Scents of a Generation: The Gen Z influence on fragrance
When it comes to fragrance, Gen Z isn’t playing by the rules. Loud, bold, and unapologetically expressive, this generation is turning the perfume world on its head.
Bold, Intense, and Personal
Strong, intense fragrances with notes that make heads turn and gazes linger have since become a favourite choice among the Gen Z crowd: leather, amber, oud, and tobacco have seen a rise in popularity in recent years. These scents may also be linked to the global increase in popularity of amber notes, which are typically associated with traditional Middle Eastern perfumery.
Spicebomb Dark Leather by Viktor & Rolf is the 2024 update to the original Spicebomb, with fresh spicy notes as its main accord and a base of black leather and tobacco, it stands out as a key fragrance of this trend.
These options allow them to change their scent as often as they change their mood or outfit—perfect for a generation constantly curating their identity online and offline.
Fragrance for Every Mood, Every Vibe
“This generation seeks fragrances for every mood,” says María. “Nostalgic aromas with sweet notes like marshmallow or cotton candy, sunny, floral and fruity accords like coconut that transport you to a beach under the summer sun, or vibrant offerings with tropical fruits like mango and passion fruit.”
It’s clear: Gen Z doesn’t want one signature scent. They want a whole mood board of olfactory options.
Fragrance collections that offer a thematic exploration with a wide range of options enable an opportunity to not only celebrate diversity but also to explore different facets of moods.
The latest Ikigai collection presented by Iberchem and inspired by the Japanese philosophy of the same name, revolves around the idea of one’s “sense of being”. This collection merges the idea of fragrance layering with the holistic values of Ikigai, reflecting the year’s leading trends in well-being, balance, and self-expression, and creating different combinations for every mood, every vibe.
The Rise of Gourmand & Niche Fragrances
Gen Z is also behind the surge in gourmand fragrances and scents that feel edible, nostalgic, and comfortingly familiar. “One of my latest challenges was to develop a gourmand fragrance with pistachio and salted caramel,” says María. “The result was a delicate fragrance in balance that transports you and makes you feel unique. If I had to highlight a star ingredient to captivate this audience, it would be the gourmand vanilla,” María adds. “Versatile and enveloping, it’s the main ingredient in gourmand accords and blends perfectly with milky, fruity, and tropical notes.”
These bold, unexpected combinations resonate with Gen Z’s craving for individuality and emotional connection. “At Iberchem, this means innovating beyond traditional perfumery and leaning into ingredient storytelling and personalization. In addition, our Wavemotion® programme, used in the neuroscientific study of fragrance, allow us to control results and offer clients scientifically proven, mood-enhancing scents,” concludes María.
Final Spritz
For Gen Z, fragrance is more than just a beauty product: it’s an extension of who they are. As the perfume world evolves, fragrance houses like Iberchem are shaping new scent trends to help brands speak the language of this bold, expressive generation, one fragrance at a time.
