The Essence Vault and Aromara are both UK-made designer-inspired fragrance brands, and both cost a fraction of the designer originals. The Essence Vault is one of the biggest dupe brands in the country. Aromara is a smaller, small-batch maker built on one idea: the strongest disclosed dupe you can buy. Here is an honest, like-for-like comparison.
Quick verdict: The Essence Vault is the established giant, with a huge range and a massive review base. Their fragrances are Eau de Parfum strength. Aromara goes a category higher, a disclosed 35% Extrait printed on the label, and backs every order with a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you want the widest choice and the biggest social proof, The Essence Vault delivers. If you want a published concentration figure, a stronger category, and double the guarantee window, Aromara has the edge.
Aromara vs The Essence Vault: side by side
| Aromara | The Essence Vault | |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration | 35% Extrait, printed on the label | "Highly concentrated" Eau de Parfum (percentage not disclosed) |
| Strength category | Extrait de Parfum | Eau de Parfum (Intense range available) |
| Longevity | 7+ hours, guaranteed in writing | 12+ hours claimed |
| Guarantee | 60-day money-back | 30-day money-back |
| Made in | UK, small batch | UK |
| Range | Focused, growing | 250+ scents |
| Try-first size | 5ml sampler from £4.99 | 5ml from £4.99 |
Where The Essence Vault is strong
The Essence Vault is a genuine heavyweight. They carry more than 250 scents, they are UK-made, vegan and cruelty-free, and they say they have served over 4 million customers with more than 100,000 five-star reviews. If you want the broadest range and the reassurance of a huge, well-reviewed brand, they are a strong choice.
Where Aromara wins
- The number is printed on the label. Aromara discloses a firm 35% Extrait. The Essence Vault markets a "highly concentrated" Eau de Parfum but does not publish a percentage, even on its Intense range. You cannot compare a figure that is not shared.
- A category higher on strength. Aromara is an Extrait de Parfum. The Essence Vault's core range is Eau de Parfum. Extrait is the more concentrated category.
- Double the guarantee. 60-day money-back versus 30-day.
- Small batch, made in the UK. Both brands are UK-made. Aromara makes its scents in small batches and hand-checks every order.
- Try first for the same price. Both start at a £4.99 5ml, so you can test Aromara's 35% Extrait before you commit to a full bottle.
So which should you buy?
If you want the biggest range and the comfort of a huge review base, The Essence Vault is a safe pick. If you want the strongest disclosed concentration, a stronger strength category, and the longest money-back guarantee, choose Aromara. Both beat paying full designer prices. The easiest way to decide is to try a 5ml of each and see which one lasts on your skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aromara stronger than The Essence Vault?
By disclosed concentration, yes. Aromara is a firm 35% Extrait, printed on the label. The Essence Vault markets a highly concentrated Eau de Parfum but does not publish a specific percentage, so there is no figure to compare against.
Are both made in the UK?
Yes. Both Aromara and The Essence Vault are UK-made designer-inspired fragrance brands. Aromara is small batch.
What are the guarantees?
Aromara offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and a 7+ hour wear guarantee. The Essence Vault offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I try before buying a full bottle?
Yes, with both. Each brand offers a 5ml from £4.99, so you can test the scent first. Aromara's 5ml is a 35% Extrait.
Read more comparisons: Aromara vs Dossier, Aromara vs Noted Aromas, and the strongest perfume dupes in the UK. See every scent and its inspiration in The Designer Dupe Index, or browse all Aromara fragrances.