Decoding the Fragrance Boom, Part 1

Shoppers are seeking prestige, long-lasting fragrances, driving up the average unit price in the U.S. market.
Shoppers are seeking prestige, long-lasting fragrances, driving up the average unit price in the U.S. market.

Fragrance overperformed throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the United States. That trend has continued.

Prestige fragrance sales in 2021 were up 49% year-over-year, totaling $6.3 billion, per NPD data. On the mass side, sales were up 45%, per NielsenIQ.

Notably, the prestige sector’s growth was up in the double digits compared to 2019. In addition, fragrance comprised nearly 45% of 2021 holiday beauty sales. But most impressive was the fact that, for the first time ever, fragrance sales matched the heights achieved by the skin care segment. And, in department stores, fragrance was actually bigger than skin care.

Sales of perfumes, colognes and other fragrance “juices” rose by 61%, year over year, while sales of candles, reed diffusers and other home scents grew by more than 20%.

For the full article, check out Global Cosmetic Industry's June 2022 digital magazine.

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