8 Clean, Sustainable, & Unique Fragrance Brands You Need To Know
Fragrance is the most underrated accessory. While clothing and accessories are tangible parts of our style, perfumes and scents add an intangible dimension to our presence, enhancing our auras or conveying messages through smell rather than sight. Despite being a timeless element of beauty, the fragrance industry remains one of the least regulated sectors in mainstream beauty. But the sensory experience of fragrance doesn’t have to be lost to the schemes of capitalism.
The art of perfumery, with its deep historical roots in ancient rituals and holistic practices, is being revitalized by brands that blend this tradition with modern susty-ness. There are so many incredible perfumers out there who are merging the artistry of scent with a commitment to transparent ingredients and sustainable practices. They’re ensuring that our love of absolutely delicious scents supports both our personal well-being and the health of the Earth.
Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Ôrəbella
Palestinian-Woman-Owned | Cruelty-Free | Dermatologist Tested | Vegan | Safe for Sensitive Skin
We’re always skeptical of celeb-founded brands, but Bella Hadid has proven she cares for people and the planet. Founded by the Palestinian-Dutch supermodel, Ôrəbella launched earlier this year and quickly became one of our susty favorites. The brand offers alcohol-free, hydrating perfume oils made from responsibly sourced essential oils, emphasizing sustainability and skin health. Ôrəbella uses recyclable packaging and avoids over 1,300 harmful ingredients.
BIPOC-Owned | Non-toxic | Vegan | Cruelty-Free
Ellis Brooklyn, founded by beauty columnist Bee Shapiro, combines her love for fragrance with a commitment to clean beauty. The brand focuses on sustainable sourcing, using natural ingredients wherever possible, and sustainable practices like using glass packaging to minimize plastic waste and shipping carbon-neutral whenever possible.
3. Heretic
Non-Toxic | Plant-Derived Ingredients | Vegan | Cruelty-Free | Genderless
A heretic is someone who defies mainstream ideals, which aligns perfectly with sustainable baddies working for a cleaner perfume industry. Heretic Parfum challenges conventional norms by using 100% naturally-derived ingredients to create non-gendered, functional fragrances. Crafted in small batches using ancient perfumery techniques, Heretic’s scents offer raw profiles and deliver aromatherapeutic benefits, all while being blended in organic non-GMO sugarcane alcohol.
4. Dedcool
BIPOC Owned | Non-Toxic | Women-Owned | Cruelty-Free | Vegan | Genderless
By using vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable ingredients, DedCool ensures their products are both susty and effective. Their fragrances are crafted with a high concentration of plant extracts and are manufactured in-house to minimize carbon footprint. With initiatives like carbon-neutral facilities, recyclable packaging, and a partnership with Pact Collective for recycling, DedCool embodies a modern approach to functional and sustainable scents.
Indigenous-Woman Founded | Vegan | Cruelty-Free | Phthalate & Petroleum Free | Small Biz
What sets Land of Daughters apart is their unique solid perfume format. Embracing coziness and the comforts of home, Land of Daughters blends simple, natural ingredients to create seasonal scents for candles, aroma sprays, and solid perfumes, celebrating the small joys in life.
6. Ourside
BIPOC Owned | Non-Toxic | Small Batch | Cruelty Free | Genderless | Endocrine Disruptor Free
Founded by Keta, the daughter of a Jamaican mother and an American father, Ourside creates fragrances for those who, like Keta, have always felt they didn't quite fit in. Challenging the idea of universal, classic scents favored by traditional perfumers, Ourside invites everyone to connect with personal, unique experiences through their fragrances. Crafted in the Bronx, Ourside’s eau de parfum is thoughtfully formulated with conscious ingredients.
7. Moodeaux
Black-Owned | Non-Toxic | Refillable
Moodeaux shows us what it means to be innovative and community focused in sustainable perfumery. Founded by Brianna Arps, Moodeaux’s commitment to sustainability includes refillable Travel Pens and a bottle recycling program, which rewards customers with discounts for returning used bottles. Additionally, Moodeaux supports Black entrepreneurs through its Black In Fragrance initiative, providing mentorship and financial aid to emerging Black perfumers.
Woman-Owned | Non-Toxic | Plant-Based
Sangre de Fruta uses precious botanicals to create organic products that enhance our natural beauty. Their plant-based formulas are crafted in small batches with a deep respect for nature and work to promote lasting wellness over fleeting beauty trends. Sangre de Fruta takes a holistic approach, drawing from historical practices, like the ancient beauty regimens of Egypt, and emphasizing the connection between people and nature.
What’s your signature susty scent?