Methodology
How we rank dupes.
Every dupe on Haus of Dupes receives a Match Score from 0 to 100. This score measures how well a dupe works as an alternative to the original — including scent accuracy, longevity, and projection.
We use real data from verified sources, not brand marketing or paid placements. Our methodology is published openly so you can see exactly how every ranking is determined.
The Score
Three independent components
The Match Score is a weighted composite of three data sources, each capturing a different dimension of quality.
Note Overlap
Comparing fragrance note profiles using verified data from the Fragella database
Reviewer Consensus
Original editorial analysis of what independent reviewers say about each dupe
Community Rating
First-party similarity ratings from fragrance enthusiasts who've tried both
Scent Profile Overlap
We compare the published fragrance note profiles of the original and the dupe using verified data from the Fragella fragrance database. The more notes that overlap across top, middle, and base layers — and the closer the overall scent profile — the higher this component scores. Note data is our foundation: it tells you whether two fragrances share the same DNA on paper.
Reviewer Consensus
We analyze what independent fragrance reviewers — across YouTube and fragrance blogs — actually say about each dupe. Our team classifies reviewer opinions using a structured rubric, assessing how reviewers rate scent accuracy, longevity, sillage, and overall quality compared to the original. We read and classify each review individually. This is original editorial analysis based on publicly available content — not aggregated star ratings or automated sentiment scoring. Reviewer Consensus captures how a dupe performs in the real world, beyond what note profiles alone can tell you.
Community Similarity Rating
Haus of Dupes collects first-party similarity ratings directly from our visitors. If you've tried both the original and a dupe, you can rate how similar they are. This component reflects real-world opinions from fragrance enthusiasts and carries more weight as more votes accumulate. Community ratings are independent of our editorial process — they're your voice, unfiltered.
Score Availability
We only display a Match Score when we have sufficient data to make it meaningful. Not every dupe in our database has a score yet — we're actively expanding our reviewer analysis and community ratings. If a dupe doesn't show a score, it means we haven't gathered enough data to rate it confidently. We'd rather show no score than a misleading one.
What We Don't Score
The Match Score measures how well a dupe works as an alternative to the original — including scent accuracy, longevity, and projection. It does not measure personal preference. A high-scoring dupe is a close, long-lasting match — but fragrance is personal, and a lower-scoring dupe might suit your taste better.
Scoring Independence
Match Scores are never influenced by affiliate relationships. We earn commissions when you buy through our links, but scores are determined entirely by note data, reviewer analysis, and community input. We will rank a dupe with no affiliate program above one that pays us if the data says it's a closer match.
Questions about our methodology? Contact us at hello.hausofdupes@gmail.com
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