“You smell amazing” is one of the best compliments. You don’t need expensive perfume for it. Scented body lotion is a great alternative.
Why not kill two birds with one stone? Moisturize and smell good at the same time. Even if your face is sensitive, you can still use scented products.
“I recommend you moisturize at least two times a day, or after you shower,” says dermatologist Divya Shokeen.
She says good ingredients are humectants (like hyaluronic acid), antioxidants (like vitamins C and E), shea butter, and plant oils.
We researched the best scented lotions, looking at scent, ingredients, absorbency, container, and price.
We also tested several. Here are the best moisturizers to buy.
Best Overall: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Body Cream.
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow skincare line is a favorite for scent. You can bet this body cream smells delicious.
It’s inspired by rubbing watermelon rind on skin to soothe irritation, with watermelon seed butter, watermelon extract, and hyaluronic acid.
Dr. Shokeen recommends hyaluronic acid. “This helps draw moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump,” she says.
Pink Dream Body Cream also has AHA from hibiscus, which helps cell turnover for smooth skin.
It dries quickly without being sticky, so you can dress right away. Not everyone loves watermelon scent, but you’ll love this cream if you do.
Who It’s For: If you want smooth skin and a healthy glow, this body cream is for you.
Scent: Watermelon | Size: 6.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget: Flamingo Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great-smelling moisturizer. This lotion smells like a spa with vetiver and bergamot.
It has squalene to hydrate skin for up to 24 hours.1 White willow bark and papaya enzymes exfoliate.
We wish it came out of the tube easier.
Who It’s For: Budget shoppers looking for an affordable, multi-use lotion.
Scent: Vetiver and bergamot | Size: 10 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge: Diptyque Fresh Body Lotion.
Diptyque is known for its candles, but they also have body care products.
We like the Fresh scent, which combines petitgrain and orange blossom with floral and musk notes. It also uses sweet almond and macadamia nut oils for deep moisture.
Who It’s For: This is great as a gift or a treat for yourself. Some users say the scent is strong.
Scent: Citrus, floral, and musk | Size: 8.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best With Perfume Match: Byredo Gypsy Water Body Lotion.
If you like Byredo’s Gypsy Water perfume, get the body lotion.
The scent has pine, sandalwood, lemon, vanilla, and bergamot.
It absorbs quickly and nourishes the skin with shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E. We wish the scent lasted longer.
Who It’s For: Those who wear Gypsy Water perfume or want to try the scent in a lotion.
Scent: Woody, citrus, and vanilla | Size: 7.6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Firming: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream.
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream uses guaranà extract, a source of caffeine that firms skin.
The creamy formula leaves you feeling smooth. The sweet, nutty fragrance is delicious.
We don’t love the screw-top container.
Who It’s For: This cream is for tightening and firming skin. The scent is like a pina colada.
Scent: Salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla | Size: 2.5–16.9 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Fast-Absorbing: Kora Organics Nourishing Hand & Body Lotion.
This lotion absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy. It’s great if you’re in a hurry. It contains ceramides, aloe vera, and algae.
It smells lovely, but the scent doesn’t last long.
Who It’s For: If you don’t like heavy lotions, this is for you.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Kopari Hydrating Body Milk.
Scented products can irritate sensitive skin. This lotion from Kopari promises to nourish and hydrate without causing problems.
It has shea butter, vitamin E, and chamomile. You can choose from guava or coconut scents.
We wish the pump dispenser was sturdier.
Who It’s For: If you have sensitive skin, try Kopari’s Hydrating Body Milk.
Scent: Guava or coconut | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dry Skin: Moroccanoil Body Lotion.
This lotion has multiple plant oils (argan, Tsubaki, and evening primrose). It also has aloe.
“Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera can help calm and moisturize the skin,” says Dr. Shokeen. It’s good for sunburns.
The formula absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy.
Who It’s For: If your skin is dry, try this from Moroccanoil.
Scent: Original, Spa du Maroc, Oud Mineral, Bergamote Fraiche, Ambiance de Plage, or Ambre Noir | Size: 12.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Long-Lasting Moisture: Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Cream.
Bath & Body Works launched its Japanese Cherry Blossom line in 2006. The scent is floral-sandalwood.
The formula contains hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea butter. “A rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants, shea butter is deeply moisturizing and can help improve the skin’s elasticity,” says Dr. Shokeen.
Who It’s For: If you want your skin moisturized all day, use this body cream.
Scent: Floral, sandalwood, and pear | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Long-Lasting Scent: Philosophy Pure Grace Body Lotion.
This lotion helps the fresh-shower feeling last longer with its water lily, leafy greens, and frosted musk scent.
The scent lasts all day. It also has shea butter, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, and glycerin. “Glycerin helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, keeping it soft and supple,” says Dr. Shokeen.
Some users have trouble getting the lotion out of the bottle.
Who It’s For: Those who want to use scented body lotion instead of perfume.
Scent: Floral, herbal, and musk | Size: 16 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Multi-tasker: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream.
This lotion hydrates with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and vitamins C and E. It firms skin and reduces the look of cellulite.
It has vitamin C to combat dullness. The scent comes from ingredients and essential oil.
According to the brand, frangipani flower extract moisturizes and offers a light, calming aroma. Magnolia oil lends a refreshing, sweet floral scent with notes of green mint.
Who It’s For: If you’re wary of strong fragrances and want a lotion that tackles multiple skin concerns, we think you’ll love this naturally scented option.
Scent: Sweet floral and mint | Size: 1.6–6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Vegan: Saltair Pink Beach Body Lotion.
It’s hard to find a vegan lotion. Saltair does it.
The Pink Beach scent has coconut, almond blossom, and vanilla. It uses murumuru seed butter, allantoin, and coconut oil.
Who It’s For: If you want a plant-friendly lotion, we recommend this pump bottle.
Scent: Sweet floral and coconut | Size: 14 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Unisex Fragrance: Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Lotion.
Jo Malone’s fragrances are recognizable. This lotion lets you enjoy one all day, and it fits all genders.
It has pomegranate, pink pepper, and Casablanca lily. It uses coconut oil to hydrate.
Massage it onto your body after a morning shower, and leave it on your desk to moisturize your hands throughout the day. The brand’s signature packaging also makes it the chicest gift.
Who It’s For: If you’re buying a gift for a beauty enthusiast, we think this luxury body lotion is a stellar choice, no matter the gender of your recipient.
Scent: Fruity, spicy, and floral | Size: 8.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Where We Stand: Overall, our favorite scented body lotion is Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream. It smells great and has skin-loving ingredients. If you want something more affordable, Flamingo Daily Moisturizing Lotion is an excellent choice that also smells fab.
How We Researched: Our team researched the best-scented lotions, evaluating fragrance, ingredients, skin benefits, container, price, and overall value.
We looked at user reviews and our own experience. We also consulted a dermatologist.
Attributes we evaluated each scented lotion on:
Scent profile
Ingredients
Skin benefits
Absorbency and consistency
Container
Price and overall value
What to Look For in Scented Lotions
Scent Profile: Scent preferences are personal. There’s a body lotion for every taste.
Ingredients: Dr. Shokeen recommends lotions with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. She also likes aloe vera, ceramides, shea butter, plant oils, and antioxidants.
Container: Lotions come in tubes, pump bottles, or jars. Tubes are portable. Pump bottles are convenient. Dipping your fingers in a jar isn’t hygienic.
FAQ
How often should I apply a scented lotion?
According to Dr. Shokeen, apply lotion twice a day, like moisturizing your face. “Preferably, you want to moisturize your skin soon after the shower when your skin is moist so the hydration can be sealed in for long periods,” she says.
What are the benefits of a scented lotion?
Scented lotions add a luxurious element to your routine. They can bring a fresh feel or help you wind down.
Some people are sensitive to scented facial products, but their body skin may be less reactive. As Dr. Shokeen notes, “If you are sensitive or allergy-prone, fragrances can be very irritating for the body.”