Top 10 Most Intoxicating Smells on Earth

Top 10 Best Smells on Earth

If you make perfume for a living, listen up and take notes. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Best Smells on Earth.

For this list, we’re taking a look at the most pleasant aromas on the planet. However, we’ve excluded food, because that’s a list for another day.

#10: Freshly Cut Grass

Mowing the lawn in the scorching sun on a summer day may be arduous work, but all that hard labor will pay off once you sniff that freshly mown grass. Filling people with pride and joy, this refreshing fragrance will make anyone appreciate plant life… assuming you don’t have bad allergies. Although mowed grass certainly smells pleasant, this scent is actually a distress signal. Research shows that when lawnmower blades damage grass, airborne chemical compounds called green leaf volatiles are emitted. These oxygenated hydrocarbons not only create an earthy aroma, but can also attract predatory insects that defend injured plants. Who would’ve thought that such a delightful smell was actually a cry for help?

#9: Tobacco

Just to be clear, we’re not talking about cigarettes and cigars, which have an acquired smell and taste. Even if you’re not a fan of smoking, though, it’s hard to deny that the smell tobacco leaves is incredibly addictive. Tobacco plants possess a musky fragrance that’s strong, but also surprisingly sweet. Walking through a tobacco garden or a tobacco shop is a truly stimulating experience for your nose. What’s more, there’s just something very old-fashioned and laidback about the scent of tobacco, ultimately making us admire the simpler things in life.

#8: Gasoline / Petrol

As intoxicating as it smells, we should probably acknowledge upfront that inhaling too much gasoline can be hazardous to your health. We wouldn’t recommend smelling the stuff on a daily basis – or partaking in gasoline fights for that matter. Nevertheless, we can’t help but take a small whiff of that potent petrol every time we fill up our gas tank. The aroma of gas is pretty energizing, making us feel all tingly inside. This is largely because gasoline contains a chemical compound known as benzene, which has a naturally sweet scent. Studies also show that gas smells especially appealing when we’re hungry, further encouraging us to eat. Huh, so THAT'S why those gas station hotdogs suddenly look so appetizing.

#7: Vanilla

If you asked someone to describe the smell of vanilla, they might use words like “bland” and “plain.” Those folks aren’t opening their nostrils wide enough, however. Often used to flavor ice cream and other desserts, this substance is derived from orchids, and possesses a milky scent that’s strong and subtle simultaneously. In addition to food, vanilla can be used to give your house a clean, comforting aroma, which is guaranteed to create a positive atmosphere. Also, if you have a hot date coming up and want to smell as sexy as possible, vanilla perfume will get the job done. Whether we’re talking about vanilla extract, vanilla bean, or vanilla paste, this is truly one of the most alluring smells in existence.

#6: Leather

Have you ever wanted to own a really good smelling pair of pants? Then you might want to purchase some leather trousers, although you’ll likely raise a few eyebrows walking down the street. Of course there are plenty of other ways to drape oneself in the masculine smell of leather, which is also used to manufacture wallets, luggage, and furniture. With a dominating scent, leather sends out powerful vibes that will make you feel like a rebellious biker or a rugged rancher. That’s probably because this durable material is made out of animal skin, which undergoes a tanning process. Where vanilla typically attracts men to women, leather will have the ladies all over you… unless those leather pants shrink.

#5: Warm Laundry

Few things on this planet smell worse than a bag of dirty laundry, particularly if you have horrendous B.O. The smell of warm, clean laundry, however, is bound to leave you feeling cozy and fuzzy. Several factors go into giving your laundry that invigorating scent. For starters, you’ll want to use a detergent that can take out even the strongest of odors. Adding a little vinegar and baking soda to the equation won’t hurt either. After a couple cycles in the washer, throw your laundry into the dryer with a fabric softener sheet. Of course if you want your laundry to smell especially refreshing, get yourself an outdoor clothesline. The heavenly smell is well worth the extra effort.

#4: Rain

Even if rain turns the sky gray, its smell will brighten your day. This scent makes you feel as if you’ve just taken a soothing shower, leaving you with a clean essence. The earthy aroma of rain actually has a scientific name: “petrichor.” This name is a combination of “petra,” which means “stone” in Greek, and “ichor,” which was the blood of gods in Greek mythology. Petrichor often accompanies rain following a long dry spell, resulting in a wonderful fragrance. Before a storm even kicks in, you can still sense rain is coming through a scent called “ozone,” which interestingly got its name from the Greek word meaning, “to smell.” Science has never smelled so good.

#3: Sea Breeze

It doesn’t get any more relaxing than lying on the beach with the sun shining down on you and a gentle sea breeze drifting through the air. This luxurious scent washes over people like a mild wave, cleansing their aura of all stress and negativity. Numerous fragrance companies have created perfumes and colognes that replicate the cool, crisp aroma we associate with the ocean, and while some come pretty close to capturing its essence, nothing can quite top going down to the seashore and inhaling a whiff of calming sea breeze firsthand.

#2: Fresh Flowers

Flowers in general are known to smell like paradise, whether you prefer lilies, daisies, lilacs or jasmine. Lavender notably deserves a special shout out, as it’s been used in the perfumery business for eons. Given their exquisite scent, it makes sense that we habitually give flowers to our loved ones in order to create an affectionate or romantic atmosphere. In addition to attracting humans, the fragrance of flowers also entices insects to pollinate and create even more. If you want to experience nature, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.


Before we sniff our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

- Just-Lit Matches

- New Cars

- Old Books

- Sharpies

#1: Campfires

When we think of aromas that encompass the great outdoors in all of its majesty, campfires immediately come to mind. The combination of smoke and wood creates a musky fragrance that will send you into a tranquil, content state. Breathing in that uplifting campfire smell, it’s as if all your worries have melted away. If you traditionally go camping with your family or friends, this magnificent scent likely holds a special place in your heart. Campfires are like beacons that unite people in harmony, especially if you’re roasting some marshmallows and have traditional tunes playing via conveniently placed guitars.


Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the best smell on earth? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.