The best smelling lotions for men

With all the time we spend exercising and toning our bodies, plus the care and attention we pay to fueling ourselves with well-balanced, nutritious food, we should always look great and have glowing skin, right? Not so fast. You may think that a healthy diet and exercise are all you need to look good, but skin tells us a different story.

Hydrated, nourished skin is and always has been a sign of good health. And the right skincare routine and products are essential to making healthy skin happen. Keeping skin strong and maintaining its own natural moisture barrier doesn’t have to be as strenuous as a spin class. In fact, great skin can actually be a pleasure to achieve and maintain.

With a bevy of excellent moisturizers and lotions that work to protect skin—with great fragrance, too—skincare can be calming, de-stressing, and even fun. A nourishing body moisturizer with some soothing—or even invigorating—fragrance notes will keep the mind-body balance in check.

Skin Deep

When you peel back the layers, the skin is an immensely complex organ. Skin is actively working to protect us from bacteria that cause infections, toxins that harm us internally, and small particles that cause injury. In fact, skin cells are doing so much work to keep us healthy; they’re even part of our immune system.

Special cells under our skin layers, called dendritic cells, are part of the immune system in the skin that boosts our natural response to anything external that may harm us. These cells are like a tiny army of messengers that can spot danger—like viral pathogens—and trigger an immune system response.

We are all familiar with some of the basics of skincare: protecting our skin from the sun, keeping our skin well hydrated, limiting heat and cold exposure, and using quality skincare products. Yet we can take those basic skincare principles and build on them.

The addition of scent to a moisturizing lotion has real benefits. Most importantly, you’ll be more likely to reach for a lotion that has an appealing fragrance because scent is directly related to our physiological state. Simply put, scent can alter our mood and influence our emotional state.

Using body lotion regularly supports the skin and keeps it healthier and hydrated. A scented body cream with a fragrance you crave will keep moisturizing top of mind in your grooming routine. Think of scent as motivational. You want to feel great and look good, and having vibrant, firm skin that radiates health is part of the process.

Now that we know how important moisturizer is to our skin and how scent can motivate and elevate our mood, let’s take a look at the best smelling lotions for men.

1. Blu Atlas Body Lotion

The classic scent of Blu Atlas Body Lotion will stay on your skin for hours, keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized and also smelling fresh and clean. Blu Atlas Body Lotion’s scent is a vibrant mix of botanicals and marine richness, thanks to the skin-enhancing properties of seaweed.

Seaweed acts as a humectant in this lotion, delivering powerful nourishment to skin’s cells. To combat dryness and add radiance to the skin, antioxidant-infused shea butter is added. Jojoba oil is another powerful moisturizing ingredient in this lotion, adding Vitamins A, E and D to the skin to keep it healthy and balanced. Jojoba oil also has essential fatty acids, which sink deep into the skin to add vitality.

Blu Atlas Hair Body Lotion is vegan, cruelty free, and paraben and sulfate free. Their products also have no synthetic fragrances. All Blu Atlas products are backed by their medical advisory board of medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatologists.

2. Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Body Lotion

Aromatic Australian Sandalwood is the fragrance that defines this rich, hydrating lotion from Caswell-Massey. Sandalwood has been used as a fragrance for centuries, primarily as a base note for colognes and perfumes. Sandalwood is a natural, woody scent with light notes of spice and floral bouquets.

With sweet almond oil and shea butter, your skin will stay hydrated and soft. This hydrating lotion also contains aloe vera and calendula extract, which contain anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen the protective layer of the skin to better retain moisture. Sage leaf and rosemary are also added to this formula for an important antioxidant boost.

The gorgeous scent of dreamy sandalwood makes this lotion one you’ll reach for again and again. The creamy, rich lotion is delicately scented and, when applied, sinks immediately into the skin. Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Body Lotion is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. All Caswell-Massey products are cruelty free.

3. Malin + Goetz Rum Body Lotion

This lotion is rum drinks on the beach in a body lotion. This deliciously enticing body lotion from Malin + Goetz has the sweet and spicy fragrance of rum together with all the nourishing ingredients to keep skin soft and moisturized.

This formula contains essential fatty acids to deliver hydration to the skin. Vitamin B5 and avocado and grapeseed oils also restore moisture to the skin and help the skin’s natural repair process.

Reviewers online love the tropical vibe of this rum body lotion and say it smells luxurious but not overpowering. The clean formula of Malin + Goetz body lotion is free of parabens, phthalates, gluten, sulfates, and mineral oil. It’s also vegetarian and cruelty free.

4. Le Jardin de Monsieur Li by Hermes

This lotion is named for Mr. Li’s garden. It’s unclear who Mr. Li is, but his garden is undoubtedly a luscious botanical wonderland of fragrant flowers.

This body lotion by the French fashion house Hermes absorbs quickly into the skin to hydrate and also brings a bouquet of scent to the skin. The fragrance profile is reminiscent of lily ponds, jasmine, kumquats, and bamboo. This is a light lotion that immediately sinks into the skin and leaves behind hydrated, smooth skin.

Reviewers say the scent is alluring and hypnotic, and the fragrance lasts for hours. They also tout its quick absorption and say it doesn’t leave a greasy or heavy feeling on the skin.

5. Aveda Cherry Almond Body Lotion

Aveda Cherry Almond Body Lotion contains sweet almond oil and cherry blossom extract to not only moisturize the skin but also lightly scent the skin. The fragrance profile of this nourishing lotion includes a variety of plant and flower essences like tonka bean, ylang ylang, and organic orange.

The moisturizing ingredients in Aveda’s Cherry Almond Body Lotion are derived from olive oil and coconut to hydrate and smooth the skin. The natural formulation has no synthetic fragrance, so it’s ideal for sensitive skin. This lotion is also silicone, paraben, petrolatum, talc, and mineral oil free. All of Aveda’s products are also vegan and cruelty free.

Reviewers online say this lotion absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves no greasy residue. They love the light scent, and one reviewer described Aveda Cherry Almond Body Lotion as a delightful treat for the skin.

6. Inis The Energy of the Sea Revitalizing Body Lotion

Inis is an Irish brand of skincare products that captures the energy of the sea. This seaweed-enriched, deep moisturizing lotion with shea butter has vitamins B5 and E to deliver an antioxidant boost. Together with the bionutrients of seaweed extracts, this lotion keeps skin hydrated and conditioned all day long.

Inis Revitalizing Body Lotion is scented with Sicilian lemon and marine scents that impart a fresh, nautical fragrance. The scent is strong enough to be noticed but light enough not to overpower additional fragrances like cologne.

Inis is a cruelty-free company and backs marine conservation efforts. Inis Revitalizing Body Lotion is allergen and gluten free.

7. Moroccanoil Body Lotion

This is an ideal body lotion for you if you’re a fan of nourishing, naturally scented oils. With argan, tsubaki, and evening primrose oils, this quick-absorbing, richly textured oil glides onto the skin like silk. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids to improve the tone and texture of the skin.

It also contains aloe vera leaf extract to calm skin, especially if it’s overly dry. For fragrance, it has a touch of patchouli oil and cardamom for an earthy, botanical scent.

All of the products made by Moroccanoil are cruelty free. This lotion also contains no parabens, mineral oil, or sulfates. Reviewers online enjoy Moroccanoil Body Lotion’s texture and the way it leaves their skin feeling soft and lightly scented.

8. White Musk Body Lotion

From The Body Shop, the beauty and wellness brand that’s been an industry staple since the 1980s, this lotion is lightly scented with an iconic white musk scent. Known for its fragrant properties, white musk smells woody, clean, and fresh. The Body Shop put white musk on the map in 1981 when they launched their Floral Woody Musk perfume, an overnight hit.

To add to the white musk fragrance profile, there are also notes of lily, ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, and vanilla. The scent is very soft and not overpowering in this lotion.

The musk used in The Body Shop lotion is ethically sourced. All products from The Body Shop are vegetarian and cruelty free.

9. Hempz AromaBody Blueberry Lavender & Chamomile Herbal Body Moisturizer

The AromaBody series from Hempz, a line of skin, hair, and even pet products with hemp seed oil, includes inviting scents in their skin-protecting, nourishing lotions. Their Blueberry Lavender & Chamomile herbal body moisturizer is one of the best-smelling lotions for men.

This vegan body lotion soothes the skin and the mind with natural chamomile and lavender. These botanical scents not only add a delightful scent to this lotion but also impart skin-soothing properties to calm any inflammation caused by dry skin. Blueberry extract delivers vitamins to strengthen skin. Hemp seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids to lock in moisture.

Hempz AromaBody Blueberry Lavender and Chamomile Herbal Body Moisturizer is cruelty free, as well as free of parabens and gluten. Reviewers cite the pleasant scent and smooth quality of this lotion, saying their skin feels softer and more supple with regular use.

10. L’Occitane Verbena Body Lotion

This lotion has an uplifting aroma with verbena extract as well as lemon, geranium, and orange. With a citrus-fresh fragrance and moisture-rich ingredients to soothe and nourish the skin, L’Occitane Verbena Body Lotion is one of the best-smelling lotions for men.

The main moisturizing ingredients in this fragrant lotion for the body are shea butter and grapeseed oil. Both deliver high concentrations of moisturization for skin soothing and hydrating benefits. This vegan lotion is lightweight, so no heavy oils or residue are left on the skin.

Online reviewers say this scent is delightfully fresh and invigorating. L’Occitane Verbena Body Lotion is formulated without mineral oil, parabens, and phthalates. The verbena used in L’Occitane’s lotion comes from locally sourced farms in Provence.

11. Luseta Rose Oil Body Lotion

For baby smooth skin that smells like fresh roses, Luseta Rose Oil Body Lotion is the one to choose. This nourishing lotion is infused with natural rosa rugosa flower extract. This species of rose is native to eastern Asia and has nourishing emollient properties that combat dry skin and soothe irritations.

Reviewers online adore the rose-scented lotion and say it leaves their skin smooth and supple after use. The sweet rose fragrance doesn’t overwhelm, yet the floral scent is noticeable on the skin. Luseta makes hair and body care products infused with natural ingredients that are sulfate and paraben free.

12. Tatcha Indigo Soothing Body Butter

Tatcha harnesses the power of natural Japanese indigo, a botanical known for its ability to support the skin’s healing abilities, in its Indigo Soothing Body Butter. Japanese indigo also soothes skin irritation from dryness. For centuries, this botanical plant has been used in skincare and as a natural remedy for skin ailments in China, Japan, and Thailand.

Formulated without mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, or sulfates, this body butter has many devoted fans online. Reviewers with extremely dry skin and even issues like eczema say this deeply moisturizing lotion helped heal their skin. The base of the moisturizing ingredients in this lotion is squalane and glycerin for locking in the skin’s natural moisture.

With other botanical ingredients like chamomile, this lotion is lightly scented with an earthy, green scent.

13. Ouai Melrose Place Body Creme

If you’re looking for a whipped, thick, rich lotion with a scent so alluring it rivals the most mesmerizing cologne, Ouai Melrose Place Body Crème checks all the boxes.

The moisturizing power in this lotion comes from hydrating coconut oil, nourishing cupuacu butter, and skin-conditioning squalane. The lotion absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and without any residue to make you feel sticky or greasy.

The scent profile in this lotion is as rich as the lotion itself. The floral-infused fragrance profile of rose, lychee, white musk, champagne, and bergamot leaves skin gently scented. And reviewers say the rich crème absorbs well into the skin to leave it supple and soft. Ouai Melrose Place Body Crème is made without sulfates and is also cruelty free.

14. Clarins Sweet Neroli Body Lotion

If you love the citrusy scent of slightly bitter orange, the sweetness of freesia, and the nutty notes of hazelnut, this formula from Clarins will be your new go-to body lotion. It’s delicately scented with a fragrance light enough to be noticed but not overwhelming.

This lotion has a milk-like texture and is applied easily all over the body. It leaves skin soft, hydrated, and smooth. With hydrating hazelnut oil and ispaghul extract, which calms inflammation in the skin, this lotion has beneficial ingredients for the skin that will leave it healthy and hydrated. Reviewers online say the scent stays on their skin for a considerable amount of time and doesn’t fade too quickly.

15. Le Labo Santal 33 Body Lotion

If you’re a fan of the cult classic fragrance Santal 33 by Le Labo, you’ll be thrilled with their famous scent in a moisturizing body lotion. With cardamom, iris, and violet, this beautifully scented lotion imparts all the deliciousness of the fragrance with a moisturizing lotion. Enriched with shea butter and avocado and sweet almond oils, this lotion soothes and hydrates the skin.

There are as many praise-worthy reviews online for this lotion, as there are for the fragrance that inspired it. Reviewers love the scent, the hydrating richness of the lotion, and the way wearing both the body lotion and fragrance layer their fragrance for a scent that lasts all day.

How to Apply Body Lotion

Now that we’ve taken a look at the best smelling lotions for men, it’s time to choose the best lotion for you while we provide steps for how to apply it to nourish the skin.

One way to make sure you’re getting the most benefit from your new best smelling lotion is to apply it at the right time. Body lotion should be applied to clean, damp skin, fresh from the bath or shower. Why is this the best time to apply lotion? Because the skin is still slightly damp, and pores are open from the warm water.

After bathing, pat your skin dry with a clean, dry towel. Avoid rubbing skin vigorously, which can cause tiny micro tears in the skin. Once your skin is nearly dry but still slightly damp, apply a generous-sized amount of lotion to your hands.

Gently rub hands back and forth to distribute and warm up the lotion. Then apply to your neck, arms, chest, legs, feet, and hands. Use as much lotion as you need to in order to deeply moisturize all areas of your body.

Skincare experts and dermatologists recommend using a body lotion at least once per day to help keep skin healthy and strong. Yet if your skin is dry, flaky, or tends to feel tight, more lotion may be necessary to support skin’s optimal hydration in balance.

Skin Health From the Inside Out

Aside from cleansing skin, using moisturizing lotions, and wearing good quality sunscreen to keep your skin healthy and protected, there are other ways to keep skin looking its best.

Proper nutrition leads to healthier cells and a stronger immune system. There are foods that you can eat to help your skin look its best, and the added benefit is they can make you feel healthier and stronger, too.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants for stimulating collagen growth. Collagen creates a stronger barrier within the skin’s connective cells and can also block out harmful rays from the sun. Eating foods rich in vitamin C can have a direct beneficial effect on your skin. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and kiwi are all packed with vitamin C, as well as broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes.

Beta Carotene

Beta carotene is an antioxidant-rich in vitamin A, which stimulates cell regeneration and collagen production. This also improves skin texture and elasticity. Beta carotene can be found in many fruits and vegetables, including cantaloupe, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and kale.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These vital fatty acids regulate the skin’s oil production and properly balance hydration. Having enough omega-3 fatty acids in your nutrition plan helps with dry skin and minimizes signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. There has also been research linking omega-3 fatty acids to the skin’s ability to fight UV damage and skin cancer related to sun exposure. These fatty acids can be found in fish, like salmon and trout, flax and chia seeds, and soybean oil.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are natural, plant-derived chemicals that help the body fight environmental stressors like sun damage and pollution. Flavonoid compounds are found in many fruits and vegetables. They have natural anti-irritation properties and intense antioxidant power to help your body, including the skin, ward off everyday harmful toxins. Flavonoids can be found in dark chocolate, red wine, green tea, tomatoes, broccoli, and berries.

Stress-free Skin for the Win

Aside from common sense skincare routines and eating a well-balanced diet, other factors play a vital role in skin health. Our mood and stress levels affect how our skin looks just as much as what we eat and how well we care for our bodies.

Stress is a known factor in premature aging and various other health-related issues, such as chronic disease, weight gain, and high blood pressure. Ongoing, chronic stress affects how we sleep, eat, and move throughout our day. When stress overwhelms us emotionally, it affects our physical health and well-being. Skin is part of that equation.

When you feel stressed, there’s a hormonal shift taking place within your body. The nervous system responds to stress by releasing adrenaline and cortisol into the body. Cortisol can increase oil production, leading to acne and breakouts. It’s also been shown that stress changes the proteins in your skin and slows down collagen production, leading to a loss of elasticity in the skin. Finally, stress aggravates skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema.

We all know when stress is coming: rapid heartbeat, tight muscles, quicker breaths . . . even your senses become sharper. But there’s a skin factor happening, as well, just as other organs of the body are responding to stress. If you can actively focus on managing stress and the chemical responses in your body, you can feel better and look better.

To manage stress better, try using simple and effective techniques to relax your mind and body. Movement in the form of light exercise, like walking, bike riding, or swimming, helps your body process your hormones and your mind relax by thinking less about stressful situations and more about your movement. It’s even better when you’re outside, taking in the sights and sounds of nature!

Breathwork is another effective stress management tool. Focusing on your breathing slows your heart and circulatory response and quiets the mind. Take deep breaths in, filling up your chest and diaphragm (really puff your chest out and relax your belly; take in all that good air). Release your breath slowly (ideally to a count of 7, if possible), and exhale it all. Imagine breathing in good, positive air and exhaling stale, negative air.

Keeping your body and mind as healthy as possible and following a consistent skincare routine will help you achieve the glowing, radiant look of good health. With the right products, a solid skincare and exercise routine, and enough sleep and water, your skin will look its best, and you’ll feel on top of the world.