In a world full of various (and, let’s be honest, unnecessary) body care products, we sometimes overlook lotion and cream's more luxurious counterpart, body butter. Like body creams, body butters tend to be thicker and provide more moisture than the average lotion, and even the fragrance concentration is stronger. And there’s a wide range of them to suit your preferences, from fragrance-free options like the Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter ($41) to more fragrant favs like our best overall pick, the Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench ($48). If you're looking to pamper yourself with a delish-smelling body butter, here, 15 of the best-smelling body butters you’ll look forward to using daily. Plus, a few unscented picks for those still wanting to indulge in extra skin hydration without the additional fragrance.
The 15 Best-Smelling Body Butters, Vetted By Editors and Reviewers
From Sol de Janeiro to Truly
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
The Best-Smelling Body Butters at a Glance
Best Overall
Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench
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Best Woodsy Scent
Youth to the People Superberry Firm + Glow Dream Body Butter
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Best Citrus Scent
Josie Maran Topless Tangerine Whipped Argan Oil Refillable Firming Body Butter
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Best Unscented Body Butter
Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter
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Most Relaxing
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter
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How We Chose the Best-Smelling Body Butters
To find the best-smelling body butters, we scoured through top selling products and endless reviews from beauty retailers including Sephora and Ulta, paying close attention to scent notes and ingredients. We also prodded the minds of our editors, who shared their all-time favorite body butters.
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Best Overall
1. Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench
Why We Love It
- hydrating
- good staying power
- comes in a travel size
Why We Don't Love It
- some reviewers say the scent is too sweet
Sol de Janeiro
Sol de Janeiro has some of the best body care products on the market right now. Its repertoire consists of delectable scents that leave your skin smelling amazing while simultaneously nourishing it. PureWow’s commerce editor Olivia Dubyak raves about the lasting power of this particular body butter’s scent. “It smells so dreamy—it’s a rich, tropical floral scent that's not too overwhelming. Plus, it doesn't give me a headache like a lot of fragrances do. The thick formula deeply hydrates my skin.” She continues, “I only use it on my legs right now because I don't want my baby getting any on his skin from my upper body and you can still smell it, as though I'm wearing a perfume.”
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: vanilla orchid, sugared violet and sheer sandalwood
- Benefits: calms redness, repairs the skin’s protective barrier
Best Woodsy Scent
2. Youth to the People Superberry Firm + Glow Dream Body Butter
Why We Love It
- unique scent
- provides a glow
- fast-absorbing
Why We Don't Love It
- expensive
Youth to the People
Rated with a full five stars at Sephora is this woodsy citrus blend from Youth to the People. With notes of yuzu, green tea and blond woods, this body butter’s scent leaves a lasting impression while firming the skin. “It’s thick and luxurious, moisturizing without being a greasy mess. My skin is softer and brighter, and the dry patches I have this time of year cleared up after three days of using. I paired it with the youth for the people body wash and they work so well together. It also smells AMAZING, citrusy and earthy without being overpowering,” one Kohl’s reviewer exclaims. The butter is formulated with the brand’s signature Free to Dream fragrance designed to “calm the senses.”
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: yuzu, green tea and blond woods
- Benefits: hydrating, firming and soothing
Best Citrus Scent
3. Josie Maran Topless Tangerine Whipped Argan Oil Refillable Firming Body Butter
Why We Love It
- provides a glow
- plant-based
- refillable
Why We Don't Love It
- some reviewers say the texture can be heavy
Josie Maran
This luscious body butter from Josie Maran is one you’ll want to wear all summer long. Described as a “sensory experience” and “incredibly indulgent” by one Sephora reviewer, it’s crafted with inviting sweet citrus notes that are amplified by its natural ingredients of argan oil, avocado oil and shea butter. The body butter comes in several other irresistible scents (also highly rated), plus, you can get a 13.5 oz pouch refill for your jar when it runs empty—which, trust us, it will.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: pixie tangerine, yuzu, pink grapefruit, pineapple and brown sugar
- Benefits: firming, intensely hydrating, improves skin elasticity
Best Unscented Body Butter
4. Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter
Why We Love It
- good for eczema-prone skin
- can layer
Why We Don't Love It
- some reviewers say it has a light floral smell
Clinique
For some, a subtle scent is key. Enter this comforting classic from Clinique. It’s the ultimate body care staple to keep in your routine. Even if you’re an avid lover of fragrance, there’s no denying the star quality of this body butter. The formulation of the shea butter, glycerin and hyaluronic acid gives the utmost comfort and silkiness to even the driest of skin. An added bonus? It can act as a great base layer for your perfume to help it last longer.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: unscented
- Benefits: soothing, long-lasting hydration
Most Relaxing
5. Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter
Why We Love It
- lightweight
- made for all skin types
- paraben-free
Why We Don't Love It
- expensive
- some reviewers say it can be grainy
Kiehl's
The calming combo of milk and honey comes to life in this whipped moisturizer that reviewers can’t get enough of. Crafted with shea butter and almond oil, the body butter gently exfoliates while nourishing the skin so it feels extra soft. “Absolutely love this body butter. It's so rich and absorbs beautifully into my skin with zero sticky or greasy residue. My skin is almost glowing after I apply this stuff after a shower. I can't sing its praises more,” says one verified Ulta reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: soy milk, honey and shea butter
- Benefits: exfoliating, softens the skin
Best Tropical Scent
6. Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream
Why We Love It
- hydrating
- refillable
- vegan
Why We Don't Love It
- can sometimes be too oily
Fenty Skin
Take it from this editor who can’t put it down, the Fenty Skin Butta Drop is a must-have for fragrant body care enthusiasts. Made with shea and mango butter, and seven conditioning oils, your skin will never be smoother. The scent is reminiscent of a Barbados cherry, a nod to founder, Rihanna’s Caribbean heritage. If fruity florals don’t tickle your fancy, check out their latest scent in warm cinnamon that’s thankfully still in stock (it’s been known to sell out). The body butter has a light golden shimmer and envelops your senses in a scent that reminds us of a freshly baked gingerbread cookie. Try both, you won’t regret it.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: bergamot, jasmine and white orchid
- Benefits: repairs moisture barrier
Best Fruity Scent
7. Truly Unicorn Fruit Body Butter
Why We Love It
- vegan
- gives the skin a youthful appearance
Why We Don't Love It
- some reviewers say it has an odd texture
Truly
Meet another viral fave that actually lives up to the hype. This body butter from Truly is formulated with acai, vegan collagen, matcha and shea butter to help plump the skin with moisture. It comes in a clear jar that shows off its swirly whipped texture in eye-catching hues. Despite the lively nature of some of the notes, which includes cotton candy, vanilla and raspberry, buyers clarify that its scent isn’t too overpowering. “I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one doesn't smell too sticky sweet. It melts into skin really nicely, especially after a shower or bath, and it lasts for twelve hours,” says a reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: cotton candy, vanilla, sandalwood and raspberry
- Benefits: hydrating, relieves redness
Best for Pregnancy
8. Dezi Skin Bebé Balm Nourishing Belly Butter
Why We Love It
- adds a glow
- hydrating
- can help with nausea
Why We Don't Love It
- expensive
Dezi Skin
Expecting moms might want to have this balm-like butter on their radar. The product is packed with natural butters that relieve the dry, dull and itchy feeling you often get as your baby grows. Customers say the fragrance is mild but still smells amazing with the sweetest hint of mango scent. The balm is crafted with a blend of Mexican plum fruit, dragon fruit, acai berry, tamarind, soursop, mango, guava and avocado extracts. PureWow editor Dubyak recently gave this product her stamp of approval. “I used this on my belly for a big chunk of the end of my pregnancy. I loved how even though it was a balm, it didn't leave me feeling greasy but instead heavily moisturized. I also loved how I could use very little of this product and it would cover my whole belly, so I still have some left and use it on my stretch marks.”
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: unscented (natural ingredients add fragrance)
- Benefits: relieves dryness, dullness and itchiness
Best Floral Scent
9. Moroccanoil Body Butter Moisturizer
Why We Love It
- fast-absorbing
- hydrating
Why We Don't Love It
- some reviewers say the scent can be overpowering
Moroccanoil
Floral scents for spring? Groundbreaking. However, Morocconoil has some of the best-smelling products on the beauty market. While known for its hair care, the brand’s body products are just as good. Infused with their signature warm and spicy floral aroma, this moisturizer is the ultimate hydrator, thanks to hyaluronic acid and a blend of butters (shea, mango and cocoa). “This product is amazing. It has left my skin feeling so smooth without an oily feeling. I also love the smell. This product absorbs well into my skin and also helps with any dry patches I had on my arms since it’s so hydrating. I overall highly recommend,” shares one Sephora reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: spicy amber and sweet florals
- Benefits: tackles dryness and uneven texture
Best Clean Scent
10. OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter
Why We Love It
- for all skin types
Why We Don't Love It
- expensive
OSEA
Clean fragrances don’t have to be boring. Just ask PureWow’s associate fashion commerce editor, Stephanie Meraz, who couldn’t put down this product. “I grab this body butter once a week or whenever I need more moisture. The smell is divine and oh-so refreshing. It has grapefruit, lime and cypress with a hint of mango mandarin. It brings me back to my childhood, eating grapefruits at my grandma’s house by the spoonful. As citrusy-forward as the profile is, I’d say that overall, it smells like a bottled up burst of fresh air by the sea.” In addition to the product's yummy scent, the body butter is made with undaria seaweed and shea butter, providing your skin with the best nourishment money can buy.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: grapefruit, lime, cypress, mango, and mandarin
- Benefits: anti-aging, hydrating
Best Coconut Scent
11. Kopari Beauty Ultra Restore Body Butter
Why We Love It
- comes in other fragrances
- gives a glow
- hydrating
Why We Don't Love It
- may be difficult to rub in
Kopari
You can never go wrong with a bit of coconut, which happens to be a staple among Kopari products. The Ultra Restore body butter is paradise in a jar and it satiates the skin with hydration without ever feeling too heavy. If you’re anti-coconut, try out one of their other rave-worthy fragrances like Tahitian vanilla, guava or a limited-edition grapefruit scent that will be perfect for those upcoming beach days.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: creamy coconut, warm vanilla, white musk and jasmine
- Benefits: provides long-lasting moisture
Best Skin Care-Based Body Butter
12. Paula's Choice Ultra-Rich Soothing Body Butter
Why We Love It
- good for sensitive skin
- versatile
Why We Don't Love It
- small portion size
Paula's Choice
Paula’s Choice is known for its no nonsense skin care products, so it’s no surprise their body butter comes highly recommended by many. Tackling persistent dryness and flakiness with a nourishing blend of shea butter and antioxidants like coconut and avocado oil, your dry patches will thank you. Plus, it sits at an agreeable price point. “Within the first day of using this body butter, the extreme dryness and mild eczema on my hands had almost completely disappeared. Eczema hand lotions from other brands had done some good, but the redness always remained and I had to reapply frequently. And they burned! Now on Day 3 of using this body butter, I don't even recognize my hands anymore—but that's a good thing! I've already put in an order for several more for myself and to gift to friends,” one reviewer gushes.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: unscented (natural ingredients add fragrance)
- Benefits: reduces redness, soothing
Best for Stretch Marks
Why We Love It
- good for sensitive skin
- lightweight
Why We Don't Love It
- some reviewers say it can be greasy
Mutha
Commerce editor Dubyak has yet another pregnancy-approved body product she couldn’t get enough of while she was expecting. She notes, “I usually opt for scentless body lotions because I'm boring like that, but I loved using thick body butters during my pregnancy, especially the Mutha Body Butter. It's incredibly hydrating and nourishing and has a very light citrusy scent that's so refreshing for summertime.” New mom or not, this product comes highly recommended for anyone looking to soften their stretch marks.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: warm citrus
- Benefits: reduces stretch marks
Best for Melanated Skin
14. Vaseline Illuminate Me Whipped Shea Body Butter
Why We Love It
- gives the skin a glow
- versatile
Why We Don't Love It
- small portion size
Vasaline
Vaseline products have long held a reputation for providing people with luxurious hydration at an accessible cost. This particular moisturizer was made with darker skin tones in mind. Co-created by Black women, this butter meets the unique needs of melanated skin for long-lasting moisture and provides the look of healthy and hydrated skin—no greasy residue. It’s lightly scented but powerful enough to leave a wafting aroma that lasts throughout the day. “This product is amazing. The smoothness is nice. I apply to my skin and it works great on your elbows, knees, and face,” one Amazon reviewer shares.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: cocoa and shea butter
- Benefits: heals dry skin, smoothes texture, long-lasting hydration
Best Long-Lasting Moisturizer
15. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter
Why We Love It
- vegan
- recyclable packaging
- gluten free
Why We Don't Love It
- some reviewers say the formula has changed
The Body Shop
Don’t just take our word for it. This cult-classic from the Body Shop is editor-approved, but it also has over 7,000 five-star reviews to back it up. Made with shea butter, cocoa butter and babassu oil, this product intensely moisturizes the skin, leaving a light shea butter scent in its wake. “I absolutely love The Body Shop's body butter. I've tried a bunch of different scents that all smell amazing without being overwhelming (two of my faves are the shea & coconut) and it's one of the only moisturizers that genuinely makes an impact on my super-dry hands,” says Natalie LaBarbera, PureWow’s assistant commerce editor.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: shea butter
- Benefits: nourishes dry skin, long-lasting hydration
