Why Gender-Neutral Perfume Is Here to Stay

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For decades, perfume counters were filled with gender-specific fragrances. Fresh aquatics, woods and spices sat on one side under signs for men, while florals, fruits and sweeter scents occupied the shelves marked for women.

Plenty of women wore woody fragrances long before brands called them unisex and men have been wearing vanilla, iris and rose for years without giving it much thought.

Today, gender-neutral fragrances have moved from niche collections into the mainstream. New unisex perfume launches appear every month and some of the biggest names in fragrance now include unisex scents in their core ranges.

Keep reading to learn more about unisex fragrances, why they have become so popular and what makes them appeal to such a wide range of perfume lovers.

What is a Unisex Fragrance?

A unisex fragrance is a perfume created to be worn by anyone, regardless of gender.

That does not mean every unisex scent smells the same. In fact, some are fresher and citrusy, while others are warmer, richer or more floral.

The main difference is that the fragrance is marketed on its own scent, showcasing the notes and accords without implying it’s specifically for men or women.

So, Why are Unisex Perfumes Becoming Popular?

Purchasing a unisex fragrance is a no-brainer in this day and age.

Many shoppers no longer feel tied to the labels attached to a perfume bottle. If they like how a fragrance smells on their skin, that’s all they need.

Online shopping has probably accelerated these changes in the way we choose our fragrances. Without standing in front of separate men’s and women’s counters, people are now browsing with a more open mind.

Plus, couples love the efficiency and intimacy of sharing a perfume that reminds them of each other throughout the day.

Have Perfumes Always Been Gendered?

It might seem like there have been perfume rules over the years, but rose has been widely used in men’s fragrances for centuries and still appears in plenty of modern masculine scents today. And woods and vetiver have featured in women’s perfumes for decades.

The strict divide between masculine and feminine fragrance families is much newer than many people realise and was largely developed through marketing during the twentieth century.

Perfumers have always borrowed ingredients from every corner of the fragrance world.

Fragrance Notes That Work Well in Unisex Perfumes

Some niche fragrance notes appear regularly in gender-neutral perfumes because they work comfortably across different fragrance styles, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Bergamot

Fresh and bright with a softer character than many citrus notes. It adds lift to a fragrance without dominating the composition. Discover vegan bergamot perfume here.

Sandalwood

Creamy, smooth and easy to wear throughout the year. It works particularly well in fragrances that sit close to the skin. Discover vegan sandalwood fragrance here.

Amber

Adds warmth and depth while keeping a fragrance versatile enough for both daytime and evening wear. Discover vegan amber perfume here.

Vetiver

Earthy and clean with a slightly green edge that feels equally at home in fresh fragrances and richer blends.

Musk

Often used to create that ‘your skin but better’ effect that has become so popular in modern perfumery. Discover vegan musk perfume here.

Neroli

A floral note with freshness and citrus character that helps bridge the gap between traditional fragrance categories.

Gender-Neutral Perfume is Here to Stay

Unisex fragrances are the go-to for many perfume lovers.

These days, you won’t find yourself standing in front of a bottle of perfume wondering if you’re allowed to wear it. Instead, you are deciding whether you actually love the fragrance and whether it suits your taste.

The best fragrance for you will always be the one you enjoy wearing every day, whether it’s made specifically for your gender or not.