All the best fragrances are gender-neutral at their core. As long as you like a smell, it's the smell for you. But 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.
Non-gendered fragrances live on a spectrum. While some may lean floral or citrus, 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."
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.
That said, a perfume's gender neutrality is up to interpretation. Ahead, fragrance experts share their picks for the best unisex perfumes—plus what to look for when shopping.
The Best Unisex Perfumes
- Best Unisex Perfume Overall: Byredo Desert Dawn Eau de Parfum
- Best Fresh Unisex Perfume: Liis Ethereal Wave Eau de Parfum
- Best Woody Vanilla Unisex Perfume: Victoria Beckham Beauty 21:50 Rêverie Eau de Parfum
- Best Fruity Unisex Perfume: DS & Durga Black Magenta Eau de Parfum
- Best Refreshing Unisex Perfume: Dior Eden Roc Eau de Parfum
Thanks to its unique combination of warm and floral notes, this unisex Byredo fragrance is light yet complex. Sandalwood and cedarwood are at the heart of this perfume, and they're rounded out by rose petals and papyrus, which keep the warm, bold scent from being too overwhelming.
Size options: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Fragrance Family: Woody and Spicy
What We Love: Warm and sensual scent
What We Don’t: Some wearers may think it’s too powdery
MC Review: “This is currently my go-to fragrance for a night out with friends. Whether we’re going to dinner at a restaurant or going out for drinks, I find that this scent makes a statement without coming off too strong. Plus, it’s a compliment magnet.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
This woody, spicy scent is a staple in a fragrance wardrobe.
This perfume bottle is minimalist to its core, but the scent itself is anything but simple. White tea and black tea absolute sit at the heart of the fragrance, while notes of bergamot, blonde woods, musk, and cardamom round out the mix for a warm, fresh scent.
Size options: 50 ml (1.7 oz)
Fragrance Family: Fresh and Spicy
What We Love: Soft, intimate fragrance
What We Don’t: Scent fades quickly
MC Review: “Spritzing on this fragrance is like slipping into crisp, freshly laundered sheets at the end of a long day. It’s warm, creamy, and soothes the senses, like an olfactory weighted blanket.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
For a light fragrance, this is the way to go.
Inspired by the valleys and rainforests in Java, Indonesia, this unisex perfume features notes of tobacco leaves, plum, vanilla, and cedarwood for a warm, sexy, and sultry finish. It’s a scent that sits close to the skin—after people catch a whiff, they will 100 percent ask you, “What are you wearing?”
Size options: 50 ml (1.7 oz), 100 ml (3.4 oz)
Fragrance Family: Woody
What We Love: Complex, unique scent; warm and inviting
What We Don’t: Some wearers may find the scent too subtle
MC Review: “This fragrance smells so good; at the end of a trip to see me in NYC, my mom tried to sneak it into her luggage. Thankfully, I caught her before she zipped up her suitcase because it’s my new favorite scent. The three key notes—vanilla, cedarwood, and tonka bean—give the perfume a soft warm essence that lingers on my skin long after I spritz.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
Vanilla is prominent at the jump, but this settles into a lovely woody scent.
Packed with bold, sensual notes, this unisex perfume is aromatic and compelling. Pink pineapple and black pepper, orris concrete and orange flower, and black amber and sandalwood all come together to create a scent that stops just short of too much.
Size options: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Fragrance Family: Fruity and Woody
What We Love: Strong sillage; comforting scent
What We Don’t: Pineapple note may be too fruity for some people
MC Review: “I couldn’t stop thinking about this perfume after I first smelled it. With notes of pink pineapple, orange flower, and sandalwood, it’s a head-turner. Consider this the ultimate statement fragrance, perfect for a late night out.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
This super-sized bottle will last you years.
Inspired by summer along the French Riviera, this fragrance features notes of rose and fig. Just one hint of this scent is enough to transport you to a beachside hotel, sipping cocktails on a vine-covered patio.
Size options: 1.35 oz, 4.25 oz, 8.5 oz
Fragrance Family: Floral and Clean
What We Love: Refreshing, uplifting scent
What We Don’t: Longevity could be stronger
MC Review: “This fragrance is the ultimate olfactory pick-me-up for my senses—it’s clean, crisp, and fresh, thanks to the hint of florals. Overall, the scent is comforting and familiar but not boring or over-played, making it a great addition to my fragrance wardrobe.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
The fig note differentiates this fragrance from other rose scents.
Other Unisex Perfumes We Love
This energizing and vibrant perfume opens with a refreshing burst of citrus. As it settles onto your skin, you’ll pick up on the warmer notes, which ground the fragrance and help to create a captivating scent.
Size options: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz
Fragrance Family: Woody and Citrus
What We Love: Clean, light scent
What We Don’t: Not very long-lasting
Customer Review: “I was quite surprised by the uniqueness of Aura by DedCool. The notes blend together in a way that makes something truly extraordinary. It's youthful, energetic, a bit flirty, reserved, and well-rounded. It's floral and fruity and sweet, like a warm sunny day. Pear, cedar, and caramel blend together effortlessly in this fruity orchard.” — Sephora
This fragrance’s captivating blend dances between fresh and floral, perfectly balancing uplifting citrus notes with a subtle, earthy base. The result: an exhilarating scent that is reminiscent of summer but can be worn all year long.
Size options: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz
Fragrance Family: Fresh and Citrus
What We Love: Perfect everyday scent
What We Don’t: Fades quickly on some wearers
Retailer Review: “This is a lovely, crisp, bright scent that still somehow manages to sit close to the skin. Very office-appropriate. I love it.” — Lake and Skye
Something about this scent 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 (just ask anyone around in the 2010s).
Size options: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Fragrance Family: Woody
What We Love: A perfect unisex fragrance starting point; widely beloved
What We Don’t: May be too well-known for some
Review from Retailer: “I’m blessed and lucky to say this is my everyday perfume. There are a multitude of reasons why. 1) I love to smell it on myself. You only need one spray. 2) It’s subtle but distinctive and pleasantly lingers. 3) You will randomly get stopped and asked ‘What are you wearing?’ So, if you’re a social butterfly like me, it’s a great conversation starter.” — Nordstrom
A bit strong 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.
Size options: 3.4 oz, 6.8 oz
Fragrance Family: Spicy Floral
What We Love: Strong yet balanced
What We Don’t: Expensive
Review from Retailer: “I bought this for my husband for Father’s Day. It was a really great gift. Best present ever. It was worth every penny, and it smells so good.” — Guerlain
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.
Size options: 1.7, 3.3 oz, 6.7 oz, 10 oz
Fragrance Family: Fresh Citrus
What We Love: Crisp and fresh scent; affordable
What We Don’t: Doesn’t have a strong sillage
Review from Retailer: “I've been using this product since the ‘90s. I would get a bottle of it every year for Christmas. It smells so good that two of my teenagers are constantly sneaking in and spraying themselves with it. They are begging me to buy them a bottle.” — Amazon
Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Gentle Fluidity comes in two versions—gold and silver—that feature the exact same notes. These crisp fragrances have an incredibly endearing sense of familiarity (a "where have I smelled this before?" aura), so be prepared for people to stop and ask what you have on.
Size options: 1.2 oz, 2.4 oz, 6.8 oz
Fragrance Family: Spicy Vanilla
What We Love: Crisp; smooth
What We Don’t: Some may find this scent too light and airy
Review from Retailer: “This is my favorite perfume I have tried lately. I get compliments every time I wear it; it lasts all day or night. The vanilla and amber wood scent is not overpowering. I will always have this stocked in my collection because it is amazing!” — Nordstrom
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."
Size options: 0.32 oz, 1.7 oz
Fragrance Family: Fresh and Woody
What We Love: Lush; affordable
What We Don’t: Could have better sillage
Review from Retailer: “I love this so much! I blind bought this based on the notes and I've blown through half the travel size in a couple of weeks. It doesn't last ALL day but does last several hours. If it had just a little more staying power, I'd give this five stars.” — Sephora
Fresh pink peppercorn! The ocean! The forest! A lot is happening 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 it accordingly.
Size options: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Fragrance Family: Woody and Earthy
What We Love: Very long-lasting
What We Don’t: Might be too strong for some wearers
Review from Retailer: “This is a gorgeous scent. It really would work in any season, and I can't imagine a scenario where it wouldn't fit the bill. The full size bottle looks wonderful. The scent stays all day.” — Sephora
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.
Size options: 2.5 oz
Fragrance Family: Gourmand and Floral
What We Love: Long-lasting
What We Don’t: Not suitable for hot, humid climates
Review from Retailer: “This is going to be my new signature scent. This scent is amazing from the initial spray all the way to the dry down.” — Bloomingdales
If you're looking for a scent on the light side of heavy, this is for you. Australian-based perfume house Lumira crafted Desert Nights. 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.
Size options: 1.7 oz
Fragrance Family: Woody and Spicy
What We Love: Unique scent
What We Don’t: Not everyone will be a fan of the leather and honey notes
Review from Retailer: “I get compliments all the time for this scent! It is slightly earthy and more on the masculine side, but I love it!” — Atelier Lumira
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 scent having 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.
Size options: 2.5 oz, 4.2 oz, 6.7 oz
Fragrance Family: Gourmand and Floral
What We Love: Great longevity and silage
What We Don’t: Expensive
Review from Retailer: “I love Pegasus. It's a very soft smell that most people love. I recommend only using one to two splashes—it’s perfect to wear at work. The performance is supreme, 8-12 hours in my experience. To me, it is the best vanilla fragrance in the market, the dry down is so satisfying that it is worth the price. If you wear it on a date, your girl will love it. It does not smell like pie (like other vanilla fragrances). It is just class in a bottle.” — Nordstrom
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.
Size options: 0.3 oz, 2.2 oz
Fragrance Family: Floral and Fruity
What We Love: Affordable, also available as a candle
What We Don’t: Might be too powdery for some
Review from Retailer: “As someone who isn't typically a fan of florals, I was skeptical about this scent. However, the perfume was truly lovely, fresh, and clean while containing depth and complexity. Perfect for someone who loves sweet and spice.” — Sephora
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.
Size options: 2.5 oz
Fragrance Family: Fresh and Earthy
What We Love: Joyful and uplifting scent
What We Don’t: Scent disappears quickly on some people
Review from Retailer: “Smells like a vacation in Greece. Can't get enough. Slightly sweet start that finishes in a light wood scent. I don't think it lasts very long, but that's expected of a very fresh scent.” — Nordstrom
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.
Size options: 0.27 oz, 1.7 oz
Fragrance Family: Woody
What We Love: Warm and comforting
What We Don’t: May be too patchouli-heavy for some people
Review from Retailer: “Lovely evening fragrance—it smells like brewing something spicy and beautiful in the evening, particularly gorgeous on a cold night.” — Nordstrom
Inspired by nature’s vitality, Clinique Calyx contains a blend of citrus, rose, and lush greens. Originally launched in 1987 under the brand Prescriptives, the new take on Calyx is energetic and ready to be packed for your next couple's vacation hike.
Size options: 1.7 oz
Fragrance Family: Fresh
What We Love: Uplifting, great for everyday wear
What We Don’t: Fades quickly
Review from Retailer: “Calyx is my signature fragrance. The scent is fresh and citrusy, never overpowering. I’ve been wearing Calyx for decades and receive compliments daily . I hope it’s never discontinued because I’ve never been able to find a suitable substitute.” — Macys
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.
Size options: 3.3 oz
Fragrance Family: Floral and Earthy
What We Love: Great sillage; not overpowering
What We Don’t: Expensive
Review from Retailer: “I recently experienced Gucci's The Heart of Leo from their Alchemist's Garden collection, and it's truly enchanting. The fragrance combines opulent floral notes with a subtle earthy undertone, creating a sophisticated and warm aroma. It evolves beautifully over time, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to leave a memorable impression.” — Nordstrom
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 more the absence of gender coding that makes a scent "unisex." For example, using florals or fruity ingredients for women and aromatic fougere-type ingredients for men typically make us associate scents with those ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ tropes," 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.
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 vanilla perfume or wedding day scent.
"Within my creative process, I am not required to think of gender, which gives me a little more freedom not 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 a 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."
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. For example, some tend to push top notes versus bottom notes on their skin. 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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