Customer Scent Preferences 2025
Customer scent preferences in 2025 are evolving in bold and unexpected directions. Fragrance is no longer just a luxury accessory—it’s a form of self-expression, wellness support, and even environmental advocacy. Consumers are embracing personalization, seeking scents that align with their mood, identity, and values. From sophisticated gourmand blends to sustainable packaging, the choices people make reflect a growing demand for both artistry and accountability.
Genderless fragrances, functional aromas, and nostalgic revivals are reshaping the market, with niche brands leading innovation. As the lines blur between fragrance, skincare, and lifestyle, brands that adapt to these preferences are positioned to lead the next wave of olfactory storytelling.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 (Editor's Choice)
Here are the top 10 customer scent preferences shaping the fragrance landscape in 2025:
1. Sophisticated Gourmands
Gourmand fragrances have evolved beyond simple sweetness. Modern interpretations feature complex notes like roasted hazelnut, espresso, and salted caramel, offering a refined olfactory experience.
2. Unisex and Genderless Scents
The demand for fragrances that transcend traditional gender boundaries is rising. Blends featuring ambroxan, Iso E Super, and sandalwood cater to this inclusive trend.
3. Fresh Florals with a Twist
Florals are being reimagined with unexpected pairings. Think jasmine with pineapple or rose combined with pink pepper and pear, resulting in vibrant and contemporary bouquets.
4. Functional Fragrances for Wellness
Consumers are seeking scents that offer more than just aroma. Fragrances incorporating lavender for relaxation or citrus for energy are gaining popularity for their mood-enhancing properties.
5. Niche and Artisanal Perfumes
There's a growing interest in unique, story-driven scents from independent brands. These fragrances often feature rare ingredients and limited releases, appealing to those seeking individuality.
6. Fruity and Juicy Notes
Fruity fragrances are making a bold statement. Notes like mango, cherry, and citrus are being used in sophisticated compositions, moving beyond their traditional youthful associations.
7. Layering and Scent Wardrobing
Personalization is key, with consumers experimenting by layering different fragrances to create unique scent profiles that reflect their mood or occasion.
8. Alcohol-Free and Skin-Friendly Formulations
There's a shift towards fragrances that are gentle on the skin. Alcohol-free options, including oil-based and solid perfumes, are becoming more prevalent.
9. Sustainable and Refillable Packaging
Environmental consciousness is influencing packaging choices. Brands are offering refillable bottles and eco-friendly materials to reduce waste.
10. Retro Revival of 1970s Scents
There's a nostalgic return to the rich, earthy fragrances of the 1970s. Modern takes on these classics incorporate elements like musk and cardamom for a contemporary twist .
These trends reflect a dynamic shift in consumer preferences, emphasizing personalization, wellness, and sustainability in fragrance choices.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 and Future Implications
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #1. Sophisticated Gourmands
Gourmand fragrances have moved beyond basic vanilla and sugar into more complex territories, with notes like roasted hazelnut, espresso, and sea salt caramel becoming customer favorites. These elevated gourmand scents appeal to mature audiences seeking depth and uniqueness in their perfume choices. The rising demand for indulgent, food-inspired notes also mirrors consumers’ growing interest in sensory-rich self-care experiences.
As fragrance houses lean into this trend, we can expect a wave of gourmand scents that balance richness with refinement, appealing to both nostalgic and adventurous consumers. Brands that innovate in this space may capture a loyal base seeking comforting yet elegant aromas.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #2. Unisex and Genderless Scents
Fragrance preferences are shifting toward inclusive, unisex blends that defy traditional masculine and feminine labels. Scents built around ambroxan, Iso E Super, vetiver, and sandalwood are increasingly sought after for their neutral yet expressive profiles. This evolution in consumer behavior reflects broader cultural conversations around identity and personal expression.
As more consumers reject rigid gender norms, brands are expected to invest in gender-neutral packaging, marketing, and scent development. In the future, signature scents may become more about personality and less about gender.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #3. Fresh Florals with a Twist
Traditional florals like jasmine, rose, and tuberose are being reimagined with unexpected pairings, such as pineapple, pear, or blackcurrant. These playful yet elegant blends appeal to younger demographics seeking freshness with complexity. The evolution of florals into edgier, fruit-forward combinations creates opportunities for brands to revitalize classic ingredients.
This shift will likely drive innovation in synthetic aroma molecules to mimic rare or out-of-season ingredients. Looking ahead, florals will remain popular but with bolder, more modern interpretations.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #4. Functional Fragrances for Wellness
Scents designed to influence mood, such as citrus for focus or lavender for stress relief, are gaining traction in wellness circles. Customers are drawn to functional fragrances that support mental clarity, relaxation, or energy throughout the day. This trend aligns with the rise of aromatherapy-inspired products that blur the line between perfume and self-care.
As research continues into the link between scent and brain chemistry, the functional fragrance market is poised to expand beyond niche circles into mainstream beauty. Brands tapping into wellness narratives will likely dominate lifestyle-focused consumers.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #5. Niche and Artisanal Perfumes
Customers are increasingly favoring niche brands that tell a story and feature unique or rare ingredients. These perfumes often highlight craftsmanship, limited editions, and unconventional scent profiles like ink, minerals, or aged wood. The desire for personal and meaningful scents has turned niche perfumery into a growing segment.
As mass-market consumers seek alternatives to department store brands, niche houses will gain attention for their authenticity and originality. In the future, niche may become less “alternative” and more central to fragrance innovation.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #6. Fruity and Juicy Notes
Fruity notes like mango, cherry, fig, and passionfruit are making a splash in high-end perfumery. Once considered overly youthful or synthetic, these vibrant notes are being refined through sophisticated blends and natural extractions. The growing appeal of juicy scents suggests a shift toward uplifting and expressive perfumes that evoke positivity. These bright, accessible aromas are likely to resonate in global markets, especially in warmer climates. As perfumers explore exotic fruits and novel compositions, fruit-forward fragrances will continue to evolve in complexity.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #7. Layering and Scent Wardrobing
Customers are embracing scent layering as a creative way to express themselves through fragrance. Rather than relying on a single signature perfume, individuals are curating scent wardrobes for different moods, occasions, or seasons. This behavior encourages repeat purchases and fosters brand loyalty through customization.
Retailers may introduce layering kits or scent libraries to support this trend. Looking ahead, AI-powered scent pairing tools or fragrance discovery platforms could emerge to guide users in crafting personalized combinations.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #8. Alcohol-Free and Skin-Friendly Formulations
With skin sensitivity concerns on the rise, many consumers are turning to alcohol-free options like oil-based perfumes and balms. These formulations are perceived as cleaner, gentler, and longer-lasting, especially on dry or irritated skin. The shift reflects broader preferences for clean beauty and transparency in ingredients.
As awareness around skin microbiomes grows, demand for safe and non-irritating fragrance delivery will increase. Brands that invest in skincare-compatible formulations will likely build trust and expand their loyal base.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #9. Sustainable and Refillable Packaging
Sustainability is no longer a luxury—it’s expected. Customers are actively choosing brands that offer refillable bottles, recyclable packaging, and eco-friendly production methods. This movement is shaping not only packaging choices but also ingredient sourcing and supply chains.
Companies that prioritize sustainability in fragrance design are better positioned to meet growing consumer expectations and regulatory pressures. In the long run, sustainability may become a key differentiator in how fragrances are perceived and valued.
Customer Scent Preferences 2025 #10. Retro Revival of 1970s Scents
There’s a noticeable return of earthy, musky, and spicy scents reminiscent of the 1970s. Notes like patchouli, oakmoss, and leather are being reinterpreted for modern tastes, often softened or layered with lighter elements. This retro revival is part nostalgia and part rebellion against overly sweet or synthetic modern fragrances.
As fashion continues drawing inspiration from past decades, scent trends will mirror that cyclical storytelling. Expect more heritage-inspired launches that honor classic compositions with a contemporary flair.
Future Outlook: The Personalization of Scent
The fragrance industry in 2025 is defined by individuality, emotion, and conscious consumption. Consumers are moving away from generic mass-market options and leaning into personalized, mood-driven, and ethically crafted scents. Whether through gender-neutral blends, wellness-focused formulas, or eco-conscious packaging, the modern fragrance user expects more than just a pleasing aroma—they want meaning and intention.
This shift signals a long-term change in how perfumes are created, marketed, and experienced. Brands that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and storytelling will not only capture attention but also loyalty in an increasingly scent-savvy world.
Sources:
- https://www.fragranceoutlet.com/blogs/article/top-fragrance-trends-in-2025
- https://freshscents.com/blogs/retail-buyer-blog/global-fragrance-market-trends-insights-for-retailers-in-2025
- https://www.essencional.com/en/posts/the-niche-artistic-fragrance-year-in-review-bye-bye-2024-hello-2025
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health/a64276889/2025-perfume-trends
- https://meetglimpse.com/trends/perfume-fragrance-trends
- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/1970s-perfumes-trend-retro-jg5cbnh2l
- https://www.fragranceoutlet.com/blogs/article/top-fragrance-trends-in-2025
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health/a64276889/2025-perfume-trends
- https://www.essencional.com/en/posts/the-niche-artistic-fragrance-year-in-review-bye-bye-2024-hello-2025
- https://freshscents.com/blogs/retail-buyer-blog/global-fragrance-market-trends-insights-for-retailers-in-2025