Of all the surprising fragrance notes popping up in the last few years—milk, violet, and pink peppercorn, to name a few—one of the most unexpected, and a personal favorite, is marshmallow. Not so much “ooey-gooey” as fluffy and sweet, these scents are here to carry you away on a cloud of lightly toasted comfort.
First, a quick history lesson: When marshmallows are mentioned, the “roasted at the end of a stick” variety may come to mind, but did you know that their name comes from an actual plant? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, marshmallow (also known by its Latin name althaea officinalis) is an “herbaceous perennial native to Europe” that blooms in the summer months and has long been used as an ingredient for medicinal treatments, dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt. The confectionery treat differs considerably from the original herb (which is considered to have little to no scent) and is typically what perfumers refer to when listing marshmallow as a note, including the (many, many) marshmallow-touting fragrances launched recently.
If you’re hesitant to try anything that sounds remotely edible, let me be the first to say that, yes, gourmand scents can be a tad divisive. Thanks to their historical association with certain treats—vanilla cake, coffee with cream, honeycomb—they carry a reputation of being overly sweet, even immature. I keep a stash of trial- and travel-sized samples, and whenever I ask friends or family what types of scents they’d like to give a shot, they’ll often say that they’ll “try almost anything, as long as it’s not too sweet.” But the range of gourmand fragrances spans wider than it gets credit for and—as with any other category—there are bound to be some scents you fall for and others that make you cringe.
Plus, while most of the following perfumes are gourmands, it’s worth noting that the inclusion of marshmallow does not make a scent inherently so (the same goes for caramel, honey, vanilla or even sugar itself). In short: Don’t be afraid to try something outside of your comfort zone. Your next favorite fragrance is out there—and it might have notes of Jet-Puffed créme.
Featured Fragrances with Marshmallow Notes
Ellis Brooklyn Sweet Eau de Parfum — $110.00
A velvety blend of fruity (bergamot, pear) and floral elements (violet, orris) overtop soft, silky notes of marshmallow, cashmere, and white amber.
Phlur Heavy Cream Hair and Body Mist — $38.00
Featuring marshmallow in its top notes, this fragrance is absolutely delectable and surprisingly light and fresh.
Vilhelm Perfumerie Moon Carnival — $100.00
A dynamic fragrance that evolves from vibrant fruity notes to a warmer gourmand scent, featuring marshmallow, tonka bean, and vanilla.
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NOYZ Love Club Eau De Parfum — $85.00
Boasting a balance of marshmallow and woody base notes, ideal for seasonal transitions.
Kayali Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 Eau de Parfum Intense — $100.00
This fragrance mixes fruity and creamy elements, creating a delicious gourmand experience.
Fenty Beauty Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream in Toasted Marshmallow — $32.00
A delightful body cream that hydrates the skin while enveloping you in scents of marshmallow and vanilla.
Ded Cool Marshmallow Balm Stick — $10.00
A budget-friendly option to experience marshmallow scents without commitment.
Demeter Fragrance Library Marshmallow Body Lotion — $20.00
A simple yet effective body lotion that captures the essence of marshmallow.
