What does the olfactory landscape of 2024 look like and how do we project ourselves into 2025? By analyzing the composition of the perfumes launched during the year, the qualitative and quantitative study of the olfactory market, and the results of the survey conducted among perfume enthusiasts, we have identified the trends that will shape the perfume landscape in 2025. Cinquième Sens provides landmarks and insights in notes that are captivating. The in-house team of perfumers evaluated more than 250 perfumes in order to identify their olfactory family and their dominant facets for each of them. These data reveal six main trends.
1 – The « clean »Note", a reassuring bubble
The expert’s opinion
«Under the term «proprietary note,» we find comforting and enveloping notes that correspond to a need for cocooning. These notes are essentially white musks that, technically speaking, add softness and suppleness to a fragrance.
Today, these white musk accords assert their personality by adding touches of aldehydes, capable of translating the own character for a detergent effect. This aldehyde accord, transparently floral and white musk, is found in more and more perfumes.»
The emblematic perfume Acne Studio – Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle (perfumer: Suzy le Helley)
To feel too Tilia – Marc-Antoine Barrois, L’Eau Pâle – Courrège, Gabrielle L’Eau – Chanel…
2 – Floral category – fruity, the marriage that lasts
The expert’s opinion:
«This category extends to both female and non-gendered plants. It is a winning combination – winning: the flowers and fruits go very well together because they balance each other out, complement each other, and harmonize. This strong trend has been around for several years and remains highly appreciated more than ever.»
The rose trio, jasmine and orange blossom remain at the top in olfactory analyses.
Continuing from 2023, peach and pear remain the most exploited fruits, followed by raspberry, while the trends for cherry and apple are gradually fading away.
Mangoes and coconut, possibly combined in a single agreement, are expected to be available in 2025.
The emblematic perfume: Venus – Nina Ricci (perfumers: Nathalie Lorson, Olivier Cresp, Alexandra Monet)
Also feel: Astral tuberose – Maison Crivelli, Palatine – Parfum de Marly, Million Gold for Her – Rabanne…
3 – The solar note, the call to escape
The expert’s opinion:
«In the current context, the solar note allows for dreaming and traveling in an instant to a deserted island to recharge. Hence their success. The solar notes are expressed through the use of salicylates, and in a floral and vanilla accord. They perfectly evoke monoi, frangipanier flower and tiaré.»
The emblematic perfume: A beautiful summer love – Parfum d’Empire (perfumer: Marc-Antoine Corticchiato)
Also feel: Sunkissed Godess – Kilian, Apom – MFK, Joyforia – Charlotte Tilbury…
4 – The pink bay, a sight that cannot go unnoticed
The expert’s opinion:
«This raw material has always been used in perfumery, notably in Dior’s Bois d’Argent or Flower by Kenzo. This fresh spice, sometimes abusively called «rose pepper», is also available in CO extract form.2 who signs a composition, for a sparkling flourish that is noticeable! This touch of freshness goes well with the incense»
The emblematic perfume: New Look – Christian Dior (perfumer Francis Kurkdijan)
Also feel: Noir Encens – Infiniment Coty, 312 Saint Honoré – BDK, Ame du cœur – Liquides Imaginaires
5 – Atypical agreements, temptations for gourmets
The expert’s opinion:
«These technical notes on pyrazines mainly refer to grilled cereals such as steamed rice, but also to toasted pistachios, almonds or hazelnuts, or even a cake baked in the oven. They stand out from overly sweet treats and renew the notion of addiction.»
The emblematic perfume: Dilshad – Pierre Guillaume (perfumer: Pierre Guillaume)
Also feel: Afternoon Delight – Replica, Paddock – Hermès, Frida’s Thorn – Obvious….
6 – The Oud, revisited in a Western way
The expert’s opinion:
« Initially, the West struggled to accept this very connotative note of the «Middle East». The oud then entered into woodwind-like compositions – oriental ones, where it imposed its overwhelming power. Gradually, consumers got used to its character and began to enjoy it. This material has been tamed and Westernized. The East and the West meet in compositions where the oud now combines with citrus fruits, flowers, and other woods…»
The emblematic perfume: Oud Alezan – Hermès (perfumer Christine Nagel)
Also feel: East – Akro, Song of Oud – Ajmal, Oud for Greatness neo – Initio private perfumes…
Reminder of the methodology:
Cinquième Sens’s in-house team of perfumers evaluates each fragrance on a touch and evolution basis after 6 hours. This analysis allows for the classification of fragrances according to their family and facets and for the clarification of the top, heart and base notes. If necessary, a second evaluation takes place. In 2024, approximately 250 fragrances were subjected to this olfactory and statistical study.
NB: The notes detected do not necessarily correspond to those claimed by the brand communication. As every year, Cinquième Sens holds training sessions that allow for a detailed and olfactory approach to these market developments. They are intended for professionals who wish to acquire a thorough understanding of the most prevalent notes on the market and contextualize them in accordance with the marketing concepts of perfumes.
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