Photo by Leire Cavia. Courtesy of Adobe
Looking to add a new scent to your collection? This year’s trends give way to opportunities for both the curious and the enthusiast
Enter a coffee shop and you’ll most likely smell hints of caramelized sugar, vanilla, and burnt cream. During happy hour, the smoky depth of an old-fashioned reflects earthy, musk notes, while on a sweltering summer day, the refreshing scent of a citrus cooler offers a crisp, zesty relief. Fragrances today are no longer mere finishing touches, they’re akin to cherished timepieces or go-to accessories that can quietly define one’s style. Like a well-made watch that shows style and care, a good scent quietly reflects one’s character, leaving a lasting impression with each whiff.
“My perfume is my daily reassurance, a kind of ‘olfactory’ comforter that makes me feel good,” shares Givaudan’s head of global marketing, Arnaud Guggenbuhl. As fragrance becomes deeply personal yet expressive, 2025 is set to deliver scents that are bold yet versatile, nostalgic yet modern. From sweet and even fruity gourmands to zesty citrus notes, here are the fragrances that will define the trends of 2025, offering a diverse range of notes to suit every mood and personality.
Indulging in sweet, dessert-like scents

Vanilla, caramel, and cherry are gourmand fragrances defined as a representation of “edible” and aromatic hues. Its origins can be traced to centuries-old perfumery traditions, eventually evolving into scents that can blend well with floral or woody notes.
“I think the idea is that it’s more succulent and sophisticated, and I think we’re going to see the same sort of thing with other fragrances that still want to be sweet and addictive, but also want to be a bit more elevated,” shares director of beauty and home for Moda Operandi Jessica Matlin in an interview with Allure magazine.
This year, the gourmand family goes complex, blending sweet, dessert-like scents with the smoky depth of vetiver or rich caramel paired with bold spices. These combinations create comfort in the familiarity of its top or base notes, yet intriguing with how middle notes meld with a sophisticated edge.
Rooted in nature

Musk in all of its storied past (it has animalic roots in ancient Tibet) has lent an air of intrigue as it is adapted to modern perfumery, reimagined to be lighter, softer, and more personal.
“Today’s musks, often referred to as skin scents, provide a clean, soft, and intimate fragrance that mimics the natural scent of human skin,” says Ines Guien, vice president of operations of Dossier. Notes of oud, amber, and dried herbs are paired with the natural warmth of cedarwood, creating fragrances that feel organic yet refined.
“These compositions are designed to be subtle yet captivating, enhancing the wearer’s natural aroma without overpowering it,” expounds Guien. The result? Fragrances that feel as natural as your own aura.
A revival of fresh scents

Citrus scents have been timeless favorites, even packaged as an eau de cologne in the 18th century, loved for their bright, refreshing qualities. They evoke sunny days, fresh blooms, and even a glass of lemonade.
In 2025, fragrance houses are pairing classic citron notes like bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit with elements of green herbs, sea salt, and sweet florals. Its versatility also pairs well with aquatic scents reminiscent of the ocean, reflecting how scent trends today lean towards wearable, adaptable fragrances.
It’s all about positivity
Scent and emotion have always been intertwined, triggering memories and affect emotional states. Research-driven technologies like Givaudan’s MoodScentz and DSM-Firmenich’s EmotiON are reshaping how fragrances are crafted through dedicated algorithms for a quick dopamine hit. Think of aromatic accords that bring back childhood memories of playing in the garden to fruit-based notes that bring out a sense of optimism, these mood-enhancing fragrances aren’t just about smelling good, they’re also about making the wearer feel good, too.
A body of fragrance
In collaboration with perfumer Ann Gottlieb, the nose behind perfumes from Clavin Klein, Marc Jacobs, and Christian Dior, and fragrance houses Givaudan and Firmenich, AXE offers its Fine Fragrance Collection with scents that deliver everyday luxury in the form of a body spray.
The three-piece collection also introduces the brand’s Zinc Zap technology for 72-hour odor protection, ensuring you stay fresh and confident. Each fragrance aligns with this year’s trends, blending timeless notes with modern innovation.
Inspired by the fragrance trends of 2025, the AXE Fine Fragrance Collection sees ingredients such as iced lavender and mint blended with gourmand notes of gelato accord and vanilla bean to create its Blue Lavender variant. With base notes of cedarwood, tonka bean, and amber, it evokes a sweet-forward scent reminiscent of cream soda.
For those drawn to musky, nature-inspired scents, Emerald Sage offers a harmonious blend of Moroccan spearmint, French lavender, and Indonesian patchouli oil, echoing the ambiance of a deep forest. Finally, a scent inspired by the seaside, the Aqua Bergamot pairs clary sage, juniper, and bergamot with sandalwood, amber, and nutmeg for a fresh yet balanced finish.
#RepTheScent you vibe with from the AXE Fine Fragrance Collection. Available at Watsons stores nationwide and via e-commerce platforms: Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok shop.