Minimalism, ozone and the aquatic revolution

The best 1990s fragrances

The 1990s stripped fragrance back to clean — after the 80s excess came sheer aquatics, airy ozonic freshness and the first genderless, minimalist unisex scents. Calone-driven marine accords and "just-showered" transparency redefined what modern perfume smelled like, and their DNA still runs through today’s freshies.

What defined it — Marine/aquatic freshness, ozonic transparency and the birth of the clean, minimalist unisex scent.

Wears best — Warm weather, the gym and anyone who loves a clean, sheer, effortlessly fresh signature.

6 1990s fragrances