Best Unisex Fragrances That Everyone Will Love

Unisex fragrances represent more than just a trend—they embody a cultural movement toward inclusivity, freedom, and creativity in perfumery. 

Gone are the days of strict gender boundaries when it comes to fragrances, as the industry embraces the idea that scents can, and should, be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their gender identity.

From modern classics that redefined the fragrance landscape to contemporary masterpieces from niche houses, these gender-neutral perfumes offer something for every taste and occasion.

Understanding Unisex Fragrances

In the world of fragrances, the term "unisex" refers to scents that do not adhere to traditional gender-based distinctions. This means that anyone, regardless of their gender, can wear and enjoy these perfumes. 

Notes as such don't have a gender—they don't lean into masculine or feminine direction from themselves. It's a tradition that categorizes them into one of the two.

What Makes a Fragrance Unisex?

Unisex fragrances often feature notes that are not traditionally associated with either masculine or feminine scents, such as citrus, musk, leather, cedar, and balanced floral compositions.

Conceptually, unisex fragrances can exist, but nature may still influence perception of gender-neutral scents as gendered due to hormonal factors. However, this biological influence doesn't diminish the universal appeal of well-crafted unisex fragrances.

The Evolution of Gender-Neutral Scents

Calvin Klein's CK One, released in 1994, rewrote fragrance history as the first marketed unisex perfume. 

It became the quintessential "clean" scent appealing to all, featuring an intoxicating combination of citrus and musk that celebrated gender neutrality and became a symbol for a generation wanting to break social norms.

As society becomes more accepting of non-binary gender identities, the fragrance industry has followed suit, with many perfumers crafting scents that appeal to a wide range of people regardless of gender identity.

Top Unisex Fragrances for 2025

Le Labo Santal 33

Its unique mix of smoky sandalwood, spicy cardamom, soft leather, and subtle floral notes has made it a go-to fragrance for many. The fragrance creates distinct experiences as you wear it, with radiant opening notes settling into warm, precious woody undertones.

• • Key Notes: Sandalwood, cardamom, iris, violet, ambrox, cedar, leather, spices 
  • Why It Works: The perfect balance of warm woods and soft spices creates a skin-like scent that adapts to individual body chemistry

Byredo Desert Dawn

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.

• • Key Notes: Sandalwood, cardamom, iris, violet, ambrox, cedar, leather, spices 
  • Why It Works: The perfect balance of warm woods and soft spices creates a skin-like scent that adapts to individual body chemistry

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis

Composed of bergamot, Sicilian lemon, lily of the valley, sweet mock orange, and light and musky woods, this fragrance is perfect for daily use and can be worn alone or layered with other scents to create a unique aroma.

• • Key Notes: Bergamot, Sicilian lemon, lily of the valley, mock orange, musky woods 
  • Why It Works: Light and airy without being overpowering, making it ideal for everyday wear

Tom Ford Ombré Leather

The fragrance shows impressive staying power, projecting strongly for the first two hours and maintaining moderate sillage for several more hours.

• • Key Notes: Black leather, jasmine sambac, cardamom, amber, moss, patchouli 
  • Why It Works: The sophisticated leather accord is softened by floral and spicy elements, creating universal appeal

Byredo Bal d'Afrique

Citruses, tagetes, and black currant in the opening are very dominant, while the floral heart supported by vetiver and musk from the base balances juiciness with dryness, making a perfect harmony of both worlds.

• • Key Notes: Bergamot, lemon, neroli, African marigold, cyclamen, violet, black currant, vetiver, musk 
  • Why It Works: The vibrant opening and sophisticated dry-down appeal to all fragrance lovers

Diptyque Philosykos

A fig-based fragrance that evokes the essence of a sunny Mediterranean grove, it was traditionally used in candles and home scents before becoming incredibly popular as a fine fragrance. It remains the reference for fig perfumes.

• • Key Notes: Fig leaves, fig fruit, fig tree wood, green notes 
  • Why It Works: The photorealistic fig composition transcends gender through its natural, authentic character

CK One by Calvin Klein

It's a classic, all-season fragrance that remains an approachable entry point for those new to unisex fragrances.

• • Key Notes: Orange, bergamot, black tea, vetiver, musk 
  • Why It Works: The clean, fresh composition appeals universally and works in any season

Escentric Molecules Molecule 02

This minimalist masterpiece focuses on ambroxan (Molecule 02) as the star ingredient. The fragrance is incredibly unique because it smells different on everyone's skin, creating a personalized scent experience that defies traditional classification.

• • Key Notes: Ambroxan 
  • Why It Works: The single-molecule composition adapts to individual body chemistry, making it inherently personal

Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt

Wood Sage & Sea Salt combines the earthy scent of sage with the mineral tang of sea salt, creating a scent that's both grounding and refreshing.

• • Key Notes: Wood sage, sea salt, ambrette seeds 
  • Why It Works: The unique combination of earthy and marine elements appeals to diverse preferences

Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace

Though many opt to wear this as their winter fragrance, the subtle sweetness of vanilla makes it an easy choice for year-round wear.

• • Key Notes: Clove oil, chestnut accord, vanilla accord, guaiac wood, cashmere 
  • Why It Works: The cozy, gourmand composition evokes universal comfort and warmth

Choosing the Right Unisex Fragrance

Understanding Your Preferences

Most fragrances, especially from designer brands, can be categorized into feminine or masculine scents, but unisex fragrances aim for a balanced blend that appeals to both genders without leaning too far in either direction.

Factors to Consider

• • Season and Occasion: Consider when and where you'll wear the fragrance. Fresh, citrusy scents work well for daytime and warm weather, while richer, woodier compositions suit evening wear and cooler months.
  • Personal Style: Your individual aesthetic and personality should guide your choice. Whether you prefer minimalist elegance or bold statements, there's a unisex fragrance to match your style.
  • Longevity and Projection: Consider how long you want the fragrance to last and how strong you want it to project. Some unisex fragrances are designed to be subtle skin scents, while others make bold statements.
  • Versatility: A good unisex perfume should allow some versatility in your scent wardrobe, working across different seasons and occasions.

The Benefits of Unisex Fragrances

Shared Scents for Couples

Couples like Russell Wilson and Ciara have even crafted scents together, with their perfume R&C The Fragrance Duo featuring two separate bottles that perform wonderfully when mixed. 

A scent will show up differently on your partner than it does on you due to individual body chemistry variations.

Cost-Effective Fragrance Collecting

Investing in unisex fragrances allows couples and families to share scents, making fragrance collecting more economical. Rather than purchasing separate men's and women's fragrances, one high-quality unisex scent can serve multiple people.

Freedom of Expression

Wearing a gender-neutral perfume means embracing versatility and depth—scents that blend citrus, woods, and florals for unique, personal expression beyond traditional labels. 

Choosing a unisex fragrance is a statement of individuality, celebrating who you are rather than conforming to outdated marketing norms.

Niche vs. Designer Unisex Fragrances

Niche Brands Leading the Way

Niche fragrances usually dominate the unisex spectrum of scents as they generally have a purpose of telling a certain story and making the wearer part of that story. 

The aim is to convey an artistic and creative vision and offer consumers high-quality products that help them reaffirm their personal identity.

Designer Brands Embracing Inclusivity

Traditional fashion houses are also embracing the unisex trend. Even classic houses like Chanel have added unisex scents to their portfolio, while brands like Calvin Klein continue to innovate in the gender-neutral space they pioneered.

Application and Layering Tips

How to Wear Unisex Fragrances

According to fragrance experts at houseofmonac.com, the key to wearing unisex fragrances successfully lies in understanding how they interact with your individual skin chemistry. 

Layering Possibilities

Many unisex fragrances are designed to be layered, either with matching products from the same line or with complementary scents. This creates opportunities for personalization and customization that make the fragrance uniquely yours.

Seasonal Adaptations

Consider how to adapt your unisex fragrance throughout the year. Lighter application in summer and more generous application in winter can help optimize performance while maintaining appropriateness for the season.

Care and Storage

Maintaining Your Unisex Fragrances

Proper storage ensures your investment in quality unisex fragrances pays off long-term. Keep bottles away from light, heat, and humidity to preserve the integrity of the scent. Store in cool, dark places and avoid temperature fluctuations.

When to Replace

While quality unisex fragrances can last several years when properly stored, pay attention to changes in scent or color that might indicate deterioration. The high-quality ingredients in many unisex fragrances tend to age well when cared for properly.

Conclusion

The world of unisex fragrances represents one of the most exciting developments in modern perfumery, offering scents that celebrate individuality and transcend traditional boundaries. 

This shift reflects broader cultural movements toward inclusivity and individual expression, making fragrance choice a more personal and authentic experience for everyone.

Embrace the freedom of choosing fragrances based on love and personal connection rather than limiting gender categories, and discover the joy of scents that everyone can love and share.

FAQ

1. Are unisex fragrances suitable for all ages? 

Yes, unisex fragrances work well for all ages. The key is choosing compositions that match your personal style and occasion rather than age or gender.

2. How do unisex fragrances perform differently on men versus women? 

Unisex fragrances will smell slightly different on everyone due to individual body chemistry, skin pH, and natural oils rather than gender specifically. The key is testing fragrances on your own skin to see how they develop.

3. Can I layer unisex fragrances with gendered scents? 

Absolutely! Unisex fragrances often make excellent base layers for other scents or can be used to modify traditionally gendered fragrances.

4. Are unisex fragrances more expensive than traditional gendered perfumes? 

Pricing varies widely across brands rather than by gender classification. Many affordable unisex options exist (like CK One), while some niche unisex fragrances command premium prices.

5. What should I look for when choosing my first unisex fragrance? 

Start with universally appealing notes like citrus, light woods, or clean musks. Test fragrances on your skin and wear them for several hours to understand how they develop.