The Most Popular Scents of 2024 and What’s Next for 2025

by Jake Walsh | 12/16/2024

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to review the most popular scents of 2024 and look ahead to scent trends in 2025. Some fragrances are timeless and appealing to the masses regardless of age, while others are more desirable among specific groups of people. What were your favorite scents of the past year?

Drift signature scents rank high among trendy car fresheners. Other staple brands include Little Trees, California Scents, Yankee Candle, Mrs. Meyer’s, and Febreze, along with popular newcomers like CE Craft Company, Blackline, and Cool Girl Candles. Read on to explore which scents made the list in 2024 — and which brands are set to dominate in 2025.

The Most Popular Scents of 2024

The world hardly shares a favorite scent among all of its populations, but there are specific scents that we tend to gravitate toward as a species. Our experiences and preferences color each scent differently, yet sharing these aromas forges another link of companionship. Here are a few of the most popular scents of 2024:

Lavender: Often associated with rest and relaxation, lavender is the best scent remedy for a busy, stressful life. Lavender’s aromatherapy benefits are also complemented by its varyingly subtle notes, which often pair well with other, stronger scents.

Citrus: Vibrancy characterizes popular citrus scents that are often used in cleaning products. Beyond signaling to our noses that our environment is spic-and-span, citrus can also bring life and depth to any space, thrilling our nostrils with tangy notes of excitement.

New car: Describing that new car smell can feel like being asked to draw happiness. Despite the challenge, this distinct smell indicates the beginning of something new, a revival, or even the return of what used to be — depending on how you think about it.

Tropical: Cabin fever hardly describes the feeling many of us have after the confining effects of the pandemic. Perhaps that’s why tropical scents that remind us of the beach have been so popular this year.

Cologne: The prevalence of cologne itself is not a new trend, but the desire for a more neutral fragrance is on the rise. Perfumists attempt to break past the traditional barriers of gendered scent to explore what lies beyond.

If you look back in time, you’ll likely find many of these scents to be popular in other eras. For example, lavender has long been an aromatherapy staple. Which of these popular scents do you incorporate into your daily life?

Scented Car Freshener Trends in 2024

Beyond the specific scents listed above, popular car freshener trends share many similar traits, including the following:

Eco-friendly options: Consumers care more about the scents they inhale in their vehicles, choosing eco-friendly options over those with harmful chemicals.

Sustainable scents: In an effort to reduce the use of plastic, many car fresheners are made from sustainable materials that help protect the environment.

Artisanal: Scent options have moved beyond the traditional single-note fragrances to complex aromas designed to excite the senses.

Customization: In addition to choosing artisanal scents, consumers can customize the scent and style of the car freshener they want in their vehicles, whether by selecting different scents from a single brand or customizing the car freshener itself.

The car freshener market continues to grow, with competition driving even better products and higher quality standards. As we look to 2025 to predict what scents may rise in popularity over the next year, consider the brands that best represent the trends listed above.

Trendy Car Fresheners Exclusively From Drift

Premium Drift car fresheners have quickly risen in popularity for several reasons. Made from clean essential and fragrance oil blends, Drift’s Wood, Metal, and Stone car fresheners are made from sustainable alder wood, alloy metal, and organic stone. Our products are vegan, cruelty-free, pet- and kid-friendly, and GMO-free, with no phthalates, parabens, mineral oils, petroleum, dichlorobenzene, formaldehyde, or other harsh chemicals.

The Drift lineup of signature car freshener scents includes several distinct fragrances, from the musk of Pine to the powerful Teak and warm Amber. Our take on Cabana transports you to the beach like you’ve never experienced before, and between Grove and Open Air, we can’t decide which is more invigorating. Best of all, if you want to mix things up even further, you can sign up for our Scent of the Month Club to experience exclusive new scents every month!

What Scents are Trending for 2025?

Many experts agree that popular scents in 2025 — including trendy car fresheners — will include more balanced, gender-neutral scents. Gourmand notes, such as vanilla and sugar, are also expected to gain popularity in the new year. Below are a few other scents you might see more of in 2025:

Musk
Sweets
Citrus
Florals

Mood-boosting scents will continue to be appealing, especially for those looking to capitalize on the benefits of aromatherapy. Experimental scents may also fluctuate on the spectrum of scents that divide and those that take a more subtle approach. In the end, only time will tell what scents will rule 2025.

Stay Ahead of the Trends With Drift’s Signature Scents

The scent experts at Drift strive to stay abreast of industry trends and bring you the latest fragrance innovations. Our signature scents are artfully crafted to ensure maximum appeal. You can count on Drift’s long-lasting aromas to fill your car with luxurious fragrances designed with style in mind.

If you appreciate innovative scents but don’t always have the time to keep up with what’s up-and-coming, let Drift do the hard work for you. Join our Scent of the Month Club to receive a refreshing new scent every month. Better yet, sign up for our home Scent of the Month Club to extend those benefits to your living space — and all who enter.

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