Ex Nihilo Fragrance review

Ex Nihilo Scarlet Sands Review: A 2024 Luxury Release

Name: Ex Nihilo Scarlet Sands Review: A 2024 Luxury Release
Item: Ex Nihilo Scarlet Sands
Author: Vivir

A sophisticated blend of white florals and Akigalawood for the modern woman.

By Vivir · August 25, 2026 · Updated August 26, 2026

Ex Nihilo Scarlet Sands Review: A 2024 Luxury Release - Product Image

The year 2024 marks a significant chapter for the Parisian haute parfumerie house Ex Nihilo with the release of Scarlet Sands. Since its inception in 2013 at 352 Rue Saint-Honoré, Ex Nihilo has maintained a reputation for 'out of nothing' creation, prioritizing creative freedom for perfumers. Scarlet Sands enters the market as a targeted offering for the luxury women's segment, promising a sophisticated journey from bright citrus to deep, resinous woods. As a news reporter for Vivir.com, I have tracked the brand's evolution from the cult success of Fleur Narcotique to its more experimental recent works. Scarlet Sands appears to be a strategic move to bridge the gap between their airy floral DNA and the demand for more substantial, evening-appropriate compositions. This review breaks down the technical aspects, performance metrics, and market positioning of this new Eau de Parfum.

Longevity

4.0

Projection

3.0

Sillage

2.0

$220-$300

SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

White Floral 25%

Citrus 15%

Sweet 15%

Fruity 15%

Floral 10%

Amber 10%

Vanilla 5%

Woody 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top

MandarinRaspberry

Heart

Orange BlossomJasmineFreesia

Base

AkigalawoodVanillaAmber

Scent Journey

Opening 0-30 min

The fragrance opens with a sharp, photorealistic Mandarin note paired with a tart, slightly jammy Raspberry. The initial 30 minutes are characterized by a vibrant, fruity energy that feels modern and polished.

Heart 1-2 hrs

As the citrus recedes, the heart reveals a dense white floral bouquet. Orange Blossom and Jasmine dominate, providing a creamy, almost honeyed texture, while Freesia adds a light, airy floral freshness that prevents the heart from becoming too heavy.

Drydown 4+ hrs

After four hours, the fragrance settles into its woody-amber foundation. The Akigalawood provides a clean, peppery woodiness that is characteristic of Givaudan's modern palette, softened by a warm, non-gourmand Vanilla and a steady Amber base.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 4.0/5

8-10 hours on skin; significantly longer on clothing.

Projection 3.0/5

Moderate; creates a personal scent bubble within arm's length.

Sillage 2.0/5

Intimate; stays close to the body after the first hour.

When to Wear

SpringOK

SummerAvoid

FallBest

WinterBest

Date nightEvening wearSpecial occasionsProfessional gala events

Pros & Cons

Exceptional ingredient quality
Sophisticated use of Akigalawood
High versatility for evening wear

High price point
Intimate sillage may disappoint some
Limited availability in standard retail

Price & Value

$220-$300

Luxury tier pricing consistent with the niche market.

“A worthy investment for those who value composition over volume.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported for this 2024 release.

Who It's For

Ideal For

Women seeking a sophisticated, woody-floral signature
Fans of modern Givaudan molecules
Luxury fragrance collectors

Not Recommended For

Those seeking heavy room-filling sillage
Budget-conscious consumers
Fans of traditional heavy ouds

Explore More

Similar Fragrances

Fleur Narcotique Ex Nihilo

Amber Sky Ex Nihilo

Love, Don't Be Shy By Kilian

You May Also Enjoy

Delina Exclusif Parfums de Marly

Libre Intense Yves Saint Laurent

More from Ex Nihilo

Blue Talisman Ex Nihilo

Lust in Paradise Ex Nihilo

Narcotique Ex Nihilo

Brumpton Immortals Ex Nihilo

Fascinate Ex Nihilo

Rose Ex Nihilo

Layering Ideas

Layer with a pure Musk oil to enhance sillage
Pair with a simple Vanilla body cream to lean into the base notes

Final Verdict

Scarlet Sands is a masterclass in modern floral-woody construction. While it lacks the aggressive projection of some competitors, its elegance and longevity make it a premier choice for intimate evening settings.