Best Unisex Fragrances UK 2026 | Our Top Picks for Every Budget

The Best Unisex Fragrances You Can Buy in the UK in 2026

 

The line between “men’s” and “women’s” fragrance has never been blurrier — and that’s a good thing. More people than ever are shopping by scent profile rather than gender label, and the UK market has responded with a wave of genuinely brilliant unisex options.

Whether you’re looking for something fresh and clean, dark and smoky, or somewhere in between, this guide covers the best gender-neutral fragrances available in the UK right now. We’ve included options across price points, from affordable discovery sets to premium niche bottles.

 

What Makes a Fragrance Unisex?

Truthfully, any fragrance can be unisex. The idea that floral scents are “feminine” and woody scents are “masculine” is a marketing construct, not a rule of nature. That said, fragrances marketed as unisex tend to balance notes in a way that feels wearable across the spectrum — avoiding extremes and focusing on interesting compositions rather than gendered expectations.

The best unisex fragrances share a few qualities: they’re distinctive without being divisive, they perform well on different skin chemistries, and they prioritise character over convention.

 

Our Top Picks

 

1. Lab D.83 — Compliments (Formula A) | £146

We’re biased, but we’re also right. Compliments is our most universally loved fragrance — a bright, fresh blend of rosemary, lemon, and pink pepper that works on everyone. It’s the scent that gets you asked “what are you wearing?” at every event. Made in the UK, vegan, and lasts 24+ hours. If you’re new to unisex fragrance, start here — or grab our Discovery Set for £19 to try the whole range.

 

2. Lab D.83 — War Of The Roses (Formula G) | £146

If you think rose fragrances are only for one gender, this will change your mind. War Of The Roses pairs Turkish rose with black pepper, saffron, and a dark patchouli base that’s earthy and modern. Inspired by the historic rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire, it’s as bold as it is beautiful.

 

3. Le Labo — Santal 33 | ~£155

The unofficial scent of every trendy hotel lobby and creative agency. Santal 33 built its reputation on a creamy sandalwood and cedar blend that’s become iconic. It’s a safe bet if you want something widely appreciated, though its ubiquity means you’ll likely share your scent with at least one other person in any given room.

 

4. Byredo — Gypsy Water | ~£175

A Scandinavian take on romanticised bohemian life. Juniper, pine, and sandalwood create something that smells like an expensive campfire. It’s light, wearable, and has enough personality to feel individual without being challenging.

 

5. Lab D.83 — Wood You Oud? (Formula E) | £146

For oud enthusiasts or the oud-curious, this is a refined take on one of perfumery’s most prized ingredients. Rich, smoky, and sophisticated without being overwhelming. At £146 for 100ml, it’s also a fraction of the price of most quality oud fragrances.

 

How to Choose the Right Unisex Fragrance

The single best piece of advice: try it on your skin. Fragrances smell different on paper strips than they do on your body, and they evolve over hours. What smells sharp in the first five minutes might dry down into something completely different.

If you’re exploring unisex fragrance for the first time, a discovery set is the smartest investment. Most niche brands offer them, and they let you test multiple scents across different days and moods before committing to a full bottle.

The Lab D.83 Discovery Set includes samples of every fragrance in our collection for just £30 — that’s about the cost of a cinema ticket and popcorn, and considerably more useful and longer lasting!