The scent of success: Top 10 best-selling perfumes in the world (in 2023)

Perfume enthusiasts and fragrance fiends, buckle up and grab your virtual shopping carts! We’re about to embark on a nose-tingling, head-turning journey through the intoxicating world of perfumery. 

Yes, it’s time to cruise through the top 10 best selling perfumes in the world for 2023 that have claimed their spot on the pulse points of perfume lovers worldwide (yes, the year is already at the halfway point, and market information is in from all leading perfume brands!). 

From the unapologetically floral to the confidently spicy, the subtly sweet to the bold and the musky, this list will take you on a fragrance-filled adventure, one captivating aroma at a time. 

Hold on to your hats (and your noses)! It’s time to dive in, nose-first, to discover the ‘scent-sational’ top 10 perfumes of 2023 that have been setting the fragrance world ablaze. Here’s to a fragrant future!

A timeless elegance: Chanel No. 5

Chanel No. 5, one of the world’s finest perfumes, has again claimed the top spot in 2023! Born from the wild energies of the Roaring Twenties, this irresistible aroma continues to weave its enchantment, clinching top sales figures without skipping a beat.

Notably, when Ernest Beaux and Coco Chanel first brewed this legendary potion over a hundred years ago, they went against the tide, combining aldehydes and florals in a way that rebelled against the era’s preference for single-note, natural fragrances.

Fast forward 102 years (yes, that is a long time!), and Chanel No. 5 still radiates its timeless charm, becoming a beacon in the perfume world. Its sophisticated concoction of aldehydes harmonized with floral notes such as rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily of the valley, and iris, continues to win the hearts of women from every generation.

Which is quite a feat, right?

The invincible icon: Dior’s J’adore

Hot on Chanel No. 5’s heels is its feisty, younger competitor, Dior’s J’adore. Created by the masterful hand of Calice Becker in 1999, this fragrance represents a fresh, contemporary approach to femininity, embodying an irresistible combination of grace, power, and charm.

J’adore is a floral fiesta featuring a blend of orchids, roses, and violets, brightened with a refreshing twist of mandarin orange and melons. It perfectly encapsulates Christian Dior’s adoration for florals, radiating an aura of sophistication and femininity that feels tailored for the woman of today.

But here’s the twist — last year, the J’adore universe added a new family member, the J’Adore Parfum d’Eau. While keeping the original floral notes intact, this alcohol-free version delivers a lighter, more spontaneous aroma — the perfect match for sensitive skin or those who prefer a subtler, less overpowering scent.

Moreover, the J’Adore bottle has become a design icon in its own right. It’s a veritable work of art inspired by the feminine silhouette and ancient Greek amphoras. The bottle’s neck is decorated with a luxurious golden ring, reflecting the design of Masai necklaces, injecting a hint of exoticism.

However, I wonder how this design aspect would be perceived if it was first introduced in our current societal climate, which is increasingly cautious of ‘cultural appropriation.’ What do you think?

The alluring adventuress: Lancôme La Vie Est Belle

Landing in our third position of the top 10 best-selling perfumes in the world is Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle, meaning “Life is Beautiful,” a fruity-floral fragrance that perfectly captures the sheer joy and beauty of existence.

La Vie Est Belle is a complex blend of fruity and gourmand scents, beautifully layered with floral notes of iris, jasmine, and orange blossom, all grounded by the comforting warmth of praline, vanilla, tonka bean, and patchouli.

Having made its debut in 2012, this jubilant scent is a cheerful nod to happiness, a tribute to freedom from societal constraints. The creative trio Olivier Polge, Dominique Ropion, and Anne Flipo deserve the credit for this perfume masterpiece, a formula perfected after over 5,000 attempts spanning three years.

And like all great perfumes, La Vie Est Belle has evolved, donning many alluring forms — including the amber-dominant La Vie Est Belle Intensément of 2020, which has been my favorite!

And now, in 2023, a groundbreaking reinterpretation of this beloved classic scent has graced the fragrance world — the Lancome La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolu.

Bursting with the highest concentration of iris in the La Vie Est Belle lineage, Iris Absolu masterfully combines these notes with a sparkle of fruity green notes and fig, trailing into a gourmand finish.

Referred to as ‘blue gold’ within the perfumery sphere, iris is a prized treasure in the perfumer’s palette. This latest perfume creation offers a fitting homage to Lancôme’s impressive 88-year legacy.

The sea’s embrace: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò

Splashing into the fourth position (pun intended!) among the top 10 best selling perfumes in the world is Giorgio Armani’s Acqua di Giò. 

This light blue hued fragrance is like a letter to the sea, starting with a refreshing burst of bergamot, an Italian citrus renowned for its uplifting scent. This vibrant opening is quickly followed by unique Marine Accords, mimicking the salty sea breeze, laced with a hint of Mediterranean coastal flora.

As the heart of Acqua di Giò unfolds, it mirrors the sea’s dynamic nature with an array of aromatic, floral, and marine notes. Jasmine petals, rosemary, persimmon, and marine notes mingle harmoniously, evoking the peaceful calm of a warm sea bathed in the midday sun.

This heart is the perfume’s essence, resonating with the essence of freedom and serenity that the ocean symbolizes.

As the fragrance settles, cedarwood surfaces, reflecting the rugged coastline and driftwood that adorns it. Its deep, resinous aroma adds a warm, sensual dimension to the perfume, much like the breathtaking sight of the sun setting over the ocean.

The harmonious blend and smooth transition of these aromatic notes have made Acqua di Giò a signature scent for many, appreciated for its universal appeal and clean, refreshing character.

A meadow in sunshine: Gucci Bloom

Gucci Bloom, a top-selling scent since its launch in 2017, has been a go-to for many women who love floral fragrances. This perfume offers a cocktail of delicate floral notes that combine to produce an irresistibly fresh and feminine scent.

Top notes of jasmine bud, natural tuberose, and Rangoon creeper, middle notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine sambac, and orris, and base notes of sandalwood, vanilla, and white musk all combine in a harmony that’s as beautiful as a blooming flower garden.

Will it be replaced by the ever increasing popularity of Gucci’s latest launches — the Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum and the Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfum — is definitely a topic we will be revisiting on next year’s list top 10 best selling perfumes in the world!

The siren of the city: Carolina Herrera Good Girl

Midway through our list of the most popular perfumes in 2023, we meet the daringly seductive Carolina Herrera Good Girl. This provocative blend of tuberose, jasmine, cocoa, sandalwood, and tonka beans encapsulates the quintessential urban woman who is confident, enigmatic, and unapologetically herself.

It serves as a reminder that women can be everything they want to be — bold, delicate, assertive, and playful, all at once.

In its stiletto-shaped bottle, Good Girl captures Carolina Herrera’s vision of the modern woman — someone who loves, dares, and achieves, creating her path while leaving a captivating fragrance in her wake. Every spritz is a tribute to women who aren’t afraid to seize the rhythm of the city and make it dance to their own beat.

Good Girl is not just a fragrance; it’s a statement of empowerment and being yourself sans any explanations or apologies. And yes, I have every version of Good Girl on my vanity, including the recently launched Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum, with its rose-pink stiletto bottle and a double dose of sensual vanilla and exotic ylang-ylang!

Pro-tip: The miniatures of Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl perfumes make excellent gifts!

The flame of freedom: Yves St Laurent Libre 

Yves Saint Laurent’s Libre made a strong impact when it debuted in 2019 and continues to make waves in 2023 with its flame of freedom. It’s a fiery yet elegant waltz of lavender essence, orange blossom absolute, and musk accord, exuding a tantalizing scent, symbolizing a liberated spirit. 

Every version of Yves Saint Laurent Libre — Libre Eau de Parfum, Libre Eau de Parfum Intense, and Libre Le Parfum (this one is my favorite, with its rare warm saffron accord from the Yves Saint Laurent Ourika Community Garden!) — presents itself in a stunning flacon designed like a piece of modern jewelry.

Straight lines clash and converge with curves, embodying the essence of liberation and self-expression. It’s a tribute to the rule-breakers, the trailblazers, those audacious women who refuse to be confined by societal norms. 

With every spray, Libre leaves behind an intoxicating trail of fearless individuality. A genuinely modern fragrance!

The sweet serenade: Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb is an iconic fragrance that exudes an explosive bouquet of fresh and floral notes. 

Launched in 2005 (and still a best-selling fragrance in 2023!), this luxurious perfume is the product of famous Dutch fashion designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren. And it features on the list of the top 10 best selling perfumes in the world for good reason! 

Just like a sparkly diamond, this fragrance has several brilliant facets that give you a burst of tea and bergamot to start, followed by a gorgeous mix of jasmine, orchid, freesia, and rose, and ending on a cozy note of patchouli and musk. 

Its long-lasting scent (seriously, it stays on all day!) encapsulates the spirit of femininity, making Flowerbomb a beloved fragrance for modern women who love a touch of sophistication and glamour. 

Plus, it comes in an instantly recognizable grenade-shaped bottle whose harsh lines contrast with the soft pink hue of the perfume within. This quirky twist on your usual flower bouquet makes it a standout piece on any perfume shelf. 

A modern classic and one that’s on the vanity of all fragrance enthusiasts worldwide!

The dance of petals: Marc Jacobs Daisy

Securing the coveted ninth spot is Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette, a floral perfume that speaks of pure joy and unbridled exuberance. 

The allure? A marvelous blend of strawberry, violet leaf, ruby red grapefruit at the top, a heart of gardenia, violet, and jasmine, and a base of musk, white woods, and vanilla — all of which combine to capture the spirit of a carefree, sun-soaked day in a lush meadow, teeming with flowers.

Exuding a youthful vivacity and infectious charm, Daisy is a scent for the radiant woman who twirls through life with a contagious positivity that lingers long after the dance.

And in 2023, Marc Jacobs is offering this best-selling perfume in an entirely new format — a pioneering format for fragrance brands — as perfume “pods.” 

Yes, tiny, single-use pods that you twist open and dab onto your body, just like those skincare capsules that are perfect for use on the go. I can’t wait to play with them and see where this innovative format lands on the perfume charts within a year!

The charming chameleon: Calvin Klein CK One

Rounding off the top 10 best selling perfumes in the world is Calvin Klein’s CK One, the olfactory emblem of the ’90s — and a super versatile scent that’s still going strong in 2023. 

Unveiled in 1994, CK One was a radical departure from the power perfumes of the ’80s. Its fresh, clean scent, featuring notes of green tea, bergamot, and musk, was a breath of fresh air.

Moreover, CK One was among the first marketed under the umbrella of unisex fragrances, paving the way for more gender-neutral scents, thereby pre-empting today’s gender-fluid universe. 

No wonder CK One remains a favored choice for those desiring a chameleon scent that blends seamlessly with their unique persona, regardless of traditional labels.

FAQs: Top 10 best selling perfumes in the world

These are the most frequently asked questions about the top 10 best selling perfumes in the world. Have a question? Drop it in the comments below, and we will get to it right away.

What are the criteria for a perfume to be considered one of the top 10 best selling perfumes in the world?

The criteria include global sales figures, market presence, consumer reviews, and brand reputation. A bestseller usually has high annual sales across multiple regions.

Does a higher price point indicate a better perfume?

Not necessarily. While some expensive fragrances have a high price point due to the quality of ingredients and brand prestige, plenty of affordable perfumes are highly popular and well-reviewed. The ‘best’ perfume is often subjective and depends on personal preferences.

What makes a perfume popular?

Many factors, including the uniqueness of the scent, the reputation of the perfumer or brand, marketing efforts, the aesthetic appeal of the bottle, and celebrity endorsements, can influence popularity.

How often does the list of top 10 best selling perfumes in the world change?

While certain classic perfumes like Chanel No. 5 and Dior J’Adore have maintained high sales for many years, trends in the perfume industry can change frequently. As such, the list of top-selling perfumes may see new entrants or shifts in rankings annually.

How much influence does a celebrity endorsement have on sales?

Celebrity endorsements can significantly influence perfume sales. A celebrity can bring vast attention to a fragrance. Likewise, celebrity-branded perfumes can sell well due to the celebrity’s fan base. And this is not a new phenomenon — remember Marilyn Monroe for Chanel No. 5? Or Rita Hayworth for Guerlain’s Shalimar?

Are all the top-selling perfumes eau de parfum?

Not necessarily. While eau de parfum is usually preferred due to its longer-lasting scent, eau de toilette and even eau de cologne can also be found on the list depending on their popularity.

Is the longevity of a perfume’s scent a factor in its popularity?

Many consumers prefer long-lasting scents, especially when investing in a higher-priced perfume. However, other factors like the scent profile and brand reputation also play significant roles.

What are the 10 most popular perfumes?

These are the 10 most popular perfumes in the world for 2023:

1. Chanel No. 5
2. Dior J’Adore
3. Lancome La Vie Est Belle
4. Gucci Bloom
5. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio
6. Carolina Herrera Good Girl
7. Yves St Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
8. Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb
9. Marc Jacobs Daisy
10. Calvin Klein CK One

Does your favorite fragrance appear on the list of top 10 best selling perfumes in the world? If not, which is the one you think should be up here?