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Vanilla | 28 Eau de Parfum
KAYALI's best-selling vanilla: rich, sweet-spicy and built for layering, though some noses find it cloying or synthetic.
7.4
Good
Scent score
#2 of 6 fragrance
Community
—/10
- Strength
- Eau de parfum
- Size
- 3.4 fl oz
- Price per oz
- $44.36 / oz
- Price tier
- Luxury
Last reviewed November 2, 2026 by our editors · How we score
The verdict
KAYALI's best-selling vanilla: rich, sweet-spicy and built for layering, though some noses find it cloying or synthetic.
Vanilla | 28 is KAYALI's signature gourmand eau de parfum, pairing Madagascan vanilla orchid and creamy jasmine with tonka, brown sugar, musk, patchouli and amber; the number refers to the 28 rounds of formulation it took. It is a social media favorite and one of the most recommended vanilla perfumes on Reddit, praised for a deep, slightly smoky vanilla that wears well in cold weather and layers easily. Critics find it too sweet, resinous or cheap-smelling, and cheaper dupes are widely discussed, so sampling first is worthwhile.
Best for
- Vanilla and gourmand lovers
- Cold-weather signature scents
- Layering under fruitier or floral perfumes
What we love
- Rich, warm vanilla with tonka, brown sugar and amber
- Designed for layering with other KAYALI scents
- Good longevity for a gourmand according to many wearers
- Vegan and cruelty-free per Sephora
Worth knowing
- Divisive: some find it too sweet, musky or synthetic
- Expensive, with many cheaper dupes in circulation
- Heavy for hot weather
How it scored
The breakdown.
Five factors, weighted for fragrance. Here’s our working.
7.4Good
Scent score out of 10. Brands can’t pay for placement — ever.
- Scent quality30%7.8
A rich, sweet-spicy vanilla with jasmine and patchouli that many find heavenly, while a vocal minority call it cloying, resinous or synthetic.
- Longevity & projection25%7.6
Reddit wearers generally report decent to long wear for an eau de parfum, with a deep, slightly smoky dry-down.
- Versatility10%6.8
Best in fall and winter and as a layering base; it is too dense for many in hot weather or close quarters.
- Value20%6.2
$150 for 100 ml at Sephora is high, and Reddit frequently names cheaper dupes it considers close or better performing.
- Community love15%8.2
One of the most discussed vanilla fragrances online, with strong love and a persistent group of detractors.
The scent
How it smells.
Top notes · The first 15 minutes
Vanilla Orchid · Creamy Jasmine
Heart notes · The next few hours
Vanilla Infusion · Vanilla Surabsolute · Tonka
Base notes · What lingers on skin
Brown Sugar · Musk · Patchouli · Amber
Warm, sweet gourmand vanilla with jasmine, tonka, brown sugar, patchouli and amber
Concentration
Eau de parfum
Format
Eau de parfum
Size
3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
How to use
Spritz on pulse points and clothes; KAYALI suggests moisturizing first for longer wear and layering it under other scents.
Claims & certifications
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Full ingredient list (INCI)23 ingredients · key actives highlighted · as listed by the brand
- SD Alcohol 40-B/Alcohol Denat.,
- Fragrance/Parfum,
- Water/Aqua/Eau,
- Vanillin,
- Hexamethylindanopyran,
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane,
- Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes,
- Linalyl Acetate,
- Pogostemon Cablin Oil,
- Coumarin,
- Alcohol,
- Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate,
- Geranyl Acetate,
- Benzyl Salicylate,
- Limonene,
- Citronellol,
- Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate,
- Beta-Caryophyllene,
- Rose Ketones,
- Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil,
- Red 4/CI 14700,
- Yellow 5/CI 19140,
- Ext. Violet 2/CI 60730
Formulas change. Always check the packaging, and patch-test if your skin is reactive.
Creator video reviews
Watch it in action.
Real reviews, try-ons and wear tests from independent creators — verified with TikTok and YouTube and labelled when sponsored.
We don’t pay creators for reviews, and they don’t pay us. Nothing from TikTok or YouTube loads until you press play.
What people say
Straight from the source.
Verbatim from Reddit, forums, blogs and the beauty press — linked, so you can read the whole thread.
4 verbatim quotes · 2 positive · 1 mixed · 1 critical
r/PerfumesPositive
Vanilla 28 does last a decent amount of time on me, and it pulls rather smoky/deep rather than straight saccharine vanilla. I like it! Good for fall/winter, but don't overspray.
r/fragrancePositive
Kayali Vanilla 28 is just heavenly and it fades to a beautiful rich boozy sexy creamy vanilla.
r/fragranceCritical
It's extremely popular right now and it doesn't actually smell that great. It smells exceptionally cheap to my nose and has a distinct playdoh element to it.
r/fragranceMixed
Kayali Vanilla 28, though it's more of a spicy vanilla so there are lots of mixed opinions on it
Price & value
Is it worth it?
Typical price
$150
for 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
Per ounce
$44.36
DrugstoreMid-rangePrestigeLuxury
Right around the going rate per ounce for fragrance. Our value score: 6.2/10 for a luxury pick.
Price checked November 2026 at a non-Amazon retailer. Prices change — retailers show the current one.
Where to buy
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. How we make money
Community
What members noticed.
Ratings, skin types and the benefits people actually saw — logged on the Benefit Wheel.
No member ratings yet.
Tried it? Your score — and your skin or hair type — helps the next person decide.
Highlighted: what it’s built to do.
Discussion
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Tried KAYALI Vanilla | 28 Eau de Parfum? Ask a question or share how it’s working for your skin or hair — you’ll be the first.
FAQ
Good questions.
What does Kayali Vanilla 28 smell like?
KAYALI lists vanilla orchid and creamy jasmine, then vanilla infusion, vanilla surabsolute and tonka, with brown sugar, musk, patchouli and amber in the base. Wearers describe a deep, sweet vanilla with a slightly spicy, smoky edge.
Why is it called Vanilla 28?
According to the product description on Sephora, the number refers to the 28 rounds of formulation it took to balance sweetness and warmth.
Is Vanilla 28 good for layering?
Yes. KAYALI designs its fragrances for layering, and the brand suggests wearing Vanilla 28 alone or under other scents such as Elixir 11.
Does the color of the juice change?
Sephora notes that the perfume is made with natural ingredients, so its color may darken over time without affecting the scent or longevity.
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