Our olfactory senses are powerful. Stimulated in just the right way, they can relax, invigorate, attract, repel and even dredge up memories of times long since gone.
This post may have affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission on purchases through the links (at no extra cost to you). This does not change our opinion but does help support the site. Thank you!
Seeing as most of us shower daily – 66%, according to YouGov – it would seem a missed opportunity to use just any old shower gel, without paying attention to smells and how they can help create the perfect mindset.
TOP PICKS AT A GLANCE | ||
---|---|---|
Best Overall
![]() |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Best Charcoal
![]() |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Most Luxurious
![]() |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Revitalizing peppermint or cinnamon for the mornings, calming lavender, rosemary or ylang ylang in the evening, sandalwood, oud or geranium if you feel like spoiling yourself – there’s a wealth of options out there. Here are ten of our favorites that will make every shower feel like a special occasion.
Malin + Goetz Bergamot Body Wash
Malin + Goetz’s entire range smells amazing (their eucalyptus deodorant was high on our list), so to single one out in particular means it must be pretty special. This bergamot body wash is one heavenly smelling mood-booster that leaves the skin feeling smooth, clean and soft. An absolute winner.
Theorie Charcoal Bamboo Body Wash
Washing your body with an inky black substance might seem counterintuitive, but Theorie’s Charcoal Bamboo body wash is a stunning mix of charcoal, bamboo, and jojoba that moisturises, cleans and purifies the skin with aplomb.
Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser
Geranium leaf blends with fresh-smelling mandarin and rich bergamot in this luxurious cleanser from Aesop. A great choice for a heavenly scented invigorating boost to your morning routine.

Aveda Shampure Hand and Body Wash
Aveda has long cornered the market in great-smelling hair products, so it’s no surprise that their hand and body wash is a winner. While the Rosemary & Mint version is a perennial favorite, this calming, sulfate-free wash gets our vote.

Molton Brown Geranium Nefertum Shower Gel
The words “unconventional” and “androgynous” are written right on the side of the easily recognizable bottle containing Molton Brown’s latest olfactory concoction.
They may seem like heady words for a shower gel, but they’re strangely appropriate here. We were initially unsure of this strange, rich, floral scent, but it’s a grower and has become a firm favorite and one we’ll keep returning to.
Murdock Black Tea Body Wash
Murdock’s range used to be a little overly perfumed but their relaunch has corrected that, as demonstrated by this gorgeously spicy and woody body wash.
If you love this as much as we do, then you’ll probably want to get the candle and the cologne too and let it become your signature scent.
Native Eucalyptus and Mint Body Wash
Eucalyptus can smell a little medicinal but Native have side-stepped that pitfall with a body wash that feels like a blast of adrenaline. Pair it with the matching deodorant for a fresh, minty aroma that lasts.
Bulldog Original Shower Gel
Bulldog proves that great products don’t have to cost the earth.
This shower gel is one of the most cost-effective on this list but that doesn’t mean sacrificing on scent or quality. Its blend of essential oils clears your head like you’ve been mainlining Olbas oil.

Kiehl’s Body Fuel All-In-One Hair & Body Cleanser
This isn’t called Body Fuel for nothing. Kiehl’s incredibly popular hair and body wash is a wake-up call to the senses, leaving skin and scalp tingly and the brain buzzing like a livewire.
Oars and Alps California Coast Body + Face Wash
Don’t be concerned about the little blue bits in this fresh ocean blast of a body wash. They’re just jojoba beads and nothing that’s going to cause any damage to oceanic life.
We’re generally wary of anything that claims to clean both body and face, but this performs impressively on both without causing any dryness.
Mark Grassick joins us with over 17 years' experience as a journalist covering pop culture in the UK and Ireland. He's interviewed everyone from Alan Rickman to Iron Maiden and is currently a bearded, music-mad father of two and husband of one residing in London, England.