Think You're Not a Body Spray Guy? Think Again.

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Body sprays get a bad rep. Just this morning, I mentioned body sprays to someone and he said, “Oh, like what we all used in high school?” That guy is all of us, traumatized by the clouds of chemical, nose-wrinkling, fake-fresh scent that defined our teenage years. Chances are, thanks to that association, you haven’t tried a body spray since you stopped playing varsity sports.

I'm here to tell you: it’s time to rethink the under-appreciated body spray. Times have changed. Body sprays come in all shapes and sizes. Even designers make them, for Pete’s sake. Body sprays are handy for a variety of reasons. They’re often easier to travel with than cologne. They’re simple and quick to apply. And, most importantly, many of them pull double duty as deodorants. Modern body sprays are designed to be multifunctional and not only make you smell good but also control odor the way a deodorant can, sometimes even with techy ingredients like probiotics to help control odor-causing bacteria. They’re one of the ultimate men’s grooming multi-purpose products and whether you’re a fragrance snob, a gym rat, or just someone who likes to feel (and smell) fresh, I guarantee there’s a body spray out there for you. The best place to look? This list.

Blue Lavender Body Spray

You might think you already know Axe—especially if you were in high school in the early aughts—but you should take another look. This new scent, part of the fine fragrances collection which really is mighty fine, smells way more like a luxury cologne than the body spray of yesteryear. Created by the same perfumers who have made your fragrance luxury scents, this lavender, mint, and amber creation smells fresh and floral but evolves into something deeper the longer it stays on your skin.

Allure Homme Sport Deodorant Spray

When you travel, you don’t always want to lug around a bottle of cologne. That’s where a body spray like this comes in. The iconic Allure Homme Sport mix of fresh bergamot, woody cedar, and smooth tonka bean is unmistakable and this version is way easier to pop into your Dopp kit or gym bag than a glass bottle.

Oud Wood All Over Body Spray

There’s no overstating the chokehold Tom Ford’s Oud Wood has on the cologne world. It’s one of the most iconic scents out there and is instantly recognizable for its deep and luxurious mix of woods, cardamom, tonka bean, and vetiver. Even if you already have (and cherish) a bottle of the original juice, this body spray is a good supplement when you want a little touch up. But if you don’t, it’s also a good (and cheaper) substitute.

Natural Mens Body Spray with Prebiotics

Yes, this spray’s fig leaves and white musk scent is subtle and elevated, just like a fancy cologne you’d find in the department store. But what really makes it great is the addition of deodorizing properties. They’re so good that you could replace your usual deodorant with this stuff, which is packed with prebiotics to help control odor over time, not just cover it up.

Ocean Body Spray

If you’re a fan of fresh, aquatic scents. then this spray scratches that itch. A refreshing combination of blue cypress, vetiver, and “coastal air” (i.e., ozone and salt), it’s a spray that instantly makes you feel fresher and cleaner.

Deodorant Body Spray

Use this high performance, fine mist spray as a deodorant but add a little extra all over your body for its fresh, cologne-like scent. It’s a double-duty product that not only helps control odor throughout the day, but leaves you smelling so good you don’t need to add any other fragrance on top of it (even as the day wears on).

Swamp Stop Ball Spray

Let’s get real: half the reason to use something like a body spray is to keep your body fresh, even below the belt. This spray is specifically designed for your bits—with a minty tingle, fresh scent, and deodorizing capabilities—but it also helps absorb moisture and reduce chafing. We wouldn’t recommend using it in place of a fragrance like some others on this list, but it’s the only one that actually helps control moisture.

Sweet Tobacco Spirits Spritzer All-Over Body Spray

The brand calls this fragrance “medium bodied” but don’t get it twisted: this saffron, dark vanilla, honey, and tobacco scent is bold in the best way. A few sprays is enough to keep you smelling good all day long and since it’s a mist, it’s harder to overdo (though it is possible, so start with just a little).

All-Over Body Spray

Think of this fresh, lightweight spray as an aftershave for your body. It’s not going to overpower the room; instead the blend of citrus, mint, and rosemary refreshes your skin and extends the clean, just-showered feeling for hours. Sure, you could use it in place of a fragrance if you’re more of a subtly scented type of guy, but it really shines as a refreshing top note to just-cleaned skin.

Boys of Summer Body Spray

Don’t run the other way when you see “florals” in the description of this spray. It may be unisex, but it leans masculine with an early base of vetiver, orris, and patchouli. The florals in the formula like lavandin (lavender) and magnolia add a sweet freshness that doesn’t overpower the overall vibe. Share it with your partner. Or don’t—that’s up to you.

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