Fragrance trends 2026: Unisex perfumes, savoury gourmands, and modern ouds take over

A great perfume doesn’t just smell good, it tells on you—in the best way. In 2026, fragrance is becoming more personal, more fluid, and far less interested in traditional labels. The new perfume trends lean into individuality: unisex blends that adapt to your skin, savoury gourmand notes that feel deliciously unexpected, and modern ouds that whisper quiet luxury rather than shout. If you’re curating a scent wardrobe that smells unapologetically like you, consider this your forecast.

A scent that caters to you.

BEYOND BOUNDARIES

There’s always been a quiet thrill in borrowing from the “other” side of the fragrance counter—whether it’s women gravitating towards traditionally masculine aquatics or men embracing softer florals. In 2026, that boundary dissolves entirely. Unisex fragrances move beyond labels, focusing instead on emotion, mood, and individuality. Clean musks, airy woods, citrus, ambers, and skin-like notes take centre stage, creating scents that adapt to the wearer.

Smells good enough to taste (please don't).

SAVOURY GOURMANDS

Warning: calories optional, indulgence guaranteed. Looks like our pantries have too big of a heart to lend some of their beloved ingredients to the world of whiffs. With a new season, we see the strong scents from our kitchens travelling into our fragrance collections, giving way to a wave of confectionery fragrances. While vanilla remains an enduring favourite, other edible notes have taken us beyond the obvious. Expect more nutty, gingery, and more indulgent aromas to lure you in.

It speaks quiet luxury.

MODERN OUDS

Confident, powerful, and unapologetic—a starter pack for modern oud fragrances. The presence of woody scents and oud might not be new, but it sure is scooching in as a leader in the new year. These scents are being reimagined with smoother blends, cleaner edges, and a refined sense of luxury. Think warm woods, musky undertones, and a quiet opulence that lingers long after the first spritz.

Images: Courtesy the brands and Getty 

This article first appeared in the January 2026 issue of Harper's Bazaar India 

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