While Europe, especially France, is the historic heart and top producer of perfume, surveys suggest countries like Turkey, Argentina, Poland, and Serbia have very high rates of regular perfume use, with Latin America and some European nations showing strong engagement, contrasted by lower rates in parts of Asia like Japan and China.
Women generally use perfume the most, although the number of males purchasing scents has steadily increased. Many people wear perfume daily, while others save it for special occasions.
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Definitely France -- it's basically the Mecca of perfumery, both historically and today.
Grasse has had a prospering perfume industry since the end of the 18th century. Grasse is the centre of the French perfume industry and is known as the world's perfume capital (la capitale mondiale des parfums).
Princess Diana had several favorite perfumes, but Van Cleef & Arpels First (a floral aldehyde) and Penhaligon's Bluebell (a fresh floral) were among her most beloved daily scents, while Hermès 24 Faubourg (jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla) was a favorite for evenings, and she famously wore Houbigant Quelques Fleurs (a rich floral) on her wedding day. Prince Harry noted First as a significant scent for him, while her butler mentioned 24 Faubourg as an everyday choice.
A French art of perfuming
For decades, France has been a reference in the field of perfume. And for good reason, certain cities in our country have played a major role in its history over the years. This is of course the case of Grasse, still considered today as the world capital of perfume.
The 30-50-20 perfume rule is a guideline for blending essential oils, suggesting a ratio of 30% top notes, 50% middle (heart) notes, and 20% base notes to create a balanced fragrance, where top notes provide the initial scent, middle notes form the core, and base notes offer depth and longevity. For a 10-drop blend, this translates to 3 drops of top, 5 drops of middle, and 2 drops of base notes, helping DIY perfumers achieve a harmonious scent profile before maturing the blend.
“Arabic perfumes offer unmatched richness with oriental ingredients that stay on the skin far longer than most other perfumes.” Oud: The signature of Arabic perfumery, offering a warm, luxurious, and deep scent.
According to a study conducted by the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Oxford University, the most pleasant scent is vanilla , followed by peach . The list also includes scents like freshly cut grass, coffee, chocolate, and the sea .
As of 2023, the global fragrance export market is led by the following top 10 countries, based on the latest available trade data:
There's no single "No. 1" perfume brand, as popularity shifts, but Chanel (especially Chanel No. 5), Dior, Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gucci consistently rank among the top global brands for their iconic, luxurious, and widely loved fragrances, while niche brands like Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Tom Ford also dominate high-end markets. For men, Jean Paul Gaultier's scents are currently top sellers, noted for their sweet, compliment-getting profiles.
Due to the role of perfume production in Kannauj, the city is known as "the perfume capital of India". Additionally, one writer said that "Kannauj is to India what Grasse is to France". An expert stated that "Kannauj has been the perfumery town of the country for thousands of years".
There's no single "best" perfume, as it's subjective, but top contenders often cited for luxury, popularity, and unique appeal include Chanel No. 5, Dior J'adore, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady, and YSL Black Opium, known for timeless elegance, rich florals, sensual sweetness, and complex sophistication, respectively, though many others like Jo Malone, Byredo, and niche brands offer standout scents.
By end use, women segment in luxury perfume market accounted for a share of over 62% in 2023.
The four main types of perfume, based on scent families, are Floral, Oriental (Amber), Woody, and Fresh, each with many subcategories like fruity, spicy, citrus, or gourmand, while different perfume concentrations (Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne) determine strength and longevity.
While exact rankings shift, the top 5 selling perfumes consistently feature iconic classics and modern powerhouses like Chanel No. 5, Dior J'adore, YSL Libre/Black Opium, and trending luxury scents such as Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, alongside popular celebrity fragrances like Ariana Grande Cloud; these dominate due to timeless appeal, viral trends, and unique scent profiles.
Muslims wear oud (agarwood) to follow the Prophet Muhammad's Sunnah, symbolizing purity, spirituality, and respect, especially before prayers (like Jumu'ah), during Hajj/Umrah, and for special occasions like weddings, creating a serene atmosphere for worship and enhancing cultural tradition. Its woody, musky scent is deeply rooted in Arab and Islamic culture, used for personal fragrance, perfuming homes (bukhoor), and as a sign of hospitality, reflecting tradition and reverence.
The "3-1-1 rule" for perfume (and other liquids) in carry-on luggage, set by the TSA, means: 3. Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller; 1. All containers must fit into one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag; 1. Only one such bag is allowed per passenger. Perfume bottles over the 3.4 oz limit must go in checked luggage or be discarded at security, even if partially full, as the bottle size matters, not the liquid volume.
Golden Rule Phlur for women and men
Golden Rule was launched in 2025. Top notes are Pear, Mandarin and Pink Pepper; middle notes are Orange Flower Water, Jasmine and Coconut Milk; base notes are Vanilla, Sandalwood and Benzoin.
Perfume alcohol typically consists of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) as the primary base. The specific ethanol used in perfumer's alcohol is often denatured, meaning it has been treated to make it unsuitable for consumption by adding certain substances such as methanol, isopropyl alcohol, or various bittering agents.
Top Countries to Source Perfume and Fragrance
Kannauj, the city of perfume, is an ancient city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. In earlier times, it was the capital of the Empire under Emperor Harsha. Kannauj is known for the distilling of scents and is a market center for tobacco, perfume, and rose water.
While we do not have the entire list, the twenty most recognizable, in order, are: