Navigating fragrance trends in 2024, Dior’s Eau Sauvage and Bleu de Chanel topped the best-sellers in France, while Lancôme’s La Vie est Belle and Yves Saint-Laurent’s Black Opium shone for women. Experts predict a rise in cozy scents, merging natural and gourmand elements, with salty notes gaining popularity. Influences from younger generations may lead to a resurgence of body mists and playful packaging, while intense fragrances and celebrity collaborations are set to enhance the fragrance landscape in 2025.
Navigating the world of fragrances can be quite a challenge, especially when trying to find the perfect scent that resonates with your style and the latest trends. How can you stay trendy without compromising your personal preferences? In 2024, a variety of scents captured the attention of fragrance lovers, with Dior’s Eau Sauvage and Bleu de Chanel leading the pack in France’s best-selling perfumes, followed closely by Armani’s Stronger With You and Yves Saint-Laurent’s Kouros. For women, standout fragrances included Lancôme’s La Vie est Belle, Chloé’s eponymous scent, Cerruti 1881, and Yves Saint-Laurent’s Black Opium. But what can we expect in the upcoming year of 2025?
To gain insight into emerging fragrance trends, we consulted three experts who shared their thoughts on the scents expected to dominate the market in the coming months. Notably, the phenomenon of #PerfumeTok flourished on social media platforms such as TikTok, amassing over 1.7 billion views. Experts predict a surge in interest toward ‘unconventional flavors in unique formats, along with surprising combinations’. According to Caroline Sabas, a senior perfumer at Givaudan, ‘There will likely be a revival of comforting and nostalgic notes alongside innovative blends.’
The Fusion of Natural and Gourmand Scents
Caroline emphasizes the emergence of cozy fragrances. ‘The popularity of sweet scents stems from their comforting nature, evoking feelings of indulgence and familiarity, especially during uncertain times like the pandemic’, she explains. This trend is expected to continue growing, steering towards softer, warmer compositions rather than just vanilla-based fragrances. She highlights ingredients such as nutmeg, cashmere, and salted caramel, which may blend with ‘less conventional elements like metallic or mineral notes.’ Additionally, she suggests that maple and nuts could begin to feature more prominently in our fragrance choices. Earthy and woody aromas are also anticipated to gain traction as they appeal to nature lovers. ‘Woody and Middle Eastern-inspired fragrances could rival gourmand scents, offering sophisticated alternatives’, Caroline notes, adding that thyme, basil, and sage could become popular in these natural compositions.
What about the rising trend of salty notes? Caroline believes they will become increasingly popular. She recommends exploring notes reminiscent of rice and matcha, which may seem ‘unexpected’, yet maintain a creamy essence. ‘Other gourmand fragrances may also take unconventional routes’, like tomato, as mentioned by Tynan Sinks, co-host of the podcast Smell Ya Later. He also points to ingredients like fennel, olive, pepper, and rosemary, which can introduce an aromatic and earthy twist while retaining the indulgence of traditional gourmand scents.
Influences from Media and New Generations
Another expert, Sable Young, highlights that upcoming trends may be influenced by younger generations and their evolving relationships with fragrances. This could lead to a revival of body mists, playful packaging, and a brand identity focused on mood and personality. ‘Recent trends in beauty product incubators have paved the way for brands to create accessible and appealing options for younger demographics’, she explains. Caroline adds that sweet scents are here to stay. In fact, she believes that ‘as people become enamored with vanilla, it paves the way for a variety of new sweet notes’. She mentions the potential popularity of gummy candies, marshmallows, and chewing gum, which could also incorporate boozy elements.
Moreover, intense fragrances that can fill a room were a hallmark of 2024, and this trend is set to escalate in 2025. ‘Layering products like body oils and complementary hair perfumes will become more popular for those looking to personalize their scent experience’, Caroline notes. Tynan Sinks concurs, stating that ‘Brands will expand their scented offerings to include body cleansers, lotions, and creams.’ Brands such as DedCool and Nécessaire are already expanding their body care lines, while Sol De Janeiro continues to thrive in this space. Lastly, Sable Young predicts that celebrity and brand collaborations will persist as influencers, athletes, and beloved brands launch their own perfumes, further enriching the fragrance landscape.
What fragrance will you choose to represent your essence in the year ahead?