Hitting the market in the late 80s and early 90s, aquatic colognes quickly became the front runner in the fragrance scene, making way for more fresh, sporty, outdoorsy aromas to take center stage. Who knew that the smell of water could be so interesting?

Aquatic colognes (like their name suggests) use water as their major source of scent-spiration. Though many draw their inspiration from the fresh, complex depths of the sea, aquatic colognes don’t always have to be oceanic. They can be inspired by a clear lake, cool pond, gentle rain, or the luxury of a pool on a hot summer day. Coupled with other crisp notes of citrus, musk, or wood, aquatic colognes leave long-lasting, subtle impressions for all-day wear.

Take a dive and explore the best of the best in aquatic fragrances. We’ve gathered our top 12 favorite aquatic colognes below, each of which is fresh, unique, masculine, and (of course) water-inspired.

Best Buy

1. Baxter of California Pacific Cannabis

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What’s better than the fresh smell of the ocean? The fresh smell of the ocean and cannabis, but not as you know it. Baxter of California Pacific Cannabis combines pink pepper, rosemary, and bergamot with tempered cannabis (more commonly known as hemp in the cologne world) with lavender and sage at the heart – now that doesn’t sound like something you want to roll up and smoke, does it? To bring it all together, patchouli, tonka bean, and the mineral character of driftwood complete the cologne for a uniquely fresh fragrance.

2. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Aqua Celestia

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If you’re a cologne bottle collector, you’ll want to add Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Aqua Celestia to your collection. In a beautiful ocean-colored glass bottle, you’ll find a fruity, fresh scent featuring bergamot, blackcurrant, jasmine, and mimosa that captures the feeling of stepping onto a tropical beach. With this aquatic cologne, you’ll leave footprints in the sand (and a fresh ocean scent) everywhere you go.