After reading numerous Reddit threads and Quora discussions, I realised many people questioning why colognes are priced so exorbitantly. While the term “expensive” is subjective, there is often a price point that seems outrageous and prompts consumers to reconsider their purchase. For example, a creed A 2.5oz bottle costs $545.cologne. So, what drives up this cost. Why Is Cologne So Expensive?
Cologne is expensive because of expensive ingredients used, including agarwood, amber, musk, and Vetiver, which are scarce and typically obtained from various regions worldwide, like Sir Lanka, India , Western Cape in Africa ,Vietnam or Thailand. Harvesting and exporting of these rare ingredients can be challenging.
In this article, I will talk in depth reasons behind the often steep prices of cologne. Is it just the brand name, or are there other factors at play? I’ll take a closer look at the production process, ingredients, packaging, and marketing efforts involved in creating a bottle of cologne.
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Reasons Why Cologne is So Expensive?
Now, before you get utterly surprised by the price of your next signature cologne, take a look at these reasons why cologne can be costly;
1) High-Quality Rare Ingredients
The top factor that drives up the cost of modern colognes is the ingredients used in production. These ingredients are rare and some can only be found in other continents.
For example; Amaryllis is mostly found in the western cape region of South Africa while Orris has been named, “the rarest scent in perfumery”
Also, some ingredients used in cologne, such as rare flowers and herbs, are only native South America and Africa.
This can make sourcing and exporting these ingredients extremely difficult, which ultimately affects the price of cologne.
Another example, agarwood, also known as oud. Agarwood tree is found in the heartwood of agarwood trees, which are native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Now, the extraction process of agarwood is even more complex and time-consuming, which further adds to its cost.
Moreover, some of these ingredients are only available in limited quantities, making them even more exclusive and expensive. The demand for such ingredient infused colognes can be expensive
Ingredients That Can Be Found In Cologne
- Vetiver
Vetiver is a fragrant grass with a long and storied history. The plant is native to India, Indonesia, Sir Lanka .
Vetiver has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and perfumery . In Ayurvedic medicine, vetiver is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and skin conditions
In perfumery, vetiver has been used for its rich and earthy scent since ancient times. The scent of vetiver was particularly popular in the Middle East, where it was used to create fragrances ( colognes and perfumes )for both men and women.
The ancient Egyptians also used vetiver in their perfumes and cosmetics, and the plant was highly valued for its medicinal properties.
During the 19th century, vetiver became popular in Europe and America, where it was used in a variety of fragrances and toiletries.
It was especially popular in men’s fragrances, where its earthy and masculine scent was prized. Vetiver was also used in soaps, shampoos, and other personal care products due to its natural antiseptic and astringent properties.
Today, vetiver remains a popular fragrance ingredient in perfumery, particularly in men’s fragrances. Since then, the cultivation of vetiver has become an important industry in many countries, particularly in Haiti, where it is grown as a cash crop and is an important source of income for many farmers.
- Amber and Ambergris
Amber is another common ingredient found in cologne. It is important to note that amber in cologne is not the same as the fossilized tree resin of the same name.
In cologne, amber is a synthetic fragrance that is used to create a warm and rich scent. It is often described as having a nice musky, woody, or vanilla-like aroma.
In terms of its origin, synthetic amber is not native to any particular region since it is a human-made fragrance. But, it is commonly used in perfumery and can be found in many colognes and other fragrances.
Now amber is not to be confused with Ambergris .
Amber and ambergris are two distinct substances used in perfumery, although they have some similarities in their names and appearance.
Now, let’s talk about Ambergris- Ambergris is a waxy substance that is produced in the digestive system of sperm whales.
It is believed to be a by product of the whale’s diet, and is expelled naturally from the body. ,ambergris can float in the ocean and wash up on beaches, where it is sometimes collected for use in perfumery.
Ambergris has a distinctive musky and earthy scent, and is often used as a fixative in fragrances to help other scents last longer.
Though both of these substances are used in perfumery, they have different origins and properties. Amber is a plant-based material, while ambergris comes from the animal world. Keep that in mind.
- Musk
Another center ingredients used today to make cologne is musk. However, most modern musk fragrances used in perfumery are synthetic, rather than animal-derived.
A little History: Musk has been used in perfumery for centuries due to its warm, sensual, and long-lasting scent. It is often described as having a powdery, animalistic, or earthy aroma, and is commonly used as a base note in fragrances.
In addition to its scent, musk is also highly valued for its fixative properties, which help to prolong the longevity of other fragrances.
When you combine it with with other fragrance ingredients, musk will help to anchor and stabilize the scent, allowing it to last longer on the skin. Hmmm, sounds dope.
Note: Due to animal welfare concerns today and the development of synthetic musk fragrances, the use of natural musk is prohibited in some countries around the world while in the United States, it has become less common in modern perfumery. Instead, brands use synthetic musk compounds to create musk scents that are cruelty-free and more sustainable.
- Oudh, Aoud or Agarwood
Like I mentioned earlier , Oudh, also known as oud, aoud, or agarwood, is a fragrant resin that is only got from the Agar tree. Agar trees are found in the dense forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as India, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
How is it harvested? Well, the tree produces a resinous wood when it becomes infected with a specific type of mold, which creates a dark and fragrant resin in the core of the tree. The resin is then harvested, and the wood is processed and distilled to extract the aromatic oils.
Oudh has been used to make perfumes and colognes for centuries, particularly in the Middle East, where it is highly prized as a traditional fragrance ingredient.
Furthermore, the scent of oudh is often described as warm, woody, and slightly sweet, with hints of leather, smoke, and spice. It is a powerful and long-lasting fragrance note that is often used in high-end fragrances and luxury colognes.
As a result, it is frequently used in the creation of high-end and niche colognes that are designed to appeal to discerning and sophisticated consumers.
2) Packaging
Another important factor that affects the prices of colognes today is expensive packaging.
The packaging of a cologne product plays a significant role in influencing its price in that brands invest in high-quality packaging materials and designs to enhance the product’s overall appeal and create a premium feel.
This approach has been used to attract potential customers especially in visual marketing and differentiate the product from competitors.
For example, if a brand that may use expensive materials like glass, crystal, or metal for the packaging will definitely be on costly.
These materials are often associated with luxury whereas
material such as plastic is considered “cheap” .
Additionally, the packaging also serves as a marketing tool to attract consumers and increase sales, making it a crucial factor in the pricing of cologne products today.
3) The Cost of a Brand’s Marketing
Look at Instagram , twitter Pinterest today. I am 10% that you do not complete a feed scroll without an ad coming up( Unless of course you have an ad blocker).
Most of these ads are marketed brands. This tells you that marketing plays a significant role in determining the price of cologne products as well.
Fragrance brands invest heavily in marketing and advertising to create a strong brand image, build brand loyalty, and attract customers.
These marketing efforts often include endorsements by celebrities, expensive ad campaigns, and strategic product placements.
By investing in these marketing tactics, beauty and luxurious brands aim to differentiate their cologne products from competitors and create a perception of exclusivity and luxury.
This approach can help to justify a higher price point for the product, as consumers are often willing to pay more for a product that they perceive as high-quality and exclusive.
4) Value Perception
A lot of brands use what is called ” Mass Value Perception”.
Consumers often associate higher prices with better quality and are willing to pay more for cologne products that they believe will meet their needs and provide a better scent experience.
Now, brands leverage this psychological effect to increase the price of their cologne products and generate higher profits.
Why Do Men Use Cologne Instead of Perfume?
Cologne has a lighter scent than perfumes. Perfumes mostly have strong concentration . Men also prefer cologne to perfumes because colognes do not leave behind a strong scent trail.
Another factor is style and individuality. Some men just prefer colognes because it is believed to be for men( which is a lie) while perfume is perceived to be made for females( another lie)
Proven Strategies to Save Money on Cologne
Here are some tips that I use to save coins on cologne:
- Look for deals and discounts: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, both online and in-store. A lot of retailers offer promotions during holiday seasons, clearance sales, or end-of-season sales. You can do this by following your favorite cologne brand’s social media accounts to stay up-to-date with the latest deals and promotions.
- Shop online 90% : Online shopping gives access to a wide range of products and prices( no doubt about it ), making it easier to find the best deals on cologne. Many online retailers offer competitive prices and free shipping on orders, which can help you save money.
- Consider cheaper alternatives: Look for colognes that are similar in scent to more expensive options. Many popular colognes have cheaper alternatives with similar notes and ingredients. Also, just because a cologne is widely marketed does not make it high-quality. There are so many good colognes that are less popular. Check out the fragrance section of drugstores or online discount stores such as Amazon to find affordable options.
- Buy in bulk: Buying cologne in larger sizes or sets can save you money in the long run. Many cologne retailers offer discounts on bulk purchases or include complimentary gifts with purchase.
- Don’t overspray: Overusing cologne can lead to unnecessary spending. Use cologne sparingly, focusing on pulse points like wrists, neck, and chest. This will help your cologne last longer, saving you money on future purchases.
- Purchase Bigger Bottles: That’s right, personally , last year, I purchased a bigger bottle of my favorite cologne and it lasted for1 year. So, this trick can also save you some money all year.
That’s it guys, with just little money, you can be able to wear your signature scent without breaking the bank.
How Long Does Cologne Last?
Colognes can last anywhere between 3- 12 hours. This depends on factors such as temperature, season( winter or summer) , humidity and your physical activity.
The longevity of your cologne’s fragrance will be greater if you decide to spend the entire day indoors, compared to when you engage in physical activities or take a walk outside.
The reason for this is that higher body temperatures tend to reduce the potency of scent. which is why you should always spray cologne on your pulse points( Wrists, neck, ankles, below the chin etc).
This article purely explains Why Do Girls Spray Perfume on Their Ankles?( check it out ).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth It to Buy Expensive Cologne?
Definitely Worth it especially if it is your favorite cologne. Go for it . Keep in mind that the ingredients used can influence it’s price.
What Makes Some Colognes So Expensive?
Ingredients used in production such as amber, agarwood etc highly affect the price of colognes as this ingredients are sometimes only found in other parts of the world. So, harvesting and exporting them becomes extremely hard and expensive.
Why Is Expensive Cologne Better?
Expensive cologne is perceived to be better and high-quality because of the ingredients used. Some ingredients such as Vetiver have both earthly and masculine scents which a lot of men like.
Can Women Wear Cologne?
100%. If you are a woman and want to buy your next cologne signature. You should go ahead. There is no rule that says that women can or should not wear colognes. Matter of fact, there are colognes strictly ,made for women.
Conclusion
There you have it guys. Thanks for reading and if you decide to purchase your signature cologne , let me know your experience with its scent.
Did you love the scent and what made you buy it. Remember price is no big deal if the product brings you value and quality. So, do not mind some spending!
SOURCES
- Daily: Plant of the Month( Agarwood)
- Wikipedia:Amber
- Nhm.ac.uk: What is Ambergris
- Science Direct: Vetiveria
Raphaël John 
Louis Chloe