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Whether your grooming regimen consists of ten steps or two, applying lotion should be one of them. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good…and in the case of scented lotion, smelling great too.
Not the cologne spritzing type? Scented body lotion provides a subtle fragrance that stays with you.
And since it’s embedded in a moisturizing mixture, it serves double duty, hydrating rough skin while making you smell like a king, lumberjack (albeit, a clean one), or however you like to personally identify—there’s no judgment here.
Great-smelling cream comes in all shapes, sizes, and fragrances. This best smelling body lotion for men list was created to introduce you to some of the finest options out there, ten to be exact, that all range in formula, scent, and even aesthetic. Let’s dive in.
Choosing the Best Smelling Body Lotion
Maybe you’re a stickler for scent, but maybe you just want something that doesn’t make your skin feel like you rubbed motor oil on it.
Whatever your preference, we’ve got some fantastic options coming up in this best smelling body lotion for men list.
There’s a lot of variety to unpack here, so choosing the right product boils down to the details. We’ve outlined a few variables for you below, equipped with specifics to help make choosing a lotion as easy as grabbing it off the shelf.
Price
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the best lotion for men is accompanied by a sizable price tag. Higher quality calls for better ingredients and more developed fragrance profiles, so in terms of high-caliber formulas and designer brands, oftentimes, you get what you pay for.
With that said, nourishing body lotions don’t always have to cost an arm and a leg, but they may not come with dreamy fragrances either.
Price is something you’ll need to take into consideration here to decide whether you’ll splurge on a lotion by your favorite brand, or if you’re good with something that simply performs well.
Brand
This best smelling body lotion for men list includes quite a range of brands. Some you may have heard of, others may intrigue you, but you can bet on the fact that all are revered in the worlds of either fragrance or body care.
While browsing through our top picks for the best lotions for men, you’ll discover classic companies known for their personal care products like Jack Black and Calvin Klein cozied up alongside ever-popular fragrance brands like Chanel and Hermes.
We’ve made sure to include some more natural players too like Aesop and Malin+Goetz, so be sure to locate your favorite brand but don’t be afraid to try something different too.
Fragrance
At the end (and beginning) of the day, you want to like how you smell. Our picks for the best smelling body lotion for men include a melange of scent profiles.
From the simple to the classically manly stretching to the more adventurous side of fragrance, we’ve got it all covered here.
We were sure to describe each one in detail, that way you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Some brands are known for their fragrances, like Jo Malone, and create products to help them shine.
For others, the scent is a nice touch to the nourishing formulas they prioritize.
Ingredients
When searching for the best body moisturizer for men, you may or may not be concerned with what the product is made of. Those with sensitive skin may want to pay close attention to the ingredients, opting for simpler or natural scents rather than full-out cologne-saturated lotion.
Since this is a best-smelling body lotion for men list, not every single option is going to be strict with ingredients. If you are, we’ve definitely included some that will meet your demands, but it’s up to you to keep an eye out for particular ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera gel, or vitamins if you’re looking for a pick with a more nutritional punch.
Purpose
We all have different needs when it comes to lotion. Some just want to slather something on to prevent dry, itchy skin, while others are looking for a lotion that does a little more.
Our best smelling body lotion for men list is quite versatile. If you’re looking for something specific like a toning cream, be sure to choose a product with elements that go beyond the more traditional moisturizing ingredients.
Size
Lotion hog, much? That’s totally ok, you just may want to pay attention to the size of the bottle you’re buying. This best smelling body lotion for men list may include some of the best brands out there, but they tend to vary in size and, of course, price.
This also goes for those who only use a little. You could buy a giant bottle and have it last the year, but spending less means you also have the chance to invest in something a little more expensive.
Before we cover the best smelling body lotion for men options, we’ve put together a list to give you an overview of what’s to come.
- Malin+Goetz Rum Body Lotion, $36
- Byredo Mojave Ghost Body Lotion, $65
- Jack Black Reserve Body Lotion, $40
- Calvin Klein CK Everyone Body Lotion, $32
- Chanel Coco Moisturizing Body Lotion, $76
- Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Body Creme, $85
- Bottega Veneta Perfumed Body Lotion, $68
- Le Labo The Noir 29 Body Lotion, $86
- Aesop Resolute Hydrating Balm, $43-$127
- Hermes Le Jardin de Monsieur Li Moisturizing Body Lotion, $53
The Best Smelling Body Lotion for Men: Our Top 10 Picks
Now that you know what to look out for, this list of the best-smelling lotion for men will get off to a smooth start. Up next, we’ll glide over our top 10 picks that combine effective formulas with some of your favorite fragrances.
#1 – Malin+Goetz Rum Body Lotion
Known for its straightforward skincare and effortless fragrances, Malin+Goetz creates versatile products for the modern man, but they work just as well for any gender that slathers them on.
The brand creates products that aren’t overpowering, instead, infusing a subtly alluring scent from high-profile plant-based ingredients.
The Malin+Goetz Rum Body Lotion balances nourishing ingredients with a craveably rich fragrance (think: smoky, sweet cocktail).
Lightweight and hydrating, you’ll get the benefits of vitamin B5, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil to feed your skin what it craves year-round.
It’s all packed in a simple 8.5 fl oz bottle that lets the lotion do the talking, however slurred it may be. Pick one up for $36.
#2 – Byredo Mojave Ghost Body Lotion
A luxury brand, Byredo creates through emotions—the perfect portal for imaginative fragrance. Infusing class and quality into personal care, the brand puts a modern spin on classic opulence.
This spin is especially clear in its scented line, connecting the past to the present and carrying it through to the future. The Byredo Mojave Ghost Body Lotion lingers on the skin to expose light woody notes that mingle with musk and powdery violet.
Mysterious, in an enchanting way, it’s made with nourishing shea butter for an alluring experience.
In a simple 7.64 fl oz bottle that would look good on any bathroom shelf, this moisturizing pro is an enticing pick for those who like a developed scent with their lotion. Grab a bottle for $65.
#3 – Jack Black Reserve Body Lotion
Jack Black is an incredibly popular brand in men’s personal care products. Giving men an option for effective, great-smelling lotions and potions in a market overcrowded with women-specific items, it’s a go-to for guys who want to smell like a man.
In the spirit of keeping things manly, its formulas are straightforward too. Using high-quality ingredients that put in the work, the Jack Black Reserve Body Lotion is filled with good-for-you fatty acids from baobab, olive, and shea to moisturize, smooth, and boost your skin’s appearance.
A great pick for dry skin and those who want added benefits, this lightweight cream comes in a 12 fl oz bottle, with a smoky, warm scent that blends soothing spices like cardamom and the fresh, woodsy aroma of red cedarwood. You can get this one for $40.
#4 – Calvin Klein CK Everyone Body Lotion
Calvin Klein is an iconic brand in fashion and fragrance. Its inviting scent collection embodies the company’s effortless style and youthful vibe.
The brand is, perhaps, known best for its seductive advertisements, but its edgy and elegant perfumes slide into that same feeling.
CK Everyone Body Lotion is the creamy form of its bestselling fragrance. It’s a scent designed for multiple personalities, genders, and moods, made to promote self-expression and push boundaries.
Clean and eye-opening with bursting organic orange, this formula possesses an attractive warmth thanks to base notes of smoky cedarwood. Captured in a 6.76 fl oz tube, this invigorating scent contains 76% natural ingredients. Get one for $32.
#5 – Chanel Coco Moisturizing Body Lotion
Can the name Chanel be said without thinking of its archetypal fragrance? Its style is simple but powerful and usually includes classic jewelry and a compelling scent.
The Chanel Coco Moisturizing Body Lotion carries one of the brand’s most famous scents. It’s musky and sweet, blending rich amber with spice and a medley of florals.
As a 6.76 fl oz lotion, the scent is captured in a light, milky form, transforming skin soft and creamy. Add this formula to your routine for $76.
#6 – Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body Crème
Jo Malone got her start making scents in her London home in 1990. Quickly rising to become one of the most coveted fragrance collections in the Western world, the brand is known for its unique scent profiles and imaginative pairings.
The Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body Crème sounds luxurious. It’s thicker than your average lotion, made with a rich blend of jojoba seed oil, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil.
For an added touch of nourishment, aloe makes an appearance, a soothing plant that calms skin and reduces redness.
Along with a dreamy texture, this crème mixes the spirits of wind, water, and earth, the delicate scent of sage blended with salty, sea-splashed cliffs. It’s an uplifting combination for daily wear, packaged in a compact 5.9 oz jar. Enjoy one for $85.
#7 – Bottega Veneta Perfumed Body Lotion
Starting as a small leather shop in Italy, since its inception, Bottega Veneta has been revered for its indisputable quality. Its signature fragrance is an ode to its origins, infusing leathery notes into a woody, spicy base gently lifted with subtle citrus and white flowers.
Seductive and warm, the Bottega Veneta Perfumed Body Lotion is peppery but light, gliding over skin for an indulgent experience that layers well under a spritz of fragrance.
Available in a 6.7 oz bottle, this creamy lotion is ideal for those who are looking for a unique scent. Add this to your classy bathroom shelf for $68.
#8 – Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Body Lotion
Le Labo has an apothecary-like feel to its fragrance collection, its name directly translating to mean “The Laboratory.”
Concerned with the entire perfume experience (not just the final spritz), the brand bottles each one in-store, including the date and location on every scent for a small-scale feel even though it’s an extremely popular perfumery.
If you’re big into fragrance, you may have seen the name Santal 33 in passing or perhaps even tried it yourself. That’s this brand’s most popular scent, adored for the one-of-a-kind experience it gives.
Thé Noir 29 is another one of its greats, decorated with the delicate scent of black tea, sweet fig, and a steady note of green bergamot.
Undercut by the crisp aroma of hay, rich tobacco, and sensual musk, Thé Noir 29 Body Lotion is intriguing to smell but is one of a select few creams on this best smelling body lotion for men list that combines luxurious fragrance with a nourishing formula.
It’s entirely plant-based, packed with vitamins E and A, along with aloe and coconut oil for a silky, truly hydrating feel. Preserved in an 8 fl oz apothecary-style bottle, this enriching lotion is a therapy for the senses. Grab one for $86.
#9 – Aesop Resolute Hydrating Body Balm
Aesop is an Australian personal care brand with the mission to provide products that are superior in quality and made with skin-loving ingredients. Known for its safe and effective collection, the Resolute Hydrating Body Balm nestles perfectly into a selection of natural and nourishing products.
With this one, though its scent isn’t its immediate concern, Aesop didn’t disappoint—a reason it’s one of our top contenders on this best smelling body lotion for men list.
Made with shea butter for moisture, as well as wheat germ and sweet almond oil for skin health, this lotion is a great pick for a supple and rejuvenated feel.
It has a traditionally masculine scent that’s woody with a hint of spice—it’s a warming smell that’s a pleasure to smooth on daily. You’ll find it in three sizes: 100 ml, 120 ml, and 500 ml. Pick a tube up for $43-$127.
#10 – Hermès Le Jardin de Monsieur Li Moisturizing Body Lotion
Incredibly high-caliber, Hermes has been around since 1837. The brand was founded in the heart of Paris and has a reputation for its quality. Best known for its accessories, its fragrance is an obvious pairing that elevates an entire look.
The Hermès Le Jardin de Monsieur Li Moisturizing Body Lotion uses the brand’s inspired scent that was created from a memory. Wet, earthy, and light, airy notes of bamboo breeze through the delicate sweetness of kumquats and juicy plums, kept subtle with the unique smell of wet stones.
This 6.76 oz lotion has a light texture and scent, designed to absorb quickly and moisturize well. Get it for $53.
Which Body Lotion Scents Could Be Considered Unisex?
The answer to this question depends on what you consider manly and what you think is feminine. Pepper may be inherently masculine to some, but it’s commonly used in women’s fragrances as well.
With that in mind, from what we’ve learned about scent, the lotions for men we believe would make the perfect unisex picks are the following standout products:
- Malin+Goetz Rum Body Lotion
- Bottega Veneta Perfumed Body Lotion
- Chanel Coco Moisturizing Body Lotion
- Calvin Klein CK Everyone Body Lotion
Which Best Smelling Body Lotions are the Most Affordable?
We’ve included a range of differently priced products in this list, some definitely less pricey than others. You may find that the best lotion for men is actually more affordable than you thought.
When assessing which picks are the most affordable, we need to look at the size too. With that considered, it looks like the Calvin Klein CK Everyone Body Lotion, Malin+Goetz Rum Body Lotion, and Jack Black Reserve Body Lotion come out on top.
Which Body Lotions are Best for Sensitive Skin?
Since this best smelling body lotion for men list features all kinds of brands, some are going to be more natural than others. While natural doesn’t always mean safe for sensitive skin, it’s a good indication that the fragrance will be natural as well (something that can be irritating for sensitive individuals).
We found that with their plant-based, nourishing approach, the Aesop Resolute Hydrating Balm and Malin+Goetz Rum Body Lotion may be the best men’s lotion for dry skin, which also makes them our top picks for sensitive skin.
When Should I Apply Body Lotion?
Applying lotion can be done any time the mood strikes, but if it’s proper hydration you’re after, there are times in your daily routine that are optimal.
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but the absolute best time to apply one of our options for the best body lotion for men is after you shower.
We’ve found that it’s also a good idea to apply after you wash or sanitize your hands, after you shave, and before bed. The lotion you choose may determine when you apply it, as something heavily scented may not be ideal to tuck into bed with—that is, unless you’re with a special someone.
Final Thoughts
You’ve gotten to know our picks for the best smelling body lotion for men out there, and hopefully, you’ve found one that fits what you’re looking for. Any of the choices on this list promise to deliver intriguing scents and moisturize skin, but some are built differently than others.
If it’s strictly scent you’re after, then you’re certainly leaving with an ample selection to consider. If natural is more your thing, then you know where to find them.
Everyone needs a good pampering from time to time. Here are a couple of our other top picks to treat yourself right:
Best Smelling Hair Pomade For Men
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