The Evolution of Body Mists
Body mists are light and accessible, with fragrances designed for all-over use, offering a softer alternative to traditional perfumes. Popular in the ’90s, they declined with the rise of more concentrated scents but are now returning with a more elevated, intentional positioning. Vogue identifies body mists as a key trending category within its 2026 fragrance trends, highlighting their growing relevance in the evolving scent landscape.
Brand Innovation Driving the Category
Their resurgence, driven in part by brands like Sol de Janeiro, aligns with the rise of “full-body scenting,” particularly among Gen Z, with consumers layering fragrances across the body for a more personalised experience. This is reflected in the brand’s popularity, with standout mists like Cheirosa 71 praised for their long-lasting, layerable scents and elevated gourmand profile, featuring notes of caramelised vanilla and toasted macadamia. Since then, Sol de Janeiro has expanded its range of perfume mists, priced between £24 and £38, with the collection amassing over 1.3 billion views on TikTok. Skincare-infused body mists reflect the “skinification” trend, with brands like Sol de Janeiro combining fragrance with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils. This shift is supported by rising demand for multifunctional body care, with prestige body serum sales up [42%](Cosmetics Business reveals the top 5 body care trends of 2025 in new report) in Europe.
Body mist demand is reflected in Phlur’s growth, with sales doubling from 2024–2025 and projected to rise a further [65% ](How Body Mists Became Fragrance’s Biggest Gateway | BeautyMatter)by year-end. Phlur’s sales growth underscores the wider “body mist boom", with the category evolving into a more refined, layered fragrance option that resonates with modern consumers seeking flexibility and personal expression. While Phlur remains a leading name in the space, other brands such as Salt & Stone, Maison Louis Marie, and Sidia are driving innovation by infusing their fragrances with skin-care benefits.
Consumer Behaviour and Changing Preferences
Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards more accessible fragrance formats, with Mintel reporting that nearly 50% of UK consumers now use body sprays and mists, as the cost-of-living crisis drives a move away from more expensive perfumes (Mintel, 2024). This is further reflected in purchasing habits, with 40% of Brits choosing body mists in 2024 due to their convenience and affordability (Cosmetics Design Europe).
At the same time, Gen Z is reshaping fragrance consumption, moving away from a single signature scent towards variety and personalisation. Trends like #perfumelayering highlight how younger consumers curate multiple fragrances to match different moods and occasions, positioning body mists as an ideal, low-commitment format for experimentation and everyday use.
Givaudan’s ChériScentz™
ChériScentz™ is Givaudan’s fragrance design tool that focuses on creating scents that evoke emotions, particularly sensuality, by putting consumer feelings and experiences at the centre of product development. This reflects a shift from traditional fragrance creation, which focused on scent composition and storytelling, towards a more consumer-led approach where emotional response plays a central role in design.
With 61% of consumers seeking products that deliver strong emotional experiences, fragrance is increasingly being positioned as a tool for enhancing mood and everyday well-being. This shift also supports the growth of body mists, as their lightweight and replicable format allows consumers to engage with fragrance in a more personal and everyday way.
