In this guide
A quiet revolution in scent
For decades, perfume counters split scent in two: for him and for her. Modern perfumery is moving on. The most compelling fragrances today are built around the wearer, not a label.
What is a genderless perfume?
Genderless (or unisex) perfume avoids the old “masculine woods / feminine florals” coding. Instead, it’s composed to evolve with skin chemistry and context. It’s not neutral, it’s alive.
- Warms on pulse points and deepens over time.
- Moves clean to textured from day to night.
- Expresses the person, not the packaging.
At Artifact, we call this approach neo-adaptive perfumery — compositions designed to respond to you.
The notes that define genderless perfume
Adaptive top & heart
- Bergamot — clean brightness that suits any skin.
- Black Pepper — crisp modern lift and structure.
- Ginger & Cardamom — energetic warmth.
- White Flowers — diffused elegance when balanced.
Textured base
- Cedarwood & Sandalwood — grounded, sensual.
- Vetiver — dry, airy depth that wears with ease.
- Musk — skin-like trail; quietly magnetic.
- Patchouli & Vanilla — modern contrast when dosed with restraint.
These materials respond differently on every skin, creating signatures that are difficult to copy and uniquely yours.
Chemistry over category
Heat, pH, hydration, even the fabric you wear all alter diffusion and balance. Two people can wear the same extrait and project completely different moods. That variability is the point.
A short history of scent without boundaries
Before 20th-century advertising divided perfume, fragrance was fluid. Men wore florals; women wore amber and leather. Gendered categories are recent. The return to genderless is a return to authenticity.
How to choose your genderless signature
- Start with feeling. How do you want to feel—clean, warm, electric, deep?
- Test on skin. Give extrait at least 20 minutes; it evolves.
- Observe the shift. Top notes fade; bases expand and settle.
- Layer with intention. Pair freshness with warmth for texture.
- Live in it. Walk, work, move—great scent travels with you.
The future of fragrance is fluid
As UK consumers prioritise identity over category, the most interesting houses are building for skin, not stereotype. In this future, adaptive wins over prescriptive.
FAQs
Is genderless perfume the same as unisex?
In practice, yes. Both avoid gendered coding and focus on wearability across identities. At Artifact we frame it as neo-adaptive — built to evolve with you.
Why extrait de parfum for genderless compositions?
Extrait concentrations offer better longevity and depth, making the chemistry-driven evolution more noticeable and personal.
How do I know if a scent will suit me?
Always test on skin and give it time. Look for balance (fresh + warm; airy + textured) rather than stereotypes.
Can I wear florals if I usually prefer woods?
Yes. Diffused white florals add lift and elegance when paired with woods, spices, or musks.
