New year calls for new signature scentand the top perfume trends of 2026 are full of inspiration. Last year saw the growth of sweets gourmets and musky skin scents that instantly bring comfort and warmth. In 2026, expect the same themes of escapism, but enhanced with unexpected twists and deeper storytelling.
“In times of uncertainty, our customers tend to go back to basics, to iconic scents like florals, gourmands or citrus,” says Ben Kriegler, owner and perfumer of the brand. Mugs. He adds that his own brand favors clean scents that “soothe and make you feel refreshed.”
Diana Pratasevich, Senior Director of Global Educational Content Yeahechoes this, adding that the scent becomes almost existential. “In 2026, fragrance will become even more emotional, personal and intuitive,” she says. “Consumers are looking beyond traditional fragrance categories and choosing scents based on how they want to feel: energized, confident, comfortable or transportable. We will continue to see a shift towards soft, comfortable gourmand scents, fresher, warmer and deeper scents, and scents designed for everyday wear rather than special occasions. Layering will be less prescriptive and more expressive, allowing people to personalize their scent just as they they create the style of clothing.”
According to seasoned perfumers, there are six fragrance trends ahead that you should try ASAP.
Increased skin aromas
Skin scents—perfumes that mimic the scent of naked skin—have been on the rise in the past year and will become even more popular in 2026. What makes skin scents so appealing? “Consumers are gravitating towards scents that feel personal, discreet and emotionally soothing,” says Kriegler. “This trend is consistent with a broader movement towards quiet luxury and scents that sit close to the skin rather than being loud. Skin scents are also perceived as versatile and suitable for the workplace.”
Think of skin scents like a white fragrance T-shirt: a classic staple that can be worn alone or layered underneath. “They highlight the wearer rather than clutter the room, which appeals to clients seeking understatement and sophistication,” says Crigler. “Leather scents naturally combine with traditional craftsmanship and personalized luxury.”
Non-gourmets
Gourmet flavors like vanilla, pistachio and strawberry are still trending, but both Kriegler and Pratasevich predict a grown-up surge in 2026.
“Foodies have evolved from overly sweet profiles to more subtle and elegant interpretations,” says Kriegler. “Consumers still want comfort and satisfaction, but with sophistication—less sugar, more texture.”
Pratasevich agrees, adding that foodies have moved away from the literal interpretation of common notes. “Instead of being loud, sweet or overly sweet, consumers are gravitating towards soft, wearable gourmand scents that feel calming, warm and emotional without being heavy,” she says. For a more rounded scent, she recommends looking for notes of “vanilla, tonka bean, cocoa, caramel and amber, balanced with woody notes or musks so the sweetness feels airy rather than sticky.”
Destination flavors
In keeping with the overarching theme of escapism, Pratasevich says scents inspired by different countries, cities and climates will be hugely important in 2026.
“People want a scent to do more than just make them smell good—they want it to take them somewhere,” Pratasevich says. “Destination-inspired scents tap into emotion, memory and escapism, making fragrance an experience rather than just an accessory.”
It also creates the feeling of comfort that we have come to expect from our favorite scents. “A scent can instantly change your mood,” she says. “One spray can transport you, evoke memories or make an ordinary day special. It is this emotional connection that makes a scent unforgettable.”
Conceptual fragrance
Likewise, perfumers are beginning to draw inspiration from conceptual ideas and stories rather than just ingredients. “Flavors are cultural and emotional stories inspired by literature, film, music, art and subcultures,” says Cherry Cheng, founder of Jouissance.
