Beauty marketing has long convinced the masses that fragrances are gender specific. Musky, woody, and tobacco fragrances are deemed strictly masculine, while florals and sweet gourmands are labeled feminine. As a fragrance lover who has always rebelled against these norms (Issey Miyake’s men’s L’Eau d’Issey has a special place in my heart and on my vanity), I appreciate the fact that unisex fragrances, also known as gender-neutral scents, have gained popularity.
Instead of relying on scent notes that are boxed into traditional gender dynamics, unisex fragrance brands — from indie to mainstream — encourage fragrance lovers to experiment with scents that evoke feelings of fond nostalgia or align with their unique tastes. There are hundreds of options in this ever-evolving market, so if you’re ready to give the gift of an unisex fragrance to a loved one, you’ve come to the right place – we’ve created an assortment of 13 delectable scents that embody the “yours, mine, and ours” aesthetic.
Whether citrus or floral scents tickle your fancy or woody and spicy notes are your preference, none of these unisex fragrance options will steer you wrong. After all, no rules apply to gender neutral scents. This type of fragrance is open to individual interpretation.
Literal sunshine in a bottle
Promising review: "This really does smell like a hot summer day in a flower garden. I love the citrus opening and wish it lasted longer, but once it dries down, the salty vanilla reminds me of a flower in the sun. Perfect for a summer day without going too beachy. I got the sample and would consider a full bottle." — Ann. E
A Madagascar vanilla fragrance that smells good enough to eat
Promising review: "I initially smelled this fragrance in the perfume oil form, so I ran to my trusty Sephora for the actual parfum spray. It is warm, robust, and spicy: you will turn heads without overpowering the room!" — TessaBay
The supposed “smell of wealth” with an unexpectedly affordable price tag
Promising review: "This is like your ride or die designer purse that somehow goes with every outfit and effortlessly elevates any look. I layer this with just about anything to give the overall fragrance result more substance and stylish complexity. The dry down lingers like a fond memory of last night's soiree. You, at your confident best." — Jeannette
An eau de parfum that’s somehow both fresh and earthy
Promising review: "Father Figure by Phlur is a masterpiece! This scent perfectly balances warm, woody notes with a subtle freshness, making it highly versatile. I find it suitable for any occasion. The fragrance has impressive longevity, lasting all day without being overpowering. It’s unique and modern. Phlur truly nailed it with this one. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a signature scent that stands out in the best way possible!" — sloanekays
A scent to transport you
Promising review: This is my favorite winter perfume. I love the warm notes and the softness of the smell. It's so different from what I ever had; it's not sweet, it feels even a little bit bitter at first. I love that it is not sweet and annoying. I sprayed myself and received many compliments. It leaves a good sillage." — Juliebee1
An earthy cult-favorite
Promising review: "I was shopping for a go-to fragrance. I really like gourmand fragrances all year round. This one is perfect as it can be layered, and you don't feel like it's a heavy savory scent. When I tried it at the store, three ladies came up and were re-purchasing it, and they encouraged me to get it, as it was a showstopper. I am not disappointed. My husband loves it, and he can wear it as it is unisex." — CindyHDallas
A “stunner of a fragrance” that you may want to bathe in
Promising review: "This is the fresh and clean scent of my dreams! It was love at first sniff, and I’ve worn this religiously every single day for six months since my first purchase. I wore this for the first time when going to lunch with my best friend, and she asked me what I was wearing and said I smelled yummy. This is an absolute stunner of a fragrance that is not in your face and overpowering. It’s the high-class version of the clean girl aesthetic. It’s the sophisticated, clean girl. It’s the “she always smells good” kind of fragrance. It isn’t super feminine but definitely smells “pretty”. But I can see how this is unisex and universally appealing. I tend to start wearing heavier fragrances like Grand Soir in the fall/winter months, but I can see 724 staying in the rotation year-round. A+!" — MeemsBKD
An exquisite scent with packaging to match
Promising review: "If you like salt and sandalwood notes, you must try this one. It smells really nice, and it is pretty long-lasting. It has a very addictive scent, and the packaging is so pretty, even for the travel size. I would also want to buy the full size. I believe it's the most beautiful one in their collection." — Ling
A “slightly sweet” and fruity eau de parfum
Promising review: "I love Jérôme Epinette's work, and this one is up there among my favorites. It has the same addictive, creamy, slightly sweet warmth to the drydown that Byredo Bal d'Afrique has, just with a fruitier opening. I can see people of all ages enjoying this for an everyday scent — it's unobtrusive but lovely, and fairly unique compared to the trendy super-sweet vanilla gourmands that are everywhere. I think it's a steal at these prices and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it." — Kay
A zen-like, botanical eau de parfum
Spritz your body (with a focus on your pulse points) with this scent from Biology Fragrances to channel your inner zen. Boasting a blend of botanical extracts, essential oils, and fruit aromas, each spray takes you away to an enchanting escape in seconds. Not to mention, this fragrance is 100% natural and paraben-free.
Promising review: "As someone sensitive to synthetic ingredients, I was drawn to Joy’s natural formulation. The absence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is a huge plus, and I found the inclusion of essential oils like sandalwood and bergamot to be calming- particularly under stress." — Olivia K.
An olfactory hug
If powdery-amber scents pique your interest, you may want to get acquainted with the newest addition to the Goldfield & Banks roster: Tales of Amber. Formulated with aromas associated with the autumn/winter seasons — Australian agarwood, New Zealand ambergis, orange blossom, cinnamon, and iris — this scent feels like a long, cozy hug for your skin.
Promising review: "The scent of smoky wood takes the forefront and is nicely contrasted by botanical/floral notes. To me, it perfectly embodies the essence of the autumn season. It's somehow both warm and cozy and bright and fresh. This fragrance strikes the perfect balance for the time of year!" — Bram H.
A rose-scent eau de parfum that I’m spiritually connected to
Promising review: "I absolutely love the smell of roses, so I thought I would love Octavia Morgan Deep Rose. This is a unisex fragrance that smells amazing. The bottle is pretty. I sprayed on my neck and pulse points. I arrived at work, and I received at least three compliments. This scent lasted all day long without being overpowering. My skin gave off a floral rose smell. My husband also tried this out, and he received compliments as well, but his smelled more woodsy. We both love the scent, and we will continue wearing it. I would definitely recommend this product." — The Chrissy