What is the most expensive perfume in the world?

Guinness World Records lists Clive Christian's No.1 Imperial Majesty, made in November 2005 as ten bottles of 500ml, each at £115,000 or $205,000 at the time. It is a one-off edition, so you cannot buy it from us.

What is the most expensive perfume you can buy on 10ML?

It depends on price per ml, and our prices are live. The dearest perfumes per ml in our catalogue on 12 October 2026 are grouped in this guide, led by the Clive Christian No. 1 pair, with the 3ml price for each in the table.

Why do some perfumes cost so much per ml?

Price per ml can reflect the house behind a perfume and what goes into it. We do not call a price good or bad. We describe what the perfume smells like so you can judge it yourself.

Can I try an expensive perfume without buying the bottle?

Yes. A 3ml decant gives you around 60 sprays, enough to wear a perfume for several days before you decide. A 10ml decant gives around 200 sprays and a 30ml decant around 600.

Most expensive perfume: the record bottle, and the dearest per ml you can try

The most expensive perfume in the world is a one-off bottle from 2005. The ones you can buy are dear per ml, so we group the dearest in our catalogue by style.

By Antoine MercierUpdated: 1 November 2026 8 min read

The dearest perfumes per ml we stock, by style

Fourteen perfumes from the top of our price per ml list, in the order this guide presents them.

1
Best overall
No. 1 Clive Christian for men
Clive Christian
Citrus and spice over a powdery iris and ylang-ylang heart, with sandalwood, amber and vanilla below.
from €69.663 ml
Read the pick
2
Best amber pick
No. 1 Feminine
Clive Christian
Apricot, peach and plum over a floral heart of iris and rose, on sandalwood, vanilla and amber.
from €65.793 ml
Read the pick
3
Best for daytime
20 Iconic Masculine
Clive Christian
Green citrus with petitgrain, yuzu and rosemary over vetiver and cedar.
from €55.893 ml
Read the pick
4
20 Iconic Feminine
Clive Christian
Saffron, plum, violet and damask rose, closing on amber and honey.
from €55.893 ml
Read the pick
5
C Woody Leather
Clive Christian
Agarwood and mandarin, then tobacco and saffron, on a leather base.
from €46.893 ml
Read the pick

Show all 14 picks

6
London
WIDIAN
Elemi, saffron and African orange flower over black rose and orange, on amber, vanilla and Atlas cedar.
from €34.653 ml
Read the pick
7
Nefs
Nishane
Honey, saffron and fig over rose, then agarwood, whiskey, vanilla and leather.
from €34.113 ml
Read the pick
8
Best for winter
The Moon
Frédéric Malle
Raspberry, litchi and Turkish rose, with agarwood, leather and amber beneath.
from €38.703 ml
Read the pick
9
Fantasmagory
Louis Vuitton
Ginger and almond over a vanilla and leather base.
from €39.963 ml
Read the pick
10
Best musky pick
Electric Cherry
Tom Ford
Cherry and ginger with jasmine sambac, resting on pink pepper and musk.
from €39.603 ml
Read the pick
11
Love Don't Be Shy Extreme
By Kilian
Neroli, orange blossom and Bulgarian rose over marshmallow, vanilla and musk.
from €33.933 ml
Read the pick
12
Valiant
Boadicea the Victorious
Mandarin orange and ylang-ylang over orange blossom and neroli, with vanilla and amber.
from €39.513 ml
13
Isola Blu
Roja Dove
Lime, bergamot and lavender with apple and coconut, settling on cedar and amber.
from €42.393 ml
Read the pick
14
Best value
Elysium Pour Femme
Roja Dove
Blackberry and peach over freesia, magnolia and jasmine, on musk and sandalwood.
from €32.673 ml
Read the pick

In this guide

The most expensive perfume in the world is a one-off: Clive Christian's No.1 Imperial Majesty, which Guinness lists at £115,000 per 500ml bottle. The perfumes you can actually buy are dear per ml rather than per bottle, so this guide groups the dearest perfumes in our catalogue by style and shows what a 3ml costs.

No. 1 Clive Christian for men, No. 1 Feminine and London by WIDIAN, three bottles on a pale blue background

The record bottle

Guinness World Records lists No.1 Imperial Majesty as the most expensive perfume that is commercially available. The record dates from November 2005. Clive Christian made ten bottles of 500ml, and each sold for £115,000, which Guinness gives as $205,000 at the time. The crystal flacon carries a five-carat diamond.

Guinness itself notes that records change on a daily basis, so read this as a record from 2005, not today's price list. It is also not something you can sample. Ten bottles of 500ml were made, and that is the whole edition.

Quick comparison

Quick comparison: Community votes
#	Perfume	Label	Main notes	Lasts	Trail	Season	3 ml	10 ml	per ml
1	No. 1 Clive Christian for menClive Christian	Best overall	Heliotrope, Iris, Jasmine	Long lasting	Strong	Winter, Autumn	€69.66	€201.42	€20.14
2	No. 1 FeminineClive Christian	Best amber pick	Carnation, Iris, Jasmine	Long lasting	Strong	Autumn, Winter	€65.79	€180.18	€18.02
3	20 Iconic MasculineClive Christian	Best for daytime	Rosemary, Yuzu	Long lasting	Moderate	Spring, Autumn	€55.89	€169.11	€16.91
4	20 Iconic FeminineClive Christian		Damask Rose, Plum, Violet	Long lasting	Strong	Autumn, Winter	€55.89	€169.11	€16.91
5	C Woody LeatherClive Christian		Saffron, Tobacco	Long lasting	Strong	Autumn	€46.89	€141.84	€14.18
6	LondonWIDIAN		Black Rose, Orange	Long lasting	Strong	Autumn	€34.65	€93.51	€9.35
7	NefsNishane		Geranium, Jasmine, Nutmeg	Eternal	Strong	Winter	€34.11	€98.28	€9.83
8	The MoonFrédéric Malle	Best for winter	Olibanum, Red Berries, Red Currant	Eternal	Enormous	Winter	€38.70	€116.73	€11.67
9	FantasmagoryLouis Vuitton		Almond, Floral Notes	Eternal	Enormous	Winter, Autumn	€39.96	€121.05	€12.11
10	Electric CherryTom Ford	Best musky pick	Jasmine Sambac	Moderate	Moderate	Spring	€39.60	€119.79	€11.98
11	Love Don't Be Shy ExtremeBy Kilian		Bulgarian Rose, Orange Blossom	Long lasting	Moderate	Autumn, Winter	€33.93	€102.78	€10.28
12	ValiantBoadicea the Victorious		Cherry Blossom, Indian Jasmine, Neroli	Long lasting	Strong	Spring	€39.51	€106.65	€10.67
13	Isola BluRoja Dove		Apple, Black Currant, Casablanca Lily	Long lasting	Strong	Autumn	€42.39	€99.72	€9.97
14	Elysium Pour FemmeRoja Dove	Best value	Cyclamen, Freesia, Geranium	Moderate	Moderate	Spring, Summer	€32.67	€84.33	€8.43

Show all 14 picks

Community votes

What "expensive" means for a perfume you can buy

For a perfume on a shelf, the bottle price hides the real cost per ml. A large bottle and a small decant are not the same purchase, so we compare price per ml. If you want the method and the catalogue-wide context, the price per ml index sets it out.

This guide is narrower. It is the dearest perfumes per ml in the 10ML catalogue on 12 October 2026, grouped by style rather than ranked. Our prices are live, so the order can shift. For the wider difference between niche and designer houses, see niche vs designer perfume. For how much more niche costs than designer, measured, read niche perfume price per ml.

We never call a price good or bad. We say what the perfume smells like, who it suits, and what a small decant costs, so you can decide.

Clive Christian's No. 1 pair

The record-holding house also makes the No. 1 perfumes that sit near the top of our list. They are made for men and for women, and they differ more than the shared name suggests.

Best overall

No. 1 Clive Christian for men by Clive Christian

Top notes: Artemisia, Caraway, Cardamom, Grapefruit
Heart notes: Heliotrope, Iris, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley
Base notes: Amber, Musk, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean
Time of day: Night out

Smell it: 3 ml €69.66 10 ml €201.42

No. 1 Clive Christian for men launched in 2001. It opens bright and spiced, with grapefruit, lime, nutmeg and cardamom. The heart turns floral, with iris, ylang-ylang and jasmine. The dry-down is warm and woody: sandalwood, amber, musk and vanilla.

Community votes on longevity for this one lean long lasting. Community votes on projection also lean strong. Voters reach for it most in winter, fall and spring, and for night and evening wear.

Best amber pick

No. 1 Feminine by Clive Christian

Top notes: Amalfi Lemon, Apricot, Bergamot, Cardamom
Heart notes: Carnation, Iris, Jasmine, Orchid
Base notes: Amber, Benzoin, Musk, Sandalwood
Time of day: Evening

Smell it: 3 ml €65.79 10 ml €180.18

No. 1 Feminine goes fruitier at the start, with apricot, peach, plum and pineapple over bergamot. Ylang-ylang, iris, jasmine and rose form the floral heart. Sandalwood, vanilla, benzoin and amber give it a warm base.

Community votes on longevity here lean long lasting. Community votes on projection also lean strong. Voters reach for it most in fall and winter, and for evening and night wear. It suits cold evenings when you want a rich floral rather than a fresh one.

Leather, spice and oud

These three are the heavier end of the list. Community voters most often pick them for the cooler months and for evening and night wear.

London by WIDIAN

Top notes: African Orange Flower, elemi, Saffron
Heart notes: Black Rose, Orange
Base notes: Amber, Ambrette (Musk Mallow), Atlas Cedar, Bourbon Vanilla
Time of day: Night out

Smell it: 3 ml €34.65 10 ml €93.51

London launched in 2018 and is unisex. Elemi, saffron and African orange flower open it. Black rose and orange form the heart, and amber, vanilla, ambrette and Atlas cedar form the base.

Longevity votes for London lean long lasting. Community votes on projection also lean strong. Voters reach for it most in fall and winter, and for night, evening and day wear.

Nefs by Nishane

Top notes: Fig, Honey, Saffron, Sage
Heart notes: Geranium, Jasmine, Nutmeg, Osmanthus
Base notes: Agarwood (Oud), Amber, Cedar, Cinnamon
Time of day: Night out

Smell it: 3 ml €34.11 10 ml €98.28

Nefs launched in 2019 and has agarwood in its base. Honey, saffron and fig lead, then rose, osmanthus and nutmeg, and a base of agarwood, whiskey, vanilla, leather and amber.

For longevity, most voters say Nefs is eternal. Community votes on projection also lean strong. Voters reach for it most in winter and fall, and for night wear.

Best for winter

The Moon by Frederic Malle

Top notes: Blackberry, Litchi, Raspberry, Saffron
Heart notes: Olibanum, Red Berries, Red Currant, Turkish Rose
Base notes: Agarwood (Oud), Amber, Cedar, Cypriol
Time of day: Night out

Smell it: 3 ml €38.70 10 ml €116.73

The Moon launched in 2019 and is unisex. It starts with a fruit rush of raspberry, litchi and blackberry, then moves into Turkish rose and olibanum. Agarwood, leather and amber hold the base.

For longevity, most voters say The Moon is eternal. On sillage, most voters call it enormous. Voters reach for it most in winter, and for night wear.

Sweet, almond and cherry

Fantasmagory by Louis Vuitton

Top notes: Ginger
Heart notes: Almond, Floral Notes
Base notes: Leather, Vanilla
Time of day: Evening

Smell it: 3 ml €39.96 10 ml €121.05

Fantasmagory launched in 2025 and is unisex. Ginger opens it, almond and soft florals form the heart, and vanilla and leather finish it.

For longevity, most voters say Fantasmagory is eternal. Sillage votes from the community also lean enormous. Voters reach for it most in winter and fall, and for evening and night wear.

Best musky pick

Electric Cherry by Tom Ford

Top notes: Cherry, Ginger
Heart notes: Jasmine Sambac
Base notes: Ambrettolide, Musk, Pink Pepper
Time of day: Night out

Smell it: 3 ml €39.60 10 ml €119.79

Electric Cherry launched in 2023 for women. Cherry and ginger lead, jasmine sambac sits in the middle, and pink pepper, ambrettolide and musk form the base.

For longevity, most voters say Electric Cherry is moderate. On sillage, most voters call it moderate. Voters reach for it most in spring and summer, and for night and evening wear.

Love Don't Be Shy Extreme by By Kilian

Top notes: Bergamot, Neroli
Heart notes: Bulgarian Rose, Orange Blossom
Base notes: Marshmallow, Musk, Pomegranate, Vanilla
Time of day: Night out

Smell it: 3 ml €33.93 10 ml €102.78

Love Don't Be Shy Extreme launched in 2021 for women. Neroli and bergamot open it, orange blossom and Bulgarian rose follow, and marshmallow, vanilla, musk and pomegranate make the sweet base.

Longevity votes for this Kilian lean long lasting. On sillage, most voters call it moderate. Voters reach for it most in fall and winter, and for night wear.

Fresh and floral

Expensive does not have to mean heavy. These three are brighter.

Valiant by Boadicea The Victorious

Valiant launched in 2013 and is unisex. It is a citrus and white floral scent: mandarin orange, grapefruit and ylang-ylang first, then orange blossom, neroli and jasmine, with vanilla and amber below.

Longevity votes for Valiant lean long lasting. Community votes on projection also lean strong. Voters reach for it most in spring, and for evening and day wear.

Isola Blu by Roja Dove

Top notes: Amalfi Lemon, Bergamot, Blue Lavender, Lime
Heart notes: Apple, Black Currant, Casablanca Lily, Champaca
Base notes: Amber, Ambrette (Musk Mallow), Anise, Atlas Cedar
Time of day: Night out

Smell it: 3 ml €42.39 10 ml €99.72

Isola Blu is unisex and opens with lime, bergamot, lemon and lavender. Apple, coconut and jasmine form a fruity heart, and cedar, amber and vanilla settle underneath.

Longevity votes for Isola Blu lean long lasting. Community votes on projection also lean strong. Voters reach for it most in fall and winter, and for night, evening and day wear.

Best value

Elysium Pour Femme by Roja Dove

Top notes: Bergamot, Blackberry, Mandarin Orange, Peach
Heart notes: Cyclamen, Freesia, Geranium, Jasmine
Base notes: Cedarwood, Musk, Pink Pepper, Sandalwood
Time of day: Daytime

Smell it: 3 ml €32.67 10 ml €84.33

Elysium Pour Femme launched in 2024 for women. Blackberry, bergamot and peach open it, and the heart is freesia, magnolia and jasmine. Musk, sandalwood and vanilla close it.

Longevity votes for Elysium lean moderate. On sillage, most voters call it moderate. Voters reach for it most in spring and summer, and for day wear.

Why a 3ml is how most people meet these

At this level of price per ml, a full bottle is a large commitment before you know how the perfume wears on you. A decant lets you wear it first. A 3ml decant is around 60 sprays, a 10ml decant around 200, and a 30ml decant around 600.

Here is what the 3ml costs for each perfume in this guide, with the price per ml.

3ml price and price per ml at 10ML, live
Perfume	3ml	Per ml
No. 1 Clive Christian for men	€69.66	€23.22/ml
No. 1 Feminine	€65.79	€21.93/ml
London	€34.65	€11.55/ml
20 Iconic Masculine	€55.89	€18.63/ml
20 Iconic Feminine	€55.89	€18.63/ml
C Woody Leather	€46.89	€15.63/ml
Fantasmagory	€39.96	€13.32/ml
Electric Cherry	€39.60	€13.20/ml
The Moon	€38.70	€12.90/ml
Valiant	€39.51	€13.17/ml
Love Don't Be Shy Extreme	€33.93	€11.31/ml
Isola Blu	€42.39	€14.13/ml
Nefs	€34.11	€11.37/ml
Elysium Pour Femme	€32.67	€10.89/ml

Our advice is simple: pick two or three from the styles you already like and start with a 3ml of each. Wear one for a few days, in the weather you would actually use it. If it earns a place, a 10ml decant gives you around 200 sprays, and a 30ml decant is the one to keep. For how a decant works, see what a perfume decant is.

The bigger picture: How to find your signature scent in three steps.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most expensive perfume in the world?: Guinness World Records lists Clive Christian's No.1 Imperial Majesty, made in November 2005 as ten bottles of 500ml, each at £115,000 or $205,000 at the time. It is a one-off edition, so you cannot buy it from us.
What is the most expensive perfume you can buy on 10ML?: It depends on price per ml, and our prices are live. The dearest perfumes per ml in our catalogue on 12 October 2026 are grouped in this guide, led by the Clive Christian No. 1 pair, with the 3ml price for each in the table.
Why do some perfumes cost so much per ml?: Price per ml can reflect the house behind a perfume and what goes into it. We do not call a price good or bad. We describe what the perfume smells like so you can judge it yourself.
Can I try an expensive perfume without buying the bottle?: Yes. A 3ml decant gives you around 60 sprays, enough to wear a perfume for several days before you decide. A 10ml decant gives around 200 sprays and a 30ml decant around 600.

Wear it for a week, not ten seconds.