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13 of the Best Gender Neutral Fragrances
By Maria Mukaranda
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10 months ago | Updated
The fun thing about fragrance is that it can be many things - versatile - an expression of mood, personality, and style. Whether you’re drawn to fresh citruses, warm woods, or intriguing spices, the best gender-neutral perfumes strike a perfect balance between masculine and feminine notes - or maybe even create a secret third thing. Here’s our curated list of 13 of the best gender-neutral fragrances that are as versatile as they are irresistible.
How to Choose the Perfect Unisex Perfume
When selecting a unisex fragrance, consider the following factors:
- Scent Profile: Do you prefer fresh and citrusy, warm and woody, floral and clean, or spicy and oriental? Perhaps none at all or somewhere in between...?
- Longevity & Projection: Some perfumes last all day or a fleeting moment, while others offer either a loud or more subtle presence.
- Occasion & Season: Lighter scents work well in warm weather, while deeper fragrances shine in cooler months.
- Personal Body Chemistry: Scents evolve differently on each person’s skin, making sample testing a great idea.
- Fragrance Families: Popular unisex options include fresh and spicy, fruity floral, gourmand and floral, woody and spicy, and fig-based scents.
For a deeper dive, check out The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Signature Scent.
Best Practices for Applying Unisex Perfume
To make the most of your fragrance:
- Apply to Pulse Points: Target areas like your wrists, neck, and behind ears for all the best diffusion.
- Moderation is Key: A couple of spritzes go a long way—overapplying can overwhelm rather than enhance. Very often, others usually smell your perfume more than you do.
- Layering Techniques: Combine complementary scents or try using scented lotions for longevity.
Top 13 Gender-Neutral Fragrances
Byredo Black Saffron Eau De Parfum
£144.50 £181.50 (21% off)A cult-classic, sophisticated blend of saffron, juniper berries, and black violet, this scent by modern favourite Byredo is as mysterious as it is elegant. The warm leather and raspberry notes add depth, making it a bold yet wearable choice.
Diptyque Vetyverio Eau De Toilette
£101.00 £105.00 (4% off)Earthy vetiver takes centre stage in this refined fragrance by Diptyque, another cult-classic brand, softened by floral and citrusy notes. It’s fresh yet deep, making it a perfect everyday scent for all seasons.
Jo Malone London Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense
£97.81 £130.00 (25% off)Masterfully blending rich woody notes of oud and the refreshingly crisp notes of bergamot to create a fragrance that you'll want to reach for time and time again.
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum
£88.50 £89.00 (1% off)Few fragrances have reached icon status quite like Santal 33. Loved across fashion capitals and fragrance circles alike, this cult classic blends smoky sandalwood with cardamom, leather, papyrus and violet for a scent that feels effortlessly cool and instantly recognisable. It’s warm, woody and subtly spicy — the kind of fragrance that lingers in the air long after you’ve left the room.
Santal 33 is unisex at its core: clean enough for minimalists, rugged enough for lovers of deeper notes, and endlessly wearable across seasons. If you’re searching for a signature scent with real staying power, this one is practically a modern rite of passage.
Maison Margiela Autumn Vibes Eau De Toilette
£42.50 £68.50 (38% off)A crisp and woody scent, inspired by fall leaves, cardamom, and cedarwood—perfect for lovers of earthy, outdoorsy fragrances by Maison Margiela.
Acqua Di Parma Zafferano Eau De Parfum Unisex Fragrance Spray
£139.99 £290.50 (52% off)A luxurious fusion of saffron, citrus, and warm woods, this scent is both rich and effortlessly wearable, by Acqua Di Parma.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Eau De Toilette
£60.00 £105.00 (43% off)A light, fresh scent featuring lemon, bergamot, and white musk, perfect for everyday wear - by luxury fragrance house Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
Calvin Klein CK One Eau De Toilette
£14.83 £19.00 (22% off)The iconic unisex fragrance by Calvin Klein, blending citrus, green tea, and musk for a fresh, clean scent.
Lattafa Oud Mood Eau De Parfum
£13.92 £18.95 (27% off)A luxurious offering from Lattafa of oud, amber, and floral accords, adding richness and depth.
Diptyque Philosykos Eau De Toilette
£96.50 £105.00 (9% off)Diptyque Philosykos Eau De Toilette captures the essence of a sun-drenched fig grove with fresh green notes and creamy, woody undertones.
Serge Lutens Poivre Noir Eau De Parfum
£48.51 £135.00 (65% off)Serge Lutens' Poivre Noir Eau De Parfum is a great unisex fragrance that artfully blends spicy black pepper with warm nutmeg and cedarwood, for a rich and invigorating scent.
Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath Eau De Toilette
£86.74 £175.64 (51% off)Blending bubble accords, pink pepper, and bergamot to give you the ultimate unisex clean scent.
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau De Parfum
£108.50 £157.50 (32% off)From luxury favourite Tom Ford, this Mediterranean-inspired fragrance is a sun-drenched mix of neroli, bergamot, and amber, evoking the glamour of the Italian Riviera.
Montale Wild Pears Eau De Parfum
£78.78 £87.00 (10% off)An aromatic, fruity fragrance with woody, musky undertones by Montale.
Kilian Intoxicated Eau De Parfum
£207.14 £225.00 (8% off)Kilian's Intoxicated Eau De Parfum is a unisex fragrance that captures the essence of rich Turkish coffee, enhanced with green cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a warm and spicy aroma.
What defines a unisex perfume?
Unisex perfumes balance or subvert traditional “masculine” and “feminine” notes, blending elements like citrus, woods, musk and spices for universal appeal. These scents often adapt to individual body chemistry, creating a personalised finish for each wearer.
Why are gender-neutral fragrances becoming so popular?
People are moving away from rigid “for him / for her” labels and choosing scents based on preference. Unisex perfumes feel modern, expressive and inclusive, reflecting wider shifts toward individuality, minimalism and genderless beauty.
Do unisex perfumes smell different on everyone?
Yes — adaptable notes like musk, bergamot, fig and woods interact uniquely with body chemistry. A single scent can smell brighter, deeper or creamier depending on the wearer, adding to its personalised appeal.
Are gender-neutral fragrances more versatile than traditional perfumes?
Often, yes. Their balanced profiles avoid extremes, making them easy to wear year-round and across different occasions. Many people treat unisex fragrances as wardrobe staples that transition seamlessly from day to night.
What notes should I look for if I’m new to unisex fragrances?
Start with citrus, clean musk, fig, vetiver, soft woods or light spices. These notes are approachable and universally flattering. Once you know what you enjoy, you can explore richer accords like oud, leather or incense.
Fragrance Families Popular in Unisex Perfumes
Unisex perfumes often fall into these fragrance families:
- Citrus (e.g., bergamot, neroli) – Fresh and uplifting.
- Woody & Spicy (e.g., cedarwood, sandalwood, pink pepper) – Warm and grounding.
- Fresh & Spicy (e.g., ginger, black pepper, cardamom) – Vibrant and energising.
- Fruity Floral (e.g., fig, jasmine, peony) – Playful and elegant.
- Gourmand (e.g., vanilla, almond, tuberose) – Sweet yet sophisticated.
- Fig-Based Scents (e.g., green fig, fig leaf) – Creamy and fresh.
Expert Recommendations & Opinions
Our industry experts here at the Cosmetify HQ team emphasise that approaching unisex perfumes as a vehicle to freedom of expression and personalisation. We recommend starting with fresh, citrus-based fragrances is often ideal for newcomers, as they offer light, uplifting aromas before diving into richer, spicier notes. You could also try incorporating vanilla fragrances to add warmth and depth to unisex scents.
Final Thoughts
Fragrance has long been tied to gender norms, but more and more modern consumers reject rigid labels. The rise of unisex perfumes reflects a cultural shift towards individuality and inclusivity. Brands are now focusing on universal appeal rather than traditional marketing categories - which mean more fun and more options, which we're sure is never a bad thing.
Gender-neutral fragrances are more than a trend—they’re a reflection of modern fragrance preferences that embrace what can be seen a both a much simpler, yet more experimental, take on perfumery. Whatever you gravitate toward, there’s a unisex fragrance here every and any of you
Written by Maria Mukaranda
Maria’s background is rooted primarily in creative media and a love for all things written, expressed through experience both online and in print; for creative platforms spanning from music to fashion to beauty.
