Solid cologne, sometimes referred to as “dry cologne” is a kind of fragrance that uses a wax base rather than the quickly evaporating alcoholic base, which is more common.
We’ve rounded up the 8 best solid cologne options available today (available on Amazon, for easy shopping).
The lighter alcohol content often makes them less drying, less abrasive, and even easier to use. We’ve all accidentally overdone the cologne with just one extra spray, after all!
This roundup includes all scent styles, from simple to the complex and luxurious, and everything in between.
Our Picks for the 8 Best Solid Colognes
Diptyque Philosykos Solid Perfume
Launched by the design house of Diptyque in the year 1996. This woody aromatic fragrance has a blend of coconut, cedar, green notes,woody notes, fig, fig leaf, and fig tree.
From the bespoke Diptyque design house comes a luxury scent that combines woody aromatic notes. This includes cedar, figs, fig leaves, as well as fig tree essences, for a layered smell that’s focused and simple, with a touch of complexity that isn’t all over the place.
The smell is woodsy, but not too granola, since it’s tempered with slightly sweet coconut and a touch of cider vinegar. This also makes it effectively unisex. It also happens to be one of my favorite fragrances, personally! I have the regular Eau de Parfum bottle that I share with my wife.
Conveniently, this cologne comes in small tins that you can carry anywhere. When applied properly (check out our FAQs for application advice!), the scent will linger all day!
REUZEL Solid Cologne Wood and Spice
Wax-based formula. Easy to apply. Subtle wood and spice fragrance lasts all day.
This solid cologne has a refreshing and long-lasting citrus scent. It’s got a wood and spice base, with hints of lemon coming through to create a pleasantly light fragrance that doesn’t hit anyone around you over the head.
Made for men who work with their hands. It comes in a durable tin can that can be opened with a screwdriver. Still, the application feels silky, and will leave your skin feeling soft, thanks to the smooth wax base.
One Amazon reviewer mentions that the fresh yet masculine smell reminds him of a barber shop!
Cremo Bergamot & Musk Travel-Friendly Solid Cologne
Our luxurious cologne scents have been designed with passion and purpose by people who live, eat and breathe scents.
With just one sniff, this scent will have you feeling like you’re on a tropical getaway, with notes of musk and citrus. It’s fresh, clean, and the sophisticated bergamot also makes it unmistakably high-end. This is the ultimate solid cologne for guys who like to travel.
The best part? The crown-embossed tin fits flush in your front pocket so you can use it whenever and wherever.
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Blackout
A SEDUCTIVE, MYSTERIOUS FRAGRANCE. Both refreshing and spicy, Blackout is a unique fragrance with complex accords that will wrap you in mystery the second you put it on.
One of ten contemporary scents from Derek Lam’s fragrance line, Blackout is uniquely intricate, featuring notes focused on giving you a mysterious cool factor.
Chai tea made with milk and honey is the first thing you notice when you open the convenient stick bottle. From there, there’s a journey of dark, woody aromas and a hint of leather.
The combination offers a lovely contrast between the peppery cedar and the creamy tea. It’s a great high-fashion smell for new and experienced cologne-wearers.
The complexity is still raw enough that (expert) wearers can even layer it with other scents.
Duke Cannon Supply Co. Redwood
SOLID COLOGNE BALM - Men don't have time screw around with overpowering sprays that leave them smelling like the perfume lady at the mall. This solid cologne balm allows for precision scent application
A warm and masculine fragrance, Redwood has notes of sandalwood, amber, and orange citrus, as well as rosemary and clove oil.
It smells more like a stroll in the Pacific Northwest than a trendy fragrance. Plus, it’s made from organic ingredients with no added parabens.
You can keep the compact case in your leather holster, backpack, or office drawer, and it makes an excellent travel companion for keeping you smelling fresh while on the road.
BushKlawz Solid Cologne
4 Full size 1 oz tins of each of our signature Premium Prince fragrance solid cologne balms.
BushKlawz has a selection of natural solid colognes that are neither overpoweringly sweet nor floral. Choose from four solid fragrance balms, including Lumber Prince, Pacific Prince, Urban Prince, and Active Prince.
Lumber Prince is one of the strongest scents on this list. It’s made to keep you smelling fresh when you’re on the run, with a brawny combination of tobacco leaves, leather, pines, vanilla, and musk essences.
While there are some dissatisfied reviews about the small tin packaging, the size makes it easy to travel with.
Mr. Gladstone Cologne
Mr. Gladstone crafts natural, solid wax-based colognes designed to roam, navigate and traverse life's thrilling paths with effortless confidence.
This cologne is made from natural, solid wax-based ingredients and sports a more effortless and moderate men’s scent, more nutty than the typical woodsy.
It contains shea butter, coconut oil, mango butter, almond oil, emulsifying wax, grape seed oil, as well as a variety of additional synthetic and naturally derived components. The overall aroma is confident and quiet.
Also, when you dab it on your pulse spots, there’s an immediately refreshing smell of geranium, oakmoss, vetiver, juniper, and cinnamon.
Occo Bobbo – Oceanus Men’s Solid Cologne
Men's solid cologne balm - Rub your fingers over the surface of the cologne. Apply to your pulse points (wrist, neck, beard, etc.). No need to mess around with smelly sprays.
This is a solid cologne balm made for men who are always on the go. Its freshness evokes the essence of the Mediterranean Sea and it’s handcrafted from quality beeswax, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and phthalate-free fragrances.
It’s got lovely aquatic citrus notes with a dash of sea salt and sun. And if the reviews are anything to go by, this is one of the longest-lasting solid colognes out there and it offers great value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solid cologne has a wax foundation, allowing it to be preserved in a tin without leaking. Liquid cologne is more concentrated, with an alcohol base, and is either sprayed on or dabbed on. Spray cologne often has a stronger scent and lasts longer than other types of cologne.
Each kind of cologne has distinct advantages and distinct disadvantages. Solid cologne has a softer fragrance, isn’t as drying, but doesn’t linger as long as spray cologne. Spray cologne has a stronger scent, lasts longer on the skin, but is easier to overdo because of this.
Even though solid cologne isn’t as powerful as spray cologne, it’s often portable and can be easily reapplied many times during the day.
Rub the cologne between your fingers, then apply it to your wrists and neck as needed. If you don’t want the fragrance to get on your fingers, try applying it using a cotton swab instead. Reapply as many times a day as you see fit!
Solids or Liquids?
Think you’ll give one of these a try?
Finding the best solid cologne for men is no easy feat. It’s even more time-consuming if you’ve never bought solid cologne before but hopefully, this guide has introduced you to solid cologne brands that you’ll wear for some time to come!
Which one are you going to get? Do you prefer solid or liquid cologne?
Reach out to us with your thoughts and questions, by DMing us on Instagram!
