When picking a perfume, specific fragrance notes appeal to a broad audience, while others receive mixed reviews. Based on data from fragrance studies, here's a rundown of the best and worst perfume notes.
Best 5 Notes:
Bergamot
Loved for its fresh, citrusy scent, bergamot is a versatile top note that adds a sharp and clean opening to perfumes and is used widely in both men's and women’s fragrances.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a popular base note because of its warmth and universal appeal. It adds depth, sweetness, and longevity to perfumes.
Oud
Woody notes, including cedar and sandalwood, are loved for their grounding qualities. These notes appeal to both genders and are versatile in many scent combinations.
Citrus
Known for its fresh, revitalising qualities, citrus notes like bergamot and lemon are often found in top notes. Citrus appeals especially in hotter climates for its clean and invigorating scent.
Floral
Jasmine and rose are perennial favourites, adding a feminine and romantic quality. Surveys show a high preference for them, especially in floral-focused regions like Asia.
Worst 5 Notes:
Civet
With its intense, animalic profile, Civet is polarising due to its strong muskiness, which some find overpowering.
Oakmoss
Common in chypre fragrances, this earthy note has a musty, forest-like scent that doesn't appeal to everyone, especially in modern, lighter fragrances.
Mint
Sharp and somewhat medicinal, mint remains a challenging note, often clashing with other elements in a fragrance.
Aldehydes
Often associated with a metallic or soapy quality, aldehydes are distinct but can feel artificial, making them divisive.
Anise
Anise’s liquorice-like scent can be overwhelming, and while unique, it is often viewed as too strong for everyday wear.
Fragrance preferences vary widely by region, influenced by local climate and culture. Warmer climates favour refreshing scents like citrus, while cooler areas lean toward woody or spicy notes. These variations show that what smells appealing is deeply personal—and often tied to where you are in the world.