I Want to My Scents to Whisper Chicness—9 Minimalist Perfumes to Have on Your Radar
One beauty editor shares her tried-and-tested roundup of the best minimalist perfumes.
In 2026, I said I wanted to live a more minimalist life. I've always been pretty minimal with my home space, but my wardrobe and beauty collection have been getting out of control, and I'm ready to strip things back, and I'm not just talking about the amount of stuff either. No, I'm talking about taking a minimalist approach in every aspect. Take the best perfumes, for example. I have so many scents in my collection, from punchy citrus perfumes to bold floral fragrances and more. However, the fragrances I gravitate towards tend to be more pared-back.
I'm a real sucker for clean, delicate scents that, although subtle, still earn me compliments daily. The kind of scents that sit closely to the skin, whispering sweet nothings about how good you smell. So, in a bid to cut down my perfume collection, I've had a clear-out and only kept the best minimalist fragrances that I know I will actually wear.
Below, I've created my tried-and-tested edit of the best minimalist perfumes on the market. These cool-girl scents smell as good as they look, and if the sleek bottles aren't enough of a giveaway, they totally fit a more minimalist aesthetic. From Diptyque, Byredo, Jo Malone and more, keep on scrolling to shop my faves.
The Best Minimalist Perfumes
- Best Everyday Perfume: Glossier You, £70
- Best Clean-Girl Perfume: Byredo Blanche, £150
- Best Subtle Perfume: Phlur Missing Person, £99
- Best Skin Scent: Escentric Molecules Molecule 01, £125
- Best Unique Perfume: Diptyque L'Eau Papier, £102
1. Glossier You
Key notes: Pink pepper, iris, ambrette, ambrox
First up is an absolute classic, Glossier You. This fragrance is the antithesis of a punchy perfume, with a unique, skin-like scent that softly lingers all day long. It smells a little different on everyone, but the overarching aroma is woody, musky and creamy. This is definitely a great everyday option for any minimalists out there. I mean, there's a reason that fashion people keep a bottle of this in their handbag at all times.
2. Byredo Blanche
Key notes: Aldehyde, pink pepper, white rose, neroli, peony, violet, blonde woods, musk, sandalwood
Possibly the most minimalist-looking perfume of all time, Byredo Blanche is a total delight on the senses. It opens with a sparkling blend of aldehydes and rose, creating a clean, powdery aroma before more floral notes shine through. It ends on a woody, musky base that lasts all day, creating an impressive scent projection for what could be considered a classic clean-girl fragrance.
3. Phlur Missing Person
Key notes: Musk, bergamot nectar, jasmine, cyclamen, neroli blossom, orange flower, sandalwood, blonde wood, white musk
I consider this the ultimate minimalistic scent for those who don't like the smell of perfume on themselves, but still want to receive compliments from others. Phlur's Missing Person went viral on TikTok, with people claiming that it smelled just like a loved one. Whilst I didn't experience this myself, I did experience a beautifully warm, woody skin-like scent that made me feel immediately at ease thanks to its soft, comforting aroma.
4. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
Key notes: Iso E Super
It doesn't get more minimal than a perfume containing one single note. That's right, Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules only features Iso E Super, which combines with your own personal scent to create a unique aroma that smells like you, but better. It's the kind of fragrance you want to nuzzle your nose into again and again, like your favourite t-shirt or cashmere blanket. If you find other scents somewhat overwhelming, I urge you to give this a go.
5. Diptyque L'Eau Papier
Key notes: White musks, rice, mimosa, blonde woods accord
Inspired by, you guessed it, a blank sheet of paper, this fragrance celebrates notes of white musk in all its glory, with a clean, soft undertone that remains constant throughout. That being said, the perfume changes on the skin over time, with a rice steam accord that slowly evolves into a warm, nutty delight. Overall, it's delicate and creamy, yet in true Diptyque style, it still feels unique.
6. Le Labo Santal 33
Key notes: Cardamon, iris, violet, leather, musk
The ultimate cool-girl scent, Le Labo Santal 33 might not be as subtle as others in this roundup, but it certainly has a minimalistic appeal thanks to the fresh, earthy aroma. It feels almost dewy on the skin, with notes of violet creating a powdery, green undertone, whilst a base of leather and musk adds hidden depth. I wore this the other day, and my Uber driver asked for the exact name so he could buy the perfume for his wife.
7. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis
Key notes: White flowers, bergamot, lemon, musk
When I think of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, I immediately think of bold, head-turning scents. However, that was before I got my hands on Aqua Universalis. This has quickly become my go-to perfume from the brand (sorry, Baccarat Rouge 540), as it smells like soft linen, fresh laundry and the start of spring all at once. Featuring a blend of white flowers, zesty lemon and warming musk, it's a clean, uplifting and comforting aroma that I want to envelop myself in daily.
8. Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Key notes: Ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage
I have had this perfume in my collection for what feels like years, and I know it will remain a staple scent of mine for many years to come. I always describe this fragrance as a brisk walk along the British coastline. It has all that sea-like saltiness that reminds me of crashing waves on the shore, with an earthy base of sage that grounds the scent on the skin. If you want your perfume to feel like a breath of fresh air, add this to your basket immediately.
9. Parfums de Marly Valaya
Key notes: Bergamot, mandarin, white peach, orange flower, vetiver, musk
An ethereal scent that is quickly becoming one of my favourite perfumes of all time, Valaya is a light, fluffy blend of citrusy notes, woody vetiver and musk. I am usually quite good at summing up a fragrance, but even I struggle to find the right words to get across just how good this smells. It's minimalist in the sense that it feels fresh and intimate to wear; however, it's also one of my most-complimented perfumes, so it definitely doesn't lack any longevity.
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