Are These The Most Divisive Fragrances Today?

Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Arguably one of the most recognisable fragrances of the past decade for its fragrance and packaging, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 has become synonymous with both luxury and controversy.

Why People Love It:

There’s no denying its impact. Baccarat Rouge 540 helped lead the surge in amber-forward fragrances, built around ambroxan and airy sweetness. It projects powerfully, leaves a long-lasting sillage and instantly signals status. For many, it’s a “you smell expensive” fragrance – bold, addictive and unmistakable.

Why People Hate It:

For others, that same DNA is the problem. The notes of burnt sugar and ambroxan can come across as harsh or even clinical, with some comparing it to a dentist’s clinic. 

In terms of its chemical make-up, Baccarat Rouge contains certain synthetics that approximately 20% of the world’s population are blind to. The result? Some wearers will try to make up for this by overspraying and, in turn, overwhelming everyone around them. 

Add to this the sheer ubiquity, Baccarat Rouge has become hugely popular in the last few years with the average number of monthly searches increasing by 234% since 2023 (SEMrush, April 2026). Along with regular coverage on PerfumeTok and other online channels regularly racking up hundreds of millions of views, membership to this exclusive club has lost its luster.

Ganymede by Marc-Antoine Barrois

If Baccarat Rouge is divisive, Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede takes things even further into niche territory.

Why People Love It:

Ganymede stands out for its mineral, almost metallic composition and has gained a reputation for being difficult to describe but undeniably intriguing. It performs exceptionally well on skin and even longer on clothing. Despite its uniqueness, many find it surprisingly versatile, working in both relaxed and formal settings.

Why People Hate It:

Much like Baccarat Rouge, what works for some, doesn’t work for others. The mineral quality of Ganymede can feel cold, industrial and unfamiliar. Being so distinct, it leans so far away from traditional fragrance expectations that it becomes more confusing than compelling.

It is also an interesting exercise in the risk of having such a strong longevity. The akigalawood (a smoked woody note derived from patchouli oil), the safraleine (a synthetic note that delivers leather notes along with both metal and spices) and the immortelle (another punchy saffron note) all evaporate very slowly in the Extrait, meaning you can still easily smell it on your skin after ten hours but on your clothes for days, which leaves us wondering: is there such a thing as performing too well?

Santal 33 by Le Labo

Few fragrances have shaped modern perfumery like Le Labo Santal 33 but not everyone is on board.

Why People Love It:

Its creamy sandalwood and soft leather accord helped define the skin scent movement, offering something understated but undeniably stylish. Santal 33 feels effortless, clean and cool – the sort of fragrance that becomes part of your identity rather than taking over.

Why People Hate It:

Santal 33 has gained infamy for a dill note that has since edged firmly into pickle juice territory. For some noses, it is impossible to ignore and ruins any chance of enjoying it. Combine that with its widespread popularity, in particular in major cities, Santal 33 can feel overplayed. 

Other wearers have also claimed it is too dry, dusty and lacking the warmth they would typically expect from a fragrance so heavy on sandalwood.

Lost Cherry by Tom Ford

Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry is a bold, seductive scent that doesn’t quite land the same way for everyone.

Why People Love It:

Lost Cherry is often seen as the perfect, date night fragrance. It strikes a balance between complexity and wearability, making it an instantly appealing unisex fragrance that still feels layered and luxurious. Rich, sweet and slightly boozy, the sweet cherry and wood notes offer something for everyone.

Why People Hate It:

Performance is a major sticking point for many wearers. While some have claimed Lost Cherry can last up to 10 hours on their skin, many have claimed it fades within 2 to 3. For a fragrance at this price point (£290 for 50ml), longevity is key. 

Then there’s the cherry note itself. While some find it indulgent, others describe it as overly synthetic or even medicinal, which can quickly turn people off.

Erba Pura by Xerjoff

Bright, fruity, and impossible to ignore, Xerjoff Erba Pura is a modern crowd-pleaser with a polarising edge.

Why People Love It:

This is summer in a bottle, bursting with citrus and exotic fruits, backed by serious projection and longevity. It is bold, attention-grabbing and consistently pulls compliments, making it a go-to for those who want to stand out.

Why People Hate It:

For some, Erba Pura is simply too much. The sweetness can feel cloying, the projection overwhelming and the overall effect synthetic. Some critics have claimed it is like overusing an air freshener. In close quarters, it can feel more intrusive than inviting.