This Underrated Perfume Note Smells Like Serenity in a Bottle

In a sea of sweet gourmands and moody, witchy scents, tea fragrances are taking over. Steeped in complex aromas that range from light and refreshing to deep and comforting, they’re quickly becoming the scent category to covet.

“Tea notes bring a gentle balance between freshness and warmth. They also have that quiet luxury effect that people are drawn to,” says Octavia Morgan, fragrance expert and founder of OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles.

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Their rise in popularity started quietly—think back to 2021, when Maison Margiela’s Replica Matcha Meditation scent first hit shelves (and has sadly since been discontinued). Since then, more brands have embraced tea-inspired accords, pairing notes like bergamot, white tea, and black tea with florals, musks and woods.

Whether you’re already a fan or just curious about the note’s new momentum, read on to learn how to get the most from tea perfumes, plus the bottles to add to your collection.

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Why Tea Fragrances Are Trending

Fragrance trends often mirror what’s happening around us. Seasonal shifts or upcoming holidays can influence which scents start to gain buzz—and the recent rise of tea perfumes is a prime example. “After years of bold, gourmand-heavy trends, people are craving fragrances that feel soothing and restorative,” says Morgan.

But let’s be clear: this new wave of tea fragrances is far from simple. Darcy Moore, founder of Belnu, adds that while tea fragrances tend to be lighter than gourmand scents, their layered notes create a refined complexity that’s every bit as sophisticated.

How to Wear a Tea Fragrance

“Tea fragrances are incredibly versatile, and can be layered to enhance their natural softness,” says Morgan. Since many feature notes inspired by popular teas—think nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla, found in chai blends, or fresh aromas of green tea and matcha—they can take on an organic feel. “These are good base scents that can be reflective of your mood,” says Moore.

He explains that tea fragrances aren’t typically about seduction but rather about exuding groundedness and confidence, which is part of what makes them inherently elegant. Layering them with complementary scents only enhances their appeal: woody aromas and musks create a cozy feel ideal for cooler months, while hints of citrus and florals lift the tea notes for a brighter effect.

Subtlety still reigns supreme, though. To get the most from the scent, it’s all about application. “Tea-based scents sit close to the skin,” says Morgan. “But dabbing them on your pulse points or spritzing the inner garments will help extend their scent.”

The Best Tea Fragrances of 2025

1 / 5

Like a steamy chai tea latte, this fragrance is full of warm and comforting aromas. It opens with the fragrant spices that bring the tea to life—nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom—before mellowing out into smooth vanilla bean and soothing violet. There’s even a hint of smoky citrus to double down on the cozy feel of its namesake tea.

 

2 / 5

This fragrance embodies the richness of red rooibos tea leaves. The accord features bergamot and sweet hints of honey and caramel that only add to its opulence, while spicy notes of black pepper and warm cardamom give it a slightly masculine feel. Try wearing it on your inner wrists and allowing the fragrance to melt into your skin throughout the day.

 

3 / 5

Lapsang Souchong is a black tea with ancient roots and a rich, smoky and meaty flavor. As the accord that drives this fragrance it brings those same complexities and is just as potent. But it’s not overly smoky. The tea accord is beautifully blended with jasmine blossoms and vanilla to smooth out the scent. What’s left is an interesting and intoxicating aroma shrouded in mystery.

4 / 5

Jo Malone’s English Pear cologne has a cult-following for good reason. Designed to mimic the scents of classic afternoon tea, it features sharp bergamot and the fresh, crisp scent of a crunchy cucumber sandwich. Combined with the sweetness from pear nectar, honey and hints of tobacco, it’s the kind of fragrance that keeps things interesting.

 

5 / 5

If you prefer fresh scents, Smyth is the fragrance for you. Its notes include juicy Granny Smith apple, melon-pineapple sorbet, apricot nectar, sandalwood and whit tea. The combination is incredibly crisp and beautiful thanks to light layers of jasmine and musky amber.