As a fragrance-obsessed beauty editor, these are the 9 vegan perfumes I wear on rotation
Scents that are better for the planet *and* smell amazing
While much of the beauty industry has quickly matched our need for vegan and cruelty-free products, the world of fragrance was truthfully a little slow on the uptake. However, it has caught up over time, meeting demand and offering options for those concerned with the welfare of animals and our planet as a whole. It is now possible to easily buy the best perfumes that are not only cruelty-free and avoid any testing on animals, but are also free from animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, honey or lanolin. From luxury fragrances to more affordable perfumes, there are vegan scents that really deliver in every category.
Some brands, such as Aesop and Floral Street, pride themselves on being completely vegan in their entirety, meaning you can feel safe shopping for any perfume over there. Others, like Glossier and Beauty Pie, are doing their best to be as vegan-friendly as possible (including offering certain vegan perfumes like the ones below), but still have work to do to be 100% vegan.
Keep scrolling to discover some favourites in this category, which will not only ease your conscience, but make you smell incredible.
1. Lush Frangipani
Lush's natural approach to scents make them attractive to those looking to be more planet-friendly, and they're also vegan. Frangipani is a favourite, with sweet and creamy blends of guaiac wood, frangipani and tuberose. It comes in a sizeable bottle, meaning it's a worthy investment, and can be worn year-round.
2. Vyrao Witchy Woo
Vyrao is special because of its founder's synesthesia. Each scent is created with colour in mind, celebrating a blending of the senses; the shades of the bottles represent how the fragrances are intended to smell. This one is a rich concoction with nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper, making it perfect for date night.
3. Glossier You
Glossier You is a mainstay on many beauty fans' shelves, and the good news is it's also vegan! Soft, warm and powdery, this smells as comforting as it looks from the bottle and is a little different on everybody. The brand also do it in a rollerball as well as a solid perfume, meaning countless options for how to wear.
4. Floral Street Sunflower Pop
Floral Street is not only dedicated to minimising plastic in its packaging, it's also vegan. There are so many lovely scents to choose from, but this one is a solid choice, particularly for summer. It's super fresh, citrusy and zesty, making it lovely when the weather is warm.
5. Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar
Jo Malone MBE's brand is full of unique blends and irresistible concoctions, and while this one is on the newer side, it's become an instant classic. Zesty and refreshing, this is lovely for the summer months, while still being intense and layered enough for a date night.
6. Aesop Karst
Aesop's Karst is simply beautiful; it smells green and aquatic, as well as being a little bit woodsy. It's designed to suit everybody and works for every season. This will make you feel mega confident and empowered, and given that it's vegan, you'll feel good about yourself that way, too!
7. Beauty Pie Une Balade En Forêt
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A Beauty Pie bestseller, this scent is a really interesting mix of nature and spice. While it would totally suit any occasion, it's definitely designed more for the winter months, particularly around Christmas due to its piney aroma. A gorgeously green scent that you'll keep buying over and over.
8. Bon Parfumeur 601
Bon Parfumeur's vegan scents are really quite hard to choose from, but this one is a real winner thanks to its notes of vetiver, cedar and bergamot. It's green and earthy yet a little rich and woodsy and lasts on the skin beautifully. I also love that it comes in three different sizes and price points, meaning it's right for all budgets.
9. Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino ‘97
When Victoria Beckham took her first step into the world of fragrance in 2023, we never anticipated it could be *this* damn good. While all three of her trio of perfumes are truly lovely, Portofino '97 has an extra special edge to it, and is pretty much unlike anything you've ever smelt. It's pricey, but worth the investment for sure.
