The Matcha 26 by CA Perfume

What Smells Like The Matcha 26.
Best Alternatives (2026 Guide)

The Matcha 26 by CA Perfume is inspired by The Matcha 26, offering a long-lasting scent experience of up to 6 hours. This HumanSafe™ verified fragrance is available in various formats, including Oil, EDP Spray, and Duo Set.

Woody AromaticfruitycitrusgreenpowderyMagneticConfident
Why It Became Iconic

Why The Matcha 26
Became an Icon

Launched in 2021, The Matcha 26 by Le Labo has quickly become a modern icon in the fragrance world. Its unique blend of matcha tea accord, creamy fig, vetiver, cedarwood, and bitter orange creates a distinctive scent profile that has been celebrated in various beauty publications. This fragrance is not just a scent; it represents a moment of introspection and a quiet celebration of grace.

The Matcha 26 is universally recognizable for its fresh, green aroma, enriched with earthy tones and a soft, calming embrace. Its unique combination of woody, fruity, and citrus accords makes it appealing to a wide audience, while its introspective nature resonates deeply with those who appreciate subtlety in fragrance.

Le Labo
The House Behind The Original

Le Labo

Founded in 2006 by Fabrice Penot and Edouard Roschi in New York City, Le Labo is known for its artisanal, hand-blended fragrances. The brand emphasizes a minimalist approach and personalized service, making each fragrance a unique experience. Le Labo has gained a loyal following for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Learn more
The Perfumer Who Created The Original

Frank Voelkl

Frank Voelkl is a renowned German perfumer recognized for his innovative creations, including Thé Matcha 26 for Le Labo. He has made significant contributions to the fragrance industry, particularly through his work with Le Labo, where he focuses on blending unique ingredients to create memorable scents.

How We Build
Our Version?

Some fragrances become popular because they are extraordinary. Others become challenging once people try to live with them.

At CA Perfume, we study both sides — admiration and frustration — before we create anything. Not every fragrance deserves an interpretation. Here is how we decide & develop.

1
We Track the Market Signals

How Popular Is
the Original?

Before creating our version, we look at real-world demand — not hype, not trends, but sustained signals that tell us a fragrance has earned its place in people's lives.

Popularity is only one signal we consider. Sometimes a fragrance is selected because it has become a lasting bestseller; other times, it has been discontinued while still maintaining a loyal customer base. In both cases, what matters is clear, sustained demand.

Culturally Established
A benchmark fragrance with years of sustained demand — not a trend, a permanent fixture.
Discontinued
A loyal customer base left without access — demand is real, supply is gone.
Out of Reach
People want it — but the price, availability, or format puts it beyond everyday reach.
Only when a fragrance shows sustained relevance — not a spike — do we decide to develop our interpretation.
3722+ Verified Global Reviews
4.12 / 5 Average Rating Across Platforms
# 497 Most-Reviewed Unisex Perfume Perfume
Monthly How Often We Refresh These Signals
2
We Listen to Real Wearers

What Do People
Love — and Dislike?

Popularity tells us a fragrance matters. Reviews tell us where it falls short. We study thousands of verified opinions to find both — because our design brief comes directly from what real people said, not assumptions.

✓ What They Love
  • Soft and airy scent
  • Refreshing herbal and green facets
  • Creamy citrusy matcha tea
  • Blends well together
  • Cozy and enveloping cedar base
✗ What They Dislike
  • Not actually matcha scented
  • Not suitable for sweet gourmand lovers
  • High price point for a subtle fragrance
  • Polarizing projection ranges from weak to strong
  • Limited scent longevity
We Kept
The soft and airy scent
Refreshing herbal and green facets
Creamy citrusy matcha tea
The harmonious blend of notes
The cozy cedar base
We Solved
Enhanced projection for better wearability.
Adjusted pricing for accessibility.
Maintained the calming and clean aesthetic.
Improved longevity for a skin scent.
Made it suitable for sweet gourmand lovers.
Our Design Brief

Keep the magic.
Eliminate the negatives.

We design for everyday wear — not just for impact. The original deserves to be worn on a Tuesday, not saved for special occasions.

Verified Reviews Analysed
3722+
across Amazon, Fragrantica, Sephora, Walmart
3
We Study the Structure

How Do We Analyse
the Formula?

Before we mix a single drop, we map the original fragrance's composition using GC-MS analysis — Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry — to understand exactly what is present, at what concentration, and why it behaves the way it does on skin.

Then every ingredient goes through the HumanSafe™ evaluation system. Not just "is this permitted?" — but "is this genuinely good for your body at daily wear concentrations?"

Retain
Safe, functional, essential to the character. It stays.
Monitor
Acceptable at current levels. Tracked across every reformulation.
Replace
Substituted with a safer ingredient that does the same olfactory job.
The character stays intact. The risk does not follow it into the formula.
1
Stage 1
Original Ingredients
GC-MS Analysis
2
Stage 2
HumanSafe™ Evaluation
Retain · Monitor · Replace
3
Stage 3
CA Clean Formula
4
We Map the Mood

How Does It Make
You Feel?

A fragrance isn't just a scent — it's a psychological environment you carry with you. Every fragrance we work with gets mapped across six emotional dimensions through HumanSafe's Mood Architecture™ Index.

The map gets built two ways: through established olfactory and psychoacoustic research, and through a live human panel who wear samples blind and score each dimension independently. Our version has to match the original's mood profile — not just in scent, but in the feeling it creates.

Primary Mood Magnetic
Secondary Mood Confident
Inner Voice I am balanced.
Confidence
6.94
Presence
7.26
Mood Lift
6.94
Identity
7.0
Warmth
6.84
Social Ease
6.8
Energy
5.31
5
We Benchmark Against the Original

How Do We Know
Ours Holds Up?

Before any version leaves our lab, it goes through a structured comparison process — not just against the original reference, but also against leading competitors.

We don’t ask “does it smell nice?” We ask: does it perform comparably, note by note, hour by hour — and how does it stand in a blind test against both the original and the marke

We only release a version when it can stand next to the original — and hold its own.
1
Expert Analysis

A trained evaluator breaks down both fragrances side by side — top, heart, and base notes — and tracks longevity, projection, and development arc over 8 hours.

2
Blind Panel Test

Real people. One on each wrist. No labels, no context — just the scent. They choose which one they prefer. We only move forward when the result is genuinely competitive.

Our Final Interpretation

We Proudly Present
The Matcha 26

3 Years in Development
We Kept
  • The soft and airy scent
  • Refreshing herbal and green facets
  • Creamy citrusy matcha tea
  • The harmonious blend of notes
  • The cozy cedar base
We Improved
  • HumanSafe™ verified — no phthalates or parabens.
  • Available in multiple formats for versatility.
  • Layering options for a personalized scent experience.
  • More accessible price point for daily wear.
  • Improved projection for a lasting impression.
Compare Side-by-side

The Matcha 26 vs The Matcha 26

Same emotional signature. Cleaner formula. A fraction of the price. Here is exactly how the two compare — nothing hidden.

Comparing
The Matcha 26
The Matcha 26
Le Labo
The Matcha 26
CA Perfume
HumanSafe™
Price
Starting from$240for 50ml
Starting from
Longevity
6–8 hours (community reported)
6–8 hours (Oil) / 4–6 hours (EDP)
Skin Safety
Not DisclosedStandard luxury formulation — ingredient transparency not publicly disclosed.
HumanSafe™ VerifiedNo phthalates, no parabens, IFRA compliant.
Mood Index
Not MEI™ ScoredReference benchmark only.
MEI™ ScoredSee HumanSafe's Mood Architecture™ profile above.
Top Notes
Fig,Matcha Tea
Fig,Matcha Tea
Heart Notes
Cedarwood
Base Notes
Bitter Orange,Orange,Vetiver
The Matcha 26
The Matcha 26
Le Labo
Price
$240for 50ml
Longevity
6–8 hours (community reported)
Safety
Not Disclosed
Mood
Not MEI™ Scored
Top
Fig,Matcha Tea
The Matcha 26
CA Perfume
HumanSafe™
Price
Longevity
6–8 hours (Oil) / 4–6 hours (EDP)
Safety
HumanSafe™ VerifiedNo phthalates, no parabens, IFRA compliant.
Mood
MEI™ Scored
Top
Fig,Matcha Tea
Heart
Cedarwood
Base
Bitter Orange,Orange,Vetiver
Perfecting the Scent

How to Wear The Matcha 26 Like a Pro

The Matcha 26 by CA Perfume is best worn during the day in spring and summer, where its fresh notes can shine. It is perfect for casual outings or as an everyday signature scent. The longevity of up to 6 hours ensures you stay refreshed throughout the day.

Seasonal styling guide
Seasonal & Styling Guide

When & Where
to Wear It

Ideal for daytime wear in warmer seasons, The Matcha 26 is perfect for casual outings and everyday use.

Embrace the freshness of spring with this vibrant fragrance, perfect for daytime activities.
A great choice for relaxed weekends, adding a touch of elegance to casual outings.
Versatile enough for daily wear, this fragrance complements a variety of occasions.
Soft and inviting, this scent enhances intimate moments and romantic evenings.
Application guide
Application Guide

Apply for Maximum
Longevity

Proper application is key to maximizing the longevity and projection of The Matcha 26. Apply to pulse points and consider layering for enhanced depth.

Spray on wrists, neck, and behind the ears for optimal diffusion.
For added depth, layer with a matching body oil to enhance the fragrance experience.
Do not rub wrists together after applying; this can alter the scent.
For longevity, consider reapplying throughout the day, especially during warmer months.
The Art of Layering

Layer The Matcha 26
for a Signature Scent

Art of layering

The Matcha 26 is perfect for layering with complementary scents to create a unique fragrance experience. Consider combining with other fresh or woody fragrances for a personalized touch.

Layer with Vanilla

Combining with vanilla adds a sweet warmth that enhances the overall scent.

Layer with Fresh Florals

Mixing with floral scents creates a fresh and vibrant bouquet.

Layer with Woods or Resins

Pairing with woody or resinous fragrances deepens the earthy notes.

Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Comparing The Matcha 26 with The Matcha 26 — longevity, performance & value.

The Matcha 26 features a unique blend of matcha tea, creamy fig, and earthy vetiver, creating a refreshing and introspective scent experience.

The Matcha 26 by CA Perfume lasts up to 6 hours, making it a great choice for daily wear.

Yes, The Matcha 26 is versatile enough for everyday wear, perfect for casual outings or professional settings.

For best results, apply The Matcha 26 to pulse points like wrists and neck, and consider layering with a matching body oil.

Absolutely! The Matcha 26 layers well with other fresh or woody fragrances for a personalized scent experience.

The soft and inviting scent of The Matcha 26 enhances intimate moments, making it perfect for date nights.

The Matcha 26 by CA Perfume captures the essence of the original while offering enhanced projection and a more accessible price point.

Yes, The Matcha 26 is HumanSafe™ verified, formulated without phthalates and parabens, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

The Matcha 26 by CA Perfume is offered at an accessible price point compared to the original, making it a great alternative.

The Matcha 26 is ideal for casual outings, office wear, and intimate evenings, making it a versatile addition to your fragrance collection.

Store The Matcha 26 in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its quality.

The main notes include fig, matcha tea, cedarwood, bitter orange, and vetiver, creating a unique and refreshing scent profile.

Yes, The Matcha 26 is available in various formats, including Oil, EDP Spray, and Duo Set.

The Matcha 26 evokes a calming and introspective mood, perfect for moments of self-reflection.

Yes, The Matcha 26 is a unisex fragrance, appealing to a wide audience.

Make It Yours

Find Your Signature
Scent Today

Experience the warmth, elegance, and lasting presence that have made this fragrance style unforgettable. Discover your perfect size and make it part of your daily ritual.