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

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
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
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
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
Rowanlovescars on Wikimedia Commons
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
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
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
Wordshore on Flickr
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
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
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
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
grantlairdjr on Flickr
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
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.