20 Best smelling body washes for men of 2023

Step aside, cologne. It’s time for a breathtaking body wash that will provide a long-lasting but unobtrusive fragrance. The body wash you use every morning doesn’t have to be unscented and boring. We’re here to take your breath away with our list of best smelling body washes for men.

Body washes are capable of more than we give them credit for. Some scents are great in the bottle but completely disappear once the product is slathered on the body. Other scents are so prominent they can give you a headache. We want to help you find a happy medium, which is why we created this list.

1. Blu Atlas Body Wash

Cheers to Blu Atlas and their bubbly, luxuriously lathering cleanser! There’s so much to love about this year’s best body wash, which is suitable for every skin type. The gentle cleanser uses all-natural ingredients to clean dirt and bacteria and contains no artificial fragrances, which means it won’t irritate the skin or leave you with a harsh scent.

The nature-based body wash steps up to provide more than clean skin. Aloe leaf juice and shea butter nourish and soften the skin, while green tea extract works as an antioxidant to brighten and soothe. Sugarcane extract works as a gentle exfoliator to help pores get truly clean.

But what we love most about this deep cleanser is the scent. It’s a refreshing fragrance crafted from natural essential oils. This scent is adventurous and revitalizing, with top notes of bergamot, middle notes of patchouli, and base notes of amber and vanilla.

2. Harry’s Body Wash Redwood

Lather up without the harsh chemicals most men’s skin-care products use. Harry’s harnesses natural ingredients to create their foaming body wash for men with sensitive skin. This body wash is a gentle cream-based formula that provides a thorough clean without drying out the skin.

Harry’s Body Wash in the redwood scent is appreciated by most men. Take a stroll through a California forest, and start your outdoor adventures with this lovingly cultivated scent. It blends woodsy notes with sea salt and sandalwood to produce its unique fragrance. If that doesn’t sound like a heavenly scent to you, try out one of their other three scents: fig, shiso or stone.

3. Kiehl’s Made for All Body Wash

Good for your skin, and good for the planet, Kiehl’s body wash is a biodegradable cleanser that uses sustainably sourced materials and natural ingredients. It’s gentle enough for everyone in the family, including kids and anyone with sensitive skin.

Created with 95% naturally derived ingredients, it can clean you from head to toe without causing red, irritated skin. Aloe vera and soap tree extract work together to remove bacteria, dirt and grime without causing a fuss.

And let’s not forget the scent! Made for All Gentle Body Wash has a light, refreshing grapefruit fragrance that isn’t overpowering.

4. Lumin Clarifying Body Wash

Lumin’s Clarifying Body Wash has a spa-like scent that is relaxing and revitalizing. Its unique clarifying formula cleans the skin of dirt and grime while keeping it fresh and moisturized.

Using plant-based botanicals, this liquid brings key ingredients to the skin. Tea tree leaf oil soothes irritants while killing bacteria and fungi. Aloe vera treats signs of aging and locks in deep moisture and hydration. Ceramides strengthen the skin’s barrier and keep the skin safe and healthy.

This product from Lumin is near the top of our charts because of its delightful fragrance and the incredible results it achieves.

5. Method Men Juniper Sage Body Wash

This is a simple everyday body wash that is safe for the skin. The Method Skin Company makes quality skin care that buyers love. Their body wash is made from botanically based cleansers and ingredients, and is free of parabens, phthalates and harsh chemicals.

You can smell like an adventure junkie and a mountain man who loves hiking on your next date. This product carries the scent of a confident man who knows what he likes and enjoys the great outdoors. Method Men offers four other scent combinations if you’re not sold on this earthy smell.

6. Native Body Wash

We think Poseidon himself would wear Native’s Sea Salt & Cedar Body Wash. Reminiscent of a bonfire at the beach while on a seaside getaway, this body wash brings a sharp, powerful scent to your shower. It’s also superb for your skin.

Native uses clean, naturally derived ingredients to produce a foamy lather that gently cleans the skin. Their products are always phthalate-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. We recommend this body wash to men who are looking for an all-natural product with a strong fragrance.

7. CeraVe Soothing Body Wash

While this body wash is fragrance-free, we felt we had to include it as it’s one of the most effective products for men with sensitive skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, and your skin is getting irritated from products with fragrance or other harmful chemicals, it’s time to try out a fragrance-free formula.

This CeraVe cleanser is light on the skin and harnesses the power of the gentlest ingredients. Three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and omega oils make this the one of the best body washes for men with sensitive skin.

8. Jack Black Turbo Wash

Jack Black is a high-end men’s skin-care brand, and they take their job seriously. They make top-shelf skin-care products with natural ingredients and no fuss. If you visit their website, you can even take a quiz to create a complete grooming routine utilizing their products.

The Turbo Wash is a dual-purpose hair and body wash, so you don’t have to waste time in the shower. Its most notable feature, though, is its scent. Men love this strong fragrance, which has notes of rosemary, eucalyptus and juniper berry.

9. Anthony Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash

This is a two-in-one hair and body wash that saves time in the shower and smells fabulous. If you’re looking to simplify your life and your routine, look no further. Anthony’s Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash is an award-winning cleanser that gives body and hair a good clean. The liquid is free from all the junk and harmful chemicals you don’t want in a hair or body wash.

It comes loaded with refreshing nature-based ingredients that offer a light fragrance and powerful cleansing. Eucalyptus, birch leaf, Canadian balsam leaf, glycerin and vitamin B5 work hard to clean and moisturize your body. Anthony’s body wash is ideal for men with busy lives who want to get in and out of the shower quickly.

10. Everyone 3-in-1 Soap

If you’ve been dreaming of finding a bubble bath, body wash and shampoo combination product, Everyone can make your dreams come true. With natural ingredients, essential oils and fragrance, this body wash is a gentle cleanser with a dazzling scent.

For men seeking a more fun scent, this body wash brings together cedarwood and citrus notes to evoke sunny days. This aroma allows you to experience a lemon grove at dusk or take a walk through the woods. We recommend the Everyone body wash option if you’re a man who wants a body wash that everyone in the family can use.

11. Huron Invigorating Body Wash

This is a most refreshing and invigorating way to start the day. Huron’s Body Wash contains no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones or aluminum, and you never have to worry about the ingredients you’re putting on your skin. It uses plant-based ingredients to soothe and nourish the skin while cleansing.

Men love this body wash for its revitalizing formula and the fresh scent’s zing. A mixture of eucalyptus, citrus, juniper and aromatic greens bring this scent to life. This is for men who are after a no-nonsense body wash that smells great and always gets you clean.

12. Bevel Body Wash

Bevel’s ethos stems from the desire of its founder, Tristan Walker, to bridge the gap for men of color and deliver skin-care and grooming products made specifically for them. This body wash is in a class of its own. It is a gentle exfoliator that moisturizes the skin and leaves it feeling hydrated after your shower. Made for men with sensitive skin, it’s gentle enough to clean bacteria, dead skin cells and blocked pores without harming or irritating the skin.

The masculine scent is another thing we love about this product. The Supreme Oak Body Wash has a warm, earthy scent that lingers after the shower.

13. Aesop Coriander Seed Body Cleanser

Aesop is an exclusive brand that manufactures expensive yet worthwhile skin- and hair-care products. They hit the ball out of the park with their Coriander Seed Body Cleanser. It’s a decadent low-foaming gel that cleanses the skin. It has a spa-like feel and includes key ingredients coriander seed, black pepper and patchouli. Men love it for its spicy and woody scent that lingers for hours. We recommend Aesop’s top-of-the-line products to men who want to experience a luxurious and spa-like shower or bath.

14. Odele Soothing Body Wash

If you need a soothing body wash and don’t want to ditch the fragrance, Odele’s Soothing Body Wash has precisely what you need. Made with gentle, all-natural ingredients, this cleanser can get your body clean, shiny and hydrated. The body wash scent isn’t overpowering and is made from a 100% natural fragrance. Perfect for the guy with sensitive skin who is looking for a lightly scented body wash.

15. Brickell’s Invigorating Men’s Body Wash

Here’s a minty-fresh scent to start your day off right. Men love Brickell for their high-quality skin-care products crafted from natural ingredients. As long as you don’t mind spending extra cash on quality skin-care products, Brickell’s might be your brand. They never use harsh or toxic chemicals in their products and put the health and wellness of men first.

The Invigorating Men’s Body Wash utilizes some of the finest natural ingredients. Jojoba protects the skin while ensuring the body clears away dead skin cells and bacteria. Glycerin draws in moisture and takes care of hydration and moisture. Aloe vera acts as a cleanser and soothes the skin from irritation. This is the perfect product for men who are after a strong fresh scent every time they shower.

16. Art of Sport Activated Charcoal Body Wash

Better known for their deodorants, Art of Sport also makes a killer body wash. With natural botanicals and cleansing ingredients, men can get a quality clean. This body wash uses unique ingredients to bring men fresh skin.

Activated charcoal scrubs away impurities, tea tree oil kills bacteria and fungi, and aloe vera soothes skin while hydrating. The cleanser has a strong citrus scent that men love. We recommend Art of Sport Activated Charcoal Body Wash for active men who want to smell fresh.

17. Baxter of California Body Wash

If you’re a relaxed guy, Baxter of California’s Body Wash is for you. This no-nonsense, super-chill body wash is an easy-to-use liquid that makes showering fun.

The formula is paraben-free and sulfate-free, and uses plant-based ingredients to soothe the skin while cleaning. Jojoba oil and vitamin E work together to soothe the skin while you shower.

The citrus and herbal musk scent is Baxter of California’s best-selling fragrance.

18. Old Spice Relax Body Wash

This is perhaps the most relaxing and soothing body wash scent on the list. Never underestimate the power of lavender and its calming abilities. If you have a crazy, busy schedule with no time to relax, why not add a soothing element to your daily shower? Old Spice’s lavender body wash is a basic body wash that gets you clean with no fuss. We recommend this body wash to men who need to take a few extra breaks and enjoy life more.

19. Burt’s Bees Body Wash

Burt’s Bees is a trusted household brand that produces some of the best natural products for men, women and children. Their body wash is made from ingredients that have a 97.8% natural origin. This cleanser is not just for scrubbing your body clean; you can also use it to get a closer, healthier shave. There’s no need to worry about skin irritation, as this liquid is paraben-free, phthalate-free and petrolatum-free.

The citrus and ginger scent is perfect for the man looking for something a little different. It’s a bold, refreshing fragrance that lingers throughout the day to keep you feeling cool and alert.

20. Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

This product from powerhouse brand Dove is one of the best smelling body washes for men, and it will fit any budget. This cleanser is an ordinary body wash found in many American households, and we know what you’re thinking: It doesn’t look like a great-smelling body wash. That’s what we love about this unassuming body wash liquid. It carries a mild, refreshing scent, cleanses the skin and will leave you feeling hydrated. Everyone in the family can use this product and enjoy its gently cleansing properties.

Types of Body Wash

There are different types of body wash to treat skin conditions, exfoliate, tackle acne and bacteria, and more. The best body washes are made from all-natural and plant-derived compounds because those ingredients are less likely to irritate the skin and cause problems.

Moisturizing

A moisturizing body wash incorporates nourishing ingredients that draw moisture into the skin and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Common moisturizing ingredients include shea butter, aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. If you need a moisturizing body wash, avoid products with drying elements, like alcohol, synthetic fragrances and dyes. A good moisturizing body wash will leave your skin feeling fresh, rested and hydrated.

Exfoliating

Maybe you think it’s time to step up your self-care routine and introduce an exfoliating body wash. If your skin feels dull, lifeless or flaky, an exfoliating body wash can scrub away impurities and help revive your tired dermis. An exfoliating body wash is made with ingredients that physically or chemically clear out blocked pores, cleanse the skin and remove dead skin cells. Depending on your skin type, you’ll only want to use an exfoliator between one and three times per week.

Sensitive skin

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you know how important it is not to rock the boat. You don’t want to use a soap or body wash that irritates or bothers your skin, but you need one that cleans your skin thoroughly. Look for gentle body washes, especially those made with all-natural ingredients. Plant-based formulas are much easier on the skin than those made with artificial ingredients.

Why use body wash instead of a bar of soap?

If you grew up in a bar soap household, you understand the pull toward that tiny piece of soap that can do it all. Bar soap is known for being more affordable, longer-lasting and easy to replace. So, what’s the catch? Bar soap can cause damage to your skin by stripping it of necessary natural oils. After using bar soap, your skin will feel irritated, tight and itchy when you hop out of the shower.

Why is a body wash better? Body wash can carefully clean the skin of dead skin cells, bacteria and oils while gently nourishing and moisturizing. It’s the best way to get the skin clean without compromising quality. We recommend seeking a body wash made for sweat and body odor. They usually have more potent formulas and ingredients that take care of bacteria.

Top tips for making the most of your body wash

To optimize your time in the shower, use the following tips and tricks to extend the life of your body wash scent and get clean.

1. Use a quarter-sized amount of product

All you need is a small amount of body wash to scrub and clean your whole body. If you pour a handful of liquid in your hand, most of it will join the running water at your feet and end up wasted. Don’t throw money down the drain! A quarter-sized amount will be just fine.

2. Use loofahs and washcloths

These items can help scrub acne and impurities and give your skin a healthy glow. A washcloth, loofah or other body-washing tool can also distribute body wash evenly without wasting tons of product.

3. Body washes are only for the body

We know how tempting it can be to slather your body wash all over your face and call it a day. But you really shouldn’t do that. Unless the body wash you use states explicitly that it’s “for the face and body,” it will be highly irritating and dry out the skin on your face. If you’re a four-in-one type of guy, purchase a product that can do it all. Or just keep a separate face wash or cleanser in your shower caddy.

4. Rinse your body well

You don’t have to rinse off your body wash like your life depends on it, but you should use warm water to ensure all the product has been washed off. If there is leftover product on the skin, it will show up on the skin as residue, which can cause irritation and dryness.

Choosing the right body wash scent

We know that choosing a body wash scent isn’t rocket science. But your scent is just as important as your wardrobe and your handsome face. If you’re a great-looking guy but have an aroma that makes people wrinkle their noses, it’s time to find the best scent for your lifestyle.

If you are on a quest for something light, breezy and fun, look for a body wash that has “energizing” or adds citrus to the aroma. If you’re after a spicy masculine scent, look for a wash that says it’s “woodsy” or “earthy.” Picking your body wash isn’t that different from choosing a cologne.

While you’re on your quest to find the best scent, look for body washes that contain all-natural organic ingredients and materials. Plant-based botanicals and natural ingredients give your skin the best results, and they do it without irritating the skin.

Whatever scent you choose, ensure it won’t overpower or clash with your cologne or body spray.

What causes bad body odors?

Your body is a fantastic organism full of organic materials working hard to keep your body in tip-top shape. Body odors come from bacteria on the body – they love damp, dark places like armpits. Hair and skin cells mix with sebum and create bacterial breeding grounds.

Why do men so often smell worse than women? Men have more sweat glands than women, and their sweat glands are larger. That means odor-producing bacteria have more sweaty places to produce their funky odors. Other factors may contribute to your overall body odors, including stress, diet, genetics and the skin-care products you use.

Is all sweat the same?

There are two types of sweat: eccrine and apocrine. They come from two different types of sweat glands.

Apocrine is the “smelly” type of sweat. Your apocrine glands are located where bad body odor is common, such as the armpits or groin. These glands sweat out carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The proteins and lipids break down to cause bad BO.

Eccrine is an odorless sweat that is a mixture of water and salt. Your eccrine glands are turned on and start sweating due to anxiety, stress, anger, humidity or heat, and sometimes even food.

A daily scrub with your favorite body wash is the best way to take care of the stench that comes from bacteria.

Frequently asked questions

Will my body wash expire?

Yes, at some point your body wash will expire. Most bottles will have a stamped expiration date somewhere on the bottle. If you don’t see an expiration date, keep your eyes open for any color, scent or texture changes. If you notice changes, toss the bottle, because it’s probably expired.

What is the best smelling body wash for men?

The best smelling body wash depends on your nose and opinion, but our choice – and the choice of many men today – is the Blu Atlas Body Wash. It’s an all-natural formula of plant-based ingredients that gets skin clean and leaves a refreshing scent.