Like most guys, I thought taking care of your skin was something only the ladies needed to worry about. But I've found that using skin lotions has some great benefits: smoother, more supple skin that's less dry and irritated.
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It's much easier to look my best when I'm looking after my skin properly, which for me means an oil-based moisturizer. Use an appropriate skincare regimen if your skin is naturally oily or acne-prone.
Should men use scented lotion? A luxury men's body lotion that smells good all day will likely draw its scent from plant-based essential oils that not only smell great but also benefit your skin.
Best Smelling Lotion For Men: Our Favorites
Best Overall
Outlaw Soaps Calamity Jane lotion ticks every box. Their packaging is eco-friendly, their products are certified both sustainable and cruelty-free, plus you're supporting an American small business.
Calamity Jane stands out as a luxury men's body lotion; this product's ingredient list is pure goodness (water, natural oils, fatty alcohols, and essential oils for fragrance).
I was blown away by how it made my skin feel, and it is definitely the best-smelling lotion for men, with a warm, spicy, and decidedly outlaw vibe that paired perfectly with woody fragrances.
| PROS | CONS |
| Great scent, Cruelty-free and sustainable, Made in America small business, Super-healthy ingredients | A bit pricy |
- Value: Outstanding
- Application: Easy
- Effectiveness: Fantastic
- Price: $
Best for Health
Yes, Brickell Men's Deep Moisture Body Lotion costs a lot. It's worth it.
My bottle lasted many months. The aloe vera and green tea hydrated my dry skin, and then the shea butter and jojoba oil locked in the moisture.
The MSM delivers a form of sulfur that helps collagen stay strong, leaving my skin feeling younger and more supple.
It's got no bad stuff in it, and for those who prefer a subtle fragrance, this is the best body lotion for men, with its light, herbal scent.
| PROS | CONS |
| Light, herbal scent, No unpleasant chemicals, Leaves skin feeling supple and hydrated | An expensive option |
- Value: Excellent
- Application: Easy
- Effectiveness: Fantastic
- Price: $
Best for Health on a Budget
If you need an excellent product at a reasonable price, look to HEMPZ Body Lotion. The hemp seed oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty oils that soothe allergic skin conditions.
I can't speak to that, but the high proportion of shea butter worked fantastically to prevent my skin from drying out without any greasy feeling.
The long list of ingredients are all vegan, and there isn't a trace of THC or CBD. It is among the best-smelling lotion for men: the luscious green tea and Asian pear combo goes perfectly with a fougère fragrance for a lotion that smells good all day.
| PROS | CONS |
| Amazing scent, Reasonable price, Healthy ingredients and Vegan | Still relatively pricy |
- Value: Outstanding
- Application: Easy
- Effectiveness: Excellent
- Price: $
Best for People With Allergic Skin
I was initially wary of Pharmacopia Citrus Body Lotion, as citrus essential oils are known to cause severe allergic skin reactions in some people when exposed to sunlight.
However, the high quantities of shea butter, jojoba oil, and aloe vera enticed me, and one review specifically mentioned it being suitable for people with allergies.
It worked fantastically to hydrate my skin and keep it supple. The packaging is eco-friendly, and you're supporting a small business.
The enticing citrus scent puts it among the best-smelling lotion for men, but it doesn't last long. Nevertheless, it's a luxury men's body lotion.
| PROS | CONS |
| Hypoallergenic, Vegan and cruelty-free, Beneficial plant ingredients and Sustainable small business | Scent doesn't last well, Fairly expensive |
- Value: Excellent
- Application: Easy
- Effectiveness: Excellent
- Price: $
Best for Mass Market
NIVEA has a long track record of making some of the best body lotions for men. Their Maximum Hydration Body Lotion for men absorbed quickly and moisturized my skin without any greasy residue.
Its scent is subtle and pleasantly masculine, somewhat like a Blu Atlas body lotion scent, and this lotion is excellent value for money. However, the large amount of denatured alcohol makes me concerned that it could dry my skin further.
| PROS | CONS |
| Good value for money | Large quantity of denatured alcohol |
- Value: Good
- Application: Easy
- Effectiveness: Reasonable
- Price: $
Best for Winter
I was underwhelmed by Gold Bond Men's Essentials Everyday lotion at first. But I discovered it was the best lotion I'd ever tried for my hands, especially on those winter days when the low-humidity air seemed to suck all the moisture out of my skin.
The ingredient list is short and free of bad stuff; it may not seem spectacular, but it left my hands soft and comfortable. It is among the best-smelling lotion for men, with a luxurious, lasting low-key aloe vera scent.
| PROS | CONS |
| Great for hands, especially in winter, Excellent value for money and Fresh scent | No particular cons |
- Value: Excellent
- Application: Easy
- Effectiveness: Great
- Price: $
Best for Woody Scent
I don't regret choosing the Bourbon option from Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Body Lotion: the mix of dark amber, white pepper, and Kentucky oak puts it among the best-smelling body lotion: woody, spicy, and animalistic, perfect for fall and winter.
The lotion goes on easily and lasts all day. It did a great job of protecting my skin. If you want a lotion that smells good all day, this is it.
| PROS | CONS |
| Outstanding fragrance, Excellent protection | Contains parabens, Fairly expensive |
- Value: Moderate
- Application: Easy
- Effectiveness: Great
- Price: $
Best for After Sport
I’m a big fan of Every Man Jack men’s sandalwood hand and body lotion. It’s freshening, and I could apply it quickly after sport – it did the job well, helping my skin stay supple.
The sandalwood fragrance is pleasant. It absorbs quickly into your skin, leaving you feeling refreshed after an active period. An all-around solid choice.
| PROS | CONS |
| Good moisturizer after sport, Pleasant fragrance | Not the cheapest |
- Value: Average
- Application: Easy
- Effectiveness: Good
- Price: $
Best for Argan Oil
I tried Bevel's All Day Body Lotion for Men because of its popularity and price. For all the emphasis on shea butter and argan oil, the main active ingredients are glycerin and petrolatum. You can get in many products, for a lower price, without aluminum.
A little argan goes a long way, though – it’s worth a try if you don’t mind the aluminum content.
| PROS | CONS |
| Argan oil is good for you, Fairly cheap | Aluminum and parabens |
- Value: Average
- Application: Reasonable
- Effectiveness: Average
- Price: $
Final Thoughts
If you want to moisturize your skin with some of the best-smelling body lotions, be prepared to pay a bit extra for quality ingredients.
Ultimately, asking what is the best-smelling lotion for men should go beyond what smells good now. Your top choices should include natural fragrances and moisturizing ingredients that protect you for many years.
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Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.