Welcome to Robb Recommends, a regular series in which our editors and contributors endorse something they’ve tried and loved—and think will change your life for the better.
Fragrance oils might not have the same recognition as traditional spray colognes. But for scent enthusiasts, they’ve long been an outlier favorite, known for their grounding, natural, and intimate vibe—and their portability. Historically, roll-on oils were often one-note and carried a faintly “granola” reputation, far removed from the sophistication of luxury perfumery. Not anymore. Enter Unifrom, a Swedish fragrance house redefining and elevating personal scented oils with refined fragrance pyramids akin to high-end colognes. Blending Parisian perfumery craft with Swedish olfactory inspiration, Unifrom is rewriting the roll-on’s narrative.
Conceptualized in Sweden, developed in Paris, and crafted in Grasse—the world’s perfume capital—Unifrom’s cologne oils embody modern aromatic cool. Inspired by the stairwells of Swedish high-rises, where the air carries hints of incense and spices, founder Haisam Mohammed set out to transform everyday moments into artistic, fragrant scenescapes. Unlike brands that only dabble in scented oils, Unifrom has made this format its signature, combining the natural simplicity of oils with the sophistication of high-end perfumery. The result is a new, equally elevated way to enjoy and apply personal scents. These rollerball oil formulations reflect our current indie-luxe ethos with a forward-thinking yet back-to-basic approach to fragrance—subtle statements for those who seek uniqueness without veering into over-the-top colognes. Plus, they smell really, really good.
Unifrom’s oils adapt to your body heat and chemistry, creating a more personal and nuanced aroma. With complex scent pyramids, these oils linger close to the skin, revealing itself as your body warms up. Think of it as a fragrance mood ring—glide the rollerball onto your wrists or arms, rub it in, and let it evolve throughout the day. The result is a malleable, intimate scent that feels uniquely yours, making an impression only when someone is close enough to notice—an understated olfactory statement that won’t overpower the room.
This scent lingers beautifully throughout the day, thanks to its concentrated formula that breaks down gradually on the skin. Unlike traditional sprays that deliver an initial burst of fragrance, these perfume oils cling closely for a more sustained experience. While they will not replace spray colognes—and the slight slickness might not appeal to all—these rollerballs could be your new go-to if sprays have never been your thing. Plus, the alcohol-free formulas are great for sensitive skin, as they have a moisturizing touch while staying true to Unifrom’s vegan and cruelty-free ethos.
There’s something oddly satisfying and ritualistic about applying these rollerball oils. With a simple glide over your pressure points—neck, wrists, or wherever—you control how much fragrance you want, making the process feel personal and precise. Unifrom didn’t skimp on aesthetics either—the packaging is indie yet elevated, featuring the fragrance pyramid on the back (Winter Saga’s winter motif is especially captivating). The metal casing adds a substantial feel, while their portable size is perfect for on-the-go use, easily slipping into a tote, duffle, or Dopp kit. With a sleek, travel-friendly design and retro apothecary charm, these cologne oils are built for touch-ups anytime, anywhere.
The scents themselves are transportive. Out of the core seven releases, my favorite, Winter Saga, is an intoxicating blend of ginger, Japanese cypress, and musk, evoking the serene feeling of a crisp walk through a pine forest. For fans of fresh woodsy scents with an artisanal twist—though it might feel a bit heavy for warmer months. Limbo combines rhubarb, ylang-ylang, hay, myrrh, and sandalwood to create a lush, green aroma. A touch of vanilla adds subtle sweetness, resulting in a dewy and verdant fragrance for welcoming eventual warmer days. Then there’s Maghrib, Unifrom’s signature scent, which captures the essence of summer city nights. Notes of apple, tobacco, sandalwood, clove, and cinnamon channel the aroma of hookah smoke drifting through lively streets. Spicy, alluring, and mysterious, it’s an olfactory companion when you’re ready to see where the night takes you.
Authors
-
Michael Stefanov
Credit
