FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions — and we love that. It means you care about what you're buying, and so do we. Below you'll find honest answers to everything customers ask us most. If there's something we haven't covered, drop us a message and we'll get back to you personally.
About Our Fragrances
What does "inspired by" actually mean?
Our fragrances are alternative versions of well-known designer perfumes and aftershaves, crafted to capture the same scent character, notes, and feel as the originals — at a fraction of the price. They are entirely original, legally produced products. They are not counterfeit goods and do not claim to be the designer original.
Think of it this way: we study a designer fragrance in detail — the opening, the heart, the dry-down — and recreate that journey using the finest available fragrance oils. The result is something that smells unmistakably close, often with even better longevity.
How close do your fragrances smell to the designer originals?
Very close. Our master perfumers work specifically to recreate the character, notes, and structure of each reference scent as faithfully as possible. Many of our customers tell us they genuinely cannot tell the difference — and a significant number actually prefer ours because they last longer.
That said, minor variations can exist due to the nature of fragrance oil versus parfum formulations, and individual body chemistry affects how any scent wears on your skin. What we can guarantee is that every fragrance we make is crafted with precision and built to perform.
Why do your fragrances last longer than some of the originals?
Because we load our products at the absolute maximum fragrance inclusion levels — the highest concentration each formula will hold. Many designer fragrances, particularly in the Eau de Toilette format, use lower fragrance concentrations than you might expect. Our formulations are built for performance first, which is why customers consistently report excellent longevity and projection compared to the originals they're inspired by.
Are your fragrances suitable for sensitive skin?
All of our fragrance oils are produced to IFRA standards (the International Fragrance Association), which sets the safety guidelines for fragrance use in consumer products. If you have a known sensitivity to fragrance ingredients, we recommend doing a patch test before full use, as you would with any new fragrance product. If you have specific concerns, feel free to contact us and we can discuss the ingredients in a particular scent.
Do your fragrances contain alcohol?
Our personal fragrance products are alcohol-based, as is standard for perfumes and aftershaves. Our home fragrance range (candles, wax melts, diffusers, oils) does not contain alcohol.
Can I request a fragrance you don't currently stock?
We're always expanding our range. If there's a specific designer scent you'd love to see an inspired-by version of, get in touch — we love hearing from customers about what they want next.
Ingredients & Ethics
Are your products cruelty-free?
Yes. All of our fragrance oils are certified cruelty-free. We are committed to never using ingredients that have been tested on animals, and this applies across our entire product range.
Are your products vegan?
The majority of our range is fully vegan — including our candles, wax melts, scent oils, and bath products. Our Reed Diffusers, Refills, and Room Sprays are cruelty-free but not yet fully Vegan Society approved. We are actively working towards full Vegan Society certification across everything we make. Each product listing on the site clearly states its vegan status.
What wax do you use in your candles and wax melts?
We use a natural rapeseed and soy wax blend — a vegetable-based wax that is renewable, vegan, and burns cleanly without releasing harmful by-products. We do not use paraffin wax.
Do your fragrances contain essential oils?
Yes. Every fragrance in our collection contains essential oil content, which contributes to the richness, depth, and natural character of the scent. We don't rely solely on synthetic fragrance — the essential oil content makes a genuine difference to how our products smell and perform.
Where do you source your ingredients?
We work with carefully selected UK suppliers wherever possible. 70% of our product range is sourced from the Manchester area, and we actively seek out responsible, local partnerships to keep our carbon footprint low. Our glassware is crafted in Italy — chosen specifically for its quality, clarity, and premium feel.
About Elements of Fragrance
Who are Elements of Fragrance?
We're a family-run fragrance business based in Glossop, on the edge of the Peak District in the UK. We started during COVID creating wax melts and grew into one of the UK's most trusted inspired-by fragrance brands. Everything we make is handmade in our Glossop workshop by our small, passionate team. We are independent, British, and proud of it.
Are your products really handmade?
Genuinely, yes. Every single product that leaves our workshop is made by hand by our team in Glossop. No overseas manufacturing, no mass-production lines. This is one of the reasons we can stand behind every product we sell — we make it ourselves, we check it ourselves, and we care about it deeply.
Why are you slightly more expensive than some other inspired-by brands?
Because quality costs money — and we've chosen not to compromise on it.
Budget inspired-by fragrances dilute their formulas heavily to keep prices as low as possible. We use premium fragrance oils at maximum inclusion levels, make everything by hand in the UK, use responsibly sourced natural ingredients, and operate as an ethical, sustainable business. All of that is reflected in our pricing.
What you get in return is a product that genuinely performs — one that smells incredible, lasts all day, and arrives feeling like it was made with care. We think that's worth the small difference in price, and so do our customers.
Orders & Delivery
How long does delivery take?
We aim to dispatch all orders within 1 working day. Standard UK delivery takes 2-3 working days from dispatch. Express delivery options are available at checkout.
Do you offer free delivery?
Yes — we offer free standard UK delivery on all orders over £50. Full delivery information is available at checkout.
Do you ship internationally?
We do, we delivery globally.
Can I track my order?
Yes. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a tracking link via email so you can follow your delivery every step of the way.
Returns & Satisfaction
What if I don't like the fragrance when it arrives?
We want you to love every product you buy from us. If the scent isn't quite right for you, please contact our team within 7 days of receiving your order and we'll do our best to find you something better — or arrange a return in line with our returns policy.
We know buying a fragrance online without being able to smell it first requires trust. We take that seriously, which is why we work hard to describe every scent accurately and offer genuine customer support when it's needed.
What is your returns policy?
Unopened, unused products can be returned within 30 days of receipt for a full refund. Please contact us before returning any item. For hygiene reasons, we are unable to accept returns on opened fragrance products unless they are faulty. Full details are available in our Returns Policy.
What if my order arrives damaged?
If anything arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us within 7 days with a photo of the damage and we will arrange a replacement or refund immediately. We take great care with our packaging but occasionally things happen in transit — just get in touch and we'll sort it.
How do I contact you?
You can reach our team at [hello@elementsoffragranceshop.com] or via the contact form on our Contact page. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 working hours.
Still have a question? Get in touch →
Elements of Fragrance Shop — Handcrafted in Glossop, Peak District, UK.