I’m not usually one to follow trends blindly, but I do like to stay aware of what’s happening. If only because it often introduces me to notes I might otherwise overlook.
Fragrance trend cycles tend to move more slowly than fashion, which means many of these have been quietly building over the past few years. You may even find you already own something that fits – I know I do.
In general, these trends for 2026 reflect a broader shift towards comfort, individuality and subtlety. They’re perfumes that feel personal rather than performative.
The biggest fragrance trends for 2026
Skin scents & intimate perfumes
Why it’s trending: Understated but put together
I feel like in recent years we’ve moved away from loud and strong perfumes to something a little more understated and intimate. These are scents that sit close to the skin and feel soft and cocooning. Often they include powdery notes and soft musks to create that slightly salty, “skin-like” feel.
Think scents like Glossier You, Another 13, L’eau Papier and Fleur De Peau.
Tea fragrances
Why it’s trending: Cool but cosy
Tea fragrances are having a moment, and they’ve been popular for several years now. These feel thoughtful and sophisticated, like wrapping your hands around a warm cup in the mornings. There’s something quietly meditative about them and they feel thoughtful rather than attention-seeking.
This is a versatile trend as tea comes in so many different varieties and can be supported by many different notes. If you enjoy a tea note you can find a perfume with it in for any season.
For example, if we compare Gris Charnel with Vilhelm’s Dear Polly, both have a black tea note but Gris Charnel is more woody and spicy, whereas Dear Polly has a green and citrus feel.
You can read my review of Dear Polly here.
Creamy florals
Why it’s trending: A modern twist on the classic floral
Floral notes are back in 2026 with a modern twist. Instead of the sharp florals from yesteryear, nowadays they’re mixed with notes such as sandalwood or vanilla for a more wearable feel. Think Rouge Malachite from Armani Prive.
In 2026, florals feel plush and enveloping rather than sharp or powdery as they sometimes did in the past.
Elevated gourmands
Why it’s trending: A savoury twist on a well-loved scent profile
Gourmand isn’t just about smelling like a delicious cupcake, and this year we’re moving away from overly sweet notes into something a little more restrained. Think sesame, rice and pistachio notes.
The modern gourmand is more “baker’s kitchen” than sugar rush.
Think White Rice by d’Annam.
Fresh green notes
Why it’s trending: A return to nature and clarity
There’s something very grounding about fragrances that evoke leaves, stems and the outdoors. They feel clean without being soapy and refreshing without being sharp.
We’re talking green tea, fig, tomato leaf or zingy green apple. These scents are often paired with softer elements such as musk, creamy notes or sandalwood to give them more body and make them more wearable.
Think The Matcha by Le Labo or Philosykos by Diptyque.
Fragrance notes trending in 2026
I’ve noticed that certain notes crop up again and again. Here are some to look out for this year:
- Tea – from smoky black tea to airy green tea, this note can work across seasons depending on what it’s paired with.
- Rice – creamy and comforting, rice notes give perfumes a delicate skin scent that’s understated yet elegant.
- Musk – look for clean or soft musks to give that “your skin but better” feel.
- Fig – it can be a juicy note paired with black tea, or a green fig used in a fresh perfume. This note feels modern and quietly luxurious.
- Lactonic – these milky notes soften compositions and give perfumes a cocooning feel.
- Incense – in modern perfumes this is used more lightly, which adds depth without feeling heavy.
Do you actually need to buy anything?
Any perfume should be an investment and I would never recommend buying something just because it’s on trend.
I think fragrance is such a personal thing and you should buy and wear something you enjoy rather than what’s fashionable at the time.
That said, fragrance cycles seem to move a lot slower than fashion, and a lot of these notes have been on trend for a few years now, or only slightly reimagined.
I recommend checking your collection before rushing out to try or buy anything new. A lot of the time these notes and scent profiles will already be hidden in your perfume wardrobe.
In the end, the most “on trend” perfume will be the one that feels like you.
Have you noticed any new fragrance notes you’ve been enjoying recently?
If you’re looking to step foot into the world of niche fragrances, don’t forget to check out my guide on where to buy niche perfumes in the UK next.
