Are you looking for some new fragrances to try out? In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for the best natural colognes.
Why Choose a ‘Natural’ Cologne?
So, what do we mean by ‘natural,’ you may ask? Well, it is a cologne that is made from naturally sourced oils, herbs and spices rather than manufactured, artificial fragrance ingredients.
Many mainstream colognes are made from synthetic chemicals that can have a deleterious effect both on your personal health and on the environment. Certain fragrance ingredients can actually cause allergic attacks, rashes, hives, headaches, trigger asthma and aggravate sinus problems.
Have you ever sneezed when smelling a particularly strong cologne? It is because the synthetic ingredients may be causing your nose to react in rebellion.
Did you also know that the use of petroleum-based phthalates in fragrances can also lead to low sperm count?
Natural colognes are growing in popularity as more men are becoming aware of the grooming products they use as part of a healthier, ‘greener’ and more natural lifestyle.
Naturally sourced fragrances can also react differently on your skin, as they tend to change according to your body’s particular chemistry, so instead of smelling like everyone else wearing the latest cologne “du jour,” you will have a unique, personalized fragrance.
Natural colognes, body oils and sprays can be divided into different fragrance groups – such as woodsy, earthy, floral or citrusy. You will know which type appeals to you the most.
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Here are our top three recommendations from the list:
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Best Natural Colognes
Here they are in no particular order…
Dr. Squatch Driftwood Cologne
This is a subtle, yet lasting fragrance – perfect for the man who doesn’t wear much cologne. Spray it on your pulse points or use it as a beard oil. It smells like a combination of grasses, moss and the ocean.
It contains originally sourced ingredients including jojoba oil, almond oil, grapefruit, coriander, vetiver, frankincense, myrrh, oakmoss, basil, bergamot and sandalwood.
Thin Wild Mercury – Laurel Canyon 1966
This fragrance is a trip. It is meant to take you back to the Summer of Love in Los Angeles, if you are old enough to remember that far. It combines patchouli, petitgrain and Italian cannabis, and it was launched in 2019.
Top notes are herbal notes, sweet orange and grapefruit; middle notes are cannabis, clove, petitgrain and jasmine sambac; base notes are patchouli, birch tar and ambergris. It’s earthy and intoxicating. If you wear this, you’ll be remembered.
Henry Rose Fog
Michelle Pfeiffer (yes, that Michelle Pfeiffer) joined forces with a team of experts to create fragrances that are environmentally safe and allergen free.
Henry Rose was the first fragrance line to be endorsed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a watchdog agency in the beauty industry that monitors products very carefully.
It is also certified by Cradle to Cradle, which oversees ingredients and products for environmental sustainability. Launched in 2019, Fog is woody, musky, earthy and aromatic. Fragrance notes are vetiver and musk.
Henry Rose combines the names of her two children, by the way.
Sigil Solutio
Sigil is a natural perfumery founded by Patrick Kelly in 2015. The brand stresses quality, naturalness and sustainability.
Solutio is composed of organic, botanical and sustainably sourced ingredients, in a base of organic grain alcohol. None are tested on animals, and Sigil donates 1% of all sales to earth-conscious, grassroots nonprofit organizations.
Solutio is a blend of aromatic cypriol, lime, and wild chaparral. It is clean, modern, uncomplicated scent.
Key notes are cypriol, labdanum, chaparral tincture and cypress. It smells light and green, almost like the first day of Spring. It packs a punch, so don’t overdo it.
Otter Wax Spruce Cologne Solid
This is a solid scent you dab on your pulse points. It has good staying power and lasts longer than other liquid sprays.
Its ingredients include beeswax, bergamot, Valencia orange, fir needle, Virginian cedarwood, shea butter, lime, sandalwood, black pepper and essential oils of vetiver. It smells earthy and natural, like a walk through a pine forest.
Juniper Ridge Mojave Backpacker Cologne
This cologne is distilled from the actual the sap and oils of trees and plants in the Inyo backcountry of California’s Mojave Desert. If you’re a seasoned backpacker, you’ll recognize the familiar smell of the great outdoors.
It gives you a hit of wilderness, with notes of spice and sagebrush. Its scent notes include pine resin, salt, cedar, earth and creosote.
Juniper Ridge makes their fragrances from natural, sustainable products. As they say, “As much as we feel the wilderness calling, we can’t always get there…so, bring nature home.”
MCMC Dude No. 1
If you’ve tried MCMC’s beard oil or fragrance candle, you will like this one. It combines Virginia cedarwood, pink pepper, sandalwood, coriander, Santalum, Moroccan rose, Haitian vetiver and ginger.
It is 100% natural, non-toxic, phthalate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, vegan and not tested on animals. You’ll find it has a manly, attractive scent which will quickly become a favorite.
Which Natural Cologne Will You Choose?
When choosing a natural cologne, consider the ingredients and scents that align with your personal preferences and values. Look for options with organic, sustainably sourced ingredients to ensure both quality and ethical responsibility. Testing the fragrance on your skin before purchasing is always a good idea to see how it reacts with your body chemistry.
Natural colognes are becoming increasingly popular. The ones we’ve suggested are well worth a try – and the good news is, many are priced considerably under $100.
Are there any good natural colognes we missed? Leave a comment below to let us know.
