Unisex Perfumes: The Best Gender-Neutral Fragrances You Need to Try
Fragrances have long been associated with gender, with floral and sweet scents marketed towards women and musky or woody notes reserved for men. However, the concept of unisex perfumes has revolutionized the fragrance industry, allowing individuals to choose scents based on personal preference rather than societal norms.
Gender-neutral fragrances offer versatility, sophistication, and individuality, making them a popular choice among fragrance lovers. Whether you prefer woody, citrusy, spicy, floral, or fresh scents, there is a unisex cologne or perfume that suits your personality.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a perfume unisex, why you should consider trying one, and the best unisex fragrances available today from top brands.
What Are Unisex Perfumes?
A unisex perfume is a fragrance designed to be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. Unlike traditional fragrances that are categorized as masculine or feminine, unisex perfumes blend various scent families to create a balanced and inclusive aroma.
These perfumes often feature neutral scent profiles like:
- Woody – sandalwood, cedarwood, oud
- Citrusy – bergamot, lemon, grapefruit
- Fresh – aquatic notes, green tea, mint
- Floral – rose, jasmine, iris (often combined with deeper, grounding notes)
- Oriental – amber, vanilla, spices
Unisex fragrances are perfect for those who want a signature scent that is not confined by traditional labels.
Why Choose a Unisex Perfume?
If you haven’t tried a gender-neutral fragrance yet, here are some reasons why you should:
✅ Versatility – Unisex perfumes can be worn for any occasion, whether casual, formal, or romantic.
✅ Personal Expression – Instead of being boxed into gendered fragrance categories, you can explore a scent that matches your personality.
✅ Layering Options – Unisex scents are often designed to mix well with other fragrances, allowing you to create a customized scent.
✅ Shared Scent – Couples or family members can share a single unisex perfume, making it a great investment.
✅ Modern & Trendy – The rise of minimalist, contemporary, and niche perfumes has made unisex fragrances more popular than ever.
Top 10 Best Unisex Perfumes, Colognes & Brands to Try
Here’s a curated list of the best unisex perfumes and colognes that have made a mark in the fragrance industry.
1. Le Labo Santal 33
- Notes: Cardamom, iris, violet, sandalwood, cedarwood
- Why You’ll Love It: One of the most iconic woody unisex perfumes, Santal 33 is warm, sensual, and sophisticated.
2. Byredo Gypsy Water
- Notes: Juniper, lemon, pine needles, incense, sandalwood, vanilla
- Why You’ll Love It: This fresh yet earthy scent is light, airy, and perfect for everyday wear.
3. Tom Ford Black Orchid
- Notes: Truffle, ylang-ylang, dark chocolate, orchid, patchouli
- Why You’ll Love It: A bold and luxurious fragrance, Black Orchid is a must-try for those who love deep, intoxicating scents.
4. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
- Notes: Saffron, jasmine, ambergris, cedarwood
- Why You’ll Love It: This perfume is a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy masterpiece with incredible longevity.
5. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
- Notes: Ambrette, sea salt, sage, grapefruit
- Why You’ll Love It: A refreshing, ocean-inspired fragrance that works well for all genders.
6. Diptyque Philosykos
- Notes: Fig, coconut, cedar, white woods
- Why You’ll Love It: This green, creamy fig-based scent is an elegant and unique option for fragrance lovers.
7. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
- Notes: Iso E Super (a synthetic woody note)
- Why You’ll Love It: A minimalist, skin-enhancing scent that adapts to the wearer’s body chemistry.
8. Acqua di Parma Colonia
- Notes: Citrus, lavender, rosemary, vetiver
- Why You’ll Love It: A classic Italian citrus fragrance that feels fresh, elegant, and timeless.
9. Calvin Klein CK One
- Notes: Pineapple, green tea, papaya, bergamot, musk
- Why You’ll Love It: One of the first-ever unisex perfumes, CK One remains a fresh and clean classic.
10. Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume
- Notes: Cetalox (a synthetic ambergris note)
- Why You’ll Love It: A hypoallergenic, minimalist scent that is clean, musky, and unique.
How to Choose the Right Unisex Perfume for You
Here are some tips to help you find your perfect gender-neutral fragrance:
🔹 Consider Your Personality: Do you prefer light and fresh or deep and mysterious scents?
🔹 Test Before Buying: Fragrances react differently on each person’s skin due to body chemistry.
🔹 Think About Seasonality:
- Summer/Spring – Fresh, citrusy, or floral scents like Byredo Gypsy Water
- Fall/Winter – Warm, spicy, or woody scents like Baccarat Rouge 540
🔹 Day vs. Night:
- For daytime: Clean and crisp scents like CK One
- For evenings: Bold and exotic perfumes like Tom Ford Black Orchid
Where to Buy the Best Unisex Perfumes
You can find gender-neutral perfumes at:
- Luxury department stores – Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods
- Online retailers – Sephora, FragranceNet, Luckyscent
- Brand websites – Le Labo, Diptyque, Tom Ford
- Niche perfumeries – Small independent brands specializing in unisex scents
FAQs About Unisex Perfumes
1. Are unisex perfumes long-lasting?
It depends on the fragrance concentration. Eau de Parfum (EDP) lasts longer than Eau de Toilette (EDT) due to higher oil content.
2. Can unisex perfumes be layered?
Yes! Many gender-neutral fragrances are designed for layering to create a custom scent.
3. Do unisex perfumes smell the same on everyone?
No, body chemistry affects fragrance. The same perfume can smell different on different people.
4. Are unisex perfumes more expensive?
Not necessarily. There are affordable and luxury options available. Calvin Klein CK One is budget-friendly, while Baccarat Rouge 540 is high-end.
5. Can unisex perfumes be worn for special occasions?
Absolutely! Tom Ford Black Orchid or Baccarat Rouge 540 are excellent choices for formal events.
Conclusion
Unisex perfumes break traditional fragrance barriers, offering versatility, sophistication, and self-expression. Whether you prefer woody, fresh, floral, or spicy scents, there is a gender-neutral fragrance that will suit your style.
Try one of the best unisex perfumes mentioned above and find a signature scent that truly represents you!