What Are 'Orris' Perfumes? All About The Fresh Scent

Similar to trends within the fashion and beauty industry, certain perfume scents are having a moment in 2026. And of all the biggest fragrance trends of 2026 and the best perfumes to try them with, orris perfumes are quietly rising to the forefront. Sourced directly from the root of an iris flower, orris leans much less gourmand and much more fresh. But what exactly do orris perfumes smell like? We spoke to Susan Ankersen, co-founder of Susan James Fragrances, for a detailed explanation of the unforgettable scent. 

"To me, orris [somehow] has a soft, velvety smell that reminds me of vintage face powder, lipstick, suede, warm textured paper, and earthy violet petals," Ankersen says, exclusively. And to top it all off, the steps to even source and create an orris perfume are truly a labor of love involving a lot of people, time, and a rigorous harvesting process that requires years of waiting. It's no wonder Ankersen describes orris as one of the most 'expensive natural ingredients in perfumery.' So if you're looking to try a new fragrance that smells equal parts fresh, smooth, earthy, and feminine, then orris perfumes might be right up your alley.

Orris fragrances have shoved sugary, gourmand vanilla perfumes to the back of our minds. And it seems orris stands out in a league of its own, as, according to Ankersen, its nostalgia-inducing qualities contribute to its rising popularity. "Scent is one of the most powerful triggers of memory we have, and orris has a remarkable ability to transport people to another time," the fragrance specialist shared with us, pointing out how it coincides with booming nostalgic trends like 'What Were You Like In The '90s'? 

It seems major perfume labels have taken note and have put their own spin on the scent by fusing it with other notable ingredients to create a truly alluring formula. Look no further than Maison Crivelli's Iris Malikhân perfume. The fragrance is injected with notes of powdery orris butter and fresh cypress, as well as luxurious hints of vanilla and amber. While this perfume is especially suitable for 'people who enjoy vintage perfumes,' we also consider it one of the best sophisticated perfumes perfect for older women to try. Although these scents might cost you a pretty penny, they're well worth the price.