The Best Non-Toxic Perfume Brands + The Best Scents to Buy

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I’ve always loved the idea of having a signature scent (isn’t that what a true lady has?), but I’ve always reacted to perfumes. If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’ve made a slow (but steady) shift toward non-toxic (almost) everything—deodorant, makeup, laundry detergent, skin care, and yes… even perfume. You might think natural products won’t perform as well, but after testing dozens of options, I’ve found clean swaps I genuinely love—and actually reach for daily.

Perfume was one of the last things I changed. I stopped wearing it for years because most conventional fragrances instantly made me congested or gave me a headache. But, after discovering Lake & Skye, I went on a mission to find more non-toxic fragrances I liked. So this post rounds up the best non-toxic perfumes I’ve found after a ton of trial and error.

If you’ve ever had a similar reaction to perfume or just want to avoid endocrine disruptors and harsh synthetics, I hope this list helps you find your new signature scent.

And if you’re in the middle of your own non-toxic journey, you may find these other posts helpful:

What Is Non-Toxic Perfume?

When I say “non-toxic perfume,” I mean fragrances made without known hormone disruptors like phthalates, synthetic musks, and parabens. They typically use plant-based ingredients and essential oils and are more transparent about what goes into the bottle. Clean perfumes are gentler on your body and the environment—and if you’re sensitive like me, you’ll appreciate the difference immediately.

Health Benefits

Making the switch to non-toxic perfume has been a game-changer for my daily routine. No more sinus pressure, no more tight chest. Beyond my personal experience, non-toxic options are also free from chemicals that have been linked to hormonal disruptions and long-term health concerns. If you’ve ever felt “off” after using traditional perfume, it’s not in your head—many formulas are filled with irritants that aren’t listed on the label.

Non-Toxic Perfume Brands

Here are a few clean fragrance brands that I’ve either personally worn or seen recommended again and again:

Some are more affordable, some lean luxe, but they all offer options that don’t trigger my sensitivities.

Is wearing perfume bad for you?

It depends on the perfume. Traditional formulas can include hundreds of synthetic ingredients under the single word “fragrance”—and you’ll never know what you’re actually breathing in or absorbing through your skin. For me, that mystery cocktail of chemicals was enough to steer clear for years. Non-toxic perfumes offer a more transparent alternative.

Perfumes are not FDA-regulated, so they don’t need to disclose the harmful carcinogens and endocrine disruptors commonly added to their bottles. Conventional fragrances often include ingredients like SD alcohol 40, styrene, parabens, phthalates, camphor, benzyl acetate, benzaldehyde, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, and methylene chloride (just to name a few.) And since brands are not required to list everything under “fragrance”, there’s a big question mark as to what else could be in them.

If you aren’t sure if the perfume you already own is bad for you, see if it’s on the EWG Skin Deep Database. That site ranks personal care products based on their ingredients’ safety and flags any potential issues. For example, I love the Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium perfume but can’t find a current ranking on the site. The only Black Opium perfume EWG ranking is from 2018, and it’s not good.

Do perfumes have endocrine disruptors?

Unfortunately, yes—many conventional perfumes do. Ingredients like phthalates and synthetic musks have been shown to interfere with hormones. Some countries have started to regulate these ingredients, but in the U.S., they’re still allowed in most mainstream products. Since hormone disruptors specifically alter our hormone levels and are connected to male and female reproductive disorders, neurological problems, immune and thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and hormone-related cancers, I try to minimize my exposure to them.

The good news is that there are clean perfume brands out there. They use raw materials like plants and essential oils, and they actually smell good. Below are my personal favorite safe scents so you can smell your best without risking your health.

The 5 Best Non-Toxic Perfumes

These are the five I reach for most often. I keep a couple of these in my drawer at all times.

1. Snif Rose Era Eau de Toilette

This one is fun, flirty, and surprisingly wearable. It’s a juicy blend of rose and berry that somehow avoids being too sweet. I love that it’s both playful and grown-up. It feels like a scent I’d wear for brunch or a casual night out.

2. Lake & Skye 11 Santal Gray Eau de Parfum

This one is smooth and cozy, with soft woody notes and a powdery dry down. It leans slightly masculine but in a really wearable, gender-neutral way. I think it’s the most elevated of the bunch—it smells expensive without being overwhelming. If you don’t want to commit quite yet, I recommend snagging the 6 Scent Discovery Set to see which one you like best (I have a feeling you’ll like them all). Use code TERILYN15 for 15% off at LAKE & SKYE.

3. LAKE & SKYE 11 11 Eau de Parfum

This is one of those scents that just makes you feel clean. It’s musky and a little ethereal—like your skin but better. If I don’t know what to wear, I usually grab this one. It layers really well, too. Use code TERILYN15 for 15% off at LAKE & SKYE.

4. SNIF Heal the Way Eau de Toilette

This one surprised me! It has a warm, almost amber base with a hint of spice and musk. I’d call it a cozy hug in perfume form. I wore it a lot in the fall and winter.

5. DIME BEAUTY Running Late

Fresh, light, and easy. It doesn’t make a huge statement, but that’s why I like it—it’s clean and floral in the best way. I think this one would be a great first perfume if you’re nervous about switching to clean options. If you’re interested in DIME, see my full review of each DIME scent here (and which ones are my favorite).

I’d love to know what’s missing from this list! If there’s a clean perfume that you love, drop the name or a link in the comments below!

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