For centuries, the fragrance industry has divided its offerings into gender-specific categories. We’ve all seen it: “men’s cologne” with woodsy, musky scents, and “women’s perfume” with floral, fruity notes. But as perfume culture evolves, more and more people are questioning these arbitrary distinctions. What if the scent you love is considered “too feminine” or “too masculine” by traditional standards? Should that stop you from wearing it? As fragrance experts and consultants will tell you, gender labels in perfume are largely a marketing choice, not a reflection of the ingredients or the artistry behind the scent.
In this blog, we’ll explore why gender labels in fragrance don’t truly matter, how they evolved in the first place, and why more and more brands (including Berry Ardens Perfumes) are embracing gender-neutral and unisex fragrances. With insight from Parush Khanna, a perfume expert, we’ll also discuss how you can break free from these labels and choose a scent that suits you, no matter your gender.
The Evolution of Gendered Fragrance Labels
Historically, fragrances were not marketed with gender in mind. In fact, many perfumes we consider “feminine” today, such as lavender, rose, and jasmine, were once used in both men’s and women’s scents. It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that fragrance houses began to create distinct products for men and women. This shift aligned with the rise of consumerism and a need for targeted marketing.
Perfume houses began to emphasize masculinity and femininity by associating specific scents with gendered norms. Floral notes like rose and violet were deemed “soft” and “delicate,” while spicy, woody, or leather-based scents were considered “strong” and “manly.” At this time, the fragrance industry was increasingly using gendered marketing strategies to appeal to different consumer bases, which is how we ended up with the “unspoken rule” that women wear flowers and men wear wood.
However, this artificial division between scents is not rooted in the composition of the fragrances but in cultural conditioning. The natural elements used in fragrance, such as flowers, woods, and spices, have no inherent gender. Yet, society began to label them based on arbitrary ideas of masculinity and femininity.
Perfume: It’s All About Personal Expression, Not Gender
The truth is, fragrance is about personal preference, not about conforming to gender norms. As Parush Khanna, a perfume expert, often points out, “A fragrance is a reflection of who you are, not what society tells you to be.”
Perfume is meant to evoke emotions, memories, and moods, and everyone, regardless of gender, has a right to experience fragrance in a way that feels true to them. For some people, the idea of wearing a floral fragrance might feel empowering, while others might enjoy wearing something deep and woody. These preferences are about self-expression, and there’s no rule that says a person has to wear certain scents just because of their gender.
In fact, many scents that are marketed as “masculine” feature ingredients traditionally thought of as “feminine,” such as lavender or jasmine. Likewise, “feminine” perfumes often include spicy or woodsy notes that were historically considered more masculine. As fragrance becomes more about individuality and less about traditional gender roles, the lines between these categories are becoming increasingly blurry.
The Rise of Unisex and Gender-Neutral Perfumes
Over the last few years, a wave of unisex and gender-neutral fragrances has taken over the perfume industry. Brands like Berry Ardens Perfumes are leading the charge with collections that aim to transcend gender. These fragrances are designed to be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of gender identity, and focus on creating complex, beautiful scents that appeal to a diverse range of tastes.
This trend toward inclusivity in the fragrance industry mirrors a broader cultural shift toward breaking down the constraints of traditional gender roles. More consumers are embracing the freedom to wear whatever fragrance resonates with them, not based on outdated labels. This is particularly true in younger generations who are rejecting conventional gender expectations in favor of more fluid, individualistic expressions of identity.
By offering fragrances that are marketed as unisex or gender-neutral, brands are shifting the focus away from traditional norms and putting the emphasis on the scent experience itself. This change allows for greater diversity and creativity in fragrance design, encouraging people to explore new and unexpected notes that they might not have considered before.
A Perfume Expert and Consultant’s Perspective
As a perfume expert and consultant, my role is to help clients navigate the vast world of fragrances without being confined by societal labels. Fragrance should not be dictated by gender but by what evokes an emotional response in the wearer. It’s about discovering a scent that complements your personality, lifestyle, and even your mood.
When working with clients, I always emphasize the importance of testing and experimenting with different perfumes, regardless of the gender assigned to them. The perfume you wear should make you feel confident, comfortable, and authentic to who you are. Whether that means choosing a fragrance with deep, earthy oud or a light, citrusy scent is entirely up to the individual.
Parush Khanna, a perfume expert, often says that fragrance is like a language—it can be used to communicate emotions, tell stories, and express our identities. In his words, “Perfume has no gender, only character.” It’s time for fragrance lovers to think beyond gender labels and embrace a broader, more inclusive approach to scent.
Why Choose Beyond Gendered Labels?
In a world where individuality is celebrated, why limit yourself to fragrances that are marketed specifically to your gender? By breaking free from these outdated distinctions, you open yourself up to a world of scents that reflect your unique character and style.
Berry Ardens Perfumes, for example, has developed an impressive range of unisex perfumes that feature bold and beautiful compositions. These perfumes don’t cater to gender expectations; they cater to anyone who appreciates quality and artistry in scent. With expertly blended notes that range from warm spices to cool florals, they offer a refreshing alternative to traditional gendered fragrances.
Conclusion: Fragrance for All
In the end, perfume is not about fitting into a predefined box or following outdated rules—it’s about personal expression. Whether you’re drawn to a perfume with floral notes, smoky woods, or something entirely unexpected, you have the freedom to choose the fragrance that best represents you.
As Parush Khanna, a perfume expert, puts it: “Fragrance isn’t about gender; it’s about creating a personal connection to the world around you. Wear what makes you feel alive.”
So, next time you choose a perfume, ignore the labels. Discover the scents that speak to you, regardless of whether they are marketed as “feminine,” “masculine,” or “unisex.” After all, fragrance is a journey of self-expression, and it’s yours to explore, free from limitations.
