Perfumes for Non-Binary Folks: Beyond ‘Men’s’ and ‘Women’s’
- habibabinkhalid344
- Apr 21
- 5 min read
Perfume industry, like many others, has long marketed scents through the lens of gender: “masculine” colognes in black bottles, “feminine” perfumes wrapped in pink ribbons. For non-binary folks and anyone who exists outside or beyond the gender binary, this dichotomy can feel limiting.
Thankfully, the world of fragrance is evolving. More and more people are choosing perfumes based on how they make them feel—not what gender label they’re sold under. This blog explores how non-binary individuals can approach fragrance, discover inclusive options, and find signature scents that affirm their identity and expression.
Why Gendered Perfume Labels Are Outdated
Gendering perfumes is a relatively modern marketing strategy. Historically, fragrance was a status symbol and ritual for royalty and spiritual ceremonies, regardless of gender. From the oud oils used by sultans and queens in the Middle East to Bakhoor incense burned in sacred spaces, scent wasn’t about “for him” or “for her”—it was about identity, emotion, and presence.
The idea that floral = feminine and woody = masculine is simply a marketing myth. Non-binary individuals often seek scents that align with their vibe, aesthetic, or mood rather than a specific gender category.
What to Look for in Gender-Inclusive or Non-Binary Perfumes
Instead of looking at the label, start by focusing on the perfume notes that resonate with your personality or sensory preferences. Here's how to build your perfect scent profile:
1. Top Note (First Impression)
This is the scent you notice immediately when you spray. It’s usually light and evaporates within 15-30 minutes.
Fresh: bergamot, lemon, mint
Fruity: apple, pear, fig
Spicy: cardamom, pink pepper
2. Middle Note (The Heart)
Emerges after the top note fades and forms the core of the fragrance.
Floral: jasmine, neroli, iris
Green: violet leaf, rosemary
Gourmand: almond, coconut
3. Base Note (The Anchor)
This is what lingers on your skin all day. It defines the lasting impression.
Musky: white musk, ambroxan
Woody: cedarwood, sandalwood essential oil
Resinous: amber, labdanum
Animalic: leather, oud
Understanding this breakdown helps you identify what feels “you” without relying on gendered packaging.
Best Non-Binary and Gender-Neutral Perfume Categories
Whether you're new to fragrance or searching for your next signature scent, here are categories that work beautifully for non-binary wearers:
🔹 Musk-Based Perfumes
Why it works: Musk is soft, sensual, and skin-like. White musk, in particular, is often used in minimalist and gender-neutral blends.
Try:
Glossier You – soft, clean, and evolves with your skin chemistry
Juliette Has a Gun – Not a Perfume – hypoallergenic and minimal
Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules – a single-molecule scent that smells different on everyone
🔹 Woody & Resinous Scents
Why it works: Grounding and earthy, wood and resin notes give off a meditative, natural feel without veering traditionally masculine.
Try:
Le Labo Santal 33 – cult favorite with sandalwood essential oil and leather
Maison Margiela By the Fireplace – cozy and smoky with vanilla and clove
DS & Durga Radio Bombay – creamy sandalwood with a warm metallic twist
🔹 Aromatic & Fresh Scents
Why it works: Clean, breezy, and great for everyday wear. These scents often blur gender lines naturally.
Try:
CK Everyone – designed to be inclusive, with citrus and green tea
Zara Seoul 532-8 – aquatic and subtle, perfect for summer
Acqua di Parma Colonia – a fresh Eau de Cologne (EDC) with elegant citrus
🔹 Floral, but Not Feminine
Why it works: Not all florals are powdery or sweet. Some are crisp, green, or spicy.
Try:
Diptyque Eau Rose – clean, dewy rose without the drama
Comme des Garçons Floriental – a floral that feels spicy and dark
Frederic Malle Carnal Flower – bold tuberose, green and lush
🔹 Oud and Musk Blends
Why it works: Rich and bold, oud is a Middle Eastern ingredient derived from agarwood and blends beautifully with white musk for a deep, grounding experience.
Try:
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood – luxurious and elegant
Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud – sweet, warm, affordable
Armaf Club de Nuit Intense – powerful, rich, and budget-friendly
🔹 Minimalist or Skin Scents
Why it works: For non-binary individuals who prefer scents that feel personal rather than pronounced, these subtle choices enhance your natural chemistry.
Try:
Glossier You – again, a go-to for genderless vibes
Zara Fleur de Patchouli – intimate and earthy
Clean Reserve Skin – soft, salty, comforting
Affordable Non-Binary Fragrance Options
If you’re exploring fragrance without a luxury budget, here are Eau de Toilette (EDT) and Eau de Parfum (EDP) options under $50 that work for anyone, regardless of gender:
Zara Red Temptation – often compared to Baccarat Rouge 540
Lush Dirty Body Spray – herbal minty freshness
Maison Alhambra L’Aventure – woody-citrus dupe of Creed Aventus
The Body Shop White Musk – iconic and gentle
Sol de Janeiro 68 Beija Flor Mist – fruity-floral with musk, surprisingly unisex
These offer the freedom to layer, experiment, and curate a custom scent wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Fragrance Layering for Personal Expression
Layering fragrances is a great way to customize your scent and step outside gendered boundaries. Combine women’s fragrance oils like amber or rose with woody bases or musky sprays to create something totally your own.
Layering Ideas:
Musk + Vanilla = comforting, sensual
Oud + Rose = bold yet romantic
Citrus + Sandalwood = crisp and grounding
Neroli + Amber = bright but smooth
Try using Bakhoor-inspired oils as a base, then layering with lighter EDTs or body sprays for dimension.
Tips for Choosing Your Scent as a Non-Binary Individual
Ignore Gender Labels: Go for what makes you feel powerful, peaceful, playful—whatever mood you’re in.
Test on Skin, Not Strips: Scents evolve with body heat and pH. A fragrance can smell completely different on your wrist than on paper.
Explore Sample Sets: Brands like Snif, Dossier, and ALT. Fragrances offer trial sizes and dupes of luxury scents without commitment.
Store Smart: Keep your fragrances away from direct sunlight or heat to extend shelf life—especially with natural oils or essential oil-based perfumes.
Trust Your Gut: If it sparks joy or boosts your confidence, that’s your scent—no permission needed.
Final Thoughts: Scent Has No Gender
Perfume should be a tool of self-expression—not self-limitation. Whether you gravitate toward smoky ouds, cozy musks, floral bursts, or clean minimalist spritzes, there are fragrances out there that affirm, reflect, and celebrate who you are.
Being non-binary doesn’t mean you have to settle for the in-between. It means you get to define your scent on your own terms—bold, soft, spicy, floral, woody, or a little bit of everything.
Let your fragrance story be just as fluid and nuanced as your identity.
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