{"id":1683795,"date":"2026-01-29T12:40:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T09:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1683795"},"modified":"2026-01-29T12:40:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T09:40:00","slug":"perfume-has-never-been-more-popular-so-whats-next","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1683795","title":{"rendered":"Perfume Has Never Been More Popular. So, What\u2019s Next?"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

The Next-Gen Issue<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Perfume Has Never Been More Popular. So, What\u2019s Next?<\/h1>\n
\n
\n
\n
By<\/span><\/p>\n
Lindy Segal <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Lindy\"Lindy<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nLindy Segal\n<\/div>\n
\n

Lindy is a seasoned beauty and lifestyle journalist with over 12 years of experience. Lindy has held editor positions at Glamour and People, and her byline has also appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Fashionista, Fast Company and other esteemed publications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Published on January 29, 2026 07:40AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n

Once a beauty afterthought for many, fragrance has morphed into a main event. In the last few years, full fragrance wardrobes dethroned the signature scent, and #PerfumeTok created viral scent after viral scent\u2014a feat considering users can\u2019t actually smell<\/em> them through their screens.\u00a0 2025 was, perhaps, the most transformative year for fragrance yet; according to Nielsen data, it\u2019s the fastest-growing category in beauty<\/u>. So with more eyes (or in this case, noses) looking at perfume than ever, what\u2019s next? We\u2019re so glad you asked. According to Emma Vernon<\/u>, host of the podcast Perfume Room<\/u>, there will be a certain tenderness to fragrance in 2026; a retreat of sorts after a few years of experimentation. \u201cI think people are seeking comfort again, whereas in the last five or six years, people have become more maximalist in taste,\u201d she suggests. \u201cAt the same time, Pandora\u2019s Box has been opened, and people are still looking for things that feel interesting, quirky, and niche.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

In other words, things in the perfume world are about to get interesting\u2014but not completely unfamiliar. Read on for what we expect to come to this ever-evolving category, with insights from Vernon and more industry heavyweights.\n<\/p>\n

Future Nostalgia <\/span><\/h2>\n

Call it a coincidence, or call it a trend: Vernon points out that in the back half of 2025, there were at least three vintage-inspired launches: Guerlain Shalimar L\u2019Essence<\/u> (in honor of the original\u2019s 100th anniversary), Coty Ambre Antique<\/u>, and Spoturno 1921<\/u>. Rather than simply reissuing the classics, brands invigorated them with fresh iterations and updated ingredients. For instance, perfumer Christophe Sheldrake replaced animal materials from Spoturno\u2019s 120-year-old formula with newer, more science-forward ingredients.\n<\/p>\n

Further, Vernon sees aldehydes\u2014the powdery, \u201csoapy\u201d notes associated with some of the original vanity icons, like Shalimar and Chanel No. 5\u2014having a moment, but interpreted in a new way. \u201cI think some of them will feel vintage and evocative of Chanel No. 5, and some of them are going to prove their versatility and [will be] poised as really futuristic,\u201d she says. 11 11 Moon, Lake & Skye\u2019s ethereal new addition, is already living up to that prediction, with zingy notes of coconut shavings and lemon zest that contrast the almost-metallic aldehydes.\n<\/p>\n

Grown-Up Gourmand <\/span><\/h2>\n

Expect sweet perfumes to continue their reign\u2014but with a new air of sophistication. \u201cWe\u2019re continuing to see gourmand evolve but in a much more elevated, textured way,\u201d says Julia Buonanno-Godec, senior marketing manager at DSM-Firmenich<\/u>.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Elaborate\"Elaborate<\/div>\n<\/div>
<\/p>\n

@yip.studio_ \/ Instagram<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How that will play out, she says, is through \u201csoft sweetness\u201d like marshmallow and milky accords, layered with deeper notes. Something like \u201cboozy vanilla that feels rum-drenched rather than cupcake-sugary,\u201d muses Buonanno-Godec. \u201cThe sweetness is there, but it\u2019s moodier and more dimensional.\u201d DedCool\u2019s Mochi Milk<\/u> may be the blueprint for this category, but that\u2019s with good reason: Its marshmallowy, lactonic base is mellowed with incense and sandalwood.\n<\/p>\n

Beyond the Bottle <\/span><\/h2>\n

In an industry beloved for its innovative packaging, the bar is continually raised. Vernon believes more intentional packaging is on the way and nods to creativity when it comes to caps and labels.\n<\/p>\n

New It brand Lore<\/u> is a prime example: Its caps can be repurposed as a sleek candleholder after you\u2019ve finished your bottle. \u201cWe wanted to challenge ourselves to rethink the experience a bottle can bring from everyday wear into everyday reuse,\u201d explains Melanie Bender, Lore founder and CEO. \u201cI think fragrance packaging is evolving beyond function to be felt equally as an object d\u2019art.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Vernon also predicts a smaller change\u2014literally. \u201cNow, most people have more than one scent, so people don\u2019t want twenty 100-ml bottles, and brands are starting to take note of that,\u201d she says. And it\u2019s not the same old travel roll-on: \u201cArquiste<\/u> and Kayali<\/u>, for example, have bottles that are the exact same silhouette as their bigger bottles.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Building Blocks <\/span><\/h2>\n

Per Pinterest\u2019s \u201cscent stacking\u201d trend prediction<\/u> for 2026, \u201cGen Z and millennials are ditching one-and-done scents for bespoke notes, blending oils and perfumes to craft fragrance formulas.\u201d And while there will always be a place in our fragrance wardrobe for complex scents, stripped-down options may be better suited for this one.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cLayering is something that people have been doing for a few years, but the idea of layering every individual ingredient to create a final accord is a fun concept,\u201d says Vernon, who says she started seeing gourmands \u201cbroken down to the simplest of ingredients\u201d last year. \u201cInstead of seeing a brownie accord or chocolate cookie accord, you would see butter, dough, salt, flour\u2014all these pantry ingredients that would come together to create this thing if you were to bake it.\u201d Think: Skylar\u2019s recently launched Double Dates<\/u>, with its notes of cinnamon and brown sugar, and Noyz\u2019s Hair + Body Fragrance Mist in Salty<\/u>, with top notes of pink sea salt and coconut water.\n<\/p>\n

Jammy Fruits <\/span><\/h2>\n

Like gourmands, fruity fragrances are also having a moment. But instead of the punchy strawberry fragrances that have dominated the past few years, they\u2019re veering more sensual. \u201cInstead of bright, top-heavy profiles, we\u2019re seeing plum and raspberry come through in darker, richer expressions,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. \u201cThey feel more jammy, sparkling, and sensual, often grounded with woods and musks.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
<\/p>\n

DTS<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two recent launches, Mugler Alien Pulp<\/u> and YSL Libre Berry Crush<\/u>, indeed highlight juicy raspberry. And while we\u2019ll still see cherry and peach, they\u2019ll be reimagined. \u201cFor example, with peach, instead of leaning into the juicy flesh, you might explore the woodiness of the pit,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. \u201cWith cherry, it\u2019s less about syrupy sweetness and could be more about the waxy skin, the darker, almost polished side of the fruit.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Fancy a Drink <\/span><\/h2>\n

Building on the popularity of Kilian Paris Angels\u2019 Share On the Rocks<\/u> and D.S. & Durga Cognac Reign<\/u> last year, boozy scents are still an anchor heading into 2026. Bender even notes that Sephora curated an entire \u201cboozy fragrance\u201d category<\/u> on its website, including Disfruta<\/u>, a genderless fragrance from Lore that evokes smoky mezcal. \u201cIt swirls like a cocktail, equal parts perfume and escapism,\u201d she explains.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t worry: There are scents that appeal to every beverage lover: \u201cCoffee and tea notes keep expanding as well. What started as sweet latte-style scents has moved into more nuanced territory like espresso and matcha,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. Case in point: Elorea\u2019s Heaven<\/u> is made with Korean green tea, and Kayali Freedom Musk Latte<\/u> is like your favorite drink, bottled (and only in the aforementioned shrunken-down size).\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Smell Good to Feel Good <\/span><\/h2>\n

Perfume has always been tied to mood, and perfumers are tapping into that emotional connection. Ayurvedic beauty brand Ranavat<\/u> recently launched a range of fragrances with notes designed for intention-setting, and don\u2019t be surprised if you see the words \u201cmood-boosting\u201d on more than a few upcoming launches.\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
<\/p>\n

DTS<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond aromatherapy, more holistic lenses are being explored, from reducing allergens to ethical ingredient sourcing. \u201cPeople want what they put on their bodies to work harder for them,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. \u201cIt\u2019s no longer just about smelling good but asking, \u2018what does this do for me?\u2019\u201d Expect to see more alcohol-free formulas (\u00e0 la Bella Hadid\u2019s Orebella line<\/u>), while more may have \u201cskin-friendly\u201d ingredients like Rare Beauty\u2019s body mists that feature niacinamide<\/u>.\n<\/p>\n

In general, consumers care more about what they\u2019re spritzing on their bodies. \u201cThere\u2019s increasing pressure around transparency, from ingredient disclosure to sourcing and sustainability,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. Transparency is core to what Bender is cooking up at Lore. \u201cWe\u2019re developing a new framework bringing conservation biologists into the product development process with us,\u201d she says. \u201cI want to get us all moving a little bit more slowly<\/u>. To get us open to asking more questions and pushing for answers.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Going Indie <\/span><\/h2>\n

The rise in independent perfumers has changed the game in recent years. \u201cThere\u2019s a mix of self-taught YouTube University perfumers, people who have classical training who went independent, and everything in between,\u201d explains Vernon. Still, the bigger perfume houses aren\u2019t being left behind. \u201cThey\u2019re up against people who have no corporate constraints. They can push the envelope a little bit more, and it\u2019s fueling more creativity,\u201d Vernon adds.\n<\/p>\n

It\u2019s impossible to narrow down our favorites, but just a few on our radar: Heretic Parfum<\/u>, with a library of unexpected accords; Octavia Morgan<\/u>, the first Black-owned and woman-founded prestige fragrance brand to enter Ulta Beauty; and Perfumehead<\/u>, a collection of heady, concentrated scents that smell unlike anything else.\n<\/p>\n

No matter your scent portfolio, there’s something new\u2014and decadent\u2014for everyone to explore in 2026.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
Read more:<\/div>\n
    \n
  • Fragrance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n
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        <\/main><\/p>\n

        \n
        \n
        \n
        \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

        The Next-Gen Issue<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n

        Perfume Has Never Been More Popular. So, What\u2019s Next?<\/h1>\n
        \n
        \n
        \n
        By<\/span><\/p>\n
        Lindy Segal <\/p>\n
        \n
        \n
        \n
        \"Lindy\"Lindy<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
        \nLindy Segal\n<\/div>\n
        \n

        Lindy is a seasoned beauty and lifestyle journalist with over 12 years of experience. Lindy has held editor positions at Glamour and People, and her byline has also appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Fashionista, Fast Company and other esteemed publications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
        Published on January 29, 2026 07:40AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
        \n
        \n

        Once a beauty afterthought for many, fragrance has morphed into a main event. In the last few years, full fragrance wardrobes dethroned the signature scent, and #PerfumeTok created viral scent after viral scent\u2014a feat considering users can\u2019t actually smell<\/em> them through their screens.\u00a0 2025 was, perhaps, the most transformative year for fragrance yet; according to Nielsen data, it\u2019s the fastest-growing category in beauty<\/u>. So with more eyes (or in this case, noses) looking at perfume than ever, what\u2019s next? We\u2019re so glad you asked. According to Emma Vernon<\/u>, host of the podcast Perfume Room<\/u>, there will be a certain tenderness to fragrance in 2026; a retreat of sorts after a few years of experimentation. \u201cI think people are seeking comfort again, whereas in the last five or six years, people have become more maximalist in taste,\u201d she suggests. \u201cAt the same time, Pandora\u2019s Box has been opened, and people are still looking for things that feel interesting, quirky, and niche.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

        In other words, things in the perfume world are about to get interesting\u2014but not completely unfamiliar. Read on for what we expect to come to this ever-evolving category, with insights from Vernon and more industry heavyweights.\n<\/p>\n

        Future Nostalgia <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Call it a coincidence, or call it a trend: Vernon points out that in the back half of 2025, there were at least three vintage-inspired launches: Guerlain Shalimar L\u2019Essence<\/u> (in honor of the original\u2019s 100th anniversary), Coty Ambre Antique<\/u>, and Spoturno 1921<\/u>. Rather than simply reissuing the classics, brands invigorated them with fresh iterations and updated ingredients. For instance, perfumer Christophe Sheldrake replaced animal materials from Spoturno\u2019s 120-year-old formula with newer, more science-forward ingredients.\n<\/p>\n

        Further, Vernon sees aldehydes\u2014the powdery, \u201csoapy\u201d notes associated with some of the original vanity icons, like Shalimar and Chanel No. 5\u2014having a moment, but interpreted in a new way. \u201cI think some of them will feel vintage and evocative of Chanel No. 5, and some of them are going to prove their versatility and [will be] poised as really futuristic,\u201d she says. 11 11 Moon, Lake & Skye\u2019s ethereal new addition, is already living up to that prediction, with zingy notes of coconut shavings and lemon zest that contrast the almost-metallic aldehydes.\n<\/p>\n

        Grown-Up Gourmand <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Expect sweet perfumes to continue their reign\u2014but with a new air of sophistication. \u201cWe\u2019re continuing to see gourmand evolve but in a much more elevated, textured way,\u201d says Julia Buonanno-Godec, senior marketing manager at DSM-Firmenich<\/u>.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"Elaborate\"Elaborate<\/div>\n<\/div>
        <\/p>\n

        @yip.studio_ \/ Instagram<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        How that will play out, she says, is through \u201csoft sweetness\u201d like marshmallow and milky accords, layered with deeper notes. Something like \u201cboozy vanilla that feels rum-drenched rather than cupcake-sugary,\u201d muses Buonanno-Godec. \u201cThe sweetness is there, but it\u2019s moodier and more dimensional.\u201d DedCool\u2019s Mochi Milk<\/u> may be the blueprint for this category, but that\u2019s with good reason: Its marshmallowy, lactonic base is mellowed with incense and sandalwood.\n<\/p>\n

        Beyond the Bottle <\/span><\/h2>\n

        In an industry beloved for its innovative packaging, the bar is continually raised. Vernon believes more intentional packaging is on the way and nods to creativity when it comes to caps and labels.\n<\/p>\n

        New It brand Lore<\/u> is a prime example: Its caps can be repurposed as a sleek candleholder after you\u2019ve finished your bottle. \u201cWe wanted to challenge ourselves to rethink the experience a bottle can bring from everyday wear into everyday reuse,\u201d explains Melanie Bender, Lore founder and CEO. \u201cI think fragrance packaging is evolving beyond function to be felt equally as an object d\u2019art.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

        Vernon also predicts a smaller change\u2014literally. \u201cNow, most people have more than one scent, so people don\u2019t want twenty 100-ml bottles, and brands are starting to take note of that,\u201d she says. And it\u2019s not the same old travel roll-on: \u201cArquiste<\/u> and Kayali<\/u>, for example, have bottles that are the exact same silhouette as their bigger bottles.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

        Building Blocks <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Per Pinterest\u2019s \u201cscent stacking\u201d trend prediction<\/u> for 2026, \u201cGen Z and millennials are ditching one-and-done scents for bespoke notes, blending oils and perfumes to craft fragrance formulas.\u201d And while there will always be a place in our fragrance wardrobe for complex scents, stripped-down options may be better suited for this one.\n<\/p>\n

        \u201cLayering is something that people have been doing for a few years, but the idea of layering every individual ingredient to create a final accord is a fun concept,\u201d says Vernon, who says she started seeing gourmands \u201cbroken down to the simplest of ingredients\u201d last year. \u201cInstead of seeing a brownie accord or chocolate cookie accord, you would see butter, dough, salt, flour\u2014all these pantry ingredients that would come together to create this thing if you were to bake it.\u201d Think: Skylar\u2019s recently launched Double Dates<\/u>, with its notes of cinnamon and brown sugar, and Noyz\u2019s Hair + Body Fragrance Mist in Salty<\/u>, with top notes of pink sea salt and coconut water.\n<\/p>\n

        Jammy Fruits <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Like gourmands, fruity fragrances are also having a moment. But instead of the punchy strawberry fragrances that have dominated the past few years, they\u2019re veering more sensual. \u201cInstead of bright, top-heavy profiles, we\u2019re seeing plum and raspberry come through in darker, richer expressions,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. \u201cThey feel more jammy, sparkling, and sensual, often grounded with woods and musks.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
        <\/p>\n

        DTS<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Two recent launches, Mugler Alien Pulp<\/u> and YSL Libre Berry Crush<\/u>, indeed highlight juicy raspberry. And while we\u2019ll still see cherry and peach, they\u2019ll be reimagined. \u201cFor example, with peach, instead of leaning into the juicy flesh, you might explore the woodiness of the pit,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. \u201cWith cherry, it\u2019s less about syrupy sweetness and could be more about the waxy skin, the darker, almost polished side of the fruit.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

        Fancy a Drink <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Building on the popularity of Kilian Paris Angels\u2019 Share On the Rocks<\/u> and D.S. & Durga Cognac Reign<\/u> last year, boozy scents are still an anchor heading into 2026. Bender even notes that Sephora curated an entire \u201cboozy fragrance\u201d category<\/u> on its website, including Disfruta<\/u>, a genderless fragrance from Lore that evokes smoky mezcal. \u201cIt swirls like a cocktail, equal parts perfume and escapism,\u201d she explains.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        And don\u2019t worry: There are scents that appeal to every beverage lover: \u201cCoffee and tea notes keep expanding as well. What started as sweet latte-style scents has moved into more nuanced territory like espresso and matcha,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. Case in point: Elorea\u2019s Heaven<\/u> is made with Korean green tea, and Kayali Freedom Musk Latte<\/u> is like your favorite drink, bottled (and only in the aforementioned shrunken-down size).\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        Smell Good to Feel Good <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Perfume has always been tied to mood, and perfumers are tapping into that emotional connection. Ayurvedic beauty brand Ranavat<\/u> recently launched a range of fragrances with notes designed for intention-setting, and don\u2019t be surprised if you see the words \u201cmood-boosting\u201d on more than a few upcoming launches.\n<\/p>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
        <\/p>\n

        DTS<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Beyond aromatherapy, more holistic lenses are being explored, from reducing allergens to ethical ingredient sourcing. \u201cPeople want what they put on their bodies to work harder for them,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. \u201cIt\u2019s no longer just about smelling good but asking, \u2018what does this do for me?\u2019\u201d Expect to see more alcohol-free formulas (\u00e0 la Bella Hadid\u2019s Orebella line<\/u>), while more may have \u201cskin-friendly\u201d ingredients like Rare Beauty\u2019s body mists that feature niacinamide<\/u>.\n<\/p>\n

        In general, consumers care more about what they\u2019re spritzing on their bodies. \u201cThere\u2019s increasing pressure around transparency, from ingredient disclosure to sourcing and sustainability,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. Transparency is core to what Bender is cooking up at Lore. \u201cWe\u2019re developing a new framework bringing conservation biologists into the product development process with us,\u201d she says. \u201cI want to get us all moving a little bit more slowly<\/u>. To get us open to asking more questions and pushing for answers.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

        Going Indie <\/span><\/h2>\n

        The rise in independent perfumers has changed the game in recent years. \u201cThere\u2019s a mix of self-taught YouTube University perfumers, people who have classical training who went independent, and everything in between,\u201d explains Vernon. Still, the bigger perfume houses aren\u2019t being left behind. \u201cThey\u2019re up against people who have no corporate constraints. They can push the envelope a little bit more, and it\u2019s fueling more creativity,\u201d Vernon adds.\n<\/p>\n

        It\u2019s impossible to narrow down our favorites, but just a few on our radar: Heretic Parfum<\/u>, with a library of unexpected accords; Octavia Morgan<\/u>, the first Black-owned and woman-founded prestige fragrance brand to enter Ulta Beauty; and Perfumehead<\/u>, a collection of heady, concentrated scents that smell unlike anything else.\n<\/p>\n

        No matter your scent portfolio, there’s something new\u2014and decadent\u2014for everyone to explore in 2026.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        Read more:<\/div>\n
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        • Fragrance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n
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          Once a beauty afterthought for many, fragrance has morphed into a main event. In the last few years, full fragrance wardrobes dethroned the signature scent, and #PerfumeTok created viral scent after viral scent\u2014a feat considering users can\u2019t actually smell<\/em> them through their screens.\u00a0 2025 was, perhaps, the most transformative year for fragrance yet; according to Nielsen data, it\u2019s the fastest-growing category in beauty<\/u>. So with more eyes (or in this case, noses) looking at perfume than ever, what\u2019s next? We\u2019re so glad you asked. According to Emma Vernon<\/u>, host of the podcast Perfume Room<\/u>, there will be a certain tenderness to fragrance in 2026; a retreat of sorts after a few years of experimentation. \u201cI think people are seeking comfort again, whereas in the last five or six years, people have become more maximalist in taste,\u201d she suggests. \u201cAt the same time, Pandora\u2019s Box has been opened, and people are still looking for things that feel interesting, quirky, and niche.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

          In other words, things in the perfume world are about to get interesting\u2014but not completely unfamiliar. Read on for what we expect to come to this ever-evolving category, with insights from Vernon and more industry heavyweights.\n<\/p>\n

          Future Nostalgia <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Call it a coincidence, or call it a trend: Vernon points out that in the back half of 2025, there were at least three vintage-inspired launches: Guerlain Shalimar L\u2019Essence<\/u> (in honor of the original\u2019s 100th anniversary), Coty Ambre Antique<\/u>, and Spoturno 1921<\/u>. Rather than simply reissuing the classics, brands invigorated them with fresh iterations and updated ingredients. For instance, perfumer Christophe Sheldrake replaced animal materials from Spoturno\u2019s 120-year-old formula with newer, more science-forward ingredients.\n<\/p>\n

          Further, Vernon sees aldehydes\u2014the powdery, \u201csoapy\u201d notes associated with some of the original vanity icons, like Shalimar and Chanel No. 5\u2014having a moment, but interpreted in a new way. \u201cI think some of them will feel vintage and evocative of Chanel No. 5, and some of them are going to prove their versatility and [will be] poised as really futuristic,\u201d she says. 11 11 Moon, Lake & Skye\u2019s ethereal new addition, is already living up to that prediction, with zingy notes of coconut shavings and lemon zest that contrast the almost-metallic aldehydes.\n<\/p>\n

          Grown-Up Gourmand <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Expect sweet perfumes to continue their reign\u2014but with a new air of sophistication. \u201cWe\u2019re continuing to see gourmand evolve but in a much more elevated, textured way,\u201d says Julia Buonanno-Godec, senior marketing manager at DSM-Firmenich<\/u>.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

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          How that will play out, she says, is through \u201csoft sweetness\u201d like marshmallow and milky accords, layered with deeper notes. Something like \u201cboozy vanilla that feels rum-drenched rather than cupcake-sugary,\u201d muses Buonanno-Godec. \u201cThe sweetness is there, but it\u2019s moodier and more dimensional.\u201d DedCool\u2019s Mochi Milk<\/u> may be the blueprint for this category, but that\u2019s with good reason: Its marshmallowy, lactonic base is mellowed with incense and sandalwood.\n<\/p>\n

          Beyond the Bottle <\/span><\/h2>\n

          In an industry beloved for its innovative packaging, the bar is continually raised. Vernon believes more intentional packaging is on the way and nods to creativity when it comes to caps and labels.\n<\/p>\n

          New It brand Lore<\/u> is a prime example: Its caps can be repurposed as a sleek candleholder after you\u2019ve finished your bottle. \u201cWe wanted to challenge ourselves to rethink the experience a bottle can bring from everyday wear into everyday reuse,\u201d explains Melanie Bender, Lore founder and CEO. \u201cI think fragrance packaging is evolving beyond function to be felt equally as an object d\u2019art.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

          Vernon also predicts a smaller change\u2014literally. \u201cNow, most people have more than one scent, so people don\u2019t want twenty 100-ml bottles, and brands are starting to take note of that,\u201d she says. And it\u2019s not the same old travel roll-on: \u201cArquiste<\/u> and Kayali<\/u>, for example, have bottles that are the exact same silhouette as their bigger bottles.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

          Building Blocks <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Per Pinterest\u2019s \u201cscent stacking\u201d trend prediction<\/u> for 2026, \u201cGen Z and millennials are ditching one-and-done scents for bespoke notes, blending oils and perfumes to craft fragrance formulas.\u201d And while there will always be a place in our fragrance wardrobe for complex scents, stripped-down options may be better suited for this one.\n<\/p>\n

          \u201cLayering is something that people have been doing for a few years, but the idea of layering every individual ingredient to create a final accord is a fun concept,\u201d says Vernon, who says she started seeing gourmands \u201cbroken down to the simplest of ingredients\u201d last year. \u201cInstead of seeing a brownie accord or chocolate cookie accord, you would see butter, dough, salt, flour\u2014all these pantry ingredients that would come together to create this thing if you were to bake it.\u201d Think: Skylar\u2019s recently launched Double Dates<\/u>, with its notes of cinnamon and brown sugar, and Noyz\u2019s Hair + Body Fragrance Mist in Salty<\/u>, with top notes of pink sea salt and coconut water.\n<\/p>\n

          Jammy Fruits <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Like gourmands, fruity fragrances are also having a moment. But instead of the punchy strawberry fragrances that have dominated the past few years, they\u2019re veering more sensual. \u201cInstead of bright, top-heavy profiles, we\u2019re seeing plum and raspberry come through in darker, richer expressions,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. \u201cThey feel more jammy, sparkling, and sensual, often grounded with woods and musks.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

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          Two recent launches, Mugler Alien Pulp<\/u> and YSL Libre Berry Crush<\/u>, indeed highlight juicy raspberry. And while we\u2019ll still see cherry and peach, they\u2019ll be reimagined. \u201cFor example, with peach, instead of leaning into the juicy flesh, you might explore the woodiness of the pit,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. \u201cWith cherry, it\u2019s less about syrupy sweetness and could be more about the waxy skin, the darker, almost polished side of the fruit.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

          Fancy a Drink <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Building on the popularity of Kilian Paris Angels\u2019 Share On the Rocks<\/u> and D.S. & Durga Cognac Reign<\/u> last year, boozy scents are still an anchor heading into 2026. Bender even notes that Sephora curated an entire \u201cboozy fragrance\u201d category<\/u> on its website, including Disfruta<\/u>, a genderless fragrance from Lore that evokes smoky mezcal. \u201cIt swirls like a cocktail, equal parts perfume and escapism,\u201d she explains.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

          And don\u2019t worry: There are scents that appeal to every beverage lover: \u201cCoffee and tea notes keep expanding as well. What started as sweet latte-style scents has moved into more nuanced territory like espresso and matcha,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. Case in point: Elorea\u2019s Heaven<\/u> is made with Korean green tea, and Kayali Freedom Musk Latte<\/u> is like your favorite drink, bottled (and only in the aforementioned shrunken-down size).\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

          Smell Good to Feel Good <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Perfume has always been tied to mood, and perfumers are tapping into that emotional connection. Ayurvedic beauty brand Ranavat<\/u> recently launched a range of fragrances with notes designed for intention-setting, and don\u2019t be surprised if you see the words \u201cmood-boosting\u201d on more than a few upcoming launches.\n<\/p>\n

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          Beyond aromatherapy, more holistic lenses are being explored, from reducing allergens to ethical ingredient sourcing. \u201cPeople want what they put on their bodies to work harder for them,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. \u201cIt\u2019s no longer just about smelling good but asking, \u2018what does this do for me?\u2019\u201d Expect to see more alcohol-free formulas (\u00e0 la Bella Hadid\u2019s Orebella line<\/u>), while more may have \u201cskin-friendly\u201d ingredients like Rare Beauty\u2019s body mists that feature niacinamide<\/u>.\n<\/p>\n

          In general, consumers care more about what they\u2019re spritzing on their bodies. \u201cThere\u2019s increasing pressure around transparency, from ingredient disclosure to sourcing and sustainability,\u201d says Buonanno-Godec. Transparency is core to what Bender is cooking up at Lore. \u201cWe\u2019re developing a new framework bringing conservation biologists into the product development process with us,\u201d she says. \u201cI want to get us all moving a little bit more slowly<\/u>. To get us open to asking more questions and pushing for answers.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

          Going Indie <\/span><\/h2>\n

          The rise in independent perfumers has changed the game in recent years. \u201cThere\u2019s a mix of self-taught YouTube University perfumers, people who have classical training who went independent, and everything in between,\u201d explains Vernon. Still, the bigger perfume houses aren\u2019t being left behind. \u201cThey\u2019re up against people who have no corporate constraints. They can push the envelope a little bit more, and it\u2019s fueling more creativity,\u201d Vernon adds.\n<\/p>\n

          It\u2019s impossible to narrow down our favorites, but just a few on our radar: Heretic Parfum<\/u>, with a library of unexpected accords; Octavia Morgan<\/u>, the first Black-owned and woman-founded prestige fragrance brand to enter Ulta Beauty; and Perfumehead<\/u>, a collection of heady, concentrated scents that smell unlike anything else.\n<\/p>\n

          No matter your scent portfolio, there’s something new\u2014and decadent\u2014for everyone to explore in 2026.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

          Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/the-future-of-fragrance-11880669<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          The Next-Gen Issue Perfume Has Never Been More Popular. So, What\u2019s Next? By Lindy Segal Lindy Segal Lindy is a seasoned beauty and lifestyle journalist with over 12 years of experience. Lindy has held editor positions at Glamour and People, and her byline has also appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Fashionista, Fast Company and other […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1683806,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83,226],"class_list":["post-1683795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1683795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1683795"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1683795\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1683806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1683795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1683795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1683795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}