TL;DR: Initio made its name with striking compositions like Oud for Greatness and Side Effect, which went viral on social media — but recent formula changes are a debated topic among longtime enthusiasts.
A house that built its fame on a few strong best-sellers
Initio made a name for itself with powerful, instantly recognizable compositions, using deliberately evocative line names ("Oud for Greatness," "Side Effect"). That strategy worked especially well on social media, where these perfumes have become recurring subjects of comparison among enthusiasts.
Oud for Greatness: an oud designed for mass appeal
Described as a smoother, more floral oud than a traditional, more animalic one, Oud for Greatness opens on lavender and saffron before revealing smoky, spicy woods in the base. It's regularly presented as a more accessible gateway into the oud olfactory family, compared to more radical niche compositions.
The most recurring topic: reformulation
A concern regularly raised by longtime enthusiasts involves perceived formula changes on several flagship references, particularly Side Effect, whose projection is considered weaker than originally by part of the community. It's a topic worth watching if you're buying based on older reviews.
How to approach Initio today
Given the potential formula changes the community mentions, it's better to favor a recent sample rather than relying solely on reviews published several years ago — the composition you test today isn't necessarily the one that built the perfume's original reputation.