Most of our understanding about fragrances, and who should wear what scent, is shaped by gendered marketing. You know the Mad Men era stuff that plays on our insecurities. Mentioning perfume conjures an image of a floral liquid kept in a little ornate glass bottle. Spring, freshness, and luxury should come to mind. In contrast, cologne summons the image of a flask-shaped bottle filled with dark, pungent liquid. The packaging is muted—grey, navy, or black—like business attire. In actuality, “perfume” and “cologne” are terms specific to the fragrance industry, not distinctive products.

What is the difference between perfume and cologne?

In the Fragrance industry, terms like perfume and cologne refer to the specific concentration of fragrance oils within the entire solution. Here’s the breakdown: The higher the concentration of fragrance oils, usually means the higher the price, since the scent will last longer. The lower the concentration of fragrance oils, the lower the price, since the scent won’t last as long. 

The essential oil scale looks like this: 

• Parfum: 20-30% concentration lasts 6 to 8 hours 
• Eau De Parfum (EDP): 15-20%  concentration lasts 4-5 hours 
• Eau De Toilette (EDT) 5-15%  concentration lasts 3-4 hours 
• Eau De Cologne (EDC) 2-4%  concentration lasts 2-3 hours 
• Eau De Fraiche (EDF) 1-3% concentration lasts less than 2 hours. 

Unisex perfumes blend essential notes associated with colognes and perfumes—the freshness of citrus and the woodsy musk—combined into one minimalist fragrance package. 

Unisex Fragrance: The Scent Revolution 

She can wear cologne. He can wear perfume. Good scents are for everyone. With the fashion industry's emphasis on genderless and unisex clothing, it makes sense that the fragrance industry follows suit if not a trailblazer. Unisex perfumes are more than just trendsetters—they reflect a modern sensibility rooted in self-expression regardless of traditional marketing. Many clean fragrance brands and unisex perfume brands are leading the charge, producing minimalist formulas safe for every skin type and perfect for any occasion.

Popular among Gen Z and millennials, unisex fragrances offer:

• Versatility: Ideal for day or night, casual or formal wear. 
• Balanced compositions: Neither overly floral nor overtly musky—just right. 

Shop A-Priori’s Premium Apothecary

At A-Priori, it’s our business to seek out the best, premium fragrances. We understand the importance fragrance plays in important moments and we want you to feel your freshest with all the confidence in the world. So, look no further than the apothecary brand Malin+Goetz running the unisex scent revolution. In their own words, “Less, but better.” 

Inspired by the diversity, inclusivity and energy of city living, Malin+Goetz products are designed for every skin type, tone, and gender. 

Here are some of our best unisex perfume for everyday wear:

Cannabis Eau De Parfum

The cannabis scent is a daily supplement to city living. Known to calm and ground, this four-dimensional scent transcends space and experience—like disappearing into a lazy afternoon spent lingering on a favorite record, with a smokiness that permeates the room.

Leather Eau De Parfum

Nodding to the centuries-old practice of scenting artisanal leather goods, this modern leather fragrance marries rawness and refinement. Instantly recognizable and universally appealing, it evokes deep nostalgia—like a second skin, it grows better with time, shaping itself to the wearer.

Dark Rum Eau De Parfum

Inspired by old-world bay rum—first used by sailors in the Caribbean and later popularized in barbershops—this scent reinvents a traditionally dark, spicy aroma. Sweetened with ripe plum and crisp bergamot, it blends notes of leather, rum, and creamy milk into an intoxicating, adaptable scent.

Strawberry Eau De Parfum

A dynamic blend of fresh bergamot, lively pink pepper, and a warm combination of musks, jasmine petals, and orris root. This distinctive and genderless scent gives the familiar garden strawberry a sophisticated twist.

Bergamot Eau De Parfum

A bright fragrance expressing the full complexity of citrus’s single note. 

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Searching for premium unisex perfume? A-Priori has a variety of clean fragrance brands with scents for every occasion. Explore A-Priori’s premium collection online here.