The 16 Most Iconic Vanilla Perfumes of All Time
These top fragrances are subtle, spicy, and sweet.
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When you think back to your first perfume, there's a good chance it featured vanilla. The note has always remained popular in perfumery, but it's enjoyed a major resurgence in the last few years; what was once considered "basic" is now cool again.
Unlike most other fragrance notes, we have an emotional connection to vanilla fragrances. "They convey a moment of nostalgia and comfort," says Dsm-Firmenich perfumer Gabriela Chelariu. "Vanilla is a universally known and loved ingredient that transcends culture, time, age."
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As for vanilla's resurgence in the last couple of years, it turns out we all just want to return to a simpler time. "One reason for its comeback—and we've confirmed this in a study we did with consumers—is that it elicits very positive, comforting feelings," says Chelariu. "With the rise of Y2K nostalgia, it's not a surprise that we are seeing a resurgence of vanilla fragrances." That being said, the newest scents are more sophisticated than those you may remember: "Rather than the overly sweet vanilla scents we loved in adolescence, modern vanilla fragrances are gaining attention for their creamy, soft blends," says the perfumer.
No matter what specific vanilla you're looking for, we've put together our edit of the 16 best vanilla perfumes, according to our editors below. Find your new comfort scent ahead.
If walking into an ice cream parlor is one of your favorite smells in the world, you've found your new scent. It leans into the decadence of vanilla, but thanks to amber and musk isn't too cloying.
Notes:
Ice cream, Madagascar vanilla, jasmine sambac, amberwood, musk, and orcanox
One satisfied customer writes:
"This is no ordinary vanilla. It’s rich and warm and mysteriously beautiful. My new favorite!" —Leslie
DS & Durga Deep Dark Vanilla
Pros
- Genderless
Cons
Vanilla as we know it is sweet, and often dessert-like—not so in this interpretation. Leaning more smoky and, as the name suggests, deep and dark, it has dimension and a unisex quality without abandoning vanilla altogether.
Notes:
- Top: cabreuva, orchid, pink pepper
- Heart: vines, green vanilla leaves, cypress root
- Base: vanilla absolute, dark patchouli, hay
One satisfied customer writes:
"This is the most masculine vanilla scent I’ve ever put my nose on. It actually smells deep—low down and to the ground. It’s an incredibly earthy vanilla anchored by those hay and patchouli notes." —Stella
Pros
- Layered and dimensional
Cons
You don't have to be in your vanilla era to love this fragrance, which also has notes of black pepper, saffron, and coffee absolute for a rounded, warm experience.
Notes:
- Top: white tulip, black pepper, Madagascar frankincense, saffron
- Heart: cashmere wood iso e super, beetroot, black amber
- Base: vanilla absolute, coffee absolute, papyrus india
One satisfied customer writes:
"This perfume is like being wrapped in a sweet, warm and fragrant embrace. It turns heads and invites hugs!" —Cassandra
Byredo Night Veil Vanielle Antique Extrait de Parfum
It's easy to see—or smell—why Byredo is so popular, and Vanille Antique, one of the brand's night veil scents, doesn't disappoint. You might be expecting something super sweet with opening notes like freesia and plum, but the heart and base notes of amber and cashmere woods add an Earthy sophistication.
Notes
- Top: Freesia, plum
- Heart: Amber, cashmere woods
- Base: Madagascar vanilla beans, cistus oil
One satisfied customer writes:
"I really, really, love this perfume. I adore the smell its a mixture of vanilla and has a musky undertone so its not too overwhelming or feminine. The perfume is a light and long lasting scent with absolutely gorgeous packaging and bottle that make it a beautiful piece even within itself —10/10 would recommend." —andy52
According to fragrance brand Santa Maria Novella, vanilla was actually thought of as an aphrodisiac in ancient times. Even so, the zippy lemon and bergamot, comforting jasmine, and grounding vanilla make it easy to fall in love with this fragrance.
Notes
- Top: Lemon, bergamot, orange
- Heart: Jasmine, vanilla
- Base: Vanilla, sweet woods, benzoin
YSL Beauty Black Opium Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Editor favorite
Cons
Though the name is Black Opium, this iconic fragrance is both sweet and warm thanks to notes of coffee, white flowers, and vanilla. It's the perfect one to pick up when that chill in the air comes around.
Notes
- Top: Coffee
- Heart: White flowers
- Base: Vanilla
One satisfied customer writes:
"This is the best perfume I have purchased! Perfect for many different occasions. Definitely recommend!!!" —hannah1999g
Pros
- Smells good enough to eat
Cons
This fragrance is named after one of Christian Dior's favorite desserts, the Diorama Gourmand (details of the actual pastry are a mystery as there are no true records of it). But this fragrance interpretation is just as delicious as the mythical dessert, with nearly-edible notes of vanilla, cocoa, and orange wedge.
Notes
- Top: Vanilla
- Heart: Cocoa
- Base: Orange wedge
One satisfied customer writes:
"The fragrance is lovely, with a unique mix of florals and vanilla that offers a deepness to it." —Jenny
Mugler Alien Goddess Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Soft and warm
Cons
Bergamot and heart of jasmine are grounded by bourbon vanilla to create a warm yet floral scent you'll want to wear every day.
Notes
- Top: Bergamot essence
- Heart: Jasmine grandiflorum
- Base: Bourbon vanilla
One satisfied customer writes:
"This is by far my favorite perfume of all time. It smells of vanilla and coconut and is king lasting." —amandajo45
By Rosie Jane Dulce Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Carbon neutral
Cons
Fragrance has a way of bringing back memories, and this scent is all about reminiscing on all of the sweetness life has to offer. Tip: Because the formula is clean, spritz all over instead of rubbing or dabbing into skin.
Notes
- Top: vanilla
- Heart: hinoki wood
- Base: nude musk
One satisfied customer writes:
"This scent is beautiful, feminine and airy! Every time I wear it, I get loads of compliments. I've been on the search for the perfect vanilla and always came up short until Dulce was released. It is now a signature scent for me, and I hope Rosie Jane never retires it." —Ashlyn
Pros
- Clean formula
Cons
Vanilla is the heart of this fragrance, blending a mix of both sweet and spicy as well as warm and woody to make an elevated vanilla scent. They call it dirty, we call it delicious.
Notes
- Top: cedar, coriander
- Heart: vanilla
- Base: patchouli, sandalwood, styrax, vetiver
Chanel Paris-Venise Les Eaux de Chanel Eau de Toilette Spray
Pros
- Gorgeous bottle
Cons
This fragrance is meant to evoke a sense of comfort. In fact, it was inspired by Venice, one of the cities Gabrielle Chanel fell in love with after the death of her lover, Boy Capel. Think of it as a fresh vanilla hug.
Notes
- Top: Neroli,
- Heart: Amber, vanilla
- Base: Tonka
Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne
Pros
- Makes a great gift
Cons
Hints of anise and clove add spiciness to the purple vanilla orchid notes in this cologne. It's meant to be a "modern story of vanilla."
Notes
- Top: star anise
- Heart: purple vanilla orchid
- Base: vanilla bourbon
One satisfied customer writes:
"This fragrance is absolute gorgeous. It's fresh and clean which is great for summer and spring. The wood notes are warm but not in an ambery way. It's a fantastic gender neutral fragrance. I found it to last fairly well. I purchased it as part of the discovery kit. The price point is high but with a sale it would be worth it." —Shrike
Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Milk Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Biodegradable
Cons
This perfume does double duty with vanilla using both bourbon vanilla bean and Madagascar vanilla bean extract with a touch of florals. The best part? It's designed to get better with your body's heat and chemistry.
Notes
- Top: creamy milk accord, frangipani, peony rose
- Heart: bourbon vanilla bean, Madagascar vanilla bean extract, upcycled cocoa shell extract
- Base: benzoin resinoid, amyris, sandalwood, musk
One satisfied customer writes:
"I’m literally just leaving the store after I randomly sprayed it on myself. I am in love. I came straight here to post a review LOL. For all my people who don’t like that child-like, dessert type vanilla smell, this scent is for you!" —Kenzie87
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
The sweetness of bourbon vanilla is accompanied by pink peppercorn, cardamom, and vetiver to add a warm spiciness to this take on a vanilla fragrance.
Notes
- Top: Pink peppercorn, juniper berry
- Heart: Green cardamom, black ceylon tea
- Base: Bourbon vanilla, Haitian vetiver
One satisfied customer writes:
"This is quickly becoming my favorite scent. It is a spicy and sophisticated vanilla. It also lasts a long time. I spray on in the morning and can still smell at the end of the day. I will always repurchase!" —caseym55
Pros
- Features ingredient transparency
Cons
While the initial notes exude freshness, once this scent dries down the patchouli and vanilla come out to play. The result is a sensual, skin-like warmth.
Notes
- Top: green grass
- Heart: vetiver, freesia
- Base: patchouli, vanilla bean
One satisfied customer writes:
"Dark is Night is a gorgeous fragrance for any season." —wolff 1999
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