“Chai” as a Scent or Product Name

The word “chai” has recently been used in product names to describe a specific scent profile (spicy, milky, warm), often in combination with sandalwood: 

• Prada Infusion de Santal Chai: A perfume that combines a spicy chai latte accord with creamy sandalwood notes, citrus, and musk.
• Chay Soy Wax Scented Candle: A candle product that uses a sandalwood fragrance to evoke a warm and cozy ambiance.
• Sandal Chai w/ Charisma for Men: A perfume that blends green tea, sandalwood, teak, and chai spices. 

Prada has launched a new unisex perfume called Prada Infusion de Santal Chai Eau de Parfum, which specifically features a chai latte accord. The fragrance is part of the brand’s ‘Les Infusions’ collection and blends creamy sandalwood with the spicy notes of the tea. 

Fragrance Profile

The perfume is described as a woody and milky scent that is both warm and spicy. Prada’s official description notes it “unexpectedly fuses creamy sandalwood with the spicy notes of chai latte accord, creating a warm and cozy scent” that is also brightened by fresh citrus and musk notes. 

• Fragrance Family: Woody & Milky / Warm & Spicy.
• Key Notes:
  • Top Notes: Cardamom, Citrus.
  • Middle Notes: Masala Chai, Spices, Milk.
  • Base Notes: Sandalwood, Musk. 

Where to Purchase

The Prada Infusion de Santal Chai Eau de Parfum is available for purchase online from several retailers. The price for a 100ml (3.4 oz) bottle is around $190

Merchant	Price (100ml)
Prada Beauty	~$190
Sephora	~$190

Expert & User Opinions

Reviewers note that the fragrance is a unique blend that effectively captures the essence of a chai latte while remaining sophisticated:

• A “cozy elegance”: Reviewers on Sephora describe the scent as a “welcoming cozy elegance” and a “warm hug” in a bottle, perfect for cooler seasons.
• Realistic chai note: One user on Instagram mentioned, “I can definitely smell where the chai latte vibe comes in which I love, because I’m a chai latte girl”.
• Unisex appeal: The scent has both feminine and masculine tones, making it a versatile, unisex option.
• Good longevity: According to one review, the scent lasts all day.
• Potential for layering: Some reviewers found it layers well with other perfumes.

In 2026, Prada’s Infusion de Santal Chai is specifically inspired by the Indian beverage masala chai. 

The naming and concept can be confusing due to different linguistic and cultural meanings:

1. Is it inspired by tea or spices?

It is inspired by the complete experience of a “chai latte”—which includes the tea, the milk, and the specific spices used to flavor it. 

• The “Accord”: In perfumery, an “accord” is a blend of different notes that come together to create a new single scent. The chai latte accord in this perfume aims to recreate the creamy, spicy, and warm aroma of the actual drink.
• Ingredients used: The fragrance includes masala chai and milk as middle notes, layered with spices like cardamom and citrus to mimic the flavor profile of the tea. 

2. Is “Chai” tea or a spice?

• Chai = Tea: In Hindi and Urdu, “chai” literally just means “tea”.
• Masala = Spices: To get the spicy flavor we associate with “chai” in the West, you need a masala (spice blend).
• The Redundancy: Because “chai” means tea, saying “chai tea” is like saying “tea tea”. In India, the spicy version is called masala chai. 

3. Why are they called “spices” if it’s tea?

The perfume is described as having “spicy notes” because masala chai is made by boiling black tea with a specific set of warm spices known as karha. These typically include: 

• Cardamom (often the most prominent note)
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Black pepper 

Prada uses these “spicy notes” (specifically cardamom) to give the sandalwood a “vibration” and “warmth” that feels like a freshly brewed cup of spiced tea.