Dividing scents according to gender is so 2021. These days, unisex perfumes are taking the spotlight, and for good reason: You should be able to spritz whatever (and however) you want. That’s kind of the whole point of fragrance. “Scent is very personal, and you should wear what makes you happy regardless of if a brand markets it masculine or feminine, perfume or cologne,” say co-founders Phil Riportella and Bryan Edwards of Snif, a fragrance brand that creates genderless scents. In other words, anything goes. Beloved gender-neutral fragrances can include florals, woodsy notes, spices like patchouli, or none of the above—it all depends on your interpretation.
The beauty of gender-neutral perfume is that you don’t have to go by top notes, or parse the differences between eau de cologne and eau de parfum. “We’re firm believers that any scent can be for anyone if it fits your vibe and preferences,” the co-founders say. “We love working with all notes and creating unique combos.” It’s ultimately up to the wearer, a.k.a. you, to decide what works.
So, whether you swear by the citrusy scent of bergamot, prefer the earthier notes of sandalwood, or just want a summery scent to suit the season’s vibes, we’ve got you covered with these recs for every preference. Find your new signature scent up ahead.
Meet the Expert
Phil Riportella is a co-founder of the fragrance brand Snif.
Bryan Edwards is a co-founder of the fragrance brand Snif.
1. Most Popular Genderless Fragrance
LE LABO Santal 33
With a moody blend of cardamom, iris, and musk notes, this is the kind of can't-get-enough-of-it scent that's gone from cult-favorite to favorite, full stop. This sensual scent is sophisticated without being too serious, and plays well on anyone.
2. Best Classic Genderless Fragrance
CALVIN KLEIN CK One
The OG unisex fragrance—it was released in 1994—this invigorating fragrance features fresh notes from papaya and pineapple with hints of jasmine, warmed up with green tea and amber, to create an adventurous unisex scent that has withstood the test of time.
3. Best Sustainable Scent
ETAT LIBRE D'ORANGE I Am Trash Les Fleurs Du Déchet Eau de Parfum
This first-of-its-kind luxury fragrance was created using upcycled ingredients, such as exhausted rose petals, already-distilled sandalwood chips, and leftover apples from the food industry. The result? A deliciously fruity, woodsy, and floral scent that smells enticing on all genders. “I loved the smell. So did my kids, husband, best friend,” one Ipster reports.
4. Best if You Love Musky Scents
JO MALONE LONDON™ Rose & White Musk Cologne Absolu
Jo Malone is known for creating an intoxicating array of unisex scents, and this richly floral fragrance is among the best of them. Using three different rose extractions that are picked at dawn, when it is most fragrant, this cologne is made into an uniquely universal scent with the help of its base notes of oud, musk, and white amber.
5. Best if You Love Floral Scents
TOM FORD Black Orchid Eau de Parfum
This isn’t your grandma’s floral fragrance. While you’ll find the usual top notes of gardenia, ylang-ylang, and jasmine—and, naturally, the namesake orchid—they’re anchored by a warm, super-spicy lineup of patchouli, vetiver, and amber. The end result? The kind of fragrance that smells deeply sensual, no matter the wearer.
6. Best if You Love Woody Scents
ESCENTRIC MOLECULES Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette
This scent is all about the Iso-E-Super, an aroma chemical that has a sweet woodsy smell—think cedar or sandalwood. While it’s nice on its own, since it adjusts to your skin, it also plays well if you’re into layering it with other fragrances.
7. Best if You Love Citrus Scents
AESOP Tacit Eau de Parfum
If you’ve ever used Aesop’s skincare products—which usually feature herbaceous unisex scents—then you won’t be surprised by this fragrance, which pairs the bright citrus scent of yuzu with basil to start off fresh, with base notes of clove and vetiver to offer depth and warmth as the scent changes.
8. Best if You Love Warm Scents
SOURCE ADAGE c'i'aan Eau de Parfum
With juniper, spearmint, and cedarwood, this cozy scent is the aromatic equivalent of a mountain retreat. Featuring woody aromatics with hints of earthy greens and even fruity notes, this scent envelops you in warmth. As one Ipster puts it: “This fragrance smells absolutely delightful and I got so many compliments wearing it.”
9. Best if You Love Roses
BOY SMELLS Rose Load
Rose might seem like it’s too “feminine” to be a unisex note, but that’s not the case with this surprisingly spicy scent, which balances rose absolute with smoke papyrus and sandalwood.
10. Best if You Love Fruity Scents
CLEAN RESERVE Radiant Nectar
While fruity notes can get overpowering fast, that’s not the case with this scent, which pairs juicy pear nectar over a natural musk. Together, they smell like skin after an afternoon laying out in the sun.
11. Best if You Love Spicy Notes
MAISON MARGIELA Replica: At The Barber’s
Inspired, as the name implies, by the barbershop, this relaxing scent pairs warm tonka bean and black pepper with a garden-worthy blend of herbs: rosemary, lavender, and even basil. It’s like self-care in a bottle.
12. Best If You’re a Minimalist
BYREDO Blanche Eau de Parfum
With musks, peony, and a rose-like aldehyde, this scent set out to elicit clean laundry and bare skin. Our verdict: Mission accomplished.
13. Best for Warm Weather
D.S. & DURGA El Cosmico Eau de Parfum
Clean and impactful, this scent harnesses desert-inspired notes like mesquite and pine to keep things cool in hot temps. If you love the dry feel and blustery feel of desert air, this is it.
14. Best for Cool Weather
COMMODITY Gold Fragrance
This fragrance is like comfort in a spritz; with bergamot, vanilla, and amber, it leans gourmand without veering too sweet. “This is my new go-to perfume! It smells so good! It's earthy and warm and the perfect strength,” says one Ipster.
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