Unisex Perfumes: Why Gender-Neutral Scents Are Gaining Popularity

When you spritz on a fragrance, you expect it to echo your personality, not a label on a shelf. That is exactly why unisex perfumes have moved from niche counters to mainstream must-haves. Designed for anyone who loves a balanced blend of notes, these bottles prove scent has no gender—only character.

This blog will discuss why unisex perfumes are a new obsession and how to pick the right ones that complement your personality.

Breaking the Fragrance Binary

Until the late 20th century, perfumery was split into “for him” or “for her.” The launch of Calvin Klein’s CK One in 1994 opened the door for shared scents, but the real surge has happened in the past decade.

Changing social attitudes toward gender fluidity have inspired shoppers to pick what smells good rather than what marketing dictates. The Liberty London study shows gender-neutral fragrance sales are rising by double digits year-over-year, outpacing traditional men’s and women’s categories. They account for around 40% of the total market sales.

Notes that Everyone Loves

Most neutral blends sit in the sweet spot between sparkling freshness and comforting warmth. Think crisp bergamot easing into creamy sandalwood or airy florals balanced by earthy vetiver.

Fragrance houses often dial back extreme sweetness or heavy oud, favoring versatile accords that adapt to skin chemistry. The result is a scent journey that feels personal to you, yet smells just as inviting to your partner or best friend.

If you enjoy sensual skin-close aromas, explore our selection of musk-inspired blends that feel cozy without leaning too feminine or masculine. 

Culture, Fashion, and the Power of Identity

Fashion weeks from Paris to New York celebrate fluid silhouettes; beauty is following suit. In recent years, unisex fragrance launches were highlighted as one of the year’s top beauty trends. Movie stars and musicians openly share their signature scents, many of which are marketed as gender-free. The message is clear: individuality trumps categories.

At the same time, social media has turned fragrance from a private ritual into a topic of community discussion. TikTok’s PerfumeTok hashtag—now boasting billions of views—regularly spotlights shared-shelf favorites, further normalizing gender-neutral spritzes.

Practical Perks of Sharing a Bottle

Beyond the cultural shift, there are simple, everyday reasons to reach for unisex perfumes:

• Less clutter: One bottle on the dresser instead of two.

• Cost-friendly: Splitting the price of a premium fragrance with a partner makes luxury more attainable.

• Versatility: Lighter unisex blends transition seamlessly from day meetings to evening plans.

• Travel ease: Pack one atomizer and you are both covered for the trip.
  
  

How Perfume Creators Craft a Balance

Perfumers often begin a unisex formula with a neutral backbone—citrus, soft spices, or green notes—then layer in complementary woods or musks. By keeping aldehydes and sugary gourmand notes minimal, they avoid tilting the final mix toward a stereotypical feminine profile.

Conversely, smoky leathers and strong ambers are softened with floral hints so they don’t skew “too masculine.” The artistry lies in maintaining harmony, much like composing a song where no instrument overpowers another.

For a deeper dive into how accords work together, check the global fragrance wheel—a handy visual created by perfumer Michael Edwards.

Tips for Choosing Your Gender-Neutral Scent

Test on skin, not paper. Body chemistry can transform a neutral blend, turning woody notes creamier or florals brighter.

• Consider the environment: A cool office may mute certain accords, while summer heat amps them up.

• Start light: Eau de toilette concentrations or perfume oils let you layer without overwhelming.

• Share feedback: If you and a partner intend to co-own a bottle, wear it separately for a day and compare impressions before buying.

• Follow your mood, not marketing: Trust your nose; the best fragrance is the one that makes you feel confident.

The Future Smells Inclusive

As designers blur the lines between men’s and women’s fashion, perfumers will keep doing the same. Expect more cross-category launches, refillable bottles to cut waste, and AI-assisted formulations tailored to personal scent profiles.

Whether you lean toward zesty citruses or velvety woods, a gender-neutral fragrance ensures your signature scent is defined by personality, not packaging.