Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Rebecca Fearn

As a fragrance-obsessed beauty editor, these are the 9 vegan perfumes I wear on rotation

Woman in a white suit holding a perfume between her hands.

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

(Image credit: Lush)

Lush Frangipani

Key notes: Guaiacwood, frangipani, tuberose

Notes that complement each other well
Sizeable bottle
Only available in Lush stores rather than retailers

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

(Image credit: Vyrao)

Vyrao Witchy Woo

Key notes: Nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper

Rich and intense
Made with synaesthetic elements 
Fairly expensive 

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

(Image credit: Glossier)

Glossier You

Key notes: Pink pepper, ambrette, iris

Smells different on everyone
Lasts on skin
Soft and powdery, so not for those who prefer intense, rich scents

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

(Image credit: Floral Street)

Floral Street Sunflower Pop

Key notes: Bergamot, mandarin, passion fruit

Super fresh and citrusy
Potent and long lasting
Better for summer rather than winter

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 

(Image credit: Jo Loves)

Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar

Key notes: Vetiver, patchouli, cedarwood, geranium, grapefruit

Fresh and light
Perfect for summer
Small amount for £££

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

(Image credit: Aesop)

Aesop Karst

Key notes: Juniper, bergamot, pink pepper

Expensive-smelling
Unique
Too intense for summer

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

(Image credit: Beauty Pie)

Beauty Pie Une Balade En Forêt

Key notes: Fir balsam, cashmere, amber woods

Green smelling and intense
Can be bought affordably with memberships
Expensive if you don't have a membership

Price shown is members' price.

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

(Image credit: Bon Perfumer)

Bon Parfumeur 601

Key notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, pink berry

Rich and woodsy
Available in different sizes
Not widely available

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

(Image credit: Victoria Beckham Beauty)

Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino ‘97

Key notes: Bergamot, amber, vetiver

Perfect blend of woody and citrusy notes
Super chic packaging
An investment

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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.