23 Best Smelling Body Lotions That Will Make You Want To Ditch Your Perfume
Smooth, great-smelling skin right this way.
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Fragrance can be a polarizing beauty topic but scented body lotions? That's a whole new level of polarizing. Because some people say it makes for too many opposing fragrances, while others say they use their scented body lotion as their fragrance. The reason we like a scented body lotion: You get a lasting scent that's never as hit-you-in-the-face as that first spritz of perfume. Instead, scented body lotions lightly linger on the skin so they're never overwhelming or overpowering like your typical fragrance.
See a few of the best-smelling body lotions, below:
Interested in giving body lotions a try (or in adding to your already-overflowing collection?) Keep reading! The editors at Women's Health rounded up a list of the best-smelling body lotions out there right now. From citrus to floral, from steals to luxury picks, you'll find a scent that suits your needs. Below are the 24 best-smelling body lotions you can buy online right now.
Pros
- Solid format cuts down on mess
- Great woody aroma
Cons
- Solid format isn't for everyone
This probably doesn't look like your typical lotion—in fact, I know it doesn't. Yes, it's a solid stone, but once you place it in your palm and glide it over your skin, it turns into a rich butter that leaves your skin moisturized for hours and hours.
The scent? Like a boutique hotel in Big Sur with notes of woody vetiver and bergamot. If you're worried about the scent being too strong, no worries. This one is light, so it won't irritate your skin.
Rave review: "I love everything about this product. The smell of it, the look of it, the smooth application of it."
Scent notes | Bergamot, vetiver essential oil |
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Size | 3.5 oz |
Pros
- Smells like a tropical vacation
- Rich formula is deeply moisturizing
Cons
- May be too thick for some
Take yourself (and your body) on a mental vacation with this scented body cream that features notes of vanilla, salted caramel, and pistachio. Their signature scent was so popular among their customers that they even launched a fragrance mist. So when you slather this on you get hydrated skin and a sweet scent.
You can purchase this cream in standard or the mini, which is a great travel-friendly option. For a more sustainable option, grab the refill size to avoid tossing your OG container.
Rave review: "This stuff smells so good, and this is my second time buying it. It moistures my skin, and people give me so many compliments!!"
Scent notes | Pistachio, vanilla, salted caramel |
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Size | 8.1 oz |
Pros
- Very hydrating on dry skin
- Pleasant fruity aroma
Cons
- May be too thick for some
One thing Rihanna will always do is deliver a quality product. This light, clean, and fruity scent is ideal when you're in a slump and need a little pick-me-up. Meanwhile, the whipped oil cream contains rich oils that hydrate your skin and leaves a light shimmer. This cream is also refillable, so keep your original container on hand to restock.
Rave review: "This is an amazing body cream! It's super thick but melts into the skin really nicely. It smells divine! I wish they would make this into fragrance."
Scent notes | Tropical fruits and flowers |
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Size | 2.5 oz |
SOL DE JANEIRO Delicia Drench Body Butter
SOL DE JANEIRO Delicia Drench Body Butter
Pros
- Supports the skin barrier
- Has soothing ingredients
Cons
- Requires a lot of product for each use
Another top-tier option from Sol De Janeiro is this Delicia Drench Body Butter that went viral. And considering how amazing it smells, it makes sense. It's made with passionflower seed oil and copaiba resin to sooth skin while providing deep hydration that lasts up to 24 hours. The thick whipped texture melts into the skin and leaves you with a radiant glow.
Rave review: "I love all of Sol de Janeiro's products! This is the perfect body cream for winter, my skin in the winter is very dry and it soaks this right in and smells so yummy!
Scent notes | Velvet plum, sugared violet, vanilla orchid, whipped amber, sheer sandalwood, fresh vetiver |
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Size | 2.5 oz |
Epara Comforting Body Cream
Epara Comforting Body Cream
Pros
- Contains ingredients that brighten skin
- Mango butter and coconut oil deeply moisturize
Cons
- On the expensive side
Yes, this cream is a bit pricey, but it's definitely worth it. With ingredients like mango butter and coconut oil, this skin-softening body cream will smell (and feel) soothing. This formula also contains plankton extract, which helps reduce hyperpigmentation. It also improves overall skin appearance and evens out skin tone.
Scent notes | Coconut, mango |
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Size | 8.8 oz |
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
Pros
- Warm calming aroma of coconut and oatmeal
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for some
You don't have to go further than the drugstore to get your hands on this subtle-scented body lotion. The Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion by Aveeno is just under seven dollars, and it smells like a blend of coconut and oatmeal. The formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and its non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. It absorbs fast and it relieves dry, itchy skin.
Rave review: "I get super dry skin from over-washing my hands and this is my go to for moisturizers. It heals my skin quickly and doesn’t burn cracked skin."
Scent notes | Shea butter, coconut, oatmeal |
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Size | 18 oz |
Pros
- Deeply hydrates for very dry skin
- Sweet pleasant aroma
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
This body butter is named 'frosting' for a reason. With ingredients like mango butter and coconut oil, this cream smells sweet and feels as fluffy as the cake topping. Meanwhile, vitamins A, C, and E, work to strengthen the skin's natural barrier and add moisture. You can use this on your hands, cuticles, and heels.
Rave review: "I got this lotion as a gift and absolutely love everything about it! It smells amazing, works wonderfully, doesn't make my hands feel overly greasy, and has an excellent texture. Highly recommend!"
Scent notes | Mango, coconut |
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Size | 4 oz |
Pros
- The scent is subtle and fresh
- Shea butter is very moisturizing
Cons
- On the expensive side
This Coco Rose BUTTR from Skin Buttr was formulated to smell like the relaxing getaway you've been craving. It has a warm, coconut rose-based scent. And with ingredients like coconut oil, you know that it'll heal any sign of cracked, dry skin as well. If this fragrance isn't your thing, just know there are several other versions of the product to choose from.
Rave review: "This is my second time trying this product. I love the smell, and I like using the cream as soon as I get out of the shower."
Scent notes | Coconut, rose |
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Size | 8 oz |
Pros
- Has a warm Shea butter aroma
- Super moisturizing on dry skin
Cons
- May be too thick and occlusive for some
This body butter contains ingredients like Vitamin A, B, and E, to treat uneven skin. The formula is also rich in fatty acids that nourishes and protects skin. It'll give your skin a dewy, soft finish.
Plus, since it's made with shea butter, it smells *chef's kiss* amazing.
Rave review: "I like the light scent and the buttery feel of the cream. I like how smooth it goes on and the glow on my skin after use. Would definitely buy again."
Scent notes | Shea butter |
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Size | 4 oz |
Dove Whipped Body Cream Macadamia and Rice Milk
Dove Whipped Body Cream Macadamia and Rice Milk
Pros
- Pleasant nutty aroma
- Great value for the money
Cons
- Not as suitable for eczema
Dove is known for their super hydrating formulas. This nutty, sweet scent feels instantly calming. It has the texture of creamy, indulgent icing, and counteracts even the driest skin with a surge of buttery moisture for up to 72 hours. It also works on all skin types (yes, even sensitive). And for the the amount of product you get, it's well worth the price.
Rave review: "Immediately makes you feel silky smooth and has a natural light scent. And it costs way less than what I was using before."
Scent notes | Macadamia, rice milk |
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Size | 10 oz |
Ouai Shibuya Moisturizing Body Cream
Ouai Shibuya Moisturizing Body Cream
Pros
- Absorbs into skin quickly
- Fresh citrus-floral aroma
Cons
- May smell too perfume-y for some
Celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin has taken over hair styling tools, and now body care, too. This fast-absorbing lotion contains a clean formula of hydrating ingredients like cupuaçu butter, coconut oil, and squalene. Like all of Ouai's products, it smells delicious with hints of citrus, rose, violet, white musk, and warm spices mixed in. Plus, the packaging is super sleek.
Rave review: "Smells sooo fresh and clean like you just stepped out the shower. Absorbs nicely as well."
Scent notes | Coconut |
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Size | 7.5 oz |
Hanni Splash Salve In-Shower Body Moisture Treatment
Hanni Splash Salve In-Shower Body Moisture Treatment
Pros
- Innovative formula that activates with water
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Cons
- On the expensive side
Take care of dry, dull skin before you even step out of the shower. This in-shower formula features shea butter, jojoba, and coconut oils that activate with water to combat dryness and uneven texture. It's vegan, sustainably made, and cruelty-free.
Rave review: "Adding the this to my routine is an easy and efficient way to add a level of moisturizing to my daily regimen. I find that the salve absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or sticky residue."
Scent notes | Coconut |
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Size | 8.8 oz |
Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer
Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer
Pros
- Contains skin-soothing hemp extract
- Free of common chemical irritants
Cons
- May not be idea for very dry skin
People are obsessed with this Hempz moisturizer. It's gluten-free, paraben-free, and completely vegan. It uses natural hemp seed oil to soothe your skin while vitamin A, E, and C protects it from environmentally triggered oxidants. The deliciously light scent of flowers and banana is perfect for everyday wear.
Rave review: "I really like that it lasts all day long. Put it on early AM and it still makes my skin soft and smooth into the evening."
Scent notes | Floral, banana |
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Size | 17 oz |
Pros
- Has. a pleasant zesty citrus aroma
- Hydrating formula with coconut oil and shea butter
Cons
- Lotion texture may not be thick enough for some
If citrus scents are your vibe, this popular body lotion is a must-have. It contains shea butter to combats dry, flaky skin. It also has sodium hyaluronate, which holds 1000 times its weight in water, delivering maximum hydration to your skin. With coconut and soybean oil, this everyday lotion is best applied right after a steamy shower to really lock in moisture.
Rave review: "I really like the fresh scent and rich moisture of this product. I feel like I can use this every day without the smell offending anyone."
Scent notes | Lemon |
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Size | 6.7 oz |
Pros
- 100% of proceeds go to environmental charities
- Light refreshing aroma
Cons
- Tub packaging can be messy
This lotion comes in a cool container and is infused with ylang ylang and rosewood oils, along with cocoa butter. Overall, it soothes skin while keeping it hydrated and soft. Fun fact: 100 percent of the profits are donated to environmental conservation, so you can feel extra good about buying this one.
Rave review: "I bought this lotion from Lush while buying gifts. So glad I did! This lotion does wonders for very dry skin. Will have to purchase more soon! Thank you Lush!"
Scent notes | Ylang ylang |
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Size | 1.58 oz |
Oribe Restorative Body Crème
Oribe Restorative Body Crème
Pros
- Smells just like the best-selling hair products
- Provides long-lasting hydration
Cons
- On the expensive side
If you're obsessed with the scent of your favorite Oribe styling products (hi, Dry Texturizing Spray), you're in luck. This tub of silky cream smells exactly like the bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood combo. Plus, its blend of jojoba, olive, and grape seed oil helps retain moisture all day long. While it sits at a slightly higher price point, it's worth the investment.
Rave review: "The smell can be a bit strong, but a little goes a long way. It left my skin feeling very soft and smooth. I get lots of compliments on how it smells."
Scent notes | Bergamot, white butterfly jasmine, sandalwood. |
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Size | Not listed |
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter
Pros
- Light non-obtrusive scent
- Rich and deeply hydrating
Cons
- Not for those who prefer a strong aroma
If you prefer subtle fragrances, this luxe body butter is for you. The Kiehl’s signature product hydrates skin for hours, without making it feel greasy. It absorbs quickly and also contains shea and jojoba butter. Plus, the milk and honey scent is sweet but not overwhelming.
Rave review: "Kiehl's Whipped Body Butter is by far one of the best body creams I have ever used. It is a must for dry skin, especially in the winter. It is definitely worth the money."
Scent notes | Honey |
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Size | 8 oz |
Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Body Lotion
Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Body Lotion
Pros
- Pleasant floral aroma
- Lotion absorbs quickly into skin
Cons
- Small bottle for the price
Rumor has it, Jo Malone Orange Blossom is Kate Middleton's signature scent. This fresh-smelling lotion has notes of water lily and balsamic vetiver to round out the experience. The packaging is chic, and it leaves skin feeling super soft.
Rave review: "I absolutely love the fresh, clean scent of this product. Smells just like my citrus trees when they are in bloom!"
Scent notes | Orange blossom |
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Size | 8.5 oz |
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Recovery Body Butter
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Recovery Body Butter
Pros
- Affordable
- Vegan formula
Cons
- Some reviewers say it has a sticky texture
Get in on the collagen craze with this rich vegan formula that adds tons of moisture back into the skin and improves elasticity. The collagen fermented peptides, shea butter, and floral extracts adds moisture and supports elasticity. You'll be left with plump, supple skin in no time. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and usable on all skin types.
Rave review: "Smooth, creamy and smells so good. Keeps my skin moisturized all day and I am just so obsessed with the scent."
Scent notes | Jasmine, vanilla |
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Size | 4.5 oz |
Pros
- Milky lotion texture soothes and calms skin
- Provides long-lasting hydration
Cons
- Scent is a little strong for some reviewers
This light lotion features hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and rice milk to support skin barrier function. Slather it on before you head out the door to transform your morning commute into a more calming experience. While this doesn't have a specific scent, it's best described as light and fresh.
Rave review: "Oh my gosh! SO much better than I imagined!! My skin feels amazing!"
Scent notes | Not listed |
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Size | 8.7 oz |
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