If you’re looking for a safe choice when shopping for colognes, well-known options are your best bet. This is because they’ve been tried and trusted by many, and their seal of approval lies in the multiple thumbs-ups they boast. Therefore, it’s advisable to opt for something well-liked and known to add to your fragrance collection, rather than risk buying a scent you might not enjoy. Here, we’ve curated some of the best-selling colognes for men, each renowned for its distinctive scent and enduring popularity.
The following fragrances have made it to the bestseller list because they are truly excellent. Whether you’re new to colognes or looking for something fresh to beef up your collection, these top-sellers are worth considering. Don’t dismiss a fragrance just because it’s popular; instead, see if one of these best-sellers might suit you. We’ve broken down the notes of each scent to make choosing easy.
Here are the best-selling colognes for men and their notes…
#1. Versace Dylan Blue
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Dylan Blue stands out thanks to its base note of citrus, leaning to a darker, deeper side. At first, you smell fresh Calabrian bergamot, grapefruit, and aquatic notes, which give it a “blue” vibe. Over time, it develops richer scents of amber, incense, musk, and patchouli on your skin. It’s a grown-up version of a fresh cologne that’s masculine and versatile enough for almost any event.
Notes: Calabrian bergamot, water notes, grapefruit, fig leaves, ambroxan, black pepper, patchouli, violet leaf, papyrus, incense, musk, tonka bean, saffron
#2. Valentino Uomo Born in Roma Eau de Toilette
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This cologne quickly became a bestseller, even though it is fresh on the scene. It mixes classic scents like wood and vetiver with a bit of spice, and adds an appealing twist with a hint of minerals, like salt. It’s a new version of traditional men’s cologne that feels lively and fresh for any age.
Notes: Mineral notes, violet leaf, salt, ginger, sage, woody notes, vetiver
#3. Hermès Terre d’Hermes Eau de Toilette
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This fragrance isn’t as traditional as others on this list, but it flaunts a classic vibe that many have taken a liking to. Its popularity is due to its fresh, herbal, and woody scent, with a hint of minerals, resulting in an aura you might associate with your grandfather, but you’d happily wear. Although it’s great for spring, you can enjoy it any time of the year.
Notes: Orange, grapefruit, pepper, pelargonium, flint, vetiver, cedar, patchouli, benzoin
#4. Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
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This lively 1990s fragrance remains popular because of its special blend of herbs and spices, plus sweet yuzu and classic citrus notes, creating a subtle and elegant scent. Its delicate touch, typical of the famous Japanese designer, makes it a timeless option with a long roster of fans.
Notes: Yuzu, lemon, bergamot, mandarin orange, cypress, blue lotus, nutmeg, lily-of-the-valley, saffron, Ceylon cinnamon, Tahitian vetiver, musk, cedar, sandalwood, amber, tobacco
#5. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
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The smell of fragrances isn’t just what makes them special-they also have a way of triggering memories and emotions. Light Blue perfectly captures the essence of summer and the emotions that come with it. Its fresh citrus scent starts bright, and the woodsy notes of juniper and rosemary remind you of nature. The smooth, sexy scent of rosewood completes the picture: one of the sunny days spent outdoors, possibly by the dancing ocean waves. Wear it any time of the year to wrap yourself in a light, sunny embrace.
Notes: Grapefruit, bergamot, Sicilian mandarin, juniper, pepper, rosemary, Brazilian rosewood, musk, incense, oakmoss
#6. Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette Spray
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Bleu’s appeal lies in its versatility—it can take you from work to family gathering and the club without seeming out of place, making it one of the best-selling men’s colognes on the market. It starts fresh, with spicy middle notes, and finishes with a woody, musky scent. Thanks to its recognizable scent and staying power, we doubt there’s a man who wouldn’t be impressed by it.
Notes: Grapefruit, lemon, mint, pink pepper, ginger, nutmeg, jasmine, Iso E Super, incense, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, patchouli, labdanum, white musk
#7. Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum
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It’s easy to see why this popular cologne is liked by so many. It’s one of the most flexible scents on our list, balancing boldness with a subtle touch. Like other famous fragrances, it starts with a lively splash of citrus and herbs, then shifts to a smooth blend of vetiver, leather, wood, and patchouli. Wherever you wear it, it’s sure to capture attention.
Notes: Bergamot, pink pepper, clary sage, Haitian vetiver, leather, ambroxan, akigalawood, Indonesian patchouli leaf, cacao pod
#8. Versace Eros Eau de Toilette
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Everyone loves a party fragrance—the type you wear when heading out to boost your energy. Eros is the perfect example of this. It starts bright and crisp and then settles into warm vanilla scents that are sexy rather than just sweet. It’s fresh and young, and a great addition to your nighttime ensemble.
Notes: Mint, green apple, lemon, tonka bean, ambroxan, geranium, Madagascar vanilla, Atlas cedar, Virginia cedar, vetiver, oakmoss
#9. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
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Is there any list of top-selling men’s colognes that doesn’t include Acqua di Gio? We think not. Toss a stone into a crowd of men and you’re likely to hit someone who currently wears it or has done so in the past. This fragrance first dominated the popularity chart when it was first released in 1996 and remains a favorite. Perhaps, a reason for its success is because it defines what we consider an aquatic fragrance today. It mixes fresh citrus and floral scents with sea-like minerals and soft woods to create a fragrance that reminds you of the coast like few others can. It’s adaptable, easy to wear, and stands out in all the best ways.
Notes: Lime, lemon, bergamot, neroli, mandarin orange, sea notes, jasmine, hyacinth, violet, white musk, cedar, oakmoss, patchouli, amber
#10. Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette Spray
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Before 1995, fragrances were typically aimed at either men or women, not both. CK One changed this by promoting itself as the first unisex fragrance, although some might question if that’s completely accurate. This was quite significant, but the real achievement of Calvin Klein was capturing the simple style of the time with a fresh, citrusy, and slightly floral scent that feels clean yet attractive. It’s great for warm weather and daytime use, and it continues to be one of the top-selling fragrances in the world.
Notes: Lemon, green notes, bergamot, pineapple, cardamom, jasmine, violet, nutmeg, orris root, freesia, musk, cedar, sandalwood, oakmoss, amber
#11. Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Toilette
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Many top-selling men’s colognes are from the fresh scent family, which isn’t surprising. Fresh ingredients like citrus, fruits, and herbs are popular thanks to their lively and energetic demeanor. This particular scent is enhanced with aldehydes in the top note, adding a clean, barbershop-like touch that’s both subtle and masculine. With a base of musk and incense for extra richness, it makes an impression.
Notes: Aldehydes, ginger, bergamot, mint, lemon, apple, violet leaf, pineapple, sage, geranium, ambergris, musk, cedar, balsam fir, vetiver, incense
#12. Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette
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Sauvage is likely one of the most popular men’s colognes ever, dominating the market since it appeared in 2015. It’s easy to recognize, starting with a fresh scent and finishing with a deep, amber wood note, mixed with lots of pepper and spice. It inspired many similar fragrances and reshaped modern men’s colognes by freshly combining traditional scents. When unsure, Sauvage is a safe and excellent choice.
Notes: Calabrian bergamot, black pepper, sichuan pepper, lavender, pink pepper, vetiver, patchouli, geranium, elemi, ambroxan, cedar, labdanum
#13. Davidoff Cool Water for Men Eau de Toilette
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There are many aquatic colognes mentioned here, but Cool Water might be the original that started it all. Since its debut in 1988, it has maintained its appeal and remains a top seller over three decades later. This classic cologne starts with a refreshing scent and settles into a masculine blend of musk, tobacco, and cedar. It’s great for daytime, but really, it can be worn anytime and anywhere.
Notes: Sea water, lavender, mint, green notes, rosemary, calone, coriander, sandalwood, neroli, geranium, jasmine, musk, oakmoss, tobacco, cedar, ambergris
#14. Hugo Boss Hugo Man Eau de Toilette
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Just like Hugo Boss suits, this classic cologne is great for work. Its strong, confident scent comes from the woody and balsam fir notes that last for hours without being too overpowering or lingering too long after you leave. The hints of sweet apple and fresh floral lavender make it versatile and give it a softer, more approachable feel while still maintaining strength.
Notes: Green apple, lavender, pine, woody notes, balsam fir
#15. Creed Aventus
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Creed is a favorite brand among cologne enthusiasts, and Aventus is a perfect introduction to their fragrances. Known as one of the most iconic and popular men’s colognes, Aventus has a slightly sweet scent with hints of apple, black currant, and pineapple, but it also carries woody, musky, and rich aromas. It balances traditional and modern styles, making it suitable for nearly any event. Oh, and it leaves a lasting impression, too.
Notes: Bergamot, black currant, apple, lemon, pineapple, patchouli, Moroccan jasmine, birch, musk, oakmoss, ambroxan, cedarwood
Featured image: @davidoffparfums/Instagram
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