{{Short description|Perfume product}} {{refimprove|date=February 2017}} thumb|{{center|A body spray}}|511x511px
'''Body spray''' is a perfume product, similar to aerosol deodorant, which is intended to be used elsewhere on the body besides the armpits. Body sprays are lighter in strength than cologne, generally less expensive, and double as deodorant.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://archive.boston.com/business/articles/2005/08/07/gillette_tries_to_capture_a_whiff_of_teen_market/|title = Gillette tries to capture a whiff of teen market|newspaper = Boston.com|date = 7 August 2005|last1 = Abelson|first1 = Jenn|access-date = 15 May 2007|archive-date = 2 March 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100302050219/http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2005/08/07/gillette_tries_to_capture_a_whiff_of_teen_market/?page=2|url-status = live}}</ref>
==Common ingredients== Some common ingredients found in body spray include: butane, isobutane, propane, alcohol, parfum.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eluxemagazine.com/beauty/raising-a-stink-about-body-sprays/|title=The Dangers of Body Sprays & Other Fragrances|date=5 May 2021|access-date=17 December 2015|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805071236/https://eluxemagazine.com/beauty/raising-a-stink-about-body-sprays/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Major brands== Some well known body spray brands include Unilever's "Axe" and "Impulse", Gillette's "Tag", Dial's "RGX", Procter & Gamble's "Old Spice".
== Smellmaxxing == {{Overly detailed|section|details=|date=May 2026}} '''Smellmaxxing''' is a term describing a 2020s social-media-driven phenomenon which originated with pre-adolescent and adolescent males using fragrances to optimize their scent in a personalized manner.<ref name="i006">{{cite web |last=Holtermann |first=Callie |date=2024-05-19 |title=Smellmaxxing, Explained |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/19/briefing/smellmaxxing-fragrances-teenagers.html |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="EconomistPerfumeTikTok">{{cite news |date=2025-04-24 |title=TikTok is changing the perfume business |url=https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/04/24/tiktok-is-changing-the-perfume-business |access-date=2026-05-21 |work=The Economist}}</ref><ref name="v516">{{cite web |last=Press-Reynolds |first=Kieran |date=2024-01-04 |title=What is 'smellmaxxing'? A new fad involves mostly men trying to maximize or improve their body scent |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/smellmaxxing-explained-looksmaxxing-tiktok-men-cologne-jeremy-fragrance-body-odor-2024-1 |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref name="u141">{{cite web |last=Lefebvre |first=Inès |date=2024-08-14 |title=C'est quoi le "smellmaxxing", la nouvelle tendance des adolescents sur-parfumés ? |url=https://www.gqmagazine.fr/article/smellmaxxing-la-tendance-des-adolescents-sur-parfumes |access-date=2026-05-17 |website=GQ France |language=fr}}</ref>
=== History and background === The term and concept of smellmaxxing originated in online communities associated with looksmaxxing, where users discussed ways to improve physical attractiveness.<ref name="y834">{{cite web |last=Hui |first=Ann |date=2026-04-20 |title=What's that smell? It's the boys in the Sephora fragrance aisle |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article-whats-that-smell-its-the-boys-in-the-sephora-fragrance-aisle/ |access-date=2026-05-17 |website=The Globe and Mail}}</ref><ref name="l362">{{cite web |last=Rapkin |first=Mickey |date=2025-01-07 |title=Exploring Looksmaxxing and Other Self-Care Trends Shaping Young Men |url=https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a63149374/looksmaxxing-auramaxxing-scentmaxxing-trend/ |access-date=2026-05-17 |website=Men's Health}}</ref><ref name="Madsen2026">{{cite ssrn |ssrn=6504320 |first=Dag Øivind |last=Madsen |title=Containment Failure and the Diffusion of Fringe Masculinity: The Case of Clavicular |date=2026}}</ref><ref name="MacleansCologneBoy">{{cite magazine |title=Jatin Arora: The Cologne Boy |url=https://macleans.ca/society/jatin-arora-cologne-boy/ |access-date=2026-05-21 |magazine=Maclean's |publisher=Rogers Media}}</ref><ref name="z377">{{cite web |last=Beddington |first=Emma |date=2024-05-27 |title=Teenage boys are becoming high-end fragrance fans. So what's that ugly smell? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/may/27/teenage-boys-just-want-to-smell-nice-if-only-the-perfume-influencers-didnt-stink |access-date=2026-05-27 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref name="p948">{{cite web |date=2022-06-09 |title=These Scentmaxxing Guys Are All About 'Pheromone Gains' |url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/scentmaxxing-pheromone-gains |access-date=2026-05-27 |website=MEL Magazine}}</ref> The practice later expanded to focus specifically on fragrances, deodorants, body washes, and other scent-related grooming products, particularly among adolescent males on TikTok.<ref name="i0062">{{cite web |last=Holtermann |first=Callie |date=2024-05-19 |title=Smellmaxxing, Explained |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/19/briefing/smellmaxxing-fragrances-teenagers.html |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="v5162">{{cite web |last=Press-Reynolds |first=Kieran |date=2024-01-04 |title=What is 'smellmaxxing'? A new fad involves mostly men trying to maximize or improve their body scent |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/smellmaxxing-explained-looksmaxxing-tiktok-men-cologne-jeremy-fragrance-body-odor-2024-1 |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Business Insider}}</ref> It has since expanded as part of a broader shift in male grooming culture among younger generations.<ref name="g974">{{cite web |date=2024-07-31 |title=Why your dude is Smellmaxxing, explained |url=https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/en/maze35/industry/why-your-dude-is-smellmaxxing-explained |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=ISTITUTOMARANGONI}}</ref><ref name="q443">{{cite web |last=Plowman |first=Sarah |date=2024-12-02 |title=What the spritz is 'smellmaxxing?' Why so many teen boys smell like a million bucks |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/article/what-the-spritz-is-smellmaxxing-why-so-many-teen-boys-smell-like-a-million-bucks/ |access-date=2026-05-17 |website=CTVNews}}</ref>
The trend originated mainly in association with adolescent males.<ref name="i0062" /> A stereotype that has persisted in the United States is teenage boys using Axe body spray as their primary fragrance.<ref name="i0062" /><ref name="k995">{{cite web |last=Weir |first=Darren |date=2024-07-19 |title=We Were 'Smellmaxxing' Before It Was a Thing |url=https://medium.com/the-narrative-arc/we-were-smellmaxxing-before-it-was-a-thing-d1392d6cadfc |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Medium}}</ref> However, with the ubiquity of social media, the trend of smellmaxxing became prominent.<ref name="q1552">{{cite web |last=Willets |first=Melissa |date=2024-05-23 |title=Do You Know What Smellmaxxing Is? Why Tween and Teen Boys Are Spending Big Bucks On This Trend |url=https://www.parents.com/what-is-smellmaxxing-8652448 |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Parents}}</ref> As lower-end brands like Old Spice lost favor amongst Gen Z, more premium brands enjoyed a higher degree of popularity.<ref name="q1552" /><ref name="k612">{{cite web |last=Holtermann |first=Callie |date=2024-05-19 |title=Need a New Cologne or Fragrance? Ask a Teen Boy. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/19/style/designer-cologne-fragrance-teen-boys.html |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> Due to peer pressure in social arenas such as school, teenage boys conform to the trend.<ref name="q1552" />
=== Description and aspects === Smellmaxxing often includes three aspects: projection, sillage, and longevity.<ref name="LeParfumSmellmaxxing">{{cite web |date=2026-04-16 |title=The Art of Smellmaxxing |url=https://www.leparfummagazine.com/2026/04/16/the-art-of-smellmaxxing/ |access-date=2026-05-20 |website=Le Parfum Magazine}}</ref> Projection refers to how far a scent radiates from the wearer, sillage describes the scented trail left behind as a person moves, and longevity refers to how long the fragrance remains detectable.<ref name="LeParfumSmellmaxxing" />
Another component of smellmaxxing is ''fragrance layering'', the practice of combining multiple perfumes, body products, oils, or hair mists to create a personalized scent profile.<ref name="GWSLayering">{{cite web |title=Fragrance Layering |url=https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/fragrance-layering/ |access-date=2026-05-20 |website=Global Wellness Summit}}</ref><ref name="APFragranceSales">{{cite news |last=D'Innocenzio |first=Anne |date=2024-12-22 |title=Smile and spritz three times: What I learned working at a Macy’s perfume counter |url=https://apnews.com/article/fragrance-sales-department-store-124b76c22b6bb93facbd5d061412ae0c |access-date=2026-05-21 |work=Associated Press}}</ref> In part this is associated with maintaining a ''fragrance wardrobe'' or ''olfactory wardrobe'', a curated collection of perfumes and scented products intended for different moods, seasons, or social settings.<ref name="PureWowWardrobe">{{cite web |date=2025-03-21 |title=Attention Gen Alpha Moms: Apparently ‘Smellmaxxing’ Is Now a Thing |url=https://www.purewow.com/family/smellmaxxing-trend-gen-z-gen-alpha |access-date=2026-05-20 |website=PureWow}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-12-03 |title="Scent-Maxxing" Has Replaced The Signature Fragrance |url=https://www.bustle.com/beauty/scent-maxxing-scent-routine-trend |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=Bustle |language=en}}</ref>
The ritual of applying fragrances is also another aspect of smellmaxxing.<ref name=":0" /> This ritual of having a scent routine can be tied to identity (e.g. lighting a scented candle, applying lotion after a shower).<ref name=":0" /> A growing trend is having a bedtime ritual of wearing perfume to sleep.<ref name="o738">{{cite web |last=Steber |first=Carolyn |date=2026-03-06 |title=The Nighttime Fragrance Habit That Could Actually Help You Sleep Better |url=https://www.bustle.com/beauty/wearing-perfume-to-bed-better-sleep |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=Bustle}}</ref>
TikTok influencers often recommend using different scents for different occasions.<ref name="i0063">{{cite web |last=Holtermann |first=Callie |date=2024-05-19 |title=Smellmaxxing, Explained |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/19/briefing/smellmaxxing-fragrances-teenagers.html |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="g9742">{{cite web |date=2024-07-31 |title=Why your dude is Smellmaxxing, explained |url=https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/en/maze35/industry/why-your-dude-is-smellmaxxing-explained |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=ISTITUTOMARANGONI}}</ref> For example, one can use a lighter fragrance for daytime or work settings and stronger or more complex scents for evenings.<ref name="PairfumScentmaxxing">{{cite web |date=14 August 2025 |title=The ScentMaxxing Phenomenon: Fragrance and Gen Z |url=https://www.pairfum.com/ultimate-guide-to-scentmaxxing/ |access-date=21 May 2026 |website=PAIRFUM London}}</ref> Other aspects include where on the body to apply the fragrances, where to store the fragrances, and how to make the smell last longer, for instance by first applying a moisturizer.<ref name="g9742" /> The language used to describe the smells is not unlike that of sommeliers.<ref name="i0063" />
Motivations for smellmaxxing may include seduction,<ref name="g9742" /> self-expression,<ref name="g9742" /> achieving popularity,<ref name="q15522">{{cite web |last=Willets |first=Melissa |date=2024-05-23 |title=Do You Know What Smellmaxxing Is? Why Tween and Teen Boys Are Spending Big Bucks On This Trend |url=https://www.parents.com/what-is-smellmaxxing-8652448 |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Parents}}</ref> appearing more mature,<ref name="i0063" /> or as a way to relate to older role models.<ref name="i0063" /> This trend has framed fragrances as tools for emotional expression and identity formation.<ref name="playbookwardrobe2025">{{cite web |last=Amann |first=Alexis |date=2025-05-13 |title=The €42bn scent wardrobe: decoding Gen Z’s fragrance obsession |url=https://playbookofbeauty.com/the-42bn-scent-wardrobe-decoding-genz-fragrance-obsession/ |access-date=2026-05-21 |website=Playbook of Beauty}}</ref> Some fragrance brands increasingly marketed products using wellness-oriented claims, with 42% of Gen Z consumers reportedly prioritizing mental-health benefits in beauty purchases.<ref name="playbookwardrobe2025" />
=== Impact === [[File:Bottles_of_Eau_de_Toilette.jpg|thumb|Bottles of eau de toilette. Smellmaxxing involves using different fragrances to achieve a desired odor.]] A survey by Piper Sandler Companies, an investment bank, demonstrated that since the spring of 2023, the annual spending on fragrance amongst teenage males rose by 26%.<ref name="i0064">{{cite web |last=Holtermann |first=Callie |date=2024-05-19 |title=Smellmaxxing, Explained |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/19/briefing/smellmaxxing-fragrances-teenagers.html |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="g9743">{{cite web |date=2024-07-31 |title=Why your dude is Smellmaxxing, explained |url=https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/en/maze35/industry/why-your-dude-is-smellmaxxing-explained |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=ISTITUTOMARANGONI}}</ref><ref name="e628">{{cite web |last=Haddad |first=Kelly |date=2025-04-15 |title=Qu'est-ce-que le « smellmaxxing », cette nouvelle routine parfumée qui fascine les ados ? |url=https://www.elle.fr/Beaute/Parfums/Tendances/Qu-est-ce-que-le-smellmaxxing-cette-nouvelle-routine-parfumee-qui-fascine-les-ados-4341037 |access-date=2026-05-17 |website=elle.fr |language=fr}}</ref> In 2024, boys spent an average of $110 per year on fragrance, rising from $75 in 2023, while girls spent an average of $93 annually.<ref name="EconomistPerfumeTikTok2">{{cite news |date=2025-04-24 |title=TikTok is changing the perfume business |url=https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/04/24/tiktok-is-changing-the-perfume-business |access-date=2026-05-21 |work=The Economist}}</ref> Industry analyses reported that 73% of Gen Z consumers wear fragrance at least three times weekly, while fragrance spending among teenage boys increased by 44% in 2024.<ref name="playbookwardrobe20252">{{cite web |last=Amann |first=Alexis |date=2025-05-13 |title=The €42bn scent wardrobe: decoding Gen Z’s fragrance obsession |url=https://playbookofbeauty.com/the-42bn-scent-wardrobe-decoding-genz-fragrance-obsession/ |access-date=2026-05-21 |website=Playbook of Beauty}}</ref> Social media played a major role in fragrance purchasing behavior among younger consumers: TikTok influenced fragrance purchases for 66% of Gen Z consumers, while Instagram influenced 64%.<ref name="playbookwardrobe20252" /> Market research by Circana showed that in the 26 weeks ending in July 2025, 38% of spending on fragrances came from households with a Gen Z member.<ref name="ReutersGenZPerfume2025">{{cite news |last=Mistry |first=Anuja Bharat |date=2025-11-07 |title=Gen Z shoppers can't get enough of perfumes. Coty, Estee are benefiting |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/gen-z-shoppers-cant-get-enough-perfumes-coty-estee-are-benefiting-2025-11-07/ |access-date=2026-05-21 |work=Reuters}}</ref>
According to a Pinterest report predicting 2026 trends, data suggests smellmaxxing continues to be a rising fragrance trend, with searches up for "niche perfume collection" +500%, "perfume layering combinations" +125%, "scent layering" +75%, and "signature scent" +45%.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2025-12-03 |title="Scent-Maxxing" Has Replaced The Signature Fragrance |url=https://www.bustle.com/beauty/scent-maxxing-scent-routine-trend |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=Bustle |language=en}}</ref><ref name="d727">{{cite web |date=2025-12-09 |title=Pinterest Newsroom |url=https://newsroom.pinterest.com/news/pinterest-predicts-nonconformity-self-preservation-and-escapism-drive-21-trends-for-2026/ |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=Pinterest}}</ref>
Some classrooms have banned applying fragrances, and broken glass bottles of fragrance in backpacks became a regular occurrence.<ref name="i0064" /> The trend has also led to an increase of "dupes" (or imitations) of luxury fragrance brands.<ref name="q133">{{cite web |last=Brookman |first=Faye |date=2025-05-05 |title=How Gen Z and Men are Stirring Up the Fragrance Market |url=https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/gen-z-and-men-fragrance-boom |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=CO- by US Chamber of Commerce}}</ref>
The trend has been pervasive in Western markets, but it also has gained traction in China.<ref name="c883">{{cite web |last=Booker |first=Avery |date=2024-05-23 |title=Will 'smellmaxxing' take off in China? |url=https://jingdaily.com/posts/will-smellmaxxing-soon-make-its-way-to-china |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Jing Daily}}</ref> However, cultural factors such as price sensitivity, fragrance preferences, and consumption patterns affect the Chinese market differently.<ref name="c883" /> Nevertheless, the personal fragrance market demonstrated marked growth in China and is projected to grow.<ref name="c883" />
Due to the boom in the fragrance industry, patchouli oil (an aromatic oil used for perfumes) demand has increased, leading to increasing incomes for farmers but also worsening deforestation in Indonesia and increasing risk of landslides.<ref name="i188">{{cite web |last1=Tarigan |first1=Edna |last2=Alangkara |first2=Dita |last3=Syam |first3=Fadlan |date=2025-03-28 |title=Growing demand for patchouli oil is driving the industry in Indonesia, but at what cost? |url=https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-sulawesi-patchouli-oil-deforestation-f60e5b37d5fcc7cdd75be8cb1eb744c4 |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=AP News}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:Perfumes