Gourmand

Cotton Candy

Note Profile

Prepared 385 perfumes

Also Known As

Candy, Candy Floss, candyfloss, Spun Sugar

About

The iconic spun-sugar note built on ethyl maltol - fluffy, sweet, caramelized pink sugar. A foundational gourmand since Angel (1992).

Scent Profile

Cotton candy in perfumery is characterized by a fluffy, intensely sweet aroma reminiscent of freshly spun sugar, with caramelized and slightly fruity undertones. The note is dominated by ethyl maltol, which imparts a warm, sugary scent that can evoke hints of strawberry or berry jam. As it evolves, the sweetness remains prominent, often softening into a creamy, lingering trail.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeHeart · ~8h lasting

Family Sweet & Gourmand

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Cotton Candy names no single substance

Reconstructed

An ethyl-maltol accord. Deliberately NOT 'Cottonseed oil', which a name match returns and which is a fixed oil.

How the layers join

Origin

This note is synthetically recreated in perfumery, primarily using ethyl maltol, a compound developed in the late 20th century. Ethyl maltol is produced through chemical synthesis and is not extracted from natural sources. Its use became iconic after the launch of Angel by Mugler in 1992, establishing it as a cornerstone of modern gourmand fragrances.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers typically use cotton candy notes in the heart or base of gourmand compositions to impart a playful, edible sweetness. It blends well with vanilla, caramel, fruits, and floral notes, and is often paired with patchouli or woods to balance its sugary intensity. The note is foundational in sweet, dessert-inspired fragrances and is used to create a sense of nostalgia or indulgence.