shopping guide

Scented Scrub: The 18 Best-Smelling Body Washes for Men and Women

A great-smelling body wash can transform your whole bath or shower experience — here are the best to buy right now

By Oscar Hartzog

Oscar Hartzog

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April 11, 2024

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best smelling body washes

Nordstrom

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Although some prefer fragrance-free soap, a body wash with a great scent can totally transform your relationship with your bathing. Since we started sampling them, the best body washes help us wake up easier, relax after a workout, and calm down for bedtime. And the lingering scent of a sweet-smelling body wash is great too: It’s less powerful than perfume or deodorant, gently reminding you (or any huggers) how fresh and clean you are.

If you’re in need of a body wash swap, we’re here to help. After testing some of the best body washes ourselves — and consulting reviews from happy users — we’ve created a list below of the best-smelling body washes, including options for both men and women.

The Best Smelling Body Washes for Men

Guys, there’s a lot more to life than drugstore 3-in-1. Plus, if you branch out to more sophisticated men’s body washes, you’ll find that many of them deliver much better scents. Here are some of the best-smelling body washes we recommend to guys.

1. Elm & Rye Saint Felix Body Wash

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Elm & Rye

If you’re looking for a body wash that not only leaves you feeling refreshed, but has a scent that’ll make you want to jump into the shower in the morning, Elm & Rye’s Saint Felix Body Wash is the key. The formula contains gentle ingredients like aloe vera that moisturize the skin with a rich lather, but also comes off with a “spa-like” fragrance that smells (and feels) luxurious.

$30

Buy saint felix body wash at elm & rye

Promising Customer Feedback: “I’ve tried many body washes, but Elm & Rye stands out for its quality. The rich lather effectively cleanses away dirt and grime without stripping my skin of its natural oils. Plus, the masculine scent is just right – not overpowering, but definitely noticeable. It’s become a staple in my grooming regimen.” — Michael

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2. Oribe Côte d’Azur Replenishing Body Wash

Oribe

Want your shower (and body) to smell like a Mediterranean vacation? Check out this Côte d’Azur body wash from Oribe. The gentle cleanser features notes of bergamot, white butterfly jasmine, and sandalwood, offering a summery, fresh smell that’s still decidedly masculine.

$48

Buy Côte d’Azur body wash at oribe

Promising Customer Feedback: “The product is heavily scented but it didn’t bother me — it smells amazing! One pump was all I needed for my whole body. It lathered and glided on my skin so smoothly. It was very lightweight and nourishing. After my shower I smelled great, my skin looked moisturized, and it felt soft.” — Xxtine

3. Harry’s Body Wash

Harry’s

If you’re not sure what kind of scent you want (and you don’t want to spend too much sampling) pick up a few body washes from Harry’s. For just $22.50, you can get a three-pack of washes, with options like mountain-inspired Wildlands, fruity and spicy Fig, and coastal, woody Redwood (we’re partial to the last one).

Promising Customer Feedback: “Skin feels great also great lather! Use with plastic loofa or regular one; you won’t waste it and each bottle lasts a long time. It doesn’t have sodium laurel sulfate like so many other body wash products! Safer and better for your skin.” — Matt

4. Blu Atlas Coconut Apricot Body Wash

Blu Atlas

Blending the woodiness of coconut and the sweet freshness of apricot, this body wash from Blu Atlas is hard not to like. Besides smelling great, Blue Atlas’ wash is also good for you with no sulfates, parabens, or Phthalates.

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$25

Buy body wash at blue atlas

Promising Customer Feedback: “I used to use old spice but it gave me hives. I read a lot about Blu Atlas’ body wash online, so I decided to give it a go. 10/10 all around. The smell is so nice and it lathers on amazingly well!” — Cornelius

5. Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser

Amazon

This Geranium Leaf cleanser from Aesop is famous among grooming experts — and for good reason. Its citrusy scent is almost universally loved, and it has helped catapult Aesop from fancy soap to a full-blown bathroom status symbol.

Promising Customer Feedback: “This feels and smells great. It’s pricey but so nice for a refreshing shower and washing hands a little longer to enjoy the fragrance.” — EG

6. Every Man Jack Body Wash and Shower Gel

Amazon

Another great budget-friendly, great-smelling body wash is this one from Every Man Jack. The hydrating skin cleanser comes as a two-pack with eight scent options, and costs very little (this assorted three-pack is less than $30).

$28.99

Buy every man jack body wash at Amazon

Promising Customer Feedback: “I am known for all my ‘fancy creams and lotions’ when people come for a visit and I didn’t want to let down the ‘guys’ that come. The scents of Everyman Jack aren’t overpowering but rather pleasant. The wives enjoy the scents too. They suds up nicely and my guests feel like they have been treated as special as their wives when it comes to all the soaps and shampoos they get.” — Kat

7. Jack Black All-Over Wash

Amazon

OK, we’re often quick to bash 3-in-1, but sometimes brands do it very right. Case in point: Jack Black with their All-Over Wash. The highly-rated soap works for your hair, face, and body, and it boasts a wonderful (but faint) scent of fresh coconut.

$52.00

Buy jack black body wash at Amazon

Promising Customer Feedback: “The body wash lathers well, and smells amazing. Afterwards, you feel moisturized and smell fresh and clean! I’m going to have to try the other Jack Black body washes, but this one is awesome!” — J. Hale

8. Brickell Men’s Invigorating Mint Body Wash

Amazon

If you’re a morning showerer, mint-scented body washes can be a great way to strip off any remnants of sleepiness. This one from Brickell is a good example, providing an energizing mint aroma and balanced formula with ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and glycerin.

$25.00

Buy brickell body wash at Amazon

Promising Customer Feedback: “This product was light and refreshing with just the right amount of scent. The right balance to hydrate and keep your skin feeling great all day!!” — David

9. Diptyque Eau des Sens Body Gel

Nordstrom

Men are finally coming around to fancy grooming products because, in short, they make you smell like a rich guy. If you’re looking to exude that barely perceptible air of wealth, try this fancy Eau des Sens body and hand wash from Diptyque, which boasts a luxurious fragrance of citrus, woods, and leaves.

$54

Buy diptyque body wash at nordstrom

Promising Customer Feedback: “I cannot express enough how much I adore Diptyque Eau des Sens Hand and Body Wash. When I first purchased it, I had high expectations, but it surpassed them all. The scent is simply divine and lingers on my skin long after I’ve washed my hands or taken a shower. Not only does it leave me feeling refreshed and clean, but the luxurious formula also leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and moisturized.” — Clickatoooor

10. Kiehl’s “Made for All” Gentle Body Cleanser

Nordstrom

Kiehl’s has been making wonderful gender-neutral bathroom products for a long time, and nothing is new this year. Right now, we’re into their “Made for All” body wash, which is super gentle (great for sensitive skin) and has a light, crisp scent.

$35

Buy Keihl’s body wash at nordstrom

Promising Customer Feedback: “I like this body wash because it leaves my skin moist and not itchy. When I switch to Dove soft body wash, my back itches to no end.” — Dennisg

The Best Smelling Body Washes for Women

The women’s body wash section can be overwhelmingly large, but there are some standouts — if you know where to look. Below are some of those standouts, boasting fresh aromas to make your day start (or end) better.

11. Rose of No Man’s Land by Byredo

Nordstrom

For this body wash, Byredo used its cult-favorite Rose of No Man’s Land scent to create a uniquely luxurious soap. Rose petals and raspberries lead the fragrance, and they’re grounded by some papyrus wood and white amber. If you’re willing to spend a bit more on a fancy body wash, this is one to get.

$58

Buy byredo body wash at nordstrom

Promising Customer Feedback: “I recently tried the Rose of No Mans Land body wash by Byredo and I must say, I am absolutely in love! The combination of pink pepper and Turkey red rose in the top notes creates a refreshing and invigorating scent that immediately caught my attention.” — Reshonda

12. Malin + Goetz Bergamot Hand and Body Wash

Nordstrom

If you have sensitive or dry skin — but still want a great-smelling body wash — check out this highly-rated Malin + Goetz body wash. It hydrates and repairs with amino acids (and no harsh ingredients), and then leaves behind a faint scent of bergamot.

$28

Buy Malin + Goetz body wash at nordstrom

Promising Customer Feedback: “If you’re a bergamot fragrance fan, you’ll definitely enjoy using this. I only had a travel size but still managed to use it a few times at the gym to get a proper impression. It lathers and cleanses well, consistency is not very runny, and as mentioned the fragrance is really nice, but not overpowering.” — Cornelia

13. Neutrogena Rainbath

Amazon

For around $20, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better-smelling body wash than Neutrogena’s Rainbath. The body wash comes extremely well-reviewed on Amazon (4.8/5 stars and almost 13,900+ ratings) with many of the reviews praising the soap’s spicy, fruity, and herbaceous scent, as well as its rich, sudsy lather.

Promising Customer Feedback: “I have repurchased this body wash a few times now. I adore the scent and the clean feeling it leaves on my skin. It is not drying or cloying. It lathers nicely and does not break out my skin. This bottle should last me a long time.” — Venessa

14. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Peppermint Soap

Amazon

Dr. Bronner’s do-anything soap is another extremely highly-rated option that won’t break the bank. It boasts a rich peppermint scent that’s great for waking up in the morning, and it also creates a tingling sensation on the skin. Most users love this tingle, but some aren’t a fan — you’ll have to check it out to see which party you’re in.

Promising Customer Feedback: “This soap truly embraces the essence of a well-crafted strain, with each component contributing to an enthralling olfactory experience. If you’re seeking a soap that goes beyond the ordinary, this herbal masterpiece might just become your shower-time ritual.” — Chris

15. Mrs. Meyer’s Moisturizing Body Wash

Amazon

We’re big fans of Mrs. Meyer’s whole line, including this moisturizing body wash. It features a collection of gentle ingredients to encourage softer skin, as well as a fresh, light rainwater scent (floral, citrus, and a hint of woodiness).

Promising Customer Feedback: “I am not only using this product as a bath wash but I am refilling my hand soap containers also. Shhhh. I have been using Mrs. Meyers products for several years and I always most love the scents.” — Serena

16. Method Pure Peace Body Wash

Amazon

If you’re looking for a seriously good floral scent, check out this Pure Peace body wash from Method. Peony, rose, and sea salt create a fragrance that not only makes your shower smell great, but helps you relax as well.

Promising Customer Feedback: “I usually use Dove products but this is a game changer. I feel extra clean and soft after. It lathers really well too.” — Natalie

17. Nécessaire The Body Wash

Amazon

Many grooming brands claim sustainability and clean ingredients, but Nécessaire is one that really nails it. This body wash is one of our favorites from the popular brand, delivering rejuvenating vitamins, cleansing powers, and a wonderful eucalyptus scent.

$28.00

Buy Nécessaire body wash at Amazon

Promising Customer Feedback: “Not only does this body wash leave me feeling clean without stripping the skin, but it also smells amazing. I’ve tried all the scents and they all smell so clean, fresh, and natural. There’s nothing I hate more than an artificial-smelling scent, gives me headaches, so I love this stuff. Definitely worth the splurge.” — Daisy

18. Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Wash

Nordstrom

Another premium body wash worth the extra price is this lime basil and mandarin wash from Jo Malone. The mix of herbs, citrus, and some amberwood creates an incredibly fresh fragrance. Users also love soap’s soft, luxurious feel.

$50

Buy jo malone body wash at nordstrom

Promising Customer Feedback: “The scent is delicate and never offensive. Think about that! I’m really sensitive to fragrances. There are only a few I wear. This is always fresh and makes me feel good. I even Cary a small bottle in my bag for hand washing.” — Scootch

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How We Chose the Best Smelling Body Washes

Fragrances are subjective, but after using scented body washes and pouring over reviews from users, it is possible to find some standouts. And that’s exactly what we did to create this list of the best-smelling body washes: We tested dozens of the best-smelling body washes ourselves, and read reviews for all of our favorites. After that, we made sure that finalists were all available to purchase from trusted online retailers.

Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.

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