genderless

Led by Gen Z, 2025 is set to witness the rise and rise of genderless scents, marking a shift from traditional fragrance norms. Focusing on scents that reflect unique lifestyles, rather than traditional gender expectations of masculine and feminine, perfumes that create multifaceted olfactory experiences are set to be the norm. Blending masculine and feminine notes to create gender-neutral aromas, these fragrances will, of course, live on a spectrum. While some may lean floral or citrus, this neutral profile will lie in the nose of the beholder, meaning that its definition will remain subjective. Standout examples of gender-neutral perfumes are Maison Margiela’s Replica By the Fireplace, Byredo’s Desert Dawn, Liis Ethereal Wave, Victoria Beckham Beauty’s 21:50 Reverie, and D.S. & Durga’s Black Magenta.

all about caffeine

Percolating into the world of scents, coffee’s influence is spreading far and wide. Caffeinated scents, in fact, are stepping slowly and surely into the fragrance world, and experts say will dominate the perfumery trend this year. Coffee-inspired perfumes like d'Annam’s Vietnamese Coffee and Kayali’s Cafe Oud 19 have captured senses with rich, aromatic coffee notes, transforming the experience of scent into something vibrant and invigorating. The trend also goes beyond coffee though—matcha-infused scents, with a 127.4% increase in Google searches year-over-year, signals a growing fascination with green tea’s calming yet energising qualities.

These caffeinated fragrances offer more than just intrigue; they provide a unique sensory experience that feels both familiar and exciting, much like the ritual of a morning espresso or an evening latte. At the same time, there’s a growing thirst for richness in perfumes—amber, deep woody notes, and warm spices are making their mark. Ingredients like cardamom, saffron, and cloves, alongside gourmand elements like coffee and cacao, are creating complex and intoxicating compositions. Among the top sits Tom Ford’s Café Rose with its coffee top note enhanced by cardamom and coriander; Universal Flowering’s Purple Afternoon, a heatwave of cardamom coffee, carrot seed, earthy orris, tobacco, and oud; Intoxicated by Kilian, a deep blend of coffee, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg; Coffee Break by Replica, a scent of coffee, lavender, milk mousse, and sandalwood; Orwells’ Aphrodisiac Coffee, with its blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and rich coffee, and more.

yuzu as signature

In 2025, yuzu is set to rise as a signature fragrance note, becoming a staple in many perfumes. Bright, fresh, zingy Yuzu falls somewhere between lemon and mandarin orange, which fragrance experts predict will bring “a new citrus twist to perfumes”—giving them a lively quality, perfect for spring and summer.

With yuzu leading the way in raw freshness, the fresh, zesty notes of bergamot, lime, and mandarin are also set to take the spotlight. Invigorating aromas that symbolise a return to something elemental, they offer a breath of fresh air—satisfying the wearer’s desire for smelling fresh and unique. Another complementary trend will come from a growing interest in deeper, more complex notes, like those found in stone fruits and cherries. Peach, plum, apricot, and nectarine add a luxurious, sweet depth to perfumes, while cherry infusions bring a more mature and sophisticated edge. Popular fragrances like Marc Jacobs’s Perfect Elixir and Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach exemplify this trend beautifully.

The popularity of yuzu and other fresh notes, along with the richer, more elegant fruit infusions, will provide a dynamic balance in the fragrance world. Yuzu, in particular, will be the ultimate symbol of a lively yet sophisticated fragrance, perfect for those seeking something fresh and exotic in their scent collections.

exclusive and gourmand

Fashion brands playing a pivotal role in shaping fragrance trends through exclusive limited-edition collaborations, will continue to do so in 2025 with high-end releases catering to luxury consumers seeking unique and refined scent experiences. Fendi, for example, recently launched La Baguette, a fragrance that perfectly complements its opulent fashion legacy. So did Bottega Veneta with Déjà Minuit, capturing the essence of high-end elegance. These special-edition perfumes are not just scents; they are statements, attracting a discerning clientele who crave exclusivity.

Alongside this surge in luxury collaborations, 2025 will be a year for customisable and bespoke fragrances as well. With the young seeking scents that reflect their individuality—evident in platforms like TikTok’s #perfumetok—luxury brands are responding with tailored fragrance experiences, from innovative neo-gourmands to milky and matcha-infused perfumes. Adding savoury accords or edible notes provides further opportunities for scent enthusiasts to craft one-of-a-kind aromas, making fragrance an increasingly personal, customisable luxury.

Also, gourmand perfumes, with their edible, dessert-inspired notes that have for long been loved by fragrance enthusiasts, are showing no signs of slowing down. These sweet scents, which include chocolate, cream, sugar, and vanilla, are today more luxurious than ever. A perfect example is Kayali Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar which embodies the sugary, comforting allure of gourmand perfumes.