The New Scent for Men and Women Draws Ire — and Maybe Flies

Move over musk, leather, and spice—today’s trending scents smell more like dessert than date night.

The personal care industry has taken a sharp turn toward the sugary, and it’s not just for women. Deodorants that smell like doughnuts, body sprays that could double as birthday cake, and shampoos named after baked goods are now firmly part of the grooming aisle experience.

Leading the charge: Native, a personal care company known for its natural ingredients, has teamed up with Dunkin’ Donuts (yes, really) to produce Vanilla Sprinkle-scented deodorants. Their new body lotion is Blueberry Cobbler, and their shampoo? Boston Kreme.

Not to be outdone, Bath & Body Works recently partnered with trendy dessert shop Milk Bar to release “Birthday Cake” scented body sprays and hand sanitizers.

While the sugar rush may sound appealing to some, not everyone’s nose is thrilled. The Wall Street Journal interviewed men who proudly wore Caramel Swirl body spray — only to get roasted for it in locker rooms and changing areas. One man noted that his cologne drew actual verbal complaints. Apparently, not everyone wants their gym buddy to smell like a bake sale.

Of course, classic scents haven’t disappeared. Earthy, woodsy, and rugged options are still widely available. But for those brave enough to smell like a cinnamon roll on a warm day, the options are growing.

Whether these sugary scents attract compliments, criticism — or just a craving for dessert — one thing’s certain: the fragrance game has gotten a whole lot sweeter.