<p>Musk scents have been prized since ancient times for their deep, sensual aromas that call the mind skin, sweat and the things we do to get sweaty in our skin (wink wink). Back in ye olden times, musks came specifically from gland secretions from certain animals like the musk deer; that’s why they’re commonly described as having an “animalistic” quality. Nowadays, it’s illegal to use animal-derived musks (thankfully) so pretty much all the musks you’ll find in modern scents are synthetic. That’s not a bad thing—they still give the sweaty, sensual quality you want, but now we’re able to create such a wide range that musks can blend well with nearly every other fragrance category, even fresh and floral notes. What that means for you is that when you want to try a musk cologne, you have a variety of options. We tested over 50 musk colognes to find the best ones for whatever musky vibe you want to project. </p><p><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g34789245/best-cologne-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Colognes for Men</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g43121329/best-long-lasting-colognes/” target=”_blank”>Best Long Lasting Colognes</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g43670490/best-cheap-cologne/” target=”_blank”>Best Cheap Colognes</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g43388267/best-solid-colognes/” target=”_blank”>Best Solid Colognes</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g31134888/best-body-wash-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Body Washes for Men</a></strong></p>” />
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site.
Best Every Day Musk Cologne
Kiehl’s Musk Eau de Toilette Spray
Best Every Day Musk Cologne
Kiehl’s Musk Eau de Toilette Spray
A cologne that has stood the test of time, this iconic musk-forward fragrance is largely unchanged since it was first developed by the Kiehl’s Apothecary as early as the 1920’s. Back then it was called “Love Oil” and we’d venture to guess that’s because literally everyone who smells it, loves it.
Read more: Best Kiehl’s Products
| Size | 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Spicy, woody |
Think of this cologne as the more sophisticated older brother to the original Bleu de Chanel you may know. It still has that bite of freshness, but the amber and woody notes are dialed way up giving it a deep, musky dry down that’s perfect for impressing a date.
| Size | 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 5 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Fresh, woody |
| Notes | Grapefruit, bergamot, ginger, incense, patchouli, amberwood |
Equally appropriate for day or night, this modern riff on classic masculine notes like leather, tobacco and woods creates a lighter vibe thanks to the addition of florals like violet and jasmine (but just a dash). The result is a uniquely wearable yet still sexy cologne with a smooth, musky finish.
| Size | 1.7 oz, 3.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Leather, woody |
| Notes | Violet leaf, cedar, leather, tobacco |
Inspired by the smokey bars of the 1970’s era Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, this virile cologne might be technically unisex, but the deep, rich notes of suede, tobacco, musk and amber commingle to evoke a Midnight Cowboy kind of masculinity that always succeeds in drawing people in.
| Size | 1.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Amber, vanilla |
| Notes | Cinnamon, tobacco leaf, amber, suede, black musk |
Musk scents don’t always have to grab you by the nose. Case in point: this subtle eau de toilette, a less concentrated form of fragrance, that blends musk with warm vanilla, amber and white cedar for a more subtle, but still attention-grabbing, vibe.
| Size | 3.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Amber |
| Notes | Musk, vanilla, ambroxan, tonka bean, white cedar |
If you think you can’t wear a floral scent, this one is your gateway. Yes, there are floral notes like iris and turkish rose, but the addition of musk lends an earthy, sensual element (that skin smell, remember) and aldehydes add a clean, soapy quality that plays well with both ends of the floral/musk spectrum and makes this wearable both day and night.
| Size | 2.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Floral |
| Notes | Musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn |
Best Luxury Musky Cologne
Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur
Best Luxury Musky Cologne
Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur
A double helping of musk (in both the heart and base notes) makes this one of the most iconic musk fragrances available. A burst of freshness from bergamot, mandarin and lavender in the top notes gradually gives way to an animalist and deeply seductive musk fragrance that will never go unnoticed.
| Size | 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Fresh, amber |
| Notes | Bergamot, lavender, musk, amber, sandalwood |
Worn on its own, this musk-forward fragrance is surprisingly light but still very much noticeable. Fragrance enthusiasts, however, love to spray this on before adding another scent on top. It adds a musky, skin-on-skin element to almost any other fragrance when you want to sex it up a little.
| Size | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Woody |
| Notes | Musk |
Creed has been making fragrances since 1760 and even though Aventus only came out in 2010, it’s one of the best selling scents from the brand—and for good reason. The bold, masculine combination of fresh citrus, warm woods and earthy musk powerfully projects confidence for whoever wears (and smells) it.
| Size | 0.34 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.3 oz, 8.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Fresh |
| Notes | Pineapple, bergamot, birch, patchouli, musk, ambergris |
What makes this eau de toilette so popular is the mix of aquatic and fresh elements with the deeper musky base notes. The combination turns it into one of the most iconic men’s fragrances available, not to mention one of the most wearable for pretty much every occasion.
| Size | 2.5 oz, 4.2 oz, 6.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Aquatic, Fresh |
| Notes | Cucumber, mandarin, basil, sage, suede, musk |
Best Musky Body Spray
Offcourt Performance Body Spray
Best Musky Body Spray
Offcourt Performance Body Spray
Musky scents aren’t just about darkness and carnal vibes. White musk especially blends well with woods and fresh notes for an elevated but clean aroma. Not only does this body spray utilized that to great effect but it helps deodorize, too, so you stay fresh for hours.
| Size | 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Fresh |
| Notes | Bergamot, Italian fig leaves, vetiver, cedar, musk. |
Best Solid Musky Cologne
Fulton & Roark Tybee Solid Cologne
Best Solid Musky Cologne
Fulton & Roark Tybee Solid Cologne
Blended to evoke the crisp air of the beach, this musk-based scent is surprisingly light and summery—a welcome break from the deep, dark scents you commonly associate with musk. The innovative solid application is inherently more subtle (apply it just to your pulse points) but that’s kind of the point with this one.
| Size | 0.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Fresh |
| Notes | Musk, rosewood, cedar |
When you think of a man’s musk cologne, something like this comes to mind. First release in 1973, it is Musk with a capital M—animalistic, arousing and in-your-face sexy like the dance floor at Studio 54. While it definitely smells old-school (we’ll say “classic), it’s just as cool now as it was back in the 70’s.
| Size | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Woody, Floral |
| Notes | Carnation, pepper, spices, amber, musk |
You may think Le Labo is all about Santal 33, but don’t sleep on this musky concoction from the brand. The musk in this brew is subtle and paired with the other fresher notes lends a quality that calls to mind fresh laundry and soap (in a good way).
| Size | 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Amber, woody |
| Notes | Citruses, apple, musk mallow, Iso E Super |
Best Sexy Musk Cologne
Arquiste Peau Eau de Parfum
Best Sexy Musk Cologne
Arquiste Peau Eau de Parfum
The warm notes of this incredibly sexy cologne are meant to evoke skin—more specifically, skin on skin, if you know what we mean. The animalistic quality of musk is used to the effect, but in a more subtle way, and is bolstered by spices and a hint of freshness.
| Size | 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Family | Spicy, woody |
| Notes | Ambergris, musk accord, clary sage, white pepper, okoume wood |
Why Trust Us?
For the past five years, Men’s Health has dedicated itself to discovering and recommending the best grooming products for men via hands-on testing and in-depth research.
Men’s Health grooming has been featured on national news outlets like The TODAY Show and Good Morning America, showcasing the latest new grooming products for men and presenting why we love the brands we select.
Aside from constantly updating and adding to our ever-growing grooming section, Men’s Health also dedicates an annual Grooming Awards package where we break down the best new products for men—ranging everywhere from skincare to shaving.
Our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, has been testing colognes (and musky fragrances) for the past decade, so we absolutely know what we’re talking about.
Read more: How Men’s Health Tests Products
Garrett Munce writes about men’s style and grooming. He’s written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.
Deputy Editor, Commerce
As Men’s Health’s Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian’s work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
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