others, however, was undeniable. Each time we wore it, somebody would ask what we were wearing. It was astonishing how predictably this occurred.

Molecule 01 is an aroma chemical, which are used in virtually all modern fragrances to recreate scents like jasmine or cedar or a host of other familiar olfactory favorites. This fragrance, however, is the first to to pay homage to Iso E Super, which you probably know as a sweet sandalwood/cedar-like smell. Because Molecule 01 is an aroma chemical rather than a perfume, it behaves differently. You have to wear it to understand it. If you have a bottle Molecule and feel that it smells of nothing, be patient. Keep using it. The velvety woody note is highly sensitive to body chemistry and twists and turns as it evolves, combining with the wearers' own natural scent to create an extraordinary alluring quality. The science of scent is truly on display and is sure to delight those woody fragrance aficionados who love to venture forth and discover something devastatingly unique. A true phenomenon in its own right.

Main Note

Sandalwood

Fragrance Style

Skin Scent / Minimal, Avant-Garde, Woody - Fresh, Woody - Light

Molecule 01 Sizes Available:

3.5oz/100ml

$150

1.5ml atomizer sample

Luckyscent Gifts With Purchase - Escentric Molecules M+ Trio Sampler

Gift With Purchase

Get a 3-piece sampler of the M+ series of fragrances with any Escentric Molecules purchase over $75. Use promo code: MOLECULEPLUS Includes 2ml sprays of:
Molecule + Black Tea
Molecule + Guaiac Wood
Molecule + Ginger While supplies last. Limit one promotion per order.
Offer cannot be applied to prior orders.

Check out Escentric Molecules M+ Trio Sampler for more info.

Luckyscent Gifts With Purchase - Escentric Molecules - Molecule 01 Travel Spray

Gift With Purchase

With any Escentric Molecules $85 or more purchase, get a complimentary 8.5ml travel spray of Molecule 01. Use promo code: EMTRAVEL While supplies last. Limit one promotion per order.
Offer cannot be applied to prior orders.

Check out Escentric Molecules - Molecule 01 Travel Spray for more info.

Scent Bar Staff Video Review for Molecule 01

Video Transcript

Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules is one of the most popular fragrances here at Scentbar and Luckyscent.com and it's also one of the most elusive. It's a minimal fragrance. It's only made up of one material. Now compare that to a typical fragrance which would be made up of anywhere between 20 to 50 notes.

So when you put it on, don't be surprised if you can barely smell it at all. Maybe you won't even smell anything. But what it does do is project and stay on you even if you're not aware of it.

What does it smell like? The one material that's in Molecule 01 is classified as a sandalwood style smell. Although it doesn't necessarily smell like sandalwood. It smells clean without being sweet or fruity or sugary. It's almost as though you happen to just naturally smell good without putting any fragrance on at all. It kind of gives you a little boost in that way.

It's unisex. It's too minimal to be considered masculine or feminine and in my experience works for everyone. There you have it. Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules.

If you like Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette, we recommend you try:

Escentric 01 by Escentric Molecules

Molecule 02 by Escentric Molecules

Escentric 01 Body Wash by Escentric Molecules

Santal Calling by Ex Nihilo

Milky Musk by Parle Moi de Parfum

Bois Imperial by Essential Parfums

Here's what other people are saying about Molecule 01...

Write A Review »

Rating

Name

Occupation

City

Comment

Cancel

This is an easy reach for lose up environments that leaves a nice, woody trail. Not too heavy but there. I enjoy molecular fragrances and if you do you'll love 01!

By Kerrie - lab technician from Cape Carteret on 5/20/2025

My favorite of my first round of samples. I must say, I didn't much care for it at first but it grew on me. On my skin it smells like benzoin, cedar, and a bit fresh linen clean smell which I've discovered I can layer nicely with some gourmands, and more feminine smelling unisex fragrances to give it a more masculine base but, only something that has space for the aforementioned notes (pairs well with Golden Sands).It's cool how this smells differently on so many people. On my roommate it smells like a synthetic sandalwood that is still somehow pleasant and clean. On a friend its very soapy. Def recommend a sample first but it is a quality product.

By Dumuzid - Consultant from Babalon on 5/1/2025

Intrigued, I purchased a sample. I could smell it even before spraying it on. I smell: spicy, warm, light musk. Maybe some cedar. I really like it. It's very slightly sweet.

By Lulu - public servant from California on 4/18/2025

I couldn’t even give this scent a chance because I hated the smell in the bottle so much. My husband put it on and it smelled like a brief hint of rubbing alcohol and some kind of pungent chemical. I assumed it would be similar to Glossier You, which I love, but it’s not really a “skin” scent.

By Shelbi - Party Planner from Portland on 4/18/2025

I love this scent. It's clean, monochromatic, handsome and pretty at the same time. Unfortunately, I had the experience of buying a bottle, loving it then finding other perfumes that grabbed me more. But I love this scent. Here's the reason for the three versus five stars: after five years of having the bottle (and it we stored in the cool and dark, never on tabletop), the scent vanished. It is uncanny. The only smell is that of alcohol (mostly) with a faint faint reminder of the original smell. Odd. I figure the scent molecule broke into component parts. So, if you use a signature perfume regularly, this is a good choice for sure, but if you're a hoarder and sensualist like me, it would be better to get samples over time.

By David - architect from Sarasota, FL on 4/14/2025

I never blind buy fragrances, but this one was intriguing. The reviews on this one seem mixed, but I ended up loving it! It's very soft, so subtle that one could only smell it on you by getting real close. It's woody with a hint of something gentle and clean, some say they can't smell anything at all and I'm unsure how since I could smell it coming out of the box.

By Erin - EMT from Austin, TX on 12/24/2024

My favorite. I used to buy this from a boutique in Seattle (which closed). This was the best place I could find to order it. Thrilled with my order! I so appreciated getting to pick out samples of the rest of the Molecule collection as well to try out. The perfumer is interviewed on the podcast Perfume Room and it is a great interview.

By Alexia - Graduate Student from Seattle on 10/26/2024

My nose can’t smell it, neither can my partner's.

By Avalon - Stylist from San diego on 7/1/2024

I can understand why this has reached cult status. Smells exactly like cedar on my skin - very clean, very fresh, and extremely wearable. It's very understated - you're not going to fill a room with this when you walk in, but that's alright by me. Perfect for the office.

By Amber - Software Engineer from Minneapolis on 7/1/2024

Beautiful and Amazing! I’ve heard so much about this and I finally ordered a sample and I LOVE it. Try it, you won’t regret it.

By Brynne - Lunch Lady from WA on 6/18/2024

Okay, I understand why people love this one! Very sandalwood leaning on me, but still had that musky "your skin, but better vibe." It does have a bit of a “woodsy” element to it, which I think is what I didn’t love about it on me. But like I said, I understand why people love it!

By Bella - Retail associate from St. Petersburg on 6/14/2024

I've bought literally hundreds of samples from Lucky Scent, but this is the first one I feel strongly enough about to leave a review. This scent is... perfect. It doesn't smell of anything it just smells good. I cannot wear perfumes that have musk elements, because my skin eats everything except even the gentlest musk and blares that forth in an animalic nightmare haze. So I've never had a fragrance that gives that "my skin but better" quality before. This one does that for me, but without the whole musk horror. On me, Molecule 01 evokes sun-dried laundry washed in scent-free soap, or a walk at dawn on a fresh spring day. It's confidence-inspiring and clean and elegant. Amazing.

By Robin M. - Professor from Richmond, VA on 3/8/2024

To all concerned about the Mol 01 or any/ all of Escentric Mol not smelling. Not a gimmick :) This line is isolated molecules - so M01 is Iso e Super (clean woodsy-ish). Very difficult to smell (especially in vial samples). The idea is wear it - more sprays the better - & it projects out. But you won't smell it much. Sounds weird I'm sure! Great 4 sensitive ppl & travel and work. You'll smell great, get whiffs here and there, but not a lot. Layer with "regular" scents too as most have them in 'em.... Mol 01's Iso e Super being most used popular in perfume. Put enough on (you cannot over-spray) & you will most likely get complimented. The "Escentrics" from Escentric Molecules are more notes so feel bit more like a regular light perfume.

By Jane Doe - Perfume Industry from Los Angeles on 1/14/2024

It doesn't have a smell at all. It's like spraying water on your arm. Not sure if this is just a gimmick. I ordered 2 sample sizes and nothing. No scent at all. So disappointing.

By Connie - Administration from Scottsdale on 11/7/2023

The smell is faint and slightly chemically. I can't even describe what I'm smelling.

By Sherry - Transportation from chelsea on 10/23/2023

Molecule 01 is the epitome of understated elegance. Its subtlety is its strength, making it an impeccable choice for daily wear. One of its standout features is its adaptability it layers seamlessly with other fragrances, enhancing their character without overpowering. In my experience, its universal appeal is undeniable, I've yet to encounter anyone who isn't taken with its scent. For those who appreciate a refined olfactory presence suitable for any moment, Molecule 01 is a blind purchase you won't regret. The allure of its gentle charm is simply irresistible.

By Ray - Education Administration from Bronx, NY on 10/14/2023

Oh dear, the magic did not work on me! All I could discern was a very mild neutral "chemical" smell, which was neither pleasant or unpleasant, but not a fragrance I would want on my skin. My husband did detect a mild sandalwood fragrance in addition to the neutral chemical fragrance, but as I wear perfume mostly for myself, I won't be purchasing this.

By Deb - music teacher from Redwood City on 8/22/2023

This scent. Although I can not smell it on me what so ever, everyone around me can & I always get a compliment & everyone always asks what I am wearing!!!

By Melanie Nunnelley - Retail Management from Moore, OK on 6/27/2023

This is an amazing scent. It was initially a gift of several dozen samples and this is the only one that stood out. I purchased a sample myself and definitely the one I will wear for a while as mu signature.

By Angie - Sales from Atlanta on 6/19/2023

I first caught this scent on someone in the restaurant I work at.....and I had to stop her and I asked 'WHAT IS THAT SCENT YOU'RE WEARING?!' She gave me the name and website to get it from and 10 years later, I'm still wearing it. I have given out the name Escentric Molecules more times than I can remember. And I also order samples so I can give it to whomever asks. Your welcome Luckyscent! I always tell the person to order it from Luckyscent because Amazon and Walmart.com sells Escentric Molecules - Molecule 01, however they don't seem to be the same?? Almost the same bottle and same name, but maybe the scent is old? Tampered with? An imposter? Who knows! But I just want to let people know that it's the best scent in all the land.

By Nicky - Artist from Milwaukee on 5/24/2023

Load More Reviews

Escentric Molecules

Eau de Toilette

Molecule 01

Eau de Toilette

by Escentric Molecules

Gift With Purchase

Gift With Purchase

Scent Bar Staff Video Review for Molecule 01

Get 10% Off Your First Order*