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14 Genderless Fragrances Made for Everyone

By Deanna Pai

Published on Jul 30, 2022

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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.

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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.

Find your new signature scent with the IPSY Glam Bag! Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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