Few modern fragrances have done more for the vanilla trend than Kayali Vanilla 28. Created by Mona Kattan's fragrance house, it has become one of the most talked-about sweet scents on social media: a rich, sugary, cosy vanilla that people wear on its own or layer under almost everything else. It is also not a small purchase. At the time of writing, Sephora UK lists Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum at £80 for 50ml, with a 10ml travel size at £28 and the 100ml carrying a £110 list price. That is exactly why so many people search for a good Kayali Vanilla 28 dupe in the UK, and why we made Van 28.
What does Kayali Vanilla 28 actually smell like?
Vanilla 28 is a warm amber-vanilla gourmand. It is sweet, but with a deeper, slightly toasted quality rather than a simple cupcake vanilla. The key notes listed by UK retailers are:
- Opening: vanilla orchid, giving a creamy, soft floral vanilla from the first spray
- Heart: tonka absolute, which adds a rich, almost almond-like warmth
- Base: brown sugar, amber woods and musk, for the sugary, cosy drydown the scent is known for
The overall effect is comforting and noticeable: a sweet vanilla with a caramelised brown sugar edge, wrapped in warm amber and soft musk. It is an easy scent to love in autumn and winter, and it is famous as a layering base.
Why people look for a Kayali Vanilla 28 dupe
The reasoning is simple. Vanilla 28 is a scent many people want to wear every day and layer generously, which means a bottle does not always last long. At around £80 for 50ml, topping it up regularly adds up. A well-made alternative lets you enjoy the same warm vanilla and brown sugar style as an everyday signature, or keep the original for special occasions and use a more affordable option the rest of the time.
Introducing Van 28 — Insp by Kayali Vanilla 28
Van 28 is our take on this style, and it sits in The Vault, our limited-stock collection. It is a 50ml Extrait de Parfum priced at £19.99. Like every D&E scent it is vegan, cruelty-free and hand-blended in the UK.
Van 28 is a rich, sweet gourmand built around creamy vanilla, brown sugar and warm amber, finished with a soft musky base. It is best for cosy evenings, colder days, date nights and anyone who simply wants to smell warm and inviting. It also works well as a layering base under fruitier or woodier scents.
One honest note on availability: The Vault is limited stock and 50ml only. Once a Vault scent has sold out, it may not return, so if Van 28 is showing as available it is worth not leaving it too long.
Being upfront about the comparison
We always want to be straight with you. No "inspired by" fragrance is an exact clone or replica of the original, and Van 28 is no exception. It is our own composition, made to sit in the same warm vanilla, brown sugar and amber family that Vanilla 28 is loved for. If you know the original well, you may notice differences in the opening, in the sweetness, or in how the drydown develops on your skin. What we aim for is the same mood and character at a far more accessible price, not an identical copy.
Longevity and projection
Van 28 is blended at Extrait de Parfum strength, the richest of the common fragrance concentrations, and sweet amber-vanilla scents tend to cling well to skin and clothes. Many people find this style lasts through a working day or an evening out, but longevity always depends on your skin type, how much you apply and the conditions you are in. For the best results, spray on moisturised skin at your pulse points, let it dry naturally and avoid rubbing your wrists together. Two to four sprays is plenty for most people.
The verdict
If you love the idea of Kayali Vanilla 28 but not the £80 price tag for 50ml, Van 28 is a very easy recommendation. You get a warm, sugary vanilla-amber Extrait de Parfum in the same style, in a full 50ml bottle, for £19.99. It will not be an identical match, and we would never claim that, but as a cosy everyday vanilla or a layering base it offers excellent value while Vault stock lasts.
Shop it here: Van 28 — Insp by Kayali Vanilla 28
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Kayali and Vanilla 28 are trademarks of their respective owner. D&E Fragrances is an independent UK fragrance brand and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Kayali or Huda Beauty. "Van 28" is our own original composition, inspired by the popular fragrance family that Vanilla 28 helped define. Prices for the original were checked in November 2026 and may change.