How to Choose a Perfume for a Child or Teenager? Guide and Recommendations

How to Choose a Perfume for a Child or Teenager?

Choosing a perfume can be tricky. It is much more complex than selecting a piece of clothing. Indeed, perfume is not a simple accessory; it acts as a true extension of personality.

Childhood is a period of discovery, while adolescence is marked by the search for self. Character develops and asserts itself. It is therefore essential to find a fragrance in harmony with the sensitivity of the child or teenager to whom you wish to offer it.

Young people are often influenced by their circle of friends. It is therefore common for them to change perfumes frequently, without becoming permanently attached to one fragrance. A curious teenager will be particularly sensitive to novelty.

A well-chosen perfume acts like a second skin. Its notes evolve according to the skin’s pH. This is why it is difficult to predict exactly how a fragrance will evolve on a young person, especially during a first purchase.

To guide your choice, start by identifying the olfactory family to which the child or teenager might be sensitive:

• Citrus Family (Hespéridée): fresh and sparkling citrus notes.
• Floral Family: soft, romantic, and natural scents.
• Gourmand Facet: sweet notes recalling childhood (vanilla, fruits).
• Woody Facet: for more assertive profiles.

What to Know Before Choosing a Perfume for a Child

A perfume is never chosen at random. When a fragrance touches us, it is often because it awakens our olfactory heritage: the set of olfactory and gustatory experiences accumulated since early childhood.

This heritage is built even before the age of 7 and is strengthened afterwards with travels, encounters, meals, and contact with nature… The choice of a perfume for a child is therefore very personal and must be anchored in this sensory memory.

Safety First: Scented Waters (Eaux de Senteur) vs. Eaux de Toilette

For the youngest, favor scented waters (eaux de senteur), which are formulated without alcohol. They are hypoallergenic and respect the fragile skin of children, while gently initiating them into the world of scents.

What to Know Before Choosing a Perfume for a Teenager

Adolescence is a time of upheaval: first crushes, the need to please, and the importance of others’ gaze. A perfume can then become an asset for self-confidence and an ally in asserting one’s identity.

In general, teenagers favor light, dynamic, and fresh fragrances. They often gravitate towards eaux de Cologne, citrus, or marine scents, which are reassuring and not too overpowering.

However, be careful not to offer perfumes that are too childish. Some young people reject “classic” perfumes they deem old-fashioned. They prefer confidential or “niche” brands with strong personalities, sometimes inspired by fashion or luxury, containing woody notes.

Communication campaigns also influence young people. Try to refocus their attention on the fragrance itself by encouraging them to test the perfume directly on their skin rather than on a paper test strip.

Perfumes for Children and Teenagers: Our Recommendations

Gems from the Delacourte Paris Collection for Young People

Some of our creations, thanks to their softness and comforting musk, are perfect for a high-quality first olfactory signature:

• Dovana – A clean and silky musk, like the scent of luxury soap.
• Vahina – A floral vanilla, luminous and not overpowering.
• Osiris – A honeyed and creamy orange blossom, very reassuring.

Unisex Fragrances (Mixed)

• Light Blue – Dolce Gabbana
• Ô – Lancôme
• Eau – Hermès
• Eau d’Orange Verte – Hermès
• Eau – Cartier
• Eau – Givenchy
• Les Eaux Fraîches – Roger & Gallet
• L’Eau – Issey Miyake
• Aqua Allegoria – Guerlain
• Chance – Chanel (all versions)
• Les Eaux de Cologne – Atelier Cologne (e.g., Orange Sanguine)

Perfumes for Teenagers (Boys)

• CK2, CK One, CK Shock for Him – Calvin Klein
• Brit for Men – Burberry
• Only the Brave Tattoo – Diesel
• Man – Hugo Boss, Hugo
• Paco Rabanne – all perfumes
• Stronger With You – Armani
• Legend – Mont Blanc
• Chrome – Azzaro
• Bleu – Chanel

Fresh and Fruity Fragrances (Girls)

• Eau du Ciel – Annick Goutal
• Ninfeo Mio – Annick Goutal
• Petite Chérie – Annick Goutal
• Ofresia – Diptyque
• Aqua Allegoria – Guerlain

Gourmand and Fruity Perfumes (Girls)

• La Vie est Belle – Lancôme
• La Petite Robe Noire – Guerlain
• Idôle – Lancôme
• Nina, Luna – Nina Ricci
• Anaïs Premier Délice – Cacharel
• Mademoiselle Rochas – Rochas
• La Nuit Trésor – Lancôme
• Amor Amor – Cacharel
• Mademoiselle Azzaro – Azzaro