A new year calls for a new signature scent, and the biggest fragrance trends of 2026 are full of inspiration. Last year saw the rise of sweet gourmands and musky skin scents that bring instant comfort and warmth. For 2026 expect the same themes of escapism, but elevated by unexpected notes and deeper storytelling.
“In times of uncertainty, usually our clients go back to the roots, to the basics, to the iconic scents like floral, gourmand, or citrus,” says Ben Krigler, owner and perfumer of Krigler. He adds that his own brand is leaning into clean scents that “calm you down and make you feel renewed.”
Diana Pratasiewicz, senior director of global education content of Ouai, echoes this, adding that fragrance is becoming almost existential. “In 2026 fragrance will be even more emotional, personal, and intuitive,” she says. “Consumers are moving beyond traditional scent categories and choosing fragrance based on how they want to feel—energized, confident, comforted, or transported. We’ll continue to see a shift toward soft, wearable gourmands, fresher scents with warmth and depth, and fragrances designed to be worn daily rather than saved for special occasions. Layering will feel less prescriptive and more expressive, allowing people to personalize their scent the same way they style an outfit.”
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Ahead, five fragrance trends to try ASAP, according to expert perfumers.
Elevated Skin Scents
Skin scents—perfumes that mimic the smell of bare skin—were on the rise last year and will become even bigger in 2026. As for what makes skin scents so appealing? “Consumers are gravitating toward fragrances that feel personal, understated, and emotionally comforting,” says Krigler. “This trend aligns with a broader movement toward quiet luxury and fragrances that sit close to the skin rather than projecting loudly. Skin scents are also perceived as versatile and workplace appropriate.”
Think of skin scents as the white T-shirt of fragrances: a classic basic that can be worn on its own or layered underneath. “They enhance the wearer rather than overpower the room, which appeals to clients seeking discretion and sophistication,” says Krigler. “Skin scents align naturally with heritage craftsmanship and bespoke luxury.”
Neo-Gourmands
Gourmands like vanilla, pistachio, and strawberry are still very much trending, but both Krigler and Pratasiewicz predict a grown-up glow-up for 2026.
“Gourmands have evolved beyond overly sweet profiles into more nuanced, elegant interpretations,” says Krigler. “Consumers still want comfort and indulgence, but with sophistication—less sugar, more texture.”
Pratasiewicz agrees, adding that gourmands have evolved past literal interpretations of common notes. “Instead of loud, sugary, or overly sweet, consumers are gravitating toward soft, wearable gourmands—scents that feel comforting, warm, and emotional without being heavy,” she says. For a more rounded fragrance, she recommends looking out for notes of “vanilla, tonka bean, cocoa, caramel, and amber balanced with woods or musks so the sweetness feels airy, not sticky.”
Destination Scents
Aligned with the overarching theme of escapism, Pratasiewicz says scents inspired by different countries, cities, and climates will be huge in 2026.
“People want fragrance to do more than smell good—they want it to take them somewhere,” says Pratasiewicz. “Destination-inspired scents tap into emotion, memory, and escapism, turning fragrance into an experience rather than just an accessory.”
This also taps into the feeling of comfort we’ve come to expect from our favorite scents. “Fragrance has the power to instantly shift your mood,” she says. “One spray can transport you, spark a memory, or make an ordinary day feel special. That emotional connection is what makes a scent unforgettable.”
Conceptual Fragrance
Similarly, perfumers are starting to pull inspiration from conceptual ideas and storytelling, rather than just ingredients. “Scents as cultural and emotional stories inspired by literature, cinema, music, art, and subcultures,” says Cherry Cheng, founder of Jouissance.
For example, Diptyque Orphéon was inspired by a 1960s Parisian jazz club in Saint-Germain, while the brand Juliette Has a Gun takes inspiration from the works of William Shakespeare.
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Florals Reimagined
Floral notes have long been a cornerstone of fragrance, but Krigler says perfumers are starting to challenge tradition. “Classic florals are being reworked with modern structures, cleaner profiles, and unexpected contrasts,” he says. “This trend bridges tradition and modernity, appealing to both loyal fragrance connoisseurs and younger clients discovering florals anew.”
What is trending for fragrance in 2026?
“At its core, fragrance in 2026 is about connection—to yourself, to memory, to emotion, and to moments of escape. It’s no longer just something you wear. It’s something you experience,” says Pratasiewicz.
Fragrances inspired by destinations (countries or cities) and art (music, film, and literature) are on the rise, while sweet gourmands are getting less literal and more sophisticated. Also trending for 2026 are skin scents that mimic the smell of bare skin and a new modern take on florals.
How to choose a new fragrance
Start with a simple question: What do you want to smell like? And second: How do you want that scent to make you feel? “Fragrance is personal—it’s not for anyone else. Let it work for you,” says Pratasiewicz. “There’s something magical about fragrance. A few sprays can transport you, shift your mood, give you confidence, or ground you in a moment. It can open conversations, introduce you to people you might not have met otherwise, and leave a lasting impression long after you’ve left the room.”
How to try a new fragrance
“Instead of smelling it immediately, start by reading about the notes and the story behind it. Then spray it on your skin and walk away. Go about your day, live in it,” says Pratasiewicz. “Notice how it smells right away, how it evolves after a few minutes, and how it settles after 30 minute. Do you catch little whiffs of it throughout the day? Does it make you feel something—energized, grounded, confident, transported? Can you picture yourself excited to put it on again tomorrow? Fragrance should feel intentional. It’s not just about how it smells—it’s about how it makes you feel. That emotional connection, that little dopamine hit, is what makes a fragrance truly yours.”
