How Fine Fragrances Are Evolving with Consumer Preferences
From Signature Scents to Personalisation
The fine fragrance industry is undergoing a significant transformation as consumers increasingly prioritise individuality, experimentation and premium experiences. Recent financial results from leading fragrance houses demonstrate the growth in the sector. For example, Givaudan reported an 18.3% increase in Fine Fragrance sales in 2025, while dsm-firmenich also recorded strong growth across its fragrance portfolio. Fragrance sales growth was also reported by companies such as Chanel and Puig. Together, these developments indicate increasing consumer demand for differentiated, premium and highly personalised fragrance propositions.
Rather than relying on a single signature scent, consumers are creating collections that reflect different aspects of their identity, moods and lifestyles. Fragrances are increasingly becoming a form of self-expression, with consumers selecting different scents for different occasions rather than relying on a single signature perfume.
Scent Layering and the Rise of the Fine Fragrances Wardrobe
Layering perfumes with body mists, oils, lotions and hair fragrances allows individuals to craft unique scent profiles. This practice has given rise to the concept of “fragrance wardrobe” where consumers select different scents for different moods, times of day and social settings.
A 2025 Mintel study for the U.S. market highlights layering and situational fragrance use as key growth opportunities. The growing popularity of discovery formats and fragrance sampling is encouraging consumers to experiment with different scents before purchasing full-size products. At the same time, social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are accelerating micro-trends and inspiring consumers to explore new scent combinations. As a result, fragrance is increasingly moving beyond a single-product purchase towards a broader category including perfumes, body mists/lotions and hair fragrances.
Middle Eastern Fragrances Are Redefining Global Preferences
Growing interest in richer and more distinctive scent profiles is helping Middle Eastern fragrances move further into the global mainstream. Oud, amber, musk and dark fruit notes are gaining attention beyond the citrus-fresh profiles traditionally popular in Western perfumery. According to Spate’s consumer trends data, interest in “Arabian perfume” increased by roughly 63% year-on-year in 2025, while interest in “oud perfume” rose by 20.5% across platforms.
Middle Eastern companies are also benefiting from this combination of accessibility, distinctive scent profiles and social media visibility. For instance, Lattafa generated US$4.3 million in U.S. TikTok Shop sales in February 2025, ranking first among fragrance brands, while Armaf followed with US$1.1 million. These figures suggest that Middle Eastern fragrance brands are not only attracting consumer attention but are also converting that interest into purchases.
Evolving Fragrance Consumer: Implications for Companies
Fragrance is no longer simply about smelling pleasant; it has now evolved into evoking emotion and enhancing wellbeing. A Givaudan study found that 86% of consumers believe scent affects mood, underscoring fragrance’s role in self‑care and daily routines. Fragrance discovery is also shifting from department stores to social media, where niche, indie and Middle Eastern brands reach consumers more quickly.
For companies, the opportunity extends beyond launching new perfumes. Fragrance wardrobes, discovery formats, layering products, niche collections and mood-led propositions can increase consumer engagement while creating new avenues for premiumisation and repeat purchases.
Author: Sonal Rawat
Source: IAL Consultants & Secondary Sources
"Look out for IAL Consultants’ upcoming Global Flavours & Fragrances study, which examines the fine fragrance market across key regions and countries and provides insights into the consumer and market trends shaping the segment."
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