Mouthwatering Lactonic Perfumes Are Every Beauty Expert’s Fall Obsession

If you’re new to the world of lactonic perfumes, Ellis Brooklyn’s Vanilla Milk is a great place to start. Its scent profile will please vanilla perfume wearers, but it’s not overly reliant on the popular note. The milk accord isn’t too sweet and fades nicely into more floral, then woody and amber notes as the hours go by.

Key notes: Milk accord, frangipani, peony rose, vanilla bean, cocoa shell, benzoin resinoid, amyris, sandalwood, musk

Sizes: 0.33 oz, 1.69 oz

An ELLE editor says: “I’ve smelled so many boring vanilla perfumes throughout my years in the beauty industry—and Ellis Brooklyn’s Vanilla Milk is anything but. The lactonic notes mellow out the sweetness nicely, so it’s not cloying in the way more generic gourmand scents can be.”—Sarah Maberry, fashion and luxury commerce editor

DedCool’s Milk scent is one that’s hard to put your finger on but impossible to resist. It smells light and creamy when sniffed closely, but has a fresh, inviting vibe that draws people in when smelled from afar. It’s designed as a layering scent, so there’s an Xtra Milk version for those seeking stronger sillage for solo wear.

Key Notes: White musk, amber, bergamot

Sizes: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz

An ELLE editor says: “I’ve had a handful of people tell me that they’re a bit nose-blind to this scent when they sniff the bottle, which only makes me love it more when they compliment it on my skin. It’s one of those fragrances that mixes with everyone’s body chemistry a little differently.”—Sarah Maberry, fashion and luxury commerce editor

DedCool’s Mochi Milk scent deserves just as much attention as its viral Milk scent. The dessert-inspired spin-off is sweet, but not juvenile—and it layers beautifully over the original version when you’re seeking something even more indulgent. Lactonics marry well with the additions of peach, marshmallow, and sweet rice milk to create a confectionery scent that falls outside the norms of the gourmand family.

Key notes: Marshmallow, peach, incense, sweet rice milk, vanilla bean, jasmine, sandalwood, amber, white musk

Sizes: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz

An ELLE editor says: “This was a love at first sniff-type of scent for me. It’s sweet, but not overly sweet, just like its namesake dessert. Based on the attention this perfume has received online, I wouldn’t be surprised to see mochi-inspired scents become a full-blown trend.”—Sarah Maberry, fashion and luxury commerce editor

Long-time fans of Philosophy will be pleased to hear that the brand’s fresh cream scent is experiencing a Gen Z revival. Floral heliotrope notes make it a bit powdery, and it’s praised for being light enough for everyday wear.

Key notes: Vanilla, heliotrope, tonka bean, sugar

Sizes: 0.5 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz

An Ulta reviewer says: “After smelling this one (and seeing the price), I couldn’t put it down! My new go-to daily scent. It’s a warm, comforting smell, long-lasting, but not at all overpowering.”

Those after a quintessentially cozy fall scent should try this Warm Cashmere version of Philosophy’s cult-favorite Fresh Cream scent. It has the same milky vanilla finish as the original with added nuances of tangerine, cashmere, musk, and orchid.

Key notes: Vanilla, heliotrope, tonka bean, tangerine, musk, cashmere, orchid

Sizes: 0.5 oz, 2 oz

An Ulta reviewer says: “This is a beautifully long-lasting scent. It has become my everyday fragrance, [and] makes it through my entire workday without needing to reapply. It’s a sweet vanilla, but rich and warm. So cozy—perfect for fall.”

Phlur’s Heavy Cream has become a viral favorite thanks to how well its lactonic notes pair with gourmand perfumes. That being said, the hints of salted caramel and marshmallow make this hair and body mist inviting enough to wear on its own. The sentiment on social media is that it makes the perfect post-shower scent.

Key notes: Vanilla, salted caramel, whipped cream, lemon sugar, marshmallow, orange heart, jasmine, coconut cream, ambrettolide

Sizes: 3 oz, 8 oz

An Amazon reviewer says: “If you like dessert-inspired fragrances that still feel a little elevated, this one hits the mark...It doesn’t leave a greasy or sticky feeling, and the scent lasts longer than expected for a body spray.”

Commodity’s Milk scent is one that evolves as the day goes by. It starts out sweet and marshmallow-y, then warms up with mahogany and vanilla notes. Hours later, you’ll be left with something soft and creamy.

Like all Commodity creations, Milk is available in three projection levels. If you like perfumes that sit closer to the skin, try Milk-, which features soft notes of musk and white cedar. For bolder projection, try Milk+, which has a boost of amber and firewood.

Key notes: Cold milk accord, marshmallow, mahogany wood, benzoin, toasted sesame

Sizes: 0.34 oz, 3.4 oz

A Sephora reviewer says: “Divine and intoxicating...The marshmallow dry down is absolutely heavenly. I want to bathe in this fragrance.”

Those who favor niche fragrance houses should try Liquides Imaginaires’ Blanche Bête. The scent’s blend of white floral, vanilla, and lactonic notes has captivated TikTok’s perfume community. Some liken it to the scent of breast milk, and others say it brings a sentimentality for the scent of their mother’s skin.

Key notes: Milk accord, ambrette seed, mystikal, jasmine, tuberose, incense, tonka, cacao, musky vanilla

Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

A Neiman Marcus reviewer says: “As it settles, Blanche Bête reveals a subtle, lactonic creaminess, evoking a warm, milky softness that feels both comforting and ethereal...There’s a sense of purity here—a cleanliness that’s rich but not overpowering...It’s a fragrance that whispers rather than shouts.”

Lush fans worshipped the warm, buttery scent of the brand’s Let the Good Times Roll face scrub—so much so that the fragrance now comes in body spray form. Notes of buttery popcorn and salted caramel give it a rich, gourmand profile that’s perfect for autumn.

Key notes: Butter, caramel, popcorn, cinnamon

Sizes: 6.7 oz

A Lush reviewer says: “My most complimented scent, even more so than my most expensive perfumes.”

Snif’s Extra Whip scent is designed to smell like a fresh can of whipped cream—and it does, thanks to notes of icing sugar, vanilla, and cream. Cold aldehydes lend it a crisp, fresh quality that balances the base of sandalwood and musk nicely. It’s sweet, but not overly sweet, just like your favorite whipped cream-topped dessert.

Key notes: Icing sugar, cold aldehydes, whipped cream, sandalwood, vanilla, musk

Sizes: 2.5 oz, 8 oz

An Ulta reviewer says: “Imagine vanilla ice cream or a vanilla wedding cake—or like walking into an ice cream shop while fresh cones are being made. It’s not artificial-smelling or overpowering.”

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