What Is Opium?

Yves Saint Laurent Opium (1977) is one of the most controversial perfumes ever. This spicy oriental with mandarin, carnation, jasmine, myrrh, and castoreum defined the 1970s maximalist aesthetic. Its provocative name caused global controversy yet it became one of the best-selling perfumes of all time. For collectors, pre-2009 vintage bottles offer the original formulation that modern versions cannot replicate.

Vintage Value Guide

• 1977-1990 (First): Most potent with real castoreum and myrrh. Value: $150-400
• 1990-2009 (Second): Still high quality. Value: $80-200
• 2009+ (Modern): Reformulated. Value: $50-100
• Original Parfum: Rarest form. Value: $300-800+

Authentication

• Bottle: Chinese snuff bottle shape — flat rectangular with tassel. Heavy glass.
• Juice: Vintage = deep amber-red. Modern = lighter orange-gold.
• Scent: Complex spices, florals, animalic base lasting 10+ hours.