Solar and Milky Notes, Fine Perfumery Trends to Watch in 2025
This year, creamy comfort and warm facets of a fragrance will be recognised as a global trend in fine fragrance. Solar and milky notes are two marketing trends that are expected to dominate the market in the coming years.
In this article, José María Mustieles, Fragrance Evaluator at Iberchem, explains these two trends that will shape the year in fragrance notes.
Sunscape: the bloom of Solar notes
Solar scents are all about warmth and mood lift, with fragrance profile designed to echo the feeling of a sun-drenched day. They are fragrances that combine luminous, uplifting notes with creamy and warm facets to recreate the sensation of sun-kissed skin and golden beaches.
“Solar fragrances often feature accords inspired by white florals like ylang-ylang, tiare flowers, orange blossom, and jasmine, which radiate an almost sun-drenched intensity”, explains.
“These are paired with soft, creamy coconut, vanilla, or addictive resins to evoke the scent of suntan lotion or warm sand. Notes of bergamot, neroli, fruits and citrus add a vibrant zest reminiscent of a Mediterranean breeze, while hints of amber and musk mimic the lingering warmth of the sun on the skin”.
“When wearing a solar fragrance, you are transported to the shimmering coastlines of Italy or Greece, the golden sunsets of the French Riviera, or the lazy, sunlit afternoons of Spain. These perfumes embody the glow of endless summers, the sparkle of turquoise waters, and the luxurious ease of life under the Mediterranean, all year round”, adds.
When it comes to solar notes, Mugler’s Alien has been the iconic reference for this olfactory accord for more than 20 years. However, this concept has been updated and revived by the olfactory concept and trend of sun escapism, in which we can identify perfumes such as Sunkissed Goddess by Kilian.
The Sunscape collection, launched by Fragrance House Iberchem earlier this year at HPCI India, PCHI China, BeautyIstanbul Turkey and ICI in Jakarta, is touring the world and you will have the last opportunity to smell it at In-Cosmetics Asia in São Paulo.
Milky notes: a sweet and comfy pleasure
Milky, lactonic textures continue to bring a note of creamy comfort to the scent scene with a sense of indulgence. Sophisticated, soft, familiar, cozy and even nostalgic. It’s the same texture in an olfactive experience.
“Milky notes are treated with sandalwood, creamy textures, rice and musk to create a ‘second skin’ sensation for everyday use. Additional sweetness comes from the combination of whipped cream, marshmallow, caramel and vanilla notes,” says José María.
In this case, we can’t fail to mention the unisex perfume that made this trend a success: Gardini di Toscana’s Bianco Latte, launched in 2023 and a viral hit on social media. This fragrance exemplifies the rise of the gourmand in niche perfumery, and the growing trend of smelling ‘edible’ among Gen Z and younger millennials. With salted caramel, vanilla, coumarin and white musk, it evokes a comforting, delicious pastry.
The trend of milky notes has made it possible to reinvent sweet and gourmand fragrances with more subtle nuances, featuring notes that evoke cereals and nuts. These fragrances have become nearly addictive, bringing these profiles into the mainstream, whereas they were once reserved for niche perfumery.
“These notes, typical of fine fragrances, have now been extended to personal care applications in search of a more premium and sensitive shower and body lotion experience”, concludes.
2025 will be a year to the sun’s rays and sweetness of the fragrances in your perfumes and personal care products. According to Euromonitor International, the global fragrance market is set to grow at an impressive CAGR of 7.3% to 2028. And so will the fragrance market.
