Ex Nihilo Scarlet Sands Review: A 2024 Luxury Release
A sophisticated blend of white florals and Akigalawood for the modern woman.
By Vivir··Updated
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.
4.5Overall
Longevity
4.0
Projection
3.0
Sillage
2.0
$220-$300
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter
Accords
White Floral25%
Citrus15%
Sweet15%
Fruity15%
Floral10%
Amber10%
Vanilla5%
Woody5%
Notes Pyramid
Top
MandarinRaspberry
Heart
Orange BlossomJasmineFreesia
Base
AkigalawoodVanillaAmber
Scent Journey
1
Opening0-30 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.
2
Heart1-2 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.
3
Drydown4+ 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
⏱️ Longevity4.0/5
8-10 hours on skin; significantly longer on clothing.
📢 Projection3.0/5
Moderate; creates a personal scent bubble within arm's length.
💨 Sillage2.0/5
Intimate; stays close to the body after the first hour.
When to Wear
🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterBest
💕 Date night📌 Evening wear✨ Special occasions📌 Professional 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
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.
