Gendered Fact of Perfume

A History of Fragrance, From Unisex to Gendered Perfumes

Since time immemorial, perfumes have seduced multi-dimensions of humanity with a beauty that one simply cannot resist. Until the 19th century, perfume was a unisex experience. In this paper, we will discuss the birth and development of gendered perfumes, and how they shape the modern perfume industry.

Cultural Conceptions of Unisex Perfumes

In ancient days, perfumes were made from natural materials such as flowers and herbs that appealed to men and women alike. The idea of scent was accepted universally, whether put to practical use or employed in spiritual belief.

Change in Perception

The 19th century transformed the world of perfume. During this time, councils were set up to categorize scents, that is, very simplistically, to organize them on the basis of gender.

Masculine Fragrances: There was a turn towards spicy and woody scents, deriving an element of strength and robustness from certain ingredients like cedarwood or even leather.
Feminine Scents: Alternatively, floral and fruity notes-such as jasmine and rose-strive to elicit softness and elegance.

Advertising: A Gendered Narrative

The marketing of perfumes, moreover, further entrenched the gender division-with great advertising featuring glamorous women and rugged men-to take it further. Eventually, the cultural psyche was stamped with the notion that scents reflect identity that dates as far back in history as 25 centuries;-according to the pages of religious texts.