Anyone who knows me knows that I love sweet, sugary perfumes. Anything with notes of caramel, coconut, honey or vanilla is right up my street, because who doesn't want to smell like a delicious dessert? I'm always on the lookout for scents featuring what's known as "edible" notes (these perfumes aren't actually edible, of course), however, one note I never thought to consider was milk.
This ingredient may be a staple in many of my favourite desserts, but I've never wanted to smell like milk. Until now, that is. If you didn't know, milk perfumes are having a bit of a moment on TikTok, and after trying out some of the most popular ones myself, I'm completely sold. Interested to know what all the hype is about? I spoke to Callum Ross, UK education manager for Shiseido’s designer fragrance brands, about the phenomenon, so keep scrolling for all the milky goodness.
What Are Milk Perfumes?
According to Ross, "Milk perfumes are fragrances that provide a lactonic scent found in milk and other dairy products." These fragrances come in many "styles" and feature the rich, sweet, creamy scent that milk can offer when used in a gourmand blend. "To create the milky, lactonic effect, perfumers will use a group of materials known as lactones," he explains. "The most popular [are] coumarin, gamma-undecalactone (the peach lactone) and gamma-nonalactone (the coconut lactone)."
What Do Milk Perfumes Smell Like?
So, what do these perfumes actually smell like? "Milk perfumes will smell rich, sweet, creamy and soft with powdery undertones," says Ross. "Often perfumers will seek to re-create the odour of almond milk, coconut milk, sweet desserts or even the velvety lactonic scent of peach or apricot skin." If you like layering your perfumes, Ross advises opting for notes such as sandalwood, vanilla or tonka bean. He says you can also pair milky fragrances with white floral notes like jasmine, tuberose, frangipani and osmanthus. "In these perfume types, the lactonic elements of the milky notes would be used to enhance the sweet, creamy and solar facets found in the flowers."
Why Are Milk Perfumes Growing in Popularity?
I was keen to find out why these lactonic fragrances have become popular over the past few months, and according to Ross, it's all down to the appeal of gourmand fragrances. "The growing trend towards milk perfumes is due to the return in popularity of gourmand fragrances," he says. "In the '00s, fruity, sweet gourmands were all the rage, then post-covid, we saw people looking for fresher, cleaner and more citrusy fragrances instead. Now, in 2024, gourmand is back, but with a more sophisticated look. The new gourmands will move away from the traditional sugary sweetness into more creative realms where milk, coffee and boozy notes [are] being used instead."
If, like me, you love the sound of milk perfumes, keep on scrolling for my top picks.
The Best Milk Perfumes to Shop Now:
Key Notes: Skin musk, tonka bean, amber, mahogany wood and white cedar
Starting strong with one of my favourite milk perfumes: Commodity's Milk Eau de Parfum. This light, creamy scent is super subtle but still strong enough that it earns me compliments every time I wear it. It's a skin-like scent that adds a hint of sweetness and warmth, making it perfect for every day.
Key Notes: Pear, vanilla, milk, cedarwood and tonka bean
Next up is Molton Brown's Milk Musk. As the name suggests, this is a creamy, warm, musky scent with hints of sweetness thanks to the addition of pear. Spritzing this feels like a warm, comforting embrace, making it my go-to scent when I'm in need of a little pick-me-up.
Key Notes: Almond milk, coconut and cashmeran
Dent de Lait by Serge Lutens is my favourite perfume for the spring months. The name means "milk teeth" in English, as the fragrance was inspired by thoughts around the significance of losing your first tooth as a child. The scent is warm, fresh and totally uplifting thanks to hints of creamy coconut, sweet almond milk and comforting cashmeran.
Key Notes: Peony rose, frangipani, milk accord, vanilla, sandalwood and musk
If you like gourmand scents, then this might be the fragrance for you. Bourbon vanilla bean and Madagascar vanilla bean extract mingle with warming sandalwood, musk and milk accord for a delicious finish that smells almost good enough to eat.
Key Notes: Caramel, coconut, jasmine, vanilla, milk accord and sandalwood
This affordable Other Stories perfume is one of my top choices when it comes to creamy, milky scents. In fact, I'm yet to meet anyone who hasn't fallen in love with this summer fragrance. Smooth coconut, sweet vanilla and comforting sandalwood are all whipped together to create a mouth-watering scent that will transport you to a tropical island far, far away.
Key Notes: Damask rose, lilac, orange blossom, almond milk accord, musk and cedarwood
Issey Miyake has created an intoxicating scent called A Drop D'issey. Fresh, floral notes are balanced by woody, warm and comforting almond milk and cedarwood for a rounded finish.
Key Notes: Coffee, red apple, lemon, orange flower, milk mousse accord, sandalwood and cedarwood
I'm not a coffee drinker, but even I can't deny how good this perfume is. Imagine going on a crisp, spring walk and then heading to your favourite cafe for a creamy latte and a slice of cake. That's exactly how this fragrance smells to me. Strong notes of coffee are beautifully balanced by hints of lemon and lavender, whilst milk mousse accord and cedarwood add a deliciously creamy finish.
Key Notes: Rhubarb, daffodil, almond milk and cashmeran
I like to think of this scent as spring in a bottle. It's bright, fun and far from boring. Uplifting rhubarb and daffodil combine with soft almond milk and comforting cashmeran for a unique finish that will keep you coming back for more.
Key Notes: Jasmine, pink berry, sandalwood and vanilla-chestnut accord
Every time I spritz this scent someone asks me what perfume I'm wearing. Hints of vanilla, chestnut and sandalwood give it that signature, milky aroma, but the addition of jasmine gives it a super-sensual finish that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Key Notes: Rose, peach, amber, musk, patchouli and sandalwood
Although this fragrance doesn't contain any milk notes, it definitely has lactonic elements thanks to hints of creamy musk and sandalwood. The fruity, floral scent is perfect for spring and summer, and the warm undertones add a comforting finish.
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