Baby powder is an interesting scent. It is hopeful and nostalgic, making it perfect for those who want to feel both at the same time.
For some, it is the smell of hope, of possibility, and of new life. It is the smell of a fresh start, of a new day, and of a bright future.
For others, it is the smell of nostalgia, of memories, and of a time gone by. It is the smell of a time when things were simpler when life was easier, and when the world was a better place.
It encapsulates all that is fresh and new – as in a newly born baby who needs its daily rub of baby powder, after washing, and it also brings to mind the slowing down of time – our grandmothers who sprinkled baby powder on their bodies after bathing.
It seems that it is only through the decades that we take on other smells that are connected to other events. But nothing is purer than a baby’s innocent love or a grandmother’s unconditional love for a baby – and that’s the emotion carried within the baby powder.
What Are Powdery Notes?
There are a few perfumes that smell like baby powder, but one in particular that comes to mind is Johnson’s Baby Powder. This powdery scent is soft and nostalgic, making it a popular choice for those who want to feel cozy and comforted.
Powdery notes are both natural and synthetic and consist of iris/orris, heliotrope, rose, certain musks, opoponax resin, as well as some amber-oakmoss effects.
Fragrances with a powdery note can have a cooling, soothing effect as if you have been dusted with a baby’s powder-soft touch. They often have a velvety, skin-like feel and can be used to create a sensual, erotic, and feminine mood.
It is important to remember that baby powder or powder notes are dry notes. They do not have the “humid” or “wet” smell of marine notes. They are very feminine and perfumes made with these notes remind us of the old days when ladies went to the bathroom to powder their faces and left handkerchiefs for men to pick up and romance them.
Dry notes tend to linger on the skin for a longer time than other notes and usually have a woody, musky, mossy, or amber-like undertone. They are often used as fixatives in perfume compositions and help to prolong the life of a fragrance on the skin.
Where Does Baby Powder Scent Come From?
In 1894, Johnson & Johnson created Johnson’s Baby Powder, one of the most iconic and recognizable baby powder scents of all time. The company has been producing the powder ever since and it has become a staple product in many households across the world.
Johnson’s Baby Powder consists of crushed talc. is perfect for absorbing wetness and it leaves the skin feeling dry, soft, and smooth.
The scent of Johnson’s Baby Powder is a powdery, musky scent that is soft, fresh, and inviting. It is the perfect scent for those who want to feel reassured and comforted, as it evokes images of babies and childhood.
The fragrance has top notes of floral and citrus, which give it a fresh, clean smell. The heart of the fragrance is made up of powdery, musky notes, which give it a comforting and reassuring scent. The base notes are made up of woody and amber notes.
Yes, the smell of baby powder takes us back to our childhood memories of baby and grandmother love, but ultimately it is a smell of comfort, love, and romance.
Now that we know what notes to look for in a powdery perfume, let’s take a look at some of the best powdery perfumes on the market.
What Perfume Smells Like Baby Powder?
Demeter Baby Powder
Demeter is a unisex fragrance with a soft scent that was introduced to the public in 2006. It is named after the Greek goddess of the harvest and comes in a clean and neat translucent bottle. The words “baby powder” are sprawled in blue on pink, and it has a very long, cylindrical silver stopper on top.
Notes and Longevity
This soft fragrance consists of notes of baby powder, musk, and floral scents. Unfortunately, this fragrance does not have good longevity or sillage and will need to be reapplied every few hours. Nevertheless, it is a lovely baby powder scent that will only bring forth the fondest of memories.
Occasions
This is a lovely perfume for the daytime, to be worn during spring and summer. You can wear it on dates, or just before getting into bed. It’s also perfect for wearing to brunches. It’s not the kind of perfume you wear when you want to stand out or make a statement at a meeting, but it’s lovely and soft – perfect for when you’re feeling loved.
Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Femme
Gucci has been producing its Gucci Guilty range since 2010, starting with its first Gucci Guilty fragrance. Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Femme is one of two Love Editions perfumes – the other being Pour Homme for men.
The bottle is lovely, in a pink flacon that screams demureness and femininity. This perfume came out in 2020, and the perfumer behind it is Alberto Morillas. It is a floriental perfume with hints of baby powder.
Notes & Longevity
Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Femme is packed with many gorgeous notes, starting with raspberry, bergamot, narcissus, watery notes, and grapefruit. What follows in its perfectly pink heart, is a mix of fragrant violet, sweet jasmine sambac, as well as flower petals. Amber, warm musk, and patchouli form its base. Its longevity is around 3-5 hours and it has a moderate sillage, so it must be applied many times a day.
Occasions
This is a day fragrance, especially to be worn in springtime. It’s a refreshing floral scent with a hint of baby powder. It is a demure and innocent scent that can be worn every day. It suits work, baby showers, and intimate time spent with your partner. It’s the perfect perfume to spray on every time you just want to feel like a woman.
The Body Shop White Musk
The Body Shop is known for its delicious fragrances and creams that, when applied make you feel like a goddess! The Body Shop created the first non-animal Musk back in 1981 called White Musk.
This unisex fragrance comes in a beautiful purple-shaded bottle with a silver stopper on top. It has a baby-powder smell alongside its “muskiness.” It comes as an eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and perfume oil.
Notes & Longevity
The Body Shop White Musk opens up with top notes of ylang-ylang, basil, and galbanum. Heart notes explode with musk, jasmine, rose, and lily, while its base consists of a heavenly mix of musk and jasmine, peach, amber, iris, rose, oakmoss, vetiver, and vanilla. Its longevity and sillage are average and it is a perfume that must be sprayed on a few times a day.
Occasions
The Body Shop White Musk is a fragrance for all seasons, especially for day time. It can be worn every day and feels like a lovely nurturing embrace that’s perfect to spray on when getting intimate. It’s perfect for work, or even just doing the groceries. Spray it on when you want to feel beautiful and feel like you are covered in baby powder!
Can you think of other perfumes that smell of baby powder? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Kenzo flower
Kenzo Flower was originally launched in 2000 by perfumer Alberto Morillas. It is based on floral notes, blending powdery, woody, and musk to create a “poppy fragrance”. This series of fragrances all have unique and elegant bottles. The slender and slanted bottles are printed with poppies, which combine the Zen of the East with the vitality of the West.
Notes & Longevity
Kenzo Flower’s top notes are rose, black currant, and hawthorn, bringing a mild and sweet floral fragrance with a fresh touch.
Sugar orange brings a little sweetness, reminiscent of baby powder. Then, the middle notes gradually turn from sweet to warm, with jasmine, sycamore, violet, and rose to bring a soothing scent.
The base notes are vanilla and white musk, for a healing feeling.
Occasions
The scent is gentle and refined, making it appropriate for both formal and casual occasions.
The fragrance has a light and sophisticated floral scent, as well as subtle woody.
It is versatile enough to be worn for work, to a coffee shop, or while browsing books on a weekend.
Lorenzo Villoresi Teint de Neige Eau de Parfum
Teint de Neige Eau de Parfum is a unisex fragrance that was launched by Lorenzo Villoresi in 2001.
It has a powdery scent that is reminiscent of baby powder creating a warm feeling.
Notes & Longevity
The Lorenzo Villoresi Teint de Neige Eau de Parfum opens up with top notes of powdery notes, rose, ylang-ylang, and jasmine for a soft, clean, baby powder-like scent.
The middle notes are joined by Tonka Bean, Floral Notes, and Jasmine, and finally, there are Heliotrope, and Musk, forming a mild base.
The fragrance lasts for a long time, just spray 2-3 times a day.
Occasions
The floral aromas of rose and orchid, warmed by musk, create a relaxing and comfortable fragrance, perfect for a winter evening with friends or a partner, or a weekend night at a jazz concert.