You’ve taken notes beard grooming tips and upgraded your body wash from a two-in-one clearance aisle selection. So what about adding one more item to your regimen? In this case, a body lotion is an easy upgrade that can do wonders. So I chatted with PureWow editors and staffers, and poured over reviews to find the 10 best-smelling body lotions for men. With skin-loving ingredients that moisturize and protect, these are win-win additions to your bathroom.
The 10 Best-Smelling Body Lotions for Men, Vetted by Editors and Reviewers
Featuring key ingredients, scent notes and more
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Published Feb 20, 2025
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Dasha Burobina/PureWow
The Best-Smelling Body Lotions for Men at a Glance
How I Chose the Best-Smelling Body Lotions for Men
I scoured the internet to find the best-smelling body lotions for men. I looked through dozens of reviews from retailers like Amazon, Sephora and Walmart. I also asked PureWow editors, staffers and even my own family for tried-and-true recommendations. From there, I analyzed each product’s ingredients, scent notes and benefits. Ahead, you’ll find the top ten best-smelling body lotions for men.
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Best Overall
1. Nivea Men Maximum Hydration Body Lotion
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- long-lasting moisture
- great for face and hands
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers experience a thin consistency
Nivea
The votes are in. This $7 body lotion is the best-smelling body lotion on the list. It has more than 17,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, with customers raving about the scent and its moisturizing formula. Although I was hesitant to crown anything that’s labeled a three-in-one, it actually targets your hands, face *and* body. Enriched with aloe vera, the non-greasy formula promises to absorb into the skin within seconds, soothe irritated areas and maintain moisturize for up to 24 hours. One fan said it best: “It works great and smells great, too. Seriously guys, if Nivea made a cologne that smelled like this lotion, I would wear it every day.” Nivea, take note.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: aloe vera
- Scent Notes: fresh aloe
- Size: 16.9 oz
- Best for: dry skin
Best for Dull Skin
2. Vaseline Radiant x Even Tone Body Lotion
What We Like
- non-greasy formula
- absorbs quickly
- reportedly even tones in just 14 days
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
Vaseline
When it comes to wintertime, my Gen-Z brother depends on this Vaseline brand body lotion, which caters to Black and Brown skin. It’s formulated with one percent niacinamide, proven to even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. You’ll also find vitamin C, coconut oil and peptides to soften, brighten and moisturize. “I get super dry and ashy in the winter, so this lotion is very smooth and absorbs quickly to keep my skin moisturized for a long period of time. I would say it smells really good and not at-all overwhelming—though it might be strong for some sensitive noses,” says Christian C.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: niacinamide, coconut oil, vitamin C
- Scent Notes: cocoa butter
- Size: 11 oz
- Best for: dry, dull and/or sensitive skin
Fast-Absorbing
3. Fenty Beauty Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream
What We Like
- refillable/recyclable
- hydrating ingredients
- Black-owned
What We Don't Like
- thick formula
Fenty Beauty
As a beauty editor, my family gets first dibs on all my bodycare products—and this body cream was a *very* popular pick, especially for my brother. Once he got his hand on a sample, he’s been using it religiously ever since. Formulated with oil blend of Kalahari melon, sorrel, baobab, sunflower, rice bran, coconut, jojoba oil, it’s definitely a hit in our household. He shares, “It has a thick formula, but once I start massaging it into my skin, it absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling smooth. It also smells amazing. The shea butter really pokes through, along with the bergamot and jasmine.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: Kalahari melon, sorrel, baobab, sunflower, rice bran, coconut, jojoba oil, shea butter, glycerin
- Scent Notes: bergamot, jasmine, white orchid
- Size: 6.7 oz
- Best for: dry skin
Best Cocoa Butter Scent
4. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Moisturizer
What We Like
- non-greasy
- rich formula
- refillable
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Kiehl's
This body lotion gets major points for hydrating the skin and turning post-shower time into a spa-like experience. The rich formula has squalene to soften skin and cocoa butter to lock in moisture. Plus, the scent is a favorite for one editor’s brother-in-law. “I’ve been using Kiehl's for a few years now. It feels deeply nourishing and hydrating on my skin. It’s also scented with a rich cocoa fragrance that’s nice and subtle,” says Kosta D.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: cocoa butter, beta-carotene, squalane
- Scent Notes: cocoa butter
- Size: 8.5 oz
- Best for: all skin types
Best for Dry Skin
What We Like
- offers intense hydration
- non-greasy
What We Don't Like
Blu Atlas
Since Blu Atlas was such a hit in the best-smelling body washes for men list, it’s no surprise their lotion hits all the marks, too. The lotion is formulated with shea butter and jojoba oil to deliver intense hydration, as well as squalane and seaweed extract to soothe irritated skin and brighten complexion. And with notes of bergamot, clary sage and patchouli, reviewers say it’s a fresh scent that’s great for all skin types. One reviewer writes, “Its natural ingredients provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment. This lotion absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue behind. It is also gentle and soothing. [Plus,] the fragrance is perfect for sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritation.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: shea butter, jojoba oil, seaweed
- Scent Notes: bergamot, clary sage, patchouli
- Size: 8 oz
- Best for: dry and/or dull skin
Most Nourishing
6. Malin + Goetz Rum Body Lotion
What We Like
- lightweight
- absorbs quickly
What We Don't Like
- pricey
- strong scent
Malin + Goetz
Infused with fatty acids, vitamins (b5) and oils (avocado and grapeseed), the lightweight formula works to nourish skin and provide long-lasting hydration. “I tend to enjoy these sweet boozy scents and this does not disappoint. The lotion feels and works great, but the scent lasts. It will obviously work great wearing the dark rum [fragrance] especially but also layers well with other scents,” says Issac H., a Malin + Goetz reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin B5, avocado oil, grapeseed oil
- Scent Notes: dark rum
- Size: 8.5 oz
- Best for: all skin types
Best Budget
7. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Men 3-in-1 Body Lotion
What We Like
- provides 48-hour moisture
- fast-absorbing
- great value
What We Don't Like
- thick formula
Palmer's
Palmer’s has been around for more than 180 years and continues to be a top contender in the bodycare category. This lotion is specifically catered to men, as it’s infused with cocoa butter and vitamin E to target rough and/or dry skin. It promises 48-hours of moisture and fans stand by its claim. As one Amazon customer shares, “This is probably my favorite body lotion of all time. It smells nice (if you like cocoa butter) but best of all it leaves my skin so silky smooth, even the next day when I'm in the shower, I can feel how soft my skin is from this lotion. It doesn't feel greasy but moisturizes perfectly. [It’s also] light enough to use on my face and hair, but thick enough for my elbows and feet.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: cocoa butter, vitamin E
- Scent Notes: cocoa butter
- Size: 33.8 oz
- Best for: rough, dry skin
Best Fresh Scent
8. Dr. Squatch Cool Fresh Aloe Lotion
What We Like
- absorbs quickly
- non-greasy
- cooling sensation
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers experienced thin consistency
Dr. Squatch
The search for a body lotion for dry skin is over. One PureWow staffer says her husband can’t stop talking about Dr. Squatch body lotion, which contains shea butter, vitamin E and aloe vera. The mixture works to soothe irritated skin, soften dry areas and overall deeply moisturize for a silky smooth finish. “Dr. Squatch is awesome! It’s not greasy, very cooling and long-lasting. It also smells great, not overpowering,” says Anthony P.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: shea butter, vitamin E, aloe vera
- Scent Notes: fresh aloe
- Size: 10 oz
- Best for: rough, dry and/or irritated skin
Best Splurge
9. Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Balm
What We Like
- nourishing
- softens skin
- non-greasy
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Aesop
This body balm screams luxury, featuring ingredients like geranium leaf and citrus extract to offer a boost of hydration and smelling amazing on skin. “This is my favorite Aesop scent, and I think the formulation on this body balm makes it the most thick and creamy body cream on the market,” says one happy customer. “It’s definitely a splurge item for me, but I’m able to make it last a handful of months, and it always leaves my skin and therefore clothes smelling good afterwards for days. I love this product!”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: nut oils, geranium leaf, citrus extract
- Scent Notes: citrus
- Size: 16.9 oz
- Best for: all skin types
Most Lightweight
10. Grown Alchemist Restorative Body Cream
What We Like
- fast-absorbing
- non-greasy
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
Grown Alchemist
Not a big fan of thick lotions? Well, this body cream is praised for being lightweight, non-greasy and a must for sensitive skin. It’s formulated with shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E, which combined, can improve elasticity, even out skin tone and add a boost of hydration to thirsty skin. Plus, the scent of orange, rosemary and vanilla is a nice plus. One reviewer writes, “I need lotion, but I generally hate how it feels on my skin. I have sensory issues and normally, I just can't. However, I was staying with a friend and she had some, so I decided to try it. Morning, noon and night, it just feels so good to put on my skin. [It has a] great texture, absorbs well, it's [lightweight] and [has a] pleasing scent. I can't say enough about it. It’s worth every cent.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: shea butter, jojoba oil, mandarin oil
- Scent Notes: orange, rosemary, vanilla
- Size: 16. 9 oz
- Best for: dull and/or dry skin
What to Consider When Shopping for Best-Smelling Lotions for Men
- Fragrance: The list above is the best-smelling body lotions after all, so let the scent be the main driver when choosing one for you. Common scent notes include cocoa butter, bergamot and cedar. Just ask them, are they into warm scents or maybe fresh, crisp aromas? Their fragrance preference will help narrow things down a bit. And like most new products, it’s recommended to try a patch test to check for any reactions as some highly fragrant products can be irritating for sensitive skin.
- Ingredients: Search for ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter, which will help lock-in moisture, along with natural oils (i.e, grapeseed, coconut and jojoba oil) for added hydration. The key here is moisture, protection and brightening properties for their skin.
- Skin Type: While we love a body lotion that smells good, you want to keep their skin type in mind when choosing one. Try to steer clear of formulas with parabens and sulfates as they can be irritating for those with sensitive skin.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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