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Initio Parfums Prives · Sold as unisex
Side Effect
The afterglow of a long night — the lingering warmth of spices and rum as the last embers fade.
Full bottle: Luxury tier, typically $250+. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Side EffectLuxury · $250+
43%Similar accords, often for lessSpicebomb Extreme · Viktor&RolfPremium tier, $100–250 · shares tobacco, cinnamon and saffron8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 2016 by Initio Parfums Prives, Side Effect is a warm spicy oriental fragrance that has sparked intense debate within the niche community. The composition combines rum and cinnamon with tobacco and woody undertones, creating an addictive sweetness that fans describe as a 'compliment magnet.' However, detractors often compare it to cheap booze mixed with cough medicine, highlighting its polarizing nature. Long-time enthusiasts have noted that the fragrance has undergone reformulation, which has altered both its performance and scent profile.
Given its strong character, one to two sprays is usually enough. The high concentration allows it to build naturally on the skin throughout the day or evening. If you notice the scent profile has changed since earlier batches, give it a bit more time to develop before judging — newer iterations may require some adjustment.
Fig. 01 — Side Effect, Initio Parfums Prives
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
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Designer Initio Parfums Prives
More from the house · founded 2015 · France
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
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Swiss ArabianTobacco 01EDP · ★ 4.38Wearers say it smells similar
Parfums de MarlyHerodParfum · ★ 4.42Loved by the same peopleStill deciding?Try the Scent Finder →Love it, not the $250+ price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalSide EffectInitio Parfums Prives · Luxury · $250+Viktor&Rolf · 2015Spicebomb ExtremeShares Tobacco, Cinnamon and Saffron$100–250★ 4.49 (17,624)42%Match
Viktor&Rolf · 2021Spicebomb InfraredShares Tobacco, Cinnamon and Saffron$100–250★ 4.28 (2,768)48%Match
Fragrance World · 2024Nuke 2.0Shares Tobacco, Cinnamon and Saffronunder $40★ 4.43 (112)47%Match
Tauer Perfumes · 2011Pentachords AuburnShares Tobacco, Cinnamon and Sandalwood$100–250★ 3.53 (118)
With Zara Zara Frozen Eau de Toilette 2019
Adds citrus, fresh spicy and white floral.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
A community favourite: loved by 59%, disliked or hated by 8%.