12 Scented Products That Ruled the 2000s

Here's a throwback to the scented sprays, lotions, and candles that every teen seemed to own in the 2000s.

  • Chris Graciano
  • 2 min read
12 Scented Products That Ruled the 2000s
Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

The early 2000s weren’t just about low-rise jeans and flip phones; they were also a time of memorable scents. These products defined bedrooms, lockers, and backpacks everywhere. Here are 12 scented favorites that completely ruled the decade and still spark memories today.

1. Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon

Harrison Keely on Wikimedia Commons Harrison Keely on Wikimedia Commons

This light, crisp scent was everywhere in the early 2000s. Whether in lotion or spray form, it felt refreshing and instantly recognizable

2. Victoria’s Secret Love Spell

WestportWiki on Wikimedia Commons WestportWiki on Wikimedia Commons

The purple bottle was practically a status symbol. Its sweet mix of cherry blossom and peach made it a locker-room favorite.

3. Lip Smackers Flavored Gloss

Dutch Blythe Fashion on Flickr Dutch Blythe Fashion on Flickr

These pocket-sized glosses weren’t just about shine, they smelled like candy. From Dr Pepper to Cotton Candy, every flavor was collectible.

4. Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce

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The cologne poured into store entrances made walking into Abercrombie unforgettable. It became the go-to scent for countless teenage boys.

5. Glade PlugIns

Mike Mozart on Flickr Mike Mozart on Flickr

Homes across America were filled with these wall plug scents. From tropical fruit to vanilla, they promised a “fresh” house at all times.

6. Axe Body Spray

Ibrahim Yusuf on Unsplash Ibrahim Yusuf on Unsplash

Every middle and high school gym seemed to reek of Axe. Boys sprayed it liberally after practice, often way too much. It became infamous but undeniably part of the era.

7. Yankee Candle Vanilla Cupcake

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Sweet and sugary, this candle made bedrooms smell like a bakery. Teens loved burning it while doing homework or hanging out with friends.

8. Herbal Essences Shampoo

Bastosbb on Wikimedia Commons Bastosbb on Wikimedia Commons

Not only did the commercials make it memorable, but the fruity scents stood out too. Opening the bottle filled the bathroom with tropical aromas.

9. Hollister SoCal

Badis Benkhelil on Pexels Badis Benkhelil on Pexels

The laid-back, beachy scent matched the brand’s surf-inspired vibe. Stores pumped it through the air just like Abercrombie.

10. Febreze Air Freshener

KRoock74 on Wikimedia Commons KRoock74 on Wikimedia Commons

Everyone used Febreze to mask everything from gym shoes to teenage bedrooms. The fresh scents became a must-have for quick cleanups.

11. Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar

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This cozy fragrance became a year-round favorite. It was sweet without being overwhelming, making it one of the brand’s longest-lasting hits.

12. Escada Island Kiss Perfume

Monica Kaneko on Flickr Monica Kaneko on Flickr

This fruity, tropical perfume was a big deal in the mid-2000s. It smelled like summer vacation bottled up. For teens who wanted something more “grown-up” than body spray, this was the pick.

Written by: Chris Graciano

Chris has always had a vivid imagination, turning childhood daydreams into short stories and later, scripts for films. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to content writing, where he’s spent over four years blending creativity with a practical approach. Outside of work, Chris enjoys rewatching favorites like How I Met Your Mother and The Office, and you’ll often find him in the kitchen cooking or perfecting his coffee brew.

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