Milk and Honey Fragrances: What are Lactonic and Honeyed Fragrances?

The Rise of Milk and Honey Fragrances

The origination of the phrase “the Land of Milk and Honey” refers to a bible passage where God promises to take the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to a “good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” As a result, milk and honey have long been associated with plentiful sustenance, luxury and comfort.

Back in the world of fragrance, these currently trending scents are the olfactive equivalent of wearing a soft cosy security blanket.  Milky, lactonic textures and honeyed scents add a touch of creamy comfort to the fragrance landscape, evoking a sense of indulgence and warmth.

Lactonic or Milk notes are experiencing growing interest. Once a rare and novel ingredient, milk has now taken centre stage, offering a unique blend of warmth, comfort, and sophistication.

Milk Fragrance Notes

Milk notes in fragrances evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, reminiscent of childhood memories, cosy moments and the simple pleasures of life. This comforting and reassuring impression is one of the key reasons behind the growing popularity of milk fragrances. They provide a soft, creamy undertone that balances well with a variety of other notes, making them incredibly versatile.

What are Lactonic Fragrance Notes? and how are they Created?

Lactonic is the Latin word for ‘Milk’ and literally refers to an acid obtained from the oxidation of milk sugar – the lactose. In reference to fragrances, it describes scents that have milky facets, which give the impression of milky or creamy textures.

These Milky notes can be created through sandalwood, vanilla and musks to create a “second-skin” sensation. These notes provide a sophisticated, sumptuous and soft quality.

What are Honey Fragrance Notes?

The honey note is interesting because it brings roundness to a fragrance as well as offering nuances of gourmand sweetness. It can also have an animalic and powdery tendency.  It is nourishing, sunny, mellow and brings a naturalness to fragrance formulations. It also blends well with other natural and natural-inspired scents such as herbal, hay, tobacco, gourmand, fruity, leather notes.

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Why are Milk and Honey Fragrances Popular right now?

Warmth and Comfort

Milk notes bring a warm, enveloping quality to fragrances, creating a soothing and comforting effect. These warming and cosy scents are often some of the fragrances notes used to simulate the scent of skin. Milky notes are also naturally linked to comforting foods and drinks that give us feelings of warmth and satisfaction.

Versatility of Milky Scents

Milk notes blend seamlessly with a wide range of other ingredients, from florals and spices to woods and gourmands. This versatility allows perfumers to craft complex and multi-dimensional scents that cater to diverse preferences.

Sophistication

While honey might seem like a simple, everyday ingredient in the culinary world, from a fragrance perspective, it adds a layer of sophistication. The sweet, smooth texture of honeyed notes can elevate a fragrance, making it feel luxurious and refined.

Our Favourite Milk and Honey Fragrances

Oatmilk

This classic combination of oat and milk evokes a sense of sweetness and warmth. The rich, golden scent of honey complements the creamy, slightly sweet notes of milk, creating a fragrance that feels like a comforting hug.

Coconut and Honey

Another popular pairing is our coconut and honey scent. This milky coconut and vanilla aroma, creates a gourmand delight. The creamy, smooth quality of milk enhances the sweet, spicy richness of vanilla, making it a favorite for those who love dessert-like scents with a slightly tropical twist.

Skin Chemistry

This is one of our latest fragrance creations; a scent that plays heavily on this new milk/honey trend. With notes of Marshmallow, Tonka Bean and Musk and White Cedar, this scent is our interpretation of warming milk laced with golden honey.

Our Favourite Milk Fragrances

Several high-end and niche perfume brands have embraced milk notes, creating some truly remarkable fragrances:

Rose Atlantic – DS & Durga’s

Rose Atlantic by DS&Durga is a Floral Aquatic fragrance designed for both women and men. The top notes include Rose Petals, Lemon, and Bergamot, while the heart features Rose, Salt, Lime Blossom, and Grass. The base is composed of Sea Water, Musk, and Oakmoss. This fragrance blends rose with creamy milk and other notes, creating a scent that is fresh and serene, evoking a calming atmosphere.

Bianco Latte – Giardini di Toscana

An October 2023 review of Bianco Latte by Giardini di Toscana from Canadian perfume TikToker @perfumerism clocked more than 11 million views and put the Italian fragrance at the forefront of a trend for milky perfumes.  Bianco Latte was named as a viral hit of 2023 and 2024 and remains on backorder after having sold thousands of bottles and spurred a trend for other gourmand perfumes like Gourmand Escapade by Maison Mataha and Delizia di Marshmallow by Kyse.

Commodity – Milk

Seeking comfort in the familiar, this creamy and calming scent offers the perfect start to the day. Cold Milk adds a cooling element to an otherwise rich and warm fragrance of Mahogany and Tonka.

Are Milk and Honey Fragrances Here to Stay?

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The increasing popularity of milk fragrances can be attributed to their unique ability to evoke comfort and nostalgia while offering a versatile base for complex compositions. In a world where sensory experiences are highly valued, the creamy, soothing quality of milk notes provides a refreshing and comforting alternative to the more traditional, often harsher perfume ingredients.

Moreover, the trend aligns with the broader movement towards wellness and self-care. As consumers seek products that offer not just a pleasant scent but also a sense of well-being, milk fragrances fit perfectly into this narrative.

The trend in milk and honey fragrances represents a delightful fusion of nostalgia, comfort and sophistication. For more information or to request samples click here.