“Psychologically, scent is closely linked to memory and emotion,” says Dr. Sarah Sun McFarland, a licensed psychologist specializing in design and fashion psychology. “We live in a very nostalgic culture, and people are often drawn to things that feel nostalgic because they feel comforting and emotionally reassuring. Even if we don’t consciously think about those memories, those memories can influence our response to scents.”
According to Dr. Sun McFarland, part of peach’s appeal is its unintimidating nature. Unlike more complex, heavier scents, peach “evokes a sense of peace. It may be particularly appealing during times of stress or anxiety, when people are looking for a little comfort or joy.”
She also found a fun connection between peach scents and “whimsical” trends aimed at fostering playfulness in everyday life. Peach scents are bright and uplifting, allowing people to express a side of their personality.
Considering I was a kid in the 1990s when peach was in its heyday (say that five times fast!), wearing the scent of peach makes me feel comforted and safe. After all, we didn’t have to deal with the worries of adulthood like paying a mortgage, rising gas prices, and raising children in a world dominated by social media. Life was refreshing and so were the scents I was drawn to. Now, when I smell peach, I instantly feel like that sunny day in 1996 when I was watching a pop-up video with my best friend or sneaking into Spencer’s Gifts at the mall. I didn’t worry about taxes or run away from adult responsibilities.
How to use peach in perfumery
Peach is refreshing and innocent, but not childish. Instead, the scent has a unique duality similar to that of a rose. She’s cheerful and innocent, but also a little sexy, like the girl next door you often see in 90s romantic comedies. It feels like something Cher Horowitz sprayed before going to the mall, or the body mist that all five of the Spice Girls shared aboard their signature Spice Bath.
Gonzalez agreed, noting that while perfumers have traditionally used peach to bring a fruity sweetness to scents, the next generation of peach fragrances is using the scent in a different way. “Modern peach notes feel fresher, juicier and meatier, emphasizing not just their sweetness but the velvety, lactic realism of the fruit,” she explains. “I like to use peach because it beautifully bridges fruitiness and floral harmony. Peach adds a skin-like, tactile presence that helps blend the different notes, bringing a sense of warmth, softness, and playfulness to the composition.”
Everett explains that what makes this scent so nostalgic and delicious is its “creamy, approachable mellowness.” This scent was used in 90s fragrances to “smooth out the bold florals and earthy fruity florals” of the time. “Today, its revival taps into that emotional familiarity, but with a cleaner, juicier, bolder reinterpretation,” he added. “It aligns with a new consumer desire for recognizable and pleasant notes that can also enhance contrast and contemporary sensuality.”
