Fragrance trends shape what customers gravitate toward—and for makers, staying ahead of those trends can mean stronger launches, faster sell-through, and more repeat buyers. Right now, the fragrance oil market is being driven by a blend of comforting gourmands, modern vanillas, elevated woods, and fresh-but-familiar notes that perform beautifully across candles, soap, and body care.
Here’s a look at the fragrance notes that are trending—and why they’re resonating with customers.
1. Sweet & Gourmand: Dessert-Inspired Delights
Gourmand scents continue to reign supreme, appealing to shoppers with their edible and nostalgic qualities. These fragrances evoke cozy memories and mouth-watering cravings with notes like:
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Banana, caramel, and toffee — warm and sugary, reminiscent of freshly baked sweets
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Vanilla in all its forms — from Vanilla Bean Buttercream and Vanilla Bean Cookies to Warm Sugared Vanilla and Vanilla Chai, this perennial favorite is evolving with richer layers
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Marshmallow cream, whipped cream, and powdered sugar for soft, comforting sweetness
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Fruity desserts like Mango Sorbet, Lemon Pound Cake, and Oh My Cherry Pie deliver light, juicy sweetness layered with creamy or baked notes—adding a bright, playful twist to classic gourmand fragrance profiles.
- Nutty gourmand notes such as pistachio, honey almond, and macadamia, which add creaminess, depth, and a slightly elevated twist to classic sweets
These scents are perfect for candle and body products designed to feel comforting, cozy, and irresistibly delicious.
2. Vanilla Variations: The Ubiquitous Favorite
Vanilla isn’t going anywhere—in fact, it’s diversifying. Modern vanilla blends are incorporating unexpected elements that transform the familiar into something fresh:
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Smoky Vanilla blends smoky woods with creamy sweetness
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Whipped Vanilla Honey adds a touch of honeyed luxury
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Vanilla Lavender — calming lavender balanced with warm vanilla for a soothing, spa-inspired blend
- Vanilla Pineapple — bright, juicy pineapple folded into sweet vanilla for a fresh, tropical twist
These interpretations keep vanilla feeling both timeless and trend-forward.
3. Woods, Oud & Amber: Elevated and Gender-Neutral
Woody and resinous notes are trending strongly, especially for brands looking to offer more unisex or sophisticated fragrances. These notes add depth, longevity, and perceived value to finished products.
Key trending notes include:
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Oud & Amber and Oud Wood for richness
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Sandalwood, teakwood, and palo santo for warmth
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Cardamom for subtle spice and intrigue
These fragrances perform exceptionally well in candles, wax melts, and premium soap lines, where customers want atmosphere and mood.
4. Fresh & Clean: Bright Notes for Everyday Wear
Not all trending fragrances are heavy or sweet—fresh and clean scents are also in high demand. Think breezy, citrusy, and uplifting:
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Mandarin and citrus blends like Mandarin Mimosa and bright orange-forward fragrances add instant freshness and sparkle, bringing uplifting brightness
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Salty Sea Air evokes fresh coastal breezes
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Blue agave and tea notes for a clean, modern feel
These fragrances are ideal for everyday soaps, lotions, and spa-style candles.
5. Comfort-First Fragrances: Familiar, Cozy, and Reliable
Comfort-driven fragrance oils continue to be top performers for candle makers, soap makers, and bath and body brands. These cozy fragrance profiles focus on warmth, softness, and familiarity—making them ideal for everyday products, giftable collections, and repeat purchases.
Trending comfort notes include:
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Oatmeal Milk & Honey — a timeless blend that feels clean, calming, and universally appealing
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Warm Cashmere and Cocoa Butter & Cashmere — soft, cozy, and perfect for year-round lines
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Marshmallow Cream, Whipped Cream, and Powdered Sugar — sweet but gentle, adding a comforting gourmand touch without being overpowering
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Vanilla Bean, Hella Vanilla, and Vanilla & Cinnamon Spice — classic vanillas that deliver warmth and familiarity
These fragrances perform exceptionally well as core collection staples and often become repeat-purchase favorites.
6. Storytelling Scents: Comfort with Character & Curiosity
In addition to classic comfort scents, there is growing interest in storytelling fragrance oils—blends that create a sense of place, mood, or nostalgia. These fragrances still feel approachable but include unexpected elements that make them memorable and conversation-worthy.
Examples of storytelling-driven fragrances include:
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Campfire Marshmallow — cozy sweetness layered with smoky nostalgia
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Book Nook — warm, atmospheric, and quietly complex, perfect for literary or moody collections
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Legend of the Kraken — a bold, ocean-inspired blend for an adventurous, nautical story
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Echoes of Wonderland and Mad as a Hatter — imaginative, whimsical scents that bring Alice in Wonderland-themed collections to life, ideal for themed or seasonal launches
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Woodstock — earthy and nostalgic with a free-spirited vibe
For makers who want to explore darker, more atmospheric storytelling, our entire Gothic and Fantasy Collection offers rich, moody, and complex fragrance oils that evoke mystery, romance, and intrigue—perfect for limited editions, seasonal releases, or statement collections.
Final Takeaway
For candle makers and bath & body brands, trending fragrance notes offer insight into what customers are craving right now. Gourmands, modern vanillas, elevated woods, and comforting blends with a twist continue to drive strong sales and positive feedback. Incorporating these notes thoughtfully can help keep your product line relevant, exciting, and market-ready.