Clean Fragrances: What They Are & Which Are the Best

In the past, our minds would immediately think of eco-friendliness, sustainability, vegan and cruelty-free options when we discussed clean fragrances. But the beauty trends that pop up on TikTok, one after the other, at the speed of light, have changed the way we talk and what things mean in regard to products and their categorisation. Every other thing has become an aesthetic. 

Aesthetics

From 2021 to today, over 20 new aesthetics have become trending on TikTok. Some lasted barely a minute, while others stood their ground, forming a subculture of sorts and building their own side of the internet where people who follow this “core” or aesthetic reside. One of these aesthetics that almost died with the rise of an opposing “brat-summer” aesthetic, but managed to survive, is the clean girl aesthetic. 

The clean girl aesthetic emerged on TikTok in late 2021 and gained widespread popularity by 2022. It is a no-makeup makeup trend, largely centred on a minimalist look of dewy skin, slicked-back hair, and a controlled lifestyle. While it became a viral style by 2022-2023, often linked to influencers like Hailey Bieber, it draws on 1990s beauty and styles rooted in Black and Latina culture. With the clean girl aesthetic came the popularity of clean fragrances, of course.

Clean Fragrances

The meaning of clean fragrances shifted completely as it is now associated with the aesthetic of being a clean girl. Clean fragrances now mean fragrances that are fresh and simple. These scents often mimic soap or crisp, clean sheets. They are often centred on notes such as citrus, white musk, cotton, linen, aldehydes, etc. The aim is to smell shower-fresh. Clean and inoffensive.

Let’s take a look at some popular clean girl scents that might be worth your buck.

1. Diptyque L’Eau Papier EDT

L’Eau Papier by Diptyque is one of the most popular clean fragrances alongside other scents by the brand. The name literally translates to water paper. I initially thought the scent would smell like paper soaked in water, which thankfully, it didn’t. Instead, it smells like warm rice milk and sesame with musk and a clean cashmere sweater. While there is no pepper note present, many do detect it strongly, especially at the opening. If this might bother you, L’Eau Papier might not be for you.

2. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

Wood Sage & Sea Salt is the scent that made me change my mind on clean scents. The scent of sage, blended with sea notes (sea salt and seaweed), creates a beautiful image in one’s mind. This right here is a clean scent with character. A lovely cabin with open windows at noon. The sage burns inside as the wind carrying ocean breather enters through the window, creating a warm, tranquil environment.

3. Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning EDT

Maison Margiela’s Replica line has two fragrances that were nominated for this list: Lazy Sunday Morning (which ended up winning) and Springtime in a Park. Lazy Sunday Morning is the definition of “clean.” The fresh bed linen aroma is very present, mixed with a musky skin aroma. It feels as though the perfumer bottled all the softness of someone’s world in this fragrance.

4. Byredo Blanche EDP

Blanche by Byredo is a fragrance dedicated to the colour white and is inspired by innocence. This fragrance smells like a crisp white t-shirt just washed and dried in the sun. It is similar to Lazy Sunday Morning in theory, but in practice, it is not nearly as comforting and cosy. This feels more like your “for the office” white shirt, more than “cuddling in bed” crisp sheets.

5. Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche EDT

Moving to the citrusy side of things, Chance Eau Fraiche by Chanel is a fresh citrus scent perfect for year-round wear. Something reminiscent of lemon juice as it is heavy on the citrus, but as it dries down, the lemon becomes more subtle, and a more musky, earthy scent that’s slightly powdery takes over.

6. Chloe Love Story EDP

Another citrus-leaning clean scent, Love Story by Chloe, is inspired by Parisian romance and the love padlocks on the bridge of the Pont des Arts. But unlike Chance Eau Fraiche, Love Story is also heavy on the white florals. This scent would be perfect for a bride marrying in spring, as this scent is fresh, delicate, romantic, simple, innocent, and unmistakably spring-like.

Visit V Perfumes, your go-to fragrance shop in the UAE, to get your hands on all your favourite fragrances and many more. Shop online or in-store for the best prices in the UAE and GCC region.

Disclaimer: This article contains external links, including links to Amazon affiliates and V Perfumes’ main site. If you make a purchase through these suggestions, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer to learn more here.