Calvin Klein has built a hefty reputation not just in the fashion world but also in the fragrance industry. Among many of their popular scents, CK One is one of their most successful colognes.
In this article, I will be listing out the best dupes and alternatives for this infamous fragrance in detail.
So, if that’s what you are looking for, then you are in luck, my friend – just keep reading to get your hands on the best CK One smell-alikes.
What Does CK One Smell Like?
CK One was launched by Calvin Klein in 1994, and ever since then, it has been a massive success. This unisex cologne by Alberto Morillas and Harry Fremont has a simple, classic scent that’s beautifully aromatic and fresh.
Below is a breakdown of all the notes present in this scent so that you can better understand and compare it to other fragrances.
Top Notes: Lemon, Green Notes, Bergamot, Pineapple, Mandarin Orange, Cardamom, and Papaya
Middle Notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Jasmine, Violet, Nutmeg, Rose, Orris Root, and Freesia
Base Notes: Green Accord, Musk, Cedar, Sandalwood, Oakmoss, Green Tea, and Amber
The scent of CK One is clean, crisp, and warm at the same time.
The starting has refreshing citrus notes, green notes, and subtle spices. They all blend together to form an upbeat opening.
At the core of the scent is a mix of the floral blend, with light and soft jasmine, lily rose, and freesia. The flower notes are in just the right amount so as to not become too feminine.
The base of the scent has a consistent green, herbal aroma, but it is joined with woody goodness. You can smell warm cedar, woods, amber, and oakmoss.
CK One is very versatile, not just in its uses but in users as well. Being one of the first unisex fragrances in the world, the creators did a fantastic job at striking the perfect balance between feminine and masculine aromas.
It can be worn by anyone of any age and gender, and I think that really adds to its charm.
Even though it was released so long ago, it’s still a modern fragrance that is perfect for summer. It has a reasonable price point, moderate projection, and longevity of around 7 hours or so.
Looking for something different? Then check out Tom Ford Oud Wood Clones
What Colognes Smell Similar To CK One?
There are many great summer scents out there, but CK One is definitely one of the best in this game.
Naturally, many dupes are available of this fragrance, thanks to its popularity. However, not all of them are up to the mark.
After thorough research and testing, I have narrowed down the best clones and alternatives to this Calvin Klein scent.
So, here are the shortlisted top alternatives to CK One:
Chrome by Azzaro
Top Notes: Lemon, Rosemary, Bergamot, Neroli, and Pineapple
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Oakmoss, Cyclamen, and Coriander
Base Notes: Musk, Oakmoss, Cedar, Sandalwood, Cardamom, Brazilian Rosewood, and Tonka Bean
The first cologne Chrome by Azzaro is the closest fragrance to CK One that I have come across in my search for the best match.
Released in 1996 and created by Gerard Haury, Chrome has a fresh, clean, citrusy, and soapy men’s aroma just like what we are looking for.
The opening of Chrome has brilliant synthetic citruses that feel very upbeat. Gradually, the heart of the scent reveals smooth floral notes and oak moss that work as the perfect transition for the warm bases.
The base notes are great, warm, and woody. You get cedar, different types of woods, and musk to close the scent.
It’s not particularly inexpensive, but the price isn’t too high either. You get a longevity of around 6 to 7 hours and decent projection with this one.
When to Wear
Chrome by Azzaro is also a perfect summer scent just like CK One. It is excellent for daytime activities, whether it’s outdoor or indoor events. It can also be worn to work, as well as casual and semi-formal events.
Why You Should Buy
- Closest dupe of CK One.
- Great summer scent.
- Good longevity.
- Good projection.
Paco by Paco Rabanne
Top Notes: Amalfi Lemon, Pine, Mandarin Orange, and Coriander
Middle Notes: Tea, Lavender, Jasmine, and Cyclamen
Base Notes: Musk, Sandalwood, Virginia Cedar, and Tonka Bean
The next cologne is Paco by Paco Rabanne. This is also a unisex cologne, created by Rosendo Mateu and released in 1995.
Paco has a similar citrus opening as CK One but quickly gets somewhat powdery. The starting is fresh, but gradually the scent becomes muskier.
The core reveals some spices and aromatic floral notes before leading to the base notes which are warm and woody. The dry down of this fragrance is more subtle and I feel like it’s less refreshing than CK One.
But overall, it has a similar style and close scent.
The projection and sillage are excellent with a longevity of around 8 hours, plus, it is very affordable!
Here’s a complete guide on Versace Eros Clones
When to Wear
Paco is great for summer and spring. I think it is best for wearing in the daytime. You can wear it casually, for running errands and hangouts, or even wear it to semi-formal events.
Why You Should Buy
- Similar scent to CK One.
- Affordable price.
- Excellent longevity.
- Broad projection.
- Great value for the price.
Insensatez by O Boticário
Top Notes: Bergamot, Pineapple, Tangerine, and Papaya
Middle Notes: Tea, Jasmine, Violet, Lily-of-the-Valley, and tincture of rose
Base Notes: Musk, Woodsy Notes, and Oakmoss
The next cologne was also launched in 1995, and it’s called Insensatez by O Boticário. Created by Louis Truc, Insensatez has a bright, fresh aroma like CK One.
This unisex fragrance opens with tangy citrus notes and sweet papaya. The core of the scent has a blend of different floral notes, but the jasmine is particularly dominant.
As it dries down, a mix of warm base notes takes over the aroma.
The scent is pretty straightforward and the dimensions are not that well detectable. This CK dupe comes at a very affordable price and has weak longevity with moderate sillage and projection.
When to Wear
Insensatez is also great for the hotter seasons. I would say this one is good for casual activities strictly, and no formal or semi-formal events. It can also be worn to work or on a regular basis, thanks to its affordable price tag.
Why You Should Buy
- Close dupe of CK One.
- Sweeter than CK One.
- Cheap price.
- Good summer scent.
Cuba Blue by Cuba Paris
Cuba Blue by Cuba Paris is another cheaper alternative to CK One. While it has a lot of similarities to what we are looking for, it’s not necessarily exactly the same.
The opening has synthetic, sort of metal-like, citrusy notes – but it is primarily dominated by spicy notes in the cologne.
The dry down gets quite powdery but remains fresh. You get a lot of woodsy aromas, combined with musk and vanilla. The closing feels quite creamy and light to me.
Cuba Blue is more of an intimate cologne as it doesn’t project all that much, and it lasts for a while. This one may be a better dupe of Chrome, than CK One – but at the price point, getting this one really is no loss.
When to Wear
Cuba Blue is a daytime scent that’s good for summer and spring. You can wear it around the house or whenever you want to feel cozy. The projection is quite weak, hence, wearing it to parties and events is not the best idea.
Why You Should Buy
- Similar scent to CK One.
- Very, very affordable scent.
- Muskier alternative to CK One.
- Easy to wear.
- Good for summer.
Dalimix by Salvador Dali
Top Notes: Melon, Mandarin Orange, and Peach
Middle Notes: Mignonette, Cyclamen, and Rose
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Cedar, Sandalwood, and Raspberry
Dalimix by Salvador Dali is the last cologne on this list. This unisex fragrance was created by Martin Gras and launched in 1996.
Dalimix is very fresh and fruity, it’s like a fruitier, sweeter clone of CK One.
This summer scent starts with bright citruses combined with the sweet aroma of melon and peach. The core reveals gentle floral notes featuring subtle rose, cyclamen, and mignonette.
The dry down is very pleasant and brings in a woody, mossy aroma with a touch of tangy sweetness from raspberry notes.
Overall, I think it’s a great alternative if you want something sweeter. It has average projection and longevity and comes at a great price.
Follow our guide for Creed Aventus Alternatives
When to Wear
Dalimix is great for summer, especially for outdoor activities like picnics, camping, and sports. You can also wear it to work or any sort of casual occasion as you’d like.
Why You Should Buy
- Similar scent to CK One.
- Sweet and mossy alternative.
- Affordable price.
- Good value.
Final Thoughts
I have had many people ask me about alternatives for CK One over the years – either to spruce up their summer scent game or just to reminisce about that sweet aroma.
If you’re looking for something like that, then you will surely enjoy the scents mentioned in this article. They are all great clones of CK One, with some unique touches of their own.
Check them out and let me know which one you decide to go for – I hope you find your perfect summer match.
