Sol De Janeiro is synonymous with luxury body care and delicious, exotic fragrances, but let's face it: not everyone can afford their premium price tag. That's where dupes come in.
To help you find more cost-effective options, we've compiled this list of alternatives that mimic the magic of Sol De Janeiro's iconic products - helping you smell and feel amazing without breaking the bank.
What Makes Sol De Janeiro Products So Popular?
Sol De Janeiro has a massive global fanbase. Beauty enthusiasts rave about its unique appeal on social media, and it’s a staple in countless beauty routines. However, its cult status means the products can often sell out or feel unattainable for those on a budget.
From the moment you open a jar of Brazilian Bum Bum Cream or spritz their signature mist, you’re transported to the beaches of Rio, Caipirinha in hand and Tim Maia on the stereo.
These products are loved for their intoxicating scents, luxurious textures, and skin-nourishing ingredients like cupuaçu butter, açaí oil, and coconut oil. The attention to detail in formulation makes them stand out.
Key Features of Sol De Janeiro Products
- Exceptional products and fragrances: The warm, gourmand fragrance of pistachio, vanilla, and salted caramel is unmistakable. This scent has become the brand's signature, loved by millions for its ability to linger on the skin all day.
- Skin benefits and nourishment: Sol De Janeiro products don’t just smell good—they’re also packed with skin-loving ingredients. From smoothing out texture to providing deep hydration, their formulas often include caffeine to tighten and exotic butters to nourish.
- Packaging and presentation: Part of Sol De Janeiro’s appeal is its vibrant packaging. With its bold yellow and teal accents, the branding evokes the sun-soaked beaches of Brazil, making it hard not to fall in love.
Why Look For Sol De Janeiro Dupes?
- Luxury comes at a price: A small jar of their Bum Bum Cream can cost over £40, which is not always feasible for everyone, especially when it's a recurring purchase.
- Accessibility and availability challenges: Sol De Janeiro products are not available in every store, and international shipping can be a hassle for UK customers. Dupes make it easier to enjoy similar products without dealing with these hurdles.
- Ethical and sustainable alternatives: Many are turning to dupes to find cruelty-free and environmentally friendly products. While Sol De Janeiro is cruelty-free, not all its offerings are vegan or sustainably packaged, prompting some to seek greener options.
The Best Dupes of Sol De Janeiro Products
1. Body Stories 'Brazilian Bliss Body Butter' (Poundland) vs Sol de Janeiro 'Brazilian Bum Bum Cream'
Costing over £30 less than the Sol de Janeiro product, Body Stories' Bliss Body Butter is far cheaper than the original product.
At first sniff, the Poundland version replicates the salted caramel fragrance; however, when applied to the skin, the dupe has less perfume to it, making it subtler than the Sol de Janeiro product.
While it might not be up to the same standards as the Sol de Janeiro product, this Poundland alternative is available at a much lower price, making it an effective dupe.
2. Primark 'Maldives Sunset' vs Sol de Janeiro '62'
Sol de Janeiro's 62 spray is an irresistibly sweet fragrance. It combines some of our favourite flavours, like creamy pistachio and salted caramel, into this perfume mist.
Its dupe is Primark's £3.50 Tropical Body Mist, which includes notes of sweet almond and caramel. While it does smell of vanilla and has a sweet scent reminiscent of 62, Maldives Sunset does lack the depth and nuttiness of the Sol de Janeiro product.
Having said this, the Primark version's price compared to the real deal does make it an effective dupe - especially if you want to add a little sweetness to your perfume selection.
3. Soap & Glory 'Smooth Star Moisturiser' (Boots) vs Sol de Janeiro 'Brazilian Bum Bum Cream'
Available at Boots, Soap & Glory's Smooth Star Moisturiser offers a similar scent to Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and contains nourishing coconut oil and shea butter to leave your skin feeling fantastic and hydrated.
Meanwhile, the Sol de Janeiro product is enriched with guaraná extract, cupuaçu butter, açaí oil, and coconut oil. This combination locks in moisture for a long-lasting suppleness and glow.
So, while the Soap & Glory product may not have the same staying power, the Sol de Janeiro dupe does have good nourishing properties and smells just as sweet as the original.
Soap & Glory's product is also available for less than a tenner, so you can save a bit of cash. This cheaper price is definitely tempting compared to £48 for the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream.
4. Zara 'Moonlight' vs Sol de Janeiro 'Cheirosa 62'
Zara's dupe game needs to be studied. The high-street brand's fragrances have grown in popularity thanks to their consistency and accessible price points.
In fact, we compiled a whole guide with our top picks. You can read that here: The 20 Best Zara Perfume and Aftershave Dupes For 2025.
Anyway, back to Moonlight, Zara's replica Cheirosa 62 fragrance. Like the original, Zara's dupe includes notes of pistachio and blossom, and it offers 5-6 hours of wear.
One thing to be aware of, however, is that the Sol de Janeiro fragrance has deeper, richer notes, while the Zara fragrance is lighter.
5. Dove 'Purely Pampering Pistachio' Body Wash vs Sol De Janeiro 'Brazilian 4 Play' Shower gel
While this Dove body wash is not a direct dupe for Brazilian 4 Play, it does have some similarities. And it's available for less than half price.
Like the Sol de Janeiro shower gel, the Dove product features pistachio and magnolia notes, but Brazilian 4 Play offers a more luxurious formulation and stronger scent.
So, if you're looking for a more subtle alternative to the Sol body wash, Dove's purely pampering pistachio product is perfect.
How To Identify The Best Dupes
Matching Scent Profiles: The best dupes capture the same warm and tropical notes, ensuring you get the same sensory experience as the original product.
Comparable Skin Benefits: Look for products that use similar ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut oil, or caffeine. These ensure that your skin feels just as soft and pampered.
Affordable Price Points: Dupes should offer comparable results at a fraction of the cost, making luxury skincare accessible to everyone.
Tips For Buying High-Quality Dupes
Reading labels and ingredient lists
A quick scan of the ingredient list can reveal if a product shares similar nourishing elements like shea butter, cupuaçu butter, or coconut oil. This ensures the dupe not only smells good but also delivers comparable skincare benefits.
User reviews and feedback
Check online reviews to gauge the effectiveness and scent accuracy of dupes. Platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and beauty blogs often offer honest insights from other consumers.
Ethical Considerations When Choosing Dupes
Cruelty-free and vegan options
Many dupes offer cruelty-free and vegan alternatives to Sol De Janeiro’s products. Look for certifications like the Leaping Bunny or Vegan Society logo to ensure your purchase aligns with your values.
Supporting small or local businesses
Some independent UK-based brands produce high-quality dupes that are both affordable and sustainable. Buying from these companies supports local economies while reducing your carbon footprint.
Discover Dupes With Slingo
Explore more alternatives to designer fragrances and clothing on the Slingo Lifestyle Blog:
