The 16 Best Clean & Natural Perfumes Of 2023 — Beauty Editor Approved

Over the last several years, the concept of “skin scents” exploded in popularity on the fragrance scene. It’s the “no-makeup-makeup” of perfume: It’s supposed to smell like you, just a bit more elevated. It’s achieved by blending together light musks, grounding woods, and a dash of airy florals. In Phlur’s viral sensation that was Missing Person, they use white musk, skin musk, jasmine, neroli, and sandalwood. 

What our reviewer says:

An absolute delight of a fragrance, this airy-yet-warm perfume feels like you have nothing on. It’s inviting, but not obvious. Phlur creative director and influencer Chrishelle Lim once told me that this is her go-to for day-to-day, as it’s not overpowering and can blend in with any occasion. I very much agree. 

There’s nothing more refreshing and invigorating than rainfall. A quenching, cooling storm that wipes the slate clean—it’s a smell that’s ripe with possibilities. This captures that just-showered scent with a blend of the tropical grass vetiver, light musk, white flower, and juicy cucumber. 

A rich white floral that’s decadent, yet sophisticated. It’s as rich with charisma as it is blossoms and botanicals. It contains bottom notes of white sandalwood and transparent cedarwood, heart notes of tuberose and jasmine, and then spiked with bergamot and peach. Just like the start of a good night, it can take you anywhere. 

Juicy florals—once the reigning scent of the early aughts—got a major makeover with this launch from Bee Shapiro’s cult favorite brand Ellis Brookllyn. This one’s elevated and surprisingly creamy. The bergamot is a bright, sunny citrus that instantly inspires images of driving a two-seater, top down, on winding roads on the Italian coast. Jasmine fills out the fragrance with its unmistakable sweet and musky floral scent. Finally, the fig and vanilla add some warmth and depth, giving the scent some thickness. 

What our reviewer says: 

When I smell it, I have visions of warming my skin on terracotta bricks, soft morning sunshine with a lavish fruit plate for breakfast, and coastal blooms filling the air. I grew up loving the candied fruity florals that were so popular in my youth. This one feels succulent like the perfumes of my past, but significantly more refined. 

Citrus scents are endlessly popular because they just feel happy: They’re reminiscent of summer days, warm weather, and vacations. Perhaps even a cocktail or two. This sun-drenched scent layers together bergamot, neroli, jasmine, driftwood, and a sprinkling of sea salt.

What our reviewer says:

It's as if a perfume was made just for me. It’s bright with citrus, warmed with musk and coastal woods, lightly sweetened with airy florals, and freshened with marine notes. There's a very specific sensation that I often long for: The body warming in the sun just after getting out of the ocean—skin, cradled in salt and sand, gently bathed in light. One spritz of this, and I'm there.

Warm, sultry, and just singed with sophistication. Michelle Pfieffer’s EWG-verified fragrance brand, Henry Rose, makes some of the best clean fragrances out there—as well as some of the most creative. This blends together tonka bean, ginger, vetiver, and Moroccan orange flower for a blend that’s smoky yet somehow still fresh. 

What our reviewer says: 

“I tend to gravitate towards spicier, muskier fragrances like this one as opposed to crisp, citrus-y scents, and Char is perfect for everyday wear. It gives just enough depth that makes you smell subtly mysterious. Michelle Pfieffer herself told me she layers it with her brighter Windows Down—I tried it, and I’m just as obsessed with the combo.” — mbg beauty editor Jamie Schneider

The gourmand fragrance category is actually one of the most popular in the world. It consists of perfumes that prioritize sweet, edible notes like sugars, vanilla, caramel, chocolate—things so mouthwatering you could eat it. This number uses two kinds of vanilla, a drizzle of chocolate, elegant hinoki wood, and subtle nude musk.  

What our reviewer says: 

“If you, too, have been influenced by the Y2K craze, you need this gourmand fragrance in your life. You’ll definitely notice the soft vanilla, but it’s not too syrupy like the sugar-spun aromas you might have bathed in back then. With hinoki wood and nude musk, this one’s a little more complex for the nose.” — Schneider

At its core, this is a green scent—or a perfume that evokes grass and lush botanicals—but it’s rounded out by white florals and grounding woods. The end result is balanced and welcoming, yet invigorating and sharp. It does so by mixing together cucumber, bamboo, and green peppercorn, with a bouquet of freesia, mimosa flower, and violets. 

What our reviewer says:

I’ve never smelled a fragrance that balances herby greens with floral so well. Typically when you’re using herbal, earthy notes (par for the course in green scents), they can be overpowering. But this lets the floral and cashmere accords sing. It’s enchanting. Not for nothing, but my bottle (pictured) was hand painted at the launch event—which I think only adds to the charm. A lovely reminder that perfumes are truly little masterpieces.

In the past, rose scents had a bad rap. They’re often thought of as stuffy, powdery, and dated. But this is thoroughly modern. The second fragrance from Kai (a natural fragrance brand with a devoted following), is like stepping into a rose garden. It’s fresh and full of life.

What our reviewer says: 

This is the rose scent that made me love roses. It totally reimagined what the traditional floral could be. It should come as no surprise, considering the brand itself is known for being quite the disruptors in the fragrance industry. The signature fragrance has amassed a cult following which includes Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, and Charlize Theron.

Like putting on your deepest playlist or cracking open your journal, sometimes you just want to feel something. This dark, sensual fragrance evokes the more mercurial side of life. And it has the fragrance notes to match. The namesake top note black anise, while the middle notes (black currant and cocoa) bring a smooth richness, and then it’s rounded out by a bold tobacco base. 

What our reviewer says: 

“This is, hands down, the sexiest perfume I own. Upon first spritz, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the licorice-like top notes (which stem from star anise), but it actually develops beautifully on the skin. Now, I can’t get enough! The tobacco base and vibrant, smoky amber mingle together to create something so sophisticated and just plain sultry. The verdict? This is my official date night perfume.” — Schneier

Humans are drawn to water—it’s shown to relax and stabilize our moods. It’s where we find peace. So it’s no wonder that some folks may want to smell like oceanic or aquatic locations, too. The Nue Co makes what they call “functional fragrance,” which means that specific olfactory notes are used to enhance certain moods. This blend uses notes of sandalwood, vetiver, seaweed, rose, cardamom, and salt to inspire calm.

The pinnacle of clean chic, Calvin Klein fragrances are some of the most universally beloved scents available. And this Eau de Toilette uses ingredients of natural origin—such as bright organic orange essential oil and ginger for the top notes. The middle is a fresh, herby blue tea accord, and then it’s grounded with earthy cedarwood and patchouli. Together, it makes a flattering blend that lives up to the CK fragrance legacy.

What our review says:

I was pleasantly surprised to see Calvin Klein venturing into clean and natural fragrances, and then was absolutely charmed once I got a whiff of the tonic. It’s balanced, fresh, polished, and even a bit playful. 

This fine mist is made for all over: On your linens as you’re getting into bed, a midday spritz around the house to freshen things up, throughout your strands as a hair perfume, and finally, as a body spray. The lavender scent has notes of airy lavender, warm sandalwood, and cozy cardamom to lull you into rest. 

Skylar makes playful, youthful fragrances that use clean, natural, organic ingredients that are hypoallergenic. The entire collection of fragrances is full of fun perfumes—Coconut! Lime! Cotton candy! Honey suckle!—but I'm featuring Pink Canyon because it’s my personal favorite of all that I’ve smelled from the brand. (It’s also a best-seller.) It combines grapefruit, pink salt, and cedar for a scent that feels like golden hour. 

Made with organic jojoba oil, organic sugar-cane alcohol, and 25% fragrance oils, this top-notch fragrance brand makes sophisticated fragrances for those who prioritize natural blends. This option is cozy and soft like cashmere. In fact, that’s one of their highlighted notes—alongside coconut, vanilla, myrrh, and sandalwood. 

Perfume oil is like anointing yourself—it’s a ritual, and practically sacrosanct. This elixir from the sustainable artisanal haven Kindred Black blends together coconut oil and several organic essential oils, such as bergamot, lavender, rose, and ylang ylang.   

What our reviewer says: 

“If you’re a fan of incense, you’ll love this perfume oil. The scent is warm, seductive, and exotic. It’s one of those fragrances you keep on hand for the occasion where you want to channel a spicy edge. The tiny bottle may make you question the price point, but just know this oil is concentrated, so you only need a drop or two. Plus, the unique bottles are perfect for shelf decor after you use your last drop.” — assistant beauty editor Hannah Frye