Get a whiff of these genderless fragrances that we are totally obsessed with RN

Not a fan of cloyingly sweet, fruity, or floral scents, I often found myself reaching for my husband’s perfumes that are more fresh or marine smelling. I came to realise I was never drawn to the extremely feminine fragrances marketed to women and much rather preferred more neutral scents. And it’s not just me; so many choose neutral, unisex fragrances over standard scents marketed specifically to either men or women.

Unlike traditional perfumes, since unisex ones are created with a blend of notes, they appeal to a broader audience. They’re not bound by the conventions of masculine or feminine scents, making them ideal for those who prefer a fragrance that’s more neutral.

Interestingly, there’s a growing desire for scents that resonate with people’s unique identities and their scent preferences rather than gendered marketing.

The rise of genderless fragrances

We talk to an expert to explore this further. Kadambari Lakhani, CEO, Baccarose Perfumes & Beauty Products, says, “The rise of genderless fragrances aligns with evolving cultural norms that emphasise individuality over traditional gender binaries. In India, where gender norms are becoming more fluid, gender-neutral perfumes are gaining traction among younger, more inclusive consumers who prefer scents that are versatile, sophisticated, and not tied to gender expectations.”

She adds, “This trend reflects a growing movement towards more personalised and inclusive beauty experiences. With the increasing influence of global trends, Indian consumers are becoming more adventurous in their scent choices, seeking authenticity and self-expression rather than adhering to traditional gender norms in perfumes. Fragrances are an extension of your personality and reflect your mood, both of which don’t have a gender. This trend could drive innovation in fragrance formulations and marketing strategies.”

The fact is that more and more fragrance houses are already embracing unisex perfumes, making them more accessible to a broader audience. Brands like Le Labo, Jo Malone, and Tom Ford have released extremely popular gender-neutral fragrances. Diptyque, in fact, on its website says, “(the brand) refuses to be bound by the conventions of gender or culture, which is why its fragrances are not specifically designed for men or for women. We focus more on the personal emotional response to the fragrance and invite the individual to embark upon their own imaginary journey.”

As the fragrance industry adapts to these cultural shifts, genderless perfumes are not just considered a trend but as an extension of the broader movement toward equality and self-expression.

Also, as global travel and digital platforms continue to expand, cultural exchanges have influenced fragrance preferences. We’ve seen many a fusion of Eastern and Western scent profiles in the recent past, and this often leads to the creation of unisex perfumes that appeal to a wider, more diverse audience; think oud-meets-vanilla or jasmine-meets-citrus type of perfumes.

Lakhani shares that unisex fragrances often feature a balance of fresh, floral, woody, and spicy notes. Common notes include citrus, bergamot, lavender, sandalwood, patchouli, and musk. These fragrances blend light and deep elements that appeal to a broad spectrum of preferences, making them suitable for all genders. 

What’s not to love? The beauty of gender-neutral perfumes lies in their versatility. These can be worn daily, for special occasions, or even as a signature scent. Additionally, many people enjoy genderless perfumes for their ability to be layered with other fragrances, giving them an opportunity to create a unique and personal scent.

Take a look at some popular unisex fragrances we’ve rounded up for you:

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, ₹6,200 

A much-loved fragrance by anyone who’s tried it, this fresh, invigorating scent comes with notes of ambrette seed, sea salt, and sage. It captures the essence of the coastal breeze, offering a clean, earthy, and slightly aromatic scent.

Maison Margiela Replica Coffee Break Eau De Toilette, ₹11,200 

Coffee lovers, rejoice! This warm, comforting scent has creamy coffee, lavender, and vanilla notes. It blends aromatic freshness with a hint of sweetness, conjuring up the calm and soothing atmosphere of a relaxed coffee break.

Calvin Klein One Essence Parfum Intense, ₹4,000 

This is a bright, refreshing fragrance with notes of citrus, green tea, and musk. Being a clean, unisex scent, it evokes simplicity and purity, offering a light, energising, and woody experience.

Byredo Desert Dawn Eau de Parfum, ₹18,500 

An exotic spicy, woody, floral fragrance, this blends rich notes of rose, cardamom, sandalwood, and papyrus. It captures the essence of a sun-drenched desert morning, offering a fresh, vibrant, and earthy scent with a captivating warmth.

NASO Profumi’s Rose Santal Eau de Parfum, ₹11,900 

Indian fragrance brands are gaining recognition for their distinctive, luxurious fragrances, and this is one such brand. This particular floral-woody fragrance blends rich rose, creamy sandalwood, and soft spices. This fragrance unveils the perfect interplay between light and dark, embodying both masculine and feminine energies.

M.Micallef Edenfalls Eau De Parfum Vaporisateur Natural Spray, ₹17,920 

An elegant fragrance, this combines refreshing and aromatic notes, where it blends zesty citrus and delicate florals like jasmine with soft woody and musky notes. Its sophisticated scent offers a serene, uplifting experience, perfect for daytime or special occasions.

Isak Forest Rain Perfume, ₹2,900 

Another fine unisex perfume from an Indian brand, this fresh, enchanting fragrance opens with a burst of zesty lemon, delicate lilac notes, and earthy first rain, reminiscent of a rain-soaked forest. Perfect for those who like clean scents, it offers a calming and refreshing olfactory experience.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum, ₹20,500 

Let this fragrance transport you with its fresh, vibrant scent that is inspired by the Italian Riviera! Blending citrusy notes of neroli, bergamot, and lemon with floral accents, it creates a crisp, clean scent that evokes the elegance and warmth of coastal Mediterranean landscapes.

Lead image: Pexels

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