Some people say you're never fully dressed without perfume, but how do you choose the right fragrance when you're trying to shop vegan? Whether you're searching for your new signature scent, or shopping for a thoughtful gift, this article will provide tips on how to choose a vegan perfume for any occasion.
From fragrance notes, and how they correspond to the changing seasons, to the differences between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette, after reading this guide you'll be able to pick a scent with the right intensity and longevity for you. If you're still struggling, check our ranking of the top 10 vegan perfumes in the UK for the very best deals on Amazon, ASOS, John Lewis and Boots!
Quick List - Top Vegan Perfumes
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Choose your perfect perfume based on the fragrance notes. There are many different scents to pick from, and if you are already familiar with the ones you like, finding the right fit will be an easy choice. If you're unsure, or are looking to try something new, take a look through the six categories below to help you narrow down your options.
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Perfume has a shelf life of 3 - 5 years, after which the scent will begin to deteriorate. Some people like to take advantage of this long shelf life by varying their perfumes to suit the current season. This helps to keep things interesting and ensures you won't get bored of your favourite scents.
For autumn and winter, oriental and woody fragrances are ideal. Throughout spring and summer, you should opt for fresh, fruity, floral and citrus perfumes. Some perfumes pack in multiple fragrance notes, which make them versatile enough for use all year. This is all down to personal preference, though, so if you want to wear your summery florals to fight off the winter cold, we're not stopping you!
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You may be confused by the difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum, but it's actually really simple! The scent of perfume comes from fragrance oils, which are mixed with carrier liquids such as water to make them easier to apply to the skin. Eau de Toilette contains between 8 -10% fragrance oil, whereas Eau de Parfum contains only 10 - 15%.
The higher the percentage of fragrance oil, the more intense the scent will be and the longer it will last. Most perfumes tend to last between 2 to 6 hours. In general, Eau de Toilette is light or moderate in intensity, with a longevity of 2 - 4 hours, while Eau de Parfum is stronger with a longevity of 4 - 6 hours.
Try a body spray for a lighter option you can apply throughout the day!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chloé Naturelle | ![]() | A Delicate Floral Scent for All Seasons | |
2 | Floral Street Wonderland Peony | ![]() | Sustainable Scent of Peonies, Raspberries, Guava and Cotton Candy | |
3 | GHOST Deep Night | ![]() | A Long-Lasting Budget Fragrance With a High-End Scent | |
4 | Yardley Bluebell & Sweetpea | ![]() | A Light Floral Fragrance Ideal for Spring and Summer | |
5 | Dolma Vegamusk | ![]() | A Well-Established Vegan Brand Who Plant a Tree for Every Perfume Sold | |
6 | Valeur Absolue Confiance | ![]() | Bold and Brave Fragrance With Carnelian Healing Crystals | |
7 | Chloé Nomade | ![]() | A Summer Scent That Lasts All Day | |
8 | Ariana Grande God Is A Woman | ![]() | Clean Ingredients and 60% Plant-Based Packaging | |
9 | Shay & Blue Blood Oranges | ![]() | Unisex Citrus Fragrance From an Award-Winning London Based Perfumery | |
10 | The Body Shop White Musk | ![]() | Sustainably Packaged Minimalist Fragrance From a Leading UK Brand |
Naturelle by name, natural by nature. This fragrance by Chloé has top notes of ethically-sourced organic rose, backed by Moroccan neroli, blackcurrant, cedar and mimosa.
This is a scent that will suit all seasons with a 2 - 4 hour longevity. We like that it has a moderate intensity, making it the perfect middle ground if you want something that makes an impact, without overwhelming your senses. Plus, it's available in three different sizes up to 100 ml!
This is an intense perfume that will last all day. It's packed with the sweet fragrance notes of berries, peonies and vanilla. For an extra layer of intrigue, Floral Street have added Sicilian lemon, cedarwood and vetiver with a hint of hazelnut.
This brand's commitment to sustainability is a huge selling point. They are the first brand in the industry to use 100% compostable, reusable and recyclable packaging. Plus they're partnered with the World Land Trust, FSC and PETA to ensure the best for the planet and its animals.
This scent from GHOST is a versatile mix of floral, fruity and oriental fragrances making it a great choice for all seasons and occasions. The decadent top notes of rose are illuminated by apricot, peach, vanilla and amber, coming together in a rich scent that's both sophisticated and romantic.
Best of all, the price is one of the lowest on our list! So if you're looking for luxury, but aren't keen on splashing out, this long-lasting scent is the perfect perfume.
Speaking of budget-friendly florals, Yardley's Bluebell & Sweetpea fragrance is one of the best deals on the market! With fresh and fruity floral notes, and a subtle hint of woody musk, it's the perfect scent to accompany your summer.
The intensity is light, with a scent that will last around 2 hours at a time, which is ideal if you find stronger perfumes too overwhelming. That said, if you have to reapply throughout the day, it'll hardly be any trouble at such a low price.
Dolma are an independent brand who have been proudly producing vegan perfumes since 1982. They are committed to producing high-quality fragrances, using only cruelty-free and sustainable methods.
All of their products are made in the UK and are free from parabens, palm oil and phthalates. This one in particular, is a favourite among their customers, with a strong, long-lasting oriental scent that's perfect to help you warm up during those colder months. Better yet, they'll plant a tree for every purchase made!
Confiance is Valeur Absolue's play on confidence, and it's intended to inspire just that! You'll notice that the bottle comes with Carnelian gemstones inside, which are said to encourage self-assurance and bravery.
The scent is sweet with a spicy warmth, thanks to the notes of vanilla pod, cinnamon and peach confit. Plus, the price is great if you're on a budget. However, the reviews are mixed, so you should only opt for this perfume if you love oriental scents.
Nomade is designed for the free-spirited woman who sees the wonder in wanderlust. Fruity and floral notes are tied in with sweet cherry plum and freesia, to create a long-lasting fragrance that's sure to leave an impression.
The moderate intensity will ensure you aren't too overwhelmed by the smell, so if you're prone to headaches or have a sensitive nose, this is a great all day scent for you! However, if you like something a little stronger, this may not be so impressive.
This perfume is the perfect gift for any Ariana Grande fan! Even if you're not especially familiar with the star, this fruity, versatile fragrance is sure to win you over.
The scent combines pear and rose petals with Madagascan vanilla and cedarwood to create a sweet and alluring aura. However, it's not particularly intense or long-lasting, so you may need to reapply throughout the day.
This citrus scent from Shay & Blue is a small but mighty. In fact, the fragrance comes in bottles as small as 10 ml. A little will go a long way, however, as the formula is concentrated. So you'll only need a small spritz to last you all day!
This makes it perfect for travelling, as it won't take up too much room in your bag. The sharp orange, intense leather and musk are a unique combination, but they won't be for everyone. If you prefer something more delicate, you'll be better off with another option.
This fragrance from The Body Shop is a favourite among many vegan scent connoisseurs, with 95% natural ingredients and fully recyclable packaging. A fresh floral scent, this one is guaranteed to please even the most discerning of noses.
As an Eau de Toilette, it's likely to have light to moderate intensity and a 2 - 4 hour longevity. If you would prefer something stronger, The Body Shop also offer the same fragrance as an Eau de Parfum.
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
No. 1: Chloé|Naturelle
No. 2: Floral Street|Wonderland Peony
No. 3: GHOST|Deep Night
No. 4: Yardley|Bluebell & Sweetpea
No. 5: Dolma|Vegamusk
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