Marie Claire
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Nice Talk
  • Style at Large
  • More
    • Politics
    • Career & Money
    • Health & Fitness
    • Power Play
    • Travel
    • Promo Codes
    • Food & Cocktails
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Sex & Love
  • Newsletter SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Marie Claire
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.


    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    You are now subscribed

    Your newsletter sign-up was successful


    Want to add more newsletters?

    Marie Claire Daily

    Delivered daily

    Marie Claire Daily

    Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

    Marie Claire Self Checkout

    Sent weekly on Saturday

    Marie Claire Self Checkout

    Exclusive access to expert shopping and styling advice from Nikki Ogunnaike, Marie Claire's editor-in-chief.

    Maire Claire Face Forward

    Once a week

    Maire Claire Face Forward

    Insider tips and recommendations for skin, hair, makeup, nails and more from Hannah Baxter, Marie Claire's beauty director.

    Livingetc

    Once a week

    Livingetc

    Your shortcut to the now and the next in contemporary home decoration, from designing a fashion-forward kitchen to decoding color schemes, and the latest interiors trends.

    Homes & Gardens

    Delivered Daily

    Homes & Gardens

    The ultimate interior design resource from the world's leading experts - discover inspiring decorating ideas, color scheming know-how, garden inspiration and shopping expertise.


    An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
    Trending
    • Uniqlo x Cecilie Bahnsen
    • Perfume Necklaces
    • The Board Whisperers
    • Choulie
    • Holiday Movies
    1. Beauty

    19 Perfumes That Smell Like Fresh Laundry in the Best Possible Way

    For when you need a clean slate.

    Katie Berohn's avatar
    By Katie Berohn
    Published 22 May 2024 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Perfume bottles
    (Image credit: Future)
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Pinterest
    Share this article
    Join the conversation
    Follow us
    Add us as a preferred source on Google
    Subscribe to our newsletter

    I think we can all envision what it means to smell dirty, but what about smelling clean? It's a harder concept to grasp since there are so many different interpretations of what it means to smell clean. To me, cleanness is the smell of fresh laundry straight out of the dryer, an empty street just after a rainstorm, or a squeeze of bright, fresh citrus.

    I think the biggest thing about a clean scent, though, is that you know it when you smell it. I love finding the best perfumes, and I have plenty of scents I've labeled in my mind as "clean smelling" that I rotate through in my fragrance collection. The biggest similarity they have is that the best clean perfumes always make me feel fresh and new—like a blank slate. I wear them when I want to feel like I'm giving myself a new start. Keep reading to find my favorite clean-smelling scents. Some may even catch you by surprise.

    1. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Eau de Toilette

    Maison Francis Kurkdjian + Aqua Universalis Eau de Toilette

    Maison Francis Kurkdjian
    Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Eau de Toilette
    $230
    $230 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

    Key notes: Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, white bouquet, light, and musky woods.

    Without a doubt, this is one of my all-time favorite fragrances. The first time I smelled it, I was so entranced by the scent that I requested my boyfriend start wearing it (and now he does). It smells like a freshly laundered linen shirt clinging to the skin in the summer. 

    Customer review: "A gorgeous, fresh, almost linen-like opening that has a nice citrus twang to it. This is the equivalent of a crisp button-down on a summer day."

    2. Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Toilette

    Maison Margiela + Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Toilette

    Maison Margiela
    Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Toilette
    $160
    $160 AT SEPHORA

    Key notes: Aldehydes, pear, lily of the valley, iris, rose, orange flower, white musk, Indonesian patchouli, and ambrette seeds.

    This fragrance really does encapsulate the feeling of a lazy Sunday. Picture yourself spending a day in bed lying in freshly washed sheets—that's what a spritz of this smells like. 

    Customer review: "This is such a clean, beautiful skin scent. I know that many people hear 'skin scent' and run the other way because they fear it's going to be very light and not last long. Luckily, I find no such issue with this product. It lasts hours for me and it stays on my clothes forever."

    3. Clean Reserve Classic Warm Cotton

    Clean Reserve + Classic Warm Cotton

    Clean Reserve
    Clean Reserve Classic Warm Cotton
    $44
    $44 AT SEPHORA

    Key notes: Bergamot, peony, and amber.

    Consider this the perfume equivalent of your favorite white T-shirt—appropriate for every occasion.

    Customer review: "This is my favorite fragrance, I get so many compliments when I wear it. People tell me I smell like warm hugs. It still smells great during my eight hour work days."

    4. Korres Cashmere Kumquat Eau de Toilette

    Korres + Cashmere Kumquat Eau de Toilette

    Korres
    Korres Cashmere Kumquat Eau de Toilette
    $54
    $54 AT REVOLVE

    Key notes: Kumquat, mandarin, orange, orange blossom, jasmine, almond, cashmere, cedar, and vanilla.

    This fragrance smells like cashmere hung up to dry on a clothesline in Greece. 

    Customer review: "It's a cozy scent. It's slightly sweet, yet sexy and fresh, but not overpoweringly trying too hard to smell sexy. It's a smell you'd want to curl up to and is light enough to wear to work and not feel like you're doing too much."

    5. Byredo Blanche Eau de Parfum

    Byredo + Blanche Eau de Parfum

    Byredo
    Byredo Blanche Eau de Parfum
    $205
    $205 AT BYREDO

    Key notes: White rose, pink pepper, aldehyde, violet, neroli, peony, blonde woods, sandalwood, and musk.

    What does the color white smell like? That's the question this scent answers. It's pure, refreshing, and simple without being boring. 

    Customer review: "This is perfect for anyone that is not into strong perfumes. I just love it because its light, fresh, and delightful. This should be part of your perfume collection. Just perfect."

    6. Ellis Brooklyn West Eau de Parfum

    Ellis Brooklyn + West Eau de Parfum

    Ellis Brooklyn
    Ellis Brooklyn West Eau de Parfum
    $110
    $110 AT SEPHORA

    Key notes: Blood orange, water lily, and vetiver.

    This scent reminds me of going for a run in my hometown at twilight in early spring. One of my neighbors used to hang their clothes up to dry in their backyard, and the smell of flowers blooming entangled with fresh laundry is nothing short of intoxicating. 

    Customer review: "Every single time I wear this fragrance I feel like I've been transported back to that seventies era in Los Angeles. 'Hotel California' on the radio cruising Laurel Canyon in my favorite chambrais shirt. A must-have, moving into late spring and summer. A mindful, light, and fresh scent."

    7. The Harmonist Sacred Water Parfum

    The Harmonist + Sacred Water Parfum

    The Harmonist
    The Harmonist Sacred Water Parfum
    $285
    $285 AT NEIMAN MARCUS

    Key notes: Citron, mandarin, fresh ginger, magnolia, orange blossom, laminaria blossom, amyris, gray amber, and cedar.

    Waves crashing against rocks on a brisk day—that's this fragrance in a nutshell. It's invigorating and fresh, like getting a spritz of salt water across your face. 

    Customer review: "Beautiful, soft, light scent. It lasts all day. Price is definitely worth it, it's gorgeous."

    8. Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri Eau de Toilette

    Acqua Di Parma + Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri Eau de Toilette

    Acqua Di Parma
    Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri Eau de Toilette
    $145
    $145 AT BLUE MERCURY

    Key notes: Orange, mandarin, lemon, petitgrain, cardamom, caramel, and musk.

    This scent is like smelling a citrusy breeze off of the coast in Capri. 

    Customer review: "This scent smells nice, isn’t overwhelming, and is long lasting. Both my husband and I use this scent interchangeably—a truly gender-neutral scent."

    9. Boy Smells Flor de La Virgen Genderful Fine Fragrance

    Boy Smells + Flor de La Virgen Genderful Fine Fragrance

    Boy Smells
    Boy Smells Flor de La Virgen Genderful Fine Fragrance
    $98
    $98 AT NORDSTROM

    Key notes: Pomelo, saffron, lemon rind, fig leaf, ivy leaves, jasmine petals, olibanum, cistus, labdanum, clear musks, and ambrox.

    This scent is bright and unexpected, with both traditionally feminine-leaning and masculine-leaning flairs. Pomelo gives this perfume a dash of vivid citrus. 

    Customer review: "This is such a beautiful, light citrus scent with hints of musks and florals. I chose this blindly after some intense online researching into fragrance notes since I hadn't smelt it in person and was very impressed."

    10. Skylar Salt Air Eau de Parfum

    Skylar + Salt Air Eau de Parfum

    Skylar
    Skylar Salt Air Eau de Parfum
    $90
    $90 AT SEPHORA

    Key notes: Driftwood, sea salt, and seaweed.

    Imagine a placid stretch of sea at dawn. This scent is that: grounding, languid, and a breath of fresh air. 

    Customer review: "It's soft, yet clean, warm but not spicy, and not overly feminine but not necessarily masculine."

    11. Philosophy Pure Grace Eau de Toilette

    Philosophy + Pure Grace Eau de Toilette

    Philosophy
    Philosophy Pure Grace Eau de Toilette
    $64
    $64 AT ULTA

    Key notes: Water lily, leafy greens, and musk.

    This perfume has a simple elegance to it. A spritz of this squeaky-clean scent feels like stepping out of the shower. 

    Customer review: "It just feels like it would be worn by a natural beauty, someone that doesn't have to try so hard, effortlessly sexy, minimalistic, and so very clean and fresh! I'm obsessed."

    12. Demeter Linen

    Demeter + Linen

    Demeter
    Demeter Linen
    $25
    $25 AT AMAZON

    Key notes: Linen

    Unlike most perfumes, Demeter is known for taking a singular scent note and turning it into a fragrance. This one doesn't disappoint—it smells like pure, fresh linen. 

    Customer review: "Smells exactly like the name, a jasmine-scented fabric softener very floral, clean, and springy."

    13. Le Labo Baie 19 Eau de Parfum

    Le Labo + Baie 19 Eau de Parfum

    Le Labo
    Le Labo Baie 19 Eau de Parfum
    $230
    $230 AT NORDSTROM

    Key notes: Juniper berry, green leaves, patchouli, and rain.

    If someone were to ask you your favorite smell, would your answer immediately be rain? If so, then this perfume is perfect for you. It captures the smell of the earth after a heavy rainstorm.

    Customer review: "I have enjoyed all of my Le Labo purchases but Baie 19 is by far my favorite. It instantly relaxes me and just overall amazing. My husband loves it on me and one spray is enough to last all day."

    14. Maison Margiela Replica At the Barber's Eau de Toilette

    Maison Margiela + Replica At the Barber's

    Maison Margiela
    Maison Margiela Replica At the Barber's
    $99
    $99 AT AMAZON

    Key notes: Aquatic accord, coriander, and red seaweed essence.

    Is there a more classically clean smell than aftershave? This smells like you just left an upscale barbershop. Though it sounds like a traditionally masculine-leaning scent, it smells incredible on everyone. 

    Customer review: "This is a warm, leathery, and all-around very pleasant scent. It doesn't project really far but it is a nice clean scent, like you just wet shaved with quality shaving cream and used a mild aftershave."

    15. Jo Malone London Nashi Bloom

    Jo Malone London + Nashi Blossom

    Jo Malone London
    Jo Malone Nashi Blossom
    $158
    $158 AT SEPHORA

    Key notes: Lemon, nashi blossom, white musk.

    For me, this is the ultimate Sunday-morning scent. Wear it when you're in the mood to toss on an oversize button-down and stroll your local farmers market. 

    Customer review: "This is a scent all its own. it's unique, lasts long, and I get many compliments."

    16. Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Toilette Spray

    Chanel + Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Toilette Spray

    Chanel
    Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Toilette Spray
    $110
    $93 AT CHANEL

    Key notes: Citron, jasmine, and teakwood.

    Citrus zest meets jasmine and wood for an alluring, unforgettable hit of freshness. 

    Customer review: "This has a fresh, soft scent, and it doesn't overpower a room. Even when I haven't been able to smell it at the end of the day, others have still complimented me on it."

    17. The Nue Co. Forest Lungs Fragrance

    The Nue Co. + Forest Lungs Fragrance

    The Nue Co.
    The Nue Co. Forest Lungs Fragrance
    $95
    $95 AT FWRD

    Key notes: Vetiver, cedar, benzoin, pine, patchouli, and bergamot.

    The only way to describe this scent is invigorating. It embodies the feeling of taking a cold shower to clear your head. That's exactly what it does too—this unique blend of scents helps you de-stress. 

    Customer review: "This is a scent that is a little hard to describe, otherworldly, and the stuff of good dreams. Love it!"

    18. Maison Margiela Replica When the Rain Stops Eau de Toilette

    Maison Margiela + Replica When the Rain Stops Eau de Toilette

    Maison Margiela
    Maison Margiela Replica When the Rain Stops Eau de Toilette
    $160
    $160 AT SEPHORA

    Key notes: Aquatic accord, rose petal, and pine needle.

    Another rain-inspired fragrance, Margiela's scent is infused with pine needles for an invigorating twist. 

    Customer review: "When the Rain Stops is the perfect everyday perfume. It’s definitely on the more casual side, but it's very fresh smelling."

    19. Ouai Dean Street Eau de Parfum

    Ouai + Dean Street Eau de Parfum

    Ouai
    Ouai Dean Street Eau de Parfum
    $64
    $64 AT SEPHORA

    Key notes: Mandarin, lemon, grapefruit, apricot, rose, magnolia, muguet, violet, amber, linden, blossom, and musk.

    This smells like walking down a rainy street in London. 

    Customer review: "Smells really fresh and clean. It's a good everyday 'day' scent. Lasts a while and isn't too overwhelming. If you're looking for something simple to wear I'd recommend."

    This article was originally published on Who What Wear.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Katie Berohn
    Katie Berohn
    Associate Beauty Editor, Who What Wear

    Katie Berohn is the New York City-based beauty editor at Who What Wear. She specializes in trend reporting, fragrance writing, and celebrity interviews, but also loves writing about all things beauty, from skincare to nails. Before working at Who What Wear, she worked at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention as the beauty assistant. Prior to that, Katie graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life Magazine, Yoga Journal, the Hearst Women's Lifestyle Group, and Cosmopolitan, a digital editorial internship at New York Magazine’s The Cut, a social good fellowship at Mashable, and has freelanced for HelloGiggles. When she’s not obsessing over the latest perfume launch or continuing her endless search for the perfect shade of red lipstick (which she wears every day), Katie can be found in a hot yoga class, training for her next race, trying everything on the menu at New York’s newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends. If she's given the chance, Katie loves exploring how beauty intersects with politics, the climate, and culture.

    Read more
    A collage of perfume favorites Chloé Le Nectar, with a woman from the chloe ad
    Fragrance If Fresh, Citrusy Notes Are Your Thing, Start With a Bergamot Perfume For the girls who want to smell ridiculously expensive.
    By Olivia Truffaut-Wong
    A woman wearing a white cut-out two piece next to a bottle of perfume
    Fragrance For a Subtle Scent, May I Suggest an EDT? In a world of beast-mode perfumes, these options whisper rather than roar.
    By Ariel Wilson
     
     
    A woman wearing a white dress with a deep neck plunge next to a bottle of neroli perfume.
    Fragrance Everyone Else Is Wearing Vanilla This Fall—I'm in a Neroli Mood A little citrus is a welcome change in the season of sugar and spice.
    By Ariel Wilson
    woman in red cashmere sweater on a cashmere background next to a cashmere perfume
    Fragrance Why Do We All Want to Smell Like a $600 Sweater? The cashmere fragrance trend is warming up this fall.
    By Annie Blay-Tetty
     
     
    Latest in Beauty
    deep burgundy red nails, côte peachy nude polish, blue and brown metallic star nails, essie dark berry polish, tiger print french tips with gold details, cirque colors muted rosy brown nail polish
    Nails Before Holiday Glitter Takes Over, Let's Talk About The Tiger Print Nail Trend
    collage of november nail trends
    Nails Jewel Tones Mixed With Pastel Polish Is the November Nail Trend I Never Saw Coming
     
     
    green background with holiday gift sets and a christmas tree
    Beauty Spending Under $20 on Holiday Gifts Has Never Looked So Expensive
    A woman wearing a blue blouse with frills at the neckline. She is next to a microcurrent device, a body lotion, and a face cream.
    Beauty My Wellness-Obsessed Self Is Loving These Ulta Sale Finds
     
     
    Latest in Buying Guides
    A Loulou de Saison model turned to the side wearing a cream turtleneck
    Winter Fashion Nordstrom's Sale Is Very Good Right Now—Here's What a Fashion Editor Is Buying
    A Mango model wearing a blue sweater and black leather skirt
    Winter Fashion Nordstrom's Early Black Friday Sale Has the Brands I Love at Prices I Rarely See
     
     
    Ulla Johnson resort 2027
    Fashion I’m Shopping Winter’s Most Anticipated Trends at Nordstrom
    collage of women wearing winter outfits
    Winter Fashion These Minimalist Winter Outfits Make Getting Dressed Easy
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Marie Claire
    RSS
    • About us
    • Contact Future's experts
    • Contact us
    • Advertise Online
    • Newsletter
    • Terms and conditions
    • Privacy policy
    • Cookies policy
    • Careers
    Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google

    Marie Claire is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

    © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.