Top Fragrance Trends of 2024
From Gourmands to Classics: Top Fragrance Trends of 2024
October 2024
By Carla Gey van Pittius – Head of Fragrance, SensoryFX.
As a fragrance enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by the exciting developments that have shaped the industry in 2024. From the resurgence of classic notes with a modern twist to the emergence of indulgent gourmand scents, this year has been a remarkable journey for both perfumers and consumers alike. Let’s explore some of the most noteworthy trends that have defined the fragrance landscape.
1. Gourmand treats
Just imagine the sweet, creamy and indulgent feeling of eating a chocolate but instead of tasting it, you’re smelling it! Wanting to smell like a freshly baked croissant or a creamy pistachio ice cream has never been easier. This year, I’ve enjoyed the rise of delectably edible fragrances such as the rich and addictive Yum Pistachio Gelato by Kayali or the fruity marshmallow favourite, Oriana from Parfums de Marly. The boundaries of the popular gourmand family have been pushed and tested by truly creating such captivating fragrances that one can’t help but give a double take when smelling these creations.
2. Vanilla reinvented
The iconic vanilla has seen a comeback in 2024, but with surprising twists and turns. Pairing creamy, sweet, and edible vanilla with notes such as tobacco and leather has been a game-changer. My favourite example of this trend is Vanille Leather by BDK Parfums, where the spicy pink pepper top notes blend beautifully with the animalic leather and comforting sweet and creamy Madagascan vanilla. Such a contrast between the earthy, harsh leather and the familiar vanilla creates a harmonious and captivating fragrance.
3. The sophisticated cherry
The resurgence of cherry fragrances, infused with a touch of elegance, has been a pleasant surprise. Looking at examples such as Juliette Has A Gun, Juliette Eau de Parfum, we see the delicate blending of the sour cherry facet with the soft florals of jasmine and a beautiful base of tonka bean, elevating this familiar note. The fun and fruity note of cherry is one we all recognise, but being able to have it in such a unique wearable form has transformed and renewed my idea of fruity and flirty nuances.
4. Summer centric fragrances
Who doesn’t love a summer day at the beach, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet and smelling the salty ocean? From solar to floral to fruity, I have certainly enjoyed witnessing summer-inspired fragrances all around in 2024. Parfums de Marly has created a perfect summer fragrance with their Valaya. The fresh aquatic and citrusy top notes create a beautiful opening to the white floral and vetiver heart, leaving a lasting amber, woody base that just echoes the feeling of a refreshing summer day. Lust for Sun by Juliette Has A Gun creates a slightly warmer, cozier feel of a late summer afternoon with the lactonic coconut top and the cocooning musk base that invites you to enjoy a lazy afternoon in the sun. These fragrances allow us to escape our mundane routines and transport ourselves to exotic destinations.
5. Interesting and unexpected notes
Speaking of the exotic, one of the most intriguing and unexpected fragrances I’ve encountered this year is Dead Dinosaur from the niche brand Snif. The fragrance opens with a strong top note of gasoline and pink pepper, blending with Peru balsam and cedarwood to create a rather lasting masculine feel. The idea of using gasoline was prompted by the slight addictive feeling of smelling gasoline when filling up a car for a road trip. On a less adventurous but still interesting route, we have experienced the beautiful golden warmth of honey and vibrant, sulfurous notes of tobacco in the beautiful Tobacco Honey from Guerlain. These unexpected notes have opened up and broadened the palette for both perfumers and consumers.
6. Mood-centric fragrances
I have really been inspired by the rise of mood-centric fragrances. Highlighting the healing and well-being properties of fragrance ingredients has been a pioneering trend in 2024. With Charlotte Tilbury releasing a collection of six mood-centric fragrances in April of this year, these fragrances have inspired consumers to think of their fragrance as an enhancement and extension of themselves, rather than just a step in their morning routine. We are no longer confined to a single signature scent; instead, fragrance has become a tool for escapism, emotional expression and self-discovery.
7. Clean and sustainable
Finally, I’ve seen a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable products across all beauty categories. In 2024, fragrances have been developed or adapted for the conscientious consumer. Mojave Ghost by Byredo has been a favourite among loyal customers to the brand, prompting a change towards a water-based reformulation. Water-based fragrances have become increasingly popular due to their focus on skin sensitivity. Sustainably sourced materials have become more important to consumers, leading brands such as Henry Rose to create fragrances with non-toxic and sustainably sourced raw materials as well as 90% recyclable packaging. The ability to choose clean and sustainably sourced fragrances has empowered consumers to become more aware of the products they consume and their lasting impact on the environment.
I believe that in the coming year, the fragrance industry will continue to push the boundaries of our understanding of familiar concepts. From classic cherry and vanilla to unexpected notes like gasoline and tobacco, the future holds exciting possibilities. By understanding the fragrance market and trends, SensoryFX is well-positioned to explore and create fragrance solutions that cater to the evolving needs of consumers.
Carla Gey van Pittius is a seasoned perfumer with a passion for fragrance development. With a keen interest in research and innovation, Carla has honed her skills in matching, and new fragrance creation. Holding an Honours Degree in Food Science and Technology, Carla is the Head of fragrance at SensoryFX, where she leads a team in crafting exceptional olfactory experiences.