2 min read
Bath & Body Works is always pushing the envelope with new and exciting launches (like last month’s controversial sourdough candle), but as a scent-obsessed editor who grew up in the 2000s, I always find myself coming back for old favorites like Japanese Cherry Blossom. The best-selling floral perfume is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month—yep, that makes me feel old—and in its honor, Bath & Body Works is introducing a new twist on the classic and bringing back a nostalgic scent from the archives.
A little bit of Bath & Body Works history: before the iconic Japanese Cherry Blossom launched in 2006, there was the original Cherry Blossom of 2005. Flash forward to 2026, and the brand has brought back OG Cherry Blossom for a limited time, along with a brand new addition to the lineup, Forever Cherry Blossom.
After trying all three iterations of Cherry Blossom fine fragrance mists, here’s how they compare:
Beginning with the scent that started it all, Cherry Blossom (2005) features notes of watermelon, red plum, sandalwood, freesia, and, of course, cherry blossom. This scent is the fruitiest of the three. One of my fellow editors, Angel Madison, gave her honest feedback and said it reminded her of hairspray. On my skin, it smells soft and slightly powdery, which gives it a vintage feel.Next, we have the beloved fragrance celebrating 20 years, Japanese Cherry Blossom. Bath & Body Works calls it the “little black dress” of perfume, and I can totally see why—its fresh floral scent works for any season and occasion. Compared to the original Cherry Blossom, it’s woodier and more sophisticated, thanks to the addition of Asian pear, jasmine, and mimosa. I find the sandalwood note to be a lot stronger here, which adds to its timeless appeal.Finally, there’s the newest addition to the lineup: Forever Cherry Blossom. This one claims to be a modern, trendier take on the classic scent profile, and it swaps jasmine and mimosa for magnolia and warm musk. I concur that it smells more youthful than its predecessors, since it’s sweeter and muskier. Plus, the delicate floral packaging is my favorite of the three.
At the time of publish, Bath & Body Works is running a buy 3, get 1 free promotion on all full-sized body, skin, and hair products, so there’s no better time to stock up and compare these nostalgic scents yourself.
Shop the Bath & Body Works Cherry Blossom Archive
Cherry Blossom Fine Fragrance Mist
Japanese Cherry Blossom Fine Fragrance Mist
Forever Cherry Blossom Fine Fragrance Mist
Forever Cherry Blossom 3-Wick Candle
Japanese Cherry Blossom Foaming Hand Soap
Cherry Blossom Ultimate Hydration Body Cream
Forever Cherry Blossom Eau de Parfum
Japanese Cherry Blossom PocketBac Hand Sanitizer
Lauren Gruber is an commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes for publications like Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Prevention, Country Living, House Beautiful, and more. She has over four years of professional experience covering a variety of lifestyle topics from home to fashion, with an advanced background in beauty and fragrance. When she’s not researching the most worthy Prime Day deals or hands-on testing all the latest perfume launches, Lauren is probably hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight, Shop TODAY, USA Today, Self Magazine, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
