All fragrances are genderless at their core. As long as you like a smell, it's the smell for you. Diving into the best unisex perfumes is a great place to start if you need a new fragrance to love, free from the confines of feminine or masculine tropes.
Instead of focusing on sexuality, many perfumers and indie fragrance brands emphasize exploration and personal connection in their creations. They encourage clients "to discover scents that resonate with their unique preferences, regardless of perceived gender associations," explains Frank Voelkl, principal perfumer at dsm-Firmenich.
Gendered fragrances live on a spectrum. While some may lean floral or woody, a so-called neutral profile lies in the nose of the beholder. "Since the fragrance experience is so personal, a ‘neutral fragrance’ can mean something different from one person to another, which means there isn’t truly just one true neutral fragrance," adds the perfumer. "While the idea of a neutral fragrance exists, its definition remains subjective, as perceptions of gender neutrality can vary greatly among individuals."
With that being said, the neutrality of a perfume is up to interpretation. Ahead, experts share their picks for the best unisex perfumes—plus what to look for when shopping.
What to Look For in a Unisex Perfume
- Style
All perfumes can be unisex, so it's really up to you to decide what style you're going for when making your selection—it's not as easy as, say, searching for a citrus perfume or wedding day scent.
"Within my creative process, I am not required to think of gender, which gives me a little bit more freedom not to have to respect certain structures or fragrance families. Rather, I am able to create disregarding those codes," says Voelkl. I like to wear fragrances mainly for how they make me feel, meaning they are comfortable and they have a feel-good factor."
Kristi Moe, a scent expert and founder of Zodica Perfumery, says one of her favorite fragrance-related memories is when an overtly masculine customer fell in love with a scent that would "be generally perceived as highly feminine" with its rose base. "He happened to be single and wanted to attract a woman who smelled like the perfume!" she shares.
- Notes
While a few specific notes often come up in fragrances dubbed "unisex" (bergamot, vetiver, and almond are all great examples), you can play with any fragrance family you crave.
"Notes as such don't have a gender," explains fragrance expert Izzy Yilmaz. "They don't lean into masculine or feminine direction from themselves. It's tradition that categorizes them into one of the two."
Yvan Jacqueline, Parfums de Marly's President of the Americas adds that while the idea that florals and botanicals are inherently feminine runs rampant in the fragrance community, similar notes, like lavender, are also seen in masculine-leaning creations. The same goes for gourmand ingredients, like vanilla. There are no rules here.
- Versatility
While we all have our tastes, a good unisex perfume should allow some versatility in your scent wardrobe.
"Most fragrances, especially of designer brands, can be categorized into feminine or masculine scents. However, some unisex fragrances aim for a balanced blend that appeals to both genders without leaning too far in either direction," shares Yilmaz. "Shopping for unisex fragrances offers versatility, allowing individuals to express their unique identity without conforming to traditional gender norms."
The Best Unisex Perfumes
- The Best Unisex Perfume Overall: Le Labo Santal 33
- The Best Unisex Perfume for Layering: DedCool Milk Eau de Parfum
- The Best New Unisex Perfume: Guerlain L'Art & La Matiere Neroli Plein Sud Eau de Parfum
- The Best Clean Unisex Perfume: Byredo Blanche
- The Best Classic Unisex Perfume: Calvin Klein CK One
"That is really, really good," said my boyfriend the first time I wore Santal 33. While you've smelled this one before—ask anyone what they were wearing in the mid-2010s—there's something about this scent that makes me want to bathe in it. Opening with a bit of melon-cucumber before settling into itself, it was designed with 33 ingredients as "an homage to the American West. An adventurous discovery of its own accord, it's a cult classic for a reason.
Key Notes: Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, smoky wood alloy, ambrox, leather accord, musk
Pros: A perfect unisex fragrance starting point; Widely beloved
Cons: May be too well-known for some
Sweet but not cloyingly sweet, DedCool's Milk makes you feel like you're biting into a bakery vanilla birthday cake. It has all the makings of a box cake, sure, but there's expertise in the formula. The funny thing? There's no vanilla at work (or florals, as some people smell). Instead, white musk, amber, and bergamot do the heavy lifting. Because Milk is so light, it's also excellent for layering.
Key Notes: White musk, amber, bergamot
Pros: Works wonderfully against bare skin; Layerable
Cons: Might be too light for some customers
A strong scent on its initial spray, the vibrant, spicy, and woody Plein Sud settles into a slightly sweet perfume that beautifully handles every facet of its namesake orange tree blossom. “Néroli Plein Sud is the pure freshness of Moroccan orange blossom uplifted by the sensuality of spices like turmeric and cinnamon. It's like a fresh breeze blowing over the hot sand of the Sahara," shared perfumer Delphine Jelk.
Key Notes: Top: Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon; Heart: Neroli, Tunisian orange blossom; Base: vetiver, sandalwood
Pros: Strong yet balanced
Cons: Expensive
Floral and wildly comforting, Byredo's clean-as-can-be Blanche was created to "explore the smell of texture and skin; bodies slipping beneath fresh sheets; and laundry baskets filled to the brim. With a punch of detergent, it smells familiar and soft. The peony comes in with a bit of force—but only as much force as a peony can have. Which is to say, it's all very cozy.
Key Notes: Top: Aldehyde, Rose Centifolia; Heart: Peony, violet; Base: Musks, sandalwood
Pros: Fresh and clean; Great for everyday wear
Cons: Some find it smells *too much* like detergent
Like Pulp Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption—both of which were released in 1994—CK One is a classic. A citrus aromatic fragrance crafted to "harmonize feminine floral and masculine musk into one unisex scent," One feels modern even though it's celebrating its 30th birthday this year. Clean and powdery, it's truly unisex.
Key Notes: Top: Green tea, bergamot, cardamom; Heart: Violet, rose, nutmeg; Base: Amber, musk
Pros: A classic; Costs less than $100
Cons: Doesn't last very long
Also Recommended
Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Gentle Fluidity comes in two versions—gold and silver—that feature the exact same notes. There's a sense of familiarity in these crisp fragrances (a "where have I smelled this before?") that is incredibly endearing, so be prepared for people to stop and ask what you're wearing.
Key Notes: Juniper berries, nutmeg, coriander, musks, ambery woods, vanilla
Pros: Familiar; Crisp; Long-lasting scent
Cons: None found
Crafted to capture the "intimate feeling of cool," PHLUR's Father Figure is a layered, vibrant scent that, while supremely lush at first, settles into a creamy vanilla with a touch of fig. "Hidden gardens inspire this fragrance," shared Voelkl. "There is a contrast between the vivid greenness and something more skin-like. The milky nectar of fig compliments buttery suede qualities of orris to create a naturally sensual effect."
Key Notes: Top: Fig, water lily, cassis; Heart: Orris root, iris, jasmine; Base: musk, madagascar vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli leaf
Pros: Costs less than $100; Lush; Expert-approved
Cons: None found
Fresh pink peppercorn! The ocean! The forest! A lot is going on with Tom Ford's dense Oud Minerale Eau de Parfum, in the very best of ways. With its aquatic nature (this time courtesy of mineral-forward salty seaweed) and major woodiness, it's a scent that screams morning freshness on a luxe vacation—think The White Lotus, without any of the spooky stuff. Note: This scent is powerful so spray accordingly.
Key Notes: Salty seaweed, oud blend, ambergris accord
Pros: Extremely long-lasting
Cons: Might be too strong for some wearers
Another of Voelkl's favorite unisex creations, Nomanclature's psy_cou seeks to communicate "primal modernity." Instead of focusing on the almond-like essence of coumarin ("not only the primal source of modern perfumery," but "a primary material in the fragrance industry," according to the brand), he drew from the chemical's true nature, which smells like fresh-mowed hay. Although its texture is lightweight, this amber-y, woody scent can last a very long time on your skin.
Key Notes: Cardamom, coumarin, palo santo, juniper berries, incense, saffron, coffee, agarwood
Pros: Unique; Expert-approved; Long-lasting
Cons: None found
Eau de Dallas, is a dry, earthy, and adventurous scent, with a unisex scent profile. "It’s part of the Wanderlust Collection inspired by the astrology of destinations," she shares. "When I finally tested it on a man’s skin, it came to life. It smells good on women, too, but it has star power on the guys."
Key Notes: Yuzu, tobacco flower, sage, cedarwood, musk, white fir, cardamom, bergamot, lavender, sandalwood
Pros: Costs less than $200; Expert-approved
Cons: None found
If you're looking for a scent on the light side of heavy, this is for you. Australian-based perfume house Lumira crafted Arabian Oud as an "ode to sweet, rich oud." While it starts off floral and soft with fresh rose, sandalwood, and patchouli (I also get a bit of brininess—there's texture here!), the spice quickly takes over, adding a little darkness to the scent, which is precisely what's fun about it.
Key Notes: Top: Bergamot, orange, smoke; Heart: Floral, rose, patchouli, sandalwood; Base: Oud accord, amber, nagarmotha, musk
Pros: Sustainably sourced; Natural ingredients
Cons: None found
When was the last time you cleansed your house? You can forget lighting the Palo Santo wood this time around; INITIO's Paragon will do the trick. Screaming summer, this white bottle—the flagship scent of the brand's "Hedonist Collection"— holds the essence of palo santo and white sage with the middle plum note firmly standing its own ground. Remember: rituals are what you make them. One spray and I really do feel smudged.
Key Notes: Top: Bergamot, white sage, lavender; Heart: Plum, palo santo, black pepper; Base: Sandalwood, agarwood
Pros: Calming; Versatile; Great sillage
Cons: Expensive
Reminiscent of childhood thanks to its marshmallow base note, Memo Paris's Sintra is mellow, airy, round, gourmet, and light. Inspired by "an enchanting landscape not far from Lisbon, Portugal," it goes heavy on the orange blossom—one reviewer even said it's reminiscent of their grandma making baklava in the kitchen.
Key Notes: Top: Neroli, petitgrain, red fruits, bergamot; Heart: Milk, orange blossom, resins, jasmine, cinnamon, rose; Base: Marshmallow, Madagascar vanilla, caramel, musk, cedar
Pros: Long-lasting; Nostalgic
Cons: Expensive
The first fragrance launched by Tyler, The Creator under his fashion brand GOLF le FLEUR*, French Waltz is a metallic, fruity, rose-musk scent that positively brims with character. Described as "super unisex" by some, this scent smells like a perfect summer day, dozing off in a blooming garden after swimming at the lake. I like to wear it in the winter, when I'm aching for a bit of sunshine.
Key Notes: Top: Mandarin, Nashi pear, lychee, magnolia; Heart: Mimosa, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley; Base: Musk, sandalwood
Pros: Summery; Long-lasting
Cons: None found
If you're looking for an underutilized unisex perfume note, consider almond. "The combination of bitter almond and vanilla in Pegasus is an iconic cult classic that delivers a unique and hard to 'put your finger on it' olfactive profile keeping the scent’s popularity a mystery," shares Jacqueline. "Pegasus’s ride to fame rests on the fact that the scent has a woody and exceptionally distinguished signature." Clean but not fresh, sweet but not saccharine, it's a unique take on vanilla that's hard to beat.
Key Notes: Top: Cypress, bergamot, heliotrope; Heart; Jasmine, lavender, bitter almond; Base: vanilla, amber, sandalwood
Pros: Refined; Long-lasting; Excellent for winter
Cons: Expensive
Have you ever been to a friend's house for the first time and realized it smells just like them? That's how my house is, if only because I utilize Boy Smells' LES as both a candle and perfume. Named after the Lower East Side, this ripe fruity floral scent features key notes of pomelo, peony, and moss. "Spray it and be transported to a maximalist Canal Street daydream, where bursting peony blossoms clash on the street corner amidst chords of New Wave anthems," shares the brand.
Key Notes: Top: Pomelo, bergamot, pink pepper, cardamom; Heart: Osmanthus, jasmine, peony; Base: Ambroxan, vanilla, moss, cedar
Pros: Also available as a candle; Costs less than $100
Cons: None found
My all-time favorite fig scent, Diptyque's Philosykos was inspired by fig trees in the heat of the summer in Greece. Although the fruit takes center stage here, the realistic fragrance doesn’t shy away from other aspects of the tree grove; it's aromatic, green, and slightly woody. Wearing nicely in the heat, I love it for the spring and summer—but also don't mind a spritz when it's cold out and I want to escape to the groves of the Mediterranean.
Key Notes: Top: Fig leaves; Heart: Fig tree sap; Base: Fig tree wood
Pros: A realistic fig scent; Perfect for summer
Cons: None found
One of Yilmaz's favorite unisex perfumes, Nishane's Ani is a gorgeous vanilla scent that surrounds its base with warm spices. Opening with ginger and blackcurrant, the romantic perfume was named after the Ani Ruins and inspired by a famous Anatolian folk song that features a similar name in both the Turkish and Armenian. "This perfume is dedicated to ruin any border between people and to empower the wearer to build his or her own empire even in a situation when all he or she is left with nothing but the ruins," shares the brand.
Key Notes: Top: Bergamot, green notes, blue ginger, pink pepper; Heart: Blackcurrant, Turkish rose, cardamom; Base: Patchouli, cedarwood, vanilla, benzoin, ambergris, musk, sandalwood
Pros: Expert-approved; Long-lasting
Cons: None found
My favorite perfume influencer, Eudora Nwasike, calls Matiere Premiere's Crystal Saffron one of her favorite unisex perfumes—that's all I need to know to understand that it's really good, but a sniff test didn't disappoint. Launched in 2022, this scent is built around Greek saffron oil, which is "considered to be the most qualitative saffron in the world." With its impressive sillage, friends will be able to smell you long before they head in for a hug.
Key Notes: Top: Musk; Heart: Saffron; Base: Ambroxan, incense
Pros: Extremely long-lasting and strong; Well-rounded; Expert-approved
Cons: May be too strong for some
It's a great feeling when someone stops you to ask what scent you're wearing, and I've been on the other side of that question multiple times with Dark Is Night. A fresh and clean yet sensual take on vanilla, this unisex fragrance lays heavily on the patchouli for a sultry, dreamy landing. Bonus point: Henry Rose fragrances are crafted without any endocrine disruptors; your hormones will thank you.
Key Notes: Top: Green grass; Heart: Vetiver, freesia; Base: Patchouli, vanilla bean
Pros: EWG verified; Less than $150
Cons: None found
To be honest, anyone who gets to smell Dior's fresh and floral Lucky is already lucky enough. Launched in 2018 to pay tribute to the lily-of-the-valley stems that were once sewn into the hems of Christian Dior's Haute Couture dresses or tucked into his pockets for good luck when presenting a new collection, Lucky is a good-luck-charm fragrance that keeps things simple with fresh, ozonic notes.
Key Notes: Lily-of-the-valley, white flowers, ozonic notes
Pros: Simple and elegant; May bring you good luck
Cons: Expensive
D.S. & Durga's perfumes specialize in "armchair travel"—energetically bringing you someplace far, far away while you stay comfortably in place. They also happen to be my favorite inventive line at work right now. Bistro Waters, a perfect late-summer fragrance, is an aromatic green "savory perfume water" inspired by the idea of a farm-to-table bistro—you'll want to wear this during tomato season.
Key Notes: Top: Lime blossom, coriander, pear; Heart: Green pepper, mandarin orange; Base: Moss, basil, nutmeg
Pros: Fun; Fresh
Cons: Doesn't last very long
Inspired by nature’s vitality, Clinique Calyx contains a blend of citrus, rose, and lush greens. This one was recommended to me by a florist/chef (the coolest career combo ever, possibly?) who knows his way around both homegrown ingredients and the flower market. Originally launched in 1987 under the brand Prescriptives, the new take on Calyx is energetic, ready to be packed for your next couple's vacation hike.
Key Notes: Pink grapefruit, guava, Rose Otto, oakmoss
Pros: A fun take on an old favorite; Uplifting; Costs less than $100; Great for everyday wear
Cons: None
Warm and strong, Gucci's newest unisex Eau de Parfum was crafted to celebrate the power and elegance of the lion, who just so happens to want to take you on a journey. After leaping from the sky (we're talking constellations here), Leo starts in the Arabian Peninsula to indulge in a bit of Olibanum extract. Next, it leaps to Africa (where it "discovers the balsamic nectar of myrrh") and finally returns to the moon, blackcurrant in its wake.
Key Notes: Top: Blackcurrant accord; Heart: Resinous myrrh; Base: Smoky incense
Pros: Well thought-out; Juicy
Cons: Expensive
What Makes a Perfume Unisex?
Forget the fancy packaging for a moment and think about this: when it comes down to it, we're projecting a story onto our fragrances. All the scent can do is smell how it does.
"Conceptually, unisex fragrances can exist. But nature may still influence you to perceive gender-neutral scents as gendered," explains Moe. We can blame a lot of this on hormones. Estrogen is a female hormone that nourishes the nasal tissue, and when this fluctuates, a woman may pick up on notes that are more sweet, fruity, or floral."
Voelkl adds that, rather than a note used, it’s probably more the absence of gender coding or use of gender-specific ingredients that makes a scent "unisex." For example, the use of, say, florals or fruity ingredients for women and aromatic fougere-type ingredients for men that are typically associated with those ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ codes," he adds.
Couples like Russell Wilson and Ciara have even crafted scents together. Their perfume R&C The Fragrance Duo features two separate bottles that perform wonderfully when mixed.
How to Wear Unisex Perfume
The easy answer is to spritz on your pulse points, and more importantly to be open to sharing. A scent will show up differently on your partner than it does on you.
"It’s not necessarily a matter of gender, it’s more a matter of our personal body chemistry which can vary from person to person and can be based on several factors like nutritional habits and environment," explains Voelkl. "Through the development of fragrances we test and do experience people having the fragrance wear differently on them. Some tend to push top notes versus bottom notes on their skin for example. But again, it's not because of gender, just because we all have different body compositions."
Meet the Experts
After graduating from ISIPCA, Frank Voelkl composed his first fragrance, a tiare flower. This creation galvanized his career and paid loving homage to his Tahitian wife. Today, as a contemporary ‘adventurer’ Frank relishes the chance to discover the world, especially his travels to French Polynesia, where its intoxicating air is redolent with the colors and scents of nature in its purest form. These paradisiacal islands – flamboyantly rich in nature and plenitude - are perhaps his greatest inspiration of all.
A quiet yet charismatic man, Frank believes “in creating fragrances that connect with your soul. My goal is to craft scents that will evoke a profound emotional connection – with the power to elicit pure, unadulterated happiness.”
Izzy Yilmaz is a fragrance expert who shares his wisdom with the masses on social media, helping viewers "build their perfect fragrance collection."
Zodica Perfumery is a small-batch and artisanal line of celestial-inspired fine fragrances. Each perfume reflects the emotion and season of its sign as designed by founder Kristi Moe.
Kristi Moe, a national beauty industry veteran, perfected each scent over the course of three years with the world's finest perfume ingredient suppliers. The result is a collection that honors both the sign's essence and seasonal month.
For the past 11 years, Yvan Jacqueline has been at the helm of the luxury brand Parfums de Marly and holds the position of President of the Americas.
Prior to his current role in the Americas, the charming and charismatic Yvan worked extensively with retailers and department stores across the globe. He is responsible for opening many countries across Europe, Middle East and Eastern Europe. Initially establishing the footprint and brand identity of Parfums de Marly on a global scale was imperative prior to creating a stronghold in the US Market.
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