The 23 Best-Smelling Body Washes, from Vibrant Citrus to Calming Sea Salt
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Over the last few years, I’ve really come to enjoy shower time. What used to be another rushed task has since become a small moment of personal time to literally wash the day away. Apart from queuing up some calming tunes, I’ve found that using an aromatic body wash can really elevate the entire experience. Whether you prefer a comforting scent like Dove or a tropical fragrance like Sol De Janeiro , here are the 23 best-smelling body washes to suit every mood and preference, vetted by editors and experts.
The Best-Smelling Body Washes at a Glance
Meet the Experts:
How I Chose the Best-Smelling Body Wash
I tapped our very own editors and various experts, including a board-certified dermatologist and a fragrance expert, who vouched for all of the heavenly-scented body washes featured on this list. To round out our selections, we also included some top reviewed body washes from Amazon, Ulta Beauty, Sephora and Target. From citrusy scents to floral fragrances, here are the 23 best-smelling body washes to take your shower to the next level.
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1. Aēsop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser
If you’re all about setting the mood in your shower, you’ll love Aēsop's sleek apothecary-style bottles and intoxicating scents. This one has an invigorating citrusy aroma with notes of mandarin rind, bergamot rind and geranium leaf. The deeply cleansing gel removes grime and odor, while offering a soothing (and generous) lather. As one fan explains, “Aēsop is pure quality [and] this particular body cleansing gel smells like a garden of geraniums. A little goes a long way so the price reflects cost effectiveness. It's pure heaven in a bottle!”
2. Fur Oil All Body Wash
Amazon
Some of us prefer a scent that’s not going to overwhelm our senses, which is precisely why this subtle pick from Fur made the list. It’s formulated with nourishing sweet almond oil and vitamin E, as well as castor seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids that protect the skin barrier. The wash also delivers a gentle milky lather that leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Shoppers say it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin, as you can work it all over with no irritation (even over delicate areas). “I’ve had issues for years balancing my PH down there. My esthetician gave me some samples of Fur products for post-wax care and I immediately noticed a difference in how I felt down there after using the all body wash,” says one shopper.
3. Augustinus Bader The Body Cleanser
Whether you have a weakness for luxurious beauty products or hope to turn your bathroom into a spa-like experience, this body cleanser from Augustinus Bader has your name all over it. Brought to you by the same brand that gives us the skin-transforming The Rich Cream (seriously, just read our review), it not only features AB's signature Trigger Factor Complex, a vitamin-and-peptide-packed formula that supports cellular renewal and powers some of our favorite skincare products, it's also infused with the refreshing scent of eucalyptus, which studies show can help ease anxiety and aid in relaxation. In fact, 100 percent of users agree that the scent made them feel revitalized and relaxed, according to a consumer survey by the brand. So it comes in a good-looking bottle, has an extremely hydrating formula and may help ease your stress with just a shower? How can you turn that down?
4. Dove Beauty Revitalizante Body Wash
Fan of fruity scents? This body wash by Dove is infused with a delightful cherry and chia milk fragrance, and the formula itself works to gently cleanse and moisturize the skin. The brand claims it can restore moisture in your skin for over 24 hours, which we haven’t tested against a clock per say, but we have noticed that it leaves our limbs feeling super soft and smooth the moment we step out of the shower. Hardcore Dove stans appreciate the silky texture and rich lather. As one reviewer notes, “My body is so soft and my skin feels refreshed! The smell is great as well. You’ve [upped] the bar Dove, thank you!”
5. Tree Hut Foaming Gel Wash
This TikTok favorite brand is beloved for their body scrubs, so when they launched a body wash collection this year, buyers flocked to get their hands on it. The formula includes Moroccan argan oil, which is known to improve elasticity and hydrate dry skin. The foamy wash also features rosehip oil to help refine skin texture and shea butter, which has been shown to deeply moisturize and soften dry skin. Ingredients aside, reviewers can’t stop talking about the signature floral fragrance, featuring key notes of bergamot, tea rose and amber.
6. Flamingo Estate Night Blooming Body Wash
This scent will transport you to the Mediterranean coastline or at least take shower time up a notch. Its blend of jasmine, damask rose oil and bergamot oil is borderline sweet but grounded by a musky fragrance. A closer look at the formula and you’ll see that it features babassu oil, a fatty acid known to soothe and add moisture to the skin. There’s also olive oil, an antioxidant-rich ingredient that locks in moisture, and jojoba oil for even more hydration.
7. Blueland Body Wash Starter Set
Blueland, the company known for its household cleaners, entered the personal care space in 2022 with a powder-to-gel body wash. The gel has a light, silky lather that feels cleansing and moisturizing (no post-shower tightness here). Of the three available options, our VP of Editorial’s pick is “Waterlily Dew,” which, according to her, has a “mellow, fresh rain scent with just a tiny whiff of nectarine.” One more thing: The Starter Kit comes with a reusable bottle and three powder refills, which eliminates a ton of the bulky packaging you typically get from body washes. Win-win.
8. Method Pure Peace Body Wash
Looking for a floral scent that’s instantly calming? Infused with peony, rose water and pink sea salt, the nourishing wash aims to moisturize and soften your skin. As one reviewer shares, “This is the perfect floral scent that smells modern and light. I typically go for fruity or fresh scents (cucumber, white tea) but this is a really nice change of pace that does not leave me smelling like perfume. It also never irritates my skin or leaves me itchy and [it] washes off cleanly without [causing] dryness or tightness afterwards. It's now my go-to, and I am pumped to get it in the new bottle.”
9. Neutrogena Rainbath Body Wash
This gel is a true classic with legions of fans who have been using it for decades. Between the velvety lather it produces and the fragrant scent (a signature blend of spices, fruits and herbs) that fills your shower, it’s like a spa in a bottle. Best of all, it rinses clean and leaves your limbs feeling silky soft without leaving behind any slick residue (for those who dislike that feeling). “I’ve used it for years, tried others, but always come back to Rainbath,” wrote one reviewer, while another boasted that they’ve “been using it for 30 years.”
10. Tatcha Hinoki Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash
Every time we use this wash, our humble bathroom turns into a little den, (especially if we close our eyes to the surrounding clutter). The woodsy scent is deeply grounding and mood-boosting, thanks to an essential oil blend of hiba, cedar, and hinoki woods, all of which contain phytoncides, or chemical compounds emitted by trees that are scientifically shown to increase well-being. The wash itself also has cellulose in it to give a gentle, non-scratchy exfoliation. It also gets a stamp of approval from our derm expert: “It does double duty [in the shower]. It smells great and it exfoliates well,” says Dr. Chiu.
11. Nécessaire The Body Wash
With sleek minimalist packaging that complements any bath or shower, this buzzy body wash is a favorite among beauty editors and celebrities alike. What makes it so darn good, you ask? This gel-oil hybrid has a thick texture and acts as an emollient, leaving your skin feeling clean but not squeakily so. Formulated with a mild pH level and loaded with vitamins and fatty acids (like niacinamide, glycerin and marula oil), it’s like a cleanser and treatment in one. Plus, users say the eucalyptus fragrance isn’t overpowering in the slightest; instead, it evokes a clean, airy spa vibe in your shower.
12. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Body Wash
File this under small life luxuries (or future gifts for mom). This decadent wash features one of Chanel's most beloved scents. Buyers describe this shower gel as feeling light and fresh on your skin with a classic fragrance that lasts long after you wash. Packed with notes of jasmine, rose, and patchouli, you can absolutely skip your usual spritz of perfume if you want.
13. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
A consistent derm (and Jen Aniston) favorite is Aveeno, which might as well be synonymous with sensitive skin relief at this point. Made with the brand's signature triple oat formula, this creamy wash gently cleanses and soothes dry, itchy skin, while imparting a light coconut scent. As one mom sums up, “My son has really sensitive skin that gets itchy and bothersome when he uses any other soap. This body wash was a game-changer for him and keeps him comfortable in all seasons. The day after my son smells GREAT! I'm saying GREAT! Which can be hard for a [fourth]-grade athlete.”
14. L’Occitane Shower Oil
A shower oil may sound odd if you haven’t tried one before, but we assure you it’s a pleasant experience. This one has the most incredible oil-to-milk texture that leaves your skin feeling velvety-smooth. Packed with almond oil, which is rich in omega 6 fatty acids, it’s great for boosting hydration and helping with hyperpigmentation. You’ll also find grapeseed oil, another fatty acid-rich ingredient that can improve the elasticity and softness of your skin. Plus, the shower oil has an addictively sweet scent and can be used for shaving, too.
15. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Peppermint Soap
The OG natural body wash, Dr. B’s castile soap has been a go-to for ingredient- and budget-conscious families for decades. Made with 90 percent certified organic oils, like peppermint oil, the mixture promises to cleanse, soothe and cool the skin. Buyers say the peppermint scent is bracing in the best way and leaves a tingly freshness on your skin. One shopper even mentioned using this soap for 38 years, stating, “I wouldn’t think of using anything else.”
16. Olay Nourishing Body Wash
This moisturizing wash has a label that boasts many of the same powerhouse ingredients that your face cream does. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 work together to nourish parched skin, leaving it soft and silky for hours after you rinse. As one enthusiastic reviewer exclaims, “I can honestly say my skin has never felt or looked better! My skin feels so soft, like brand new baby skin soft! The scent is delightful, it is light, soft and clean.”
17. OGX Smoothing + Coconut Coffee Body Wash
This TikTok favorite wash has a tropical scent that’s delicious, but not headache-inducing, and it has a thick, creamy consistency that leaves your skin feeling satiny. It's formulated with hydrating coconut oil, which has been shown to reduce dryness, and arabica coffee grounds, the rough texture of which gently buffs away dead cells without being too harsh on your skin. A yummy-smelling body wash and an exfoliator in one for less than $10? Consider us sold.
18. Sol De Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Shower Cream-Gel
“The gel is thick and moisturizing, and it lathers nicely and rinses off easily, but let's be clear: This stuff is all about the smell. If you like this fragrance, you're going to love this shower gel,” writes one reviewer—and we co-sign their statement. The scent they speak of features top notes of pistachio and almond, mid notes of heliotrope and jasmine petals, and dry notes of vanilla, salted caramel and sandalwood. Basically, the shower cream-gel is sweet, nutty and tropical, and it lingers on your skin all day. Lest you think it skimps on hydration, it also features a blend of nourishing ingredients, like cupuaçu butter, coconut and açaí oil that melts in quickly and locks in moisture for hours on end.
19. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Wash
If a generous lather is what you seek, look no further than this botanical wash. Packed with emollients (like coconut oil and aloe vera), which are known to soothe and hydrate skin, the replenishing formula whisks away the day with a dense and decadent lather. The tropical scent is also of note. “The smell is out of this world. [It] transports me back to the islands on vacay,” writes one reviewer.
20. Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
Right up there with the scent of mom’s home baked cookies is Dove’s body wash, which we have a similar affinity for having used it throughout our childhood. The nostalgic formula features “MicroMoisture” droplets (aka water, minerals and carbon dioxide), which the brand claims can moisturize your skin for up to 24 hours, and many of the 13,000 5-star reviews from Walmart also praise its moisturizing prowess. Though you really can’t go wrong with any of the brand’s scents, we’re partial to the deep moisture formula because, as the name implies, it’s deeply moisturizing on dry skin and the scent is clean—never overpowering.
21. Native Body Wash
This heavenly wash from Native brings a luxurious spa vibe right to the comfort of our homes. While they offer 20 scents in their collection, we gravitate towards their Coconut & Vanilla scent, which shoppers describe as relaxing and not-at-all too strong for delicate nostrils. Plus, the sweet fragrance is mixed with hydrating ingredients (aka citric acid and coconut oil) to gently but thoroughly cleanse your skin without leaving it feeling tight.
22. Jo Malone Body & Hand Wash
Whether you’re looking for a great gift or looking to splurge on yourself, this luxurious wash by Jo Malone is a solid choice. Reviewers say it smells absolutely divine—and we have fresh, warm notes of freesia, English pear and patchouli to thank for that. The formula also has a rich, foamy lather that feels equally indulgent on your skin. To keep the scent lasting all day long, some reviewers suggest pairing it with the matching body lotion afterwards.
23. Bevel Body Wash
Shopping for the man in your life? Consider adding this exfoliating body wash to their routine. It’s formulated with hydrated silica, which aims to exfoliate and brighten the skin, while preventing bumps and ingrown hairs. The formula also has jojoba and argan oil to lock in moisture and soften the skin, as well as charcoal to remove any impurities. And let’s not forget the invigorating scent with notes of dark berries, white musks and vanilla.
What Should You Look for in a Scented Body Wash?
Plain and simple, you want to find a fragrance that appeals to your senses. “A scented body wash should make you feel pampered and happy. This is an indulgence for yourself, so you want something that will help you feel your best,” says Labedev. Ask yourself: Are you into warm and musky scents like vanilla, sandalwood or amber? Or do you prefer crisp notes like eucalyptus, mint or cedar? Maybe fruity scents with apples or berries are more up your alley? Or floral notes like rose, lavender or jasmine? There are so many combinations out there, so don’t be afraid to try a few to find the right choice for you.
