Top 10 Body Washes for Men

The way you smell often determines how people connect with you in life and in love. Scents arouse emotion in us, and when it comes to you, well, you want to smell your best.

I have carefully curated the list of top 10 body washes below, not because they are similar to what you may already know (e.g. Old Spice), but because they are truly unique products that have something unique to offer you--a body scent that's distinguished, mature, and certain to enhance your interactions with other people.

Most body washes for men are musky, spicy, or soapy smelling. These are very common and homogenous scents--and while some of these may be classics, I think a distinguished man should not aspire to smell like every other man (and his competition) on the planet.

In addition, I think that there is an over-saturation of musky and spicy cosmetic products for men--especially in the American consumer goods market (conversely, I think the female market is overly floral). There is something to be said for light, neutral scents--these little subtle fragrances, can too, also add something truly unique to your personal smell. I dare you try something light and neutral--you may find that it brings your partner's nose closer to you.

However, don't fear, I've got a good mix of both musky, spicy, and neutral scents in this list to accommodate all types of men.

1. Skin Milk

Skin Milk is one of my most favorite body washes--in fact it's the one I use the most. Enriched with real milk proteins and vitamins A, D, E, and you'll find that this body wash is very nourishing for the skin.

The scent of this wash is also very neutral--it's a soft vanilla creme scent. You'll find that this scent is very neutral and works well for men--leaving your skin smelling quite sensual and euphoric. This is, of course, the effect of vanilla--a natural aphrodisiac.

I've had a few companions who've really been turned on by the scent of this product--people just want to smell how yummy you smell. It's a nice break from the homogeneous and expected musky and spicy scented washes most men use.

This wash is also very emollient. I also use it for body shaving in the shower--it works very well for removing hair from anywhere on the body (and I mean anywhere).

You won't easily find this over-the-counter at most stores. In fact, I've only seen it available at Publix. However, you can pick it up on Amazon for about $9; it comes at an incredible value, because, unlike most other body washes, you get 22 ounces of the product.

2. C.O. Bigelow Elixir Black

This is one of the most interesting body washes I've ever smelled--it's truly the embodiment of exotic.

For you guys that tend to go for the musky- or spicy-scented body washes, you might want to give this one a try. I think it's a nice body wash to graduate to--it's incredibly sophisticated and unique.

The key notes are exotic agar wood and tonka bean (a cousin to vanilla bean), with undertones of amber, musk, and vanilla. You'll find this wash to be very aromatic, so you really don't need to wear cologne after bathing with this stuff.

This body wash also doubles as a hair wash as well--though not as nourishing as regular shampoo, it does get the job done.

If you really like this body wash, you'll be glad to know you can get the same scent in a deodorant. Check out my article on the Top 10 Deodorants for Men.

C.O. Bigelow Elixir Black Body Wash retails for about $12 on Amazon.

3. Sephora Collection Creamy Body Wash

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Sephora Collection is part of a private label skin care line produced by cosmetic powerhouse--Sephora. I've used many of their skin care products, and have been very pleased with them.

Sephora has introduced a body wash collection that is absolutely divine. What I love about it the most is that the fragrances are simple. Most body washes in the American market are overly floral or musky/spicy. Finding a body wash that's neutral and light is a very rare treasure--so stock up!

In this collection, there are a number of one-note fragrances; the ones that work well for men are the Vanilla and the Coconut scent. You'll also find that the formulation is very high-quality--the cream offers a rich and moist lather, leaving your skin soft and hydrated.

You can pick-up the Sephora Collection Creamy Body Wash for about $7.

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4. Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods Body Wash

I'm not a huge fan of the overly fragrant products that are found at Bath & Body Works, but I will say BBW has upgraded their scent formulations on a variety of products in recent years to attract more distinguished buyers--and it's working.

Few years ago, during the holiday season, they introduced a candle called Twilight Woods--people went crazy over it--myself included. The scent was enchanting, exotic, and smokey. I think the product was to be discontinued after the holidays, but demand was so high, that it's been permanently added back to their fragrance collection, and now expanded into other products--including a body wash for men.

I do use this body wash from time-to-time, and love it. I think it captures the scent of that magical candle, and is a great addition to any man's bathing routine.

The Twilight Woods Body Wash for Men retails for about $12 on Amazon.

5. Anthony Logistics Invigorating Rush Body Wash

Anthony Logistics is a popular skin care line for men--they offer a body wash that's alpine wood scent.

Now, you might think, alpine wood is akin to house cleaner smell, but this stuff is actually awesome. It's a fresh, clean woodsy scent that isn't over powering, and leaves you smelling great.

Similar to the C.O. Bigelow Body Wash above, this product can also be used in your hair. However, like most hair and body wash combos, they can dry out your hair a little--so might be best to stick to just use this on your body. Though, I do think these combo products are great for washing your hair at the gym and locker room.

This product retails for $22 on Amazon.

6. Baxter of California Invigorating Body Wash

If you want something that no other guy is likely to own or smell like, then you definitely want to check out the Baxter of California Body Wash collection.

Baxter is a boutique men's skin care line--they offer some fabulous products, and body washes are some of them.

They offer a trio of body washes in some amazing scents:

• Flora and Cassis Essence
• Italian Lime and Pomegranate Essence
• Bergamot and Pear Essence

With over 100+ positive reviews on Amazon--there's a growing number of men who really appreciate the uniqueness of this product. Toss out the Old Spice!

Baxter of California Body Washes retail for about $17 on Amazon.

7. Jack Black All-Over Wash

Jack Black is another popular men's skin care line, and they offer a body wash that has quite a loyal following among a number of men.

This isn't your average body wash--it's designed for use as not only a body wash, but also for your hair, and as a face cleanser as well. This product is pH balanced, so like some of the other hair + body combo washes, this one won't strip your skin of too much moisture (since it's designed to also be used on the face).

You'll find this wash to be very cleansing with an incredibly rich lather--it's super slick. Plus, the natural botanicals give it a fresh, manly scent.

Jack Black All-Over Body Wash retails for about $15 (6 ounces) on Amazon. If you were one of those guys that likes a super-sized body of body wash (which is hard to find), you need not look any further. Jack Black offers a 33 ounce push-pump bottle for about $45.

8. Designer Fragrance Body Washes

If you have a favorite designer cologne or fragrance, you may want to check to see if that designer also offers a body wash in that scent. Most of the major designers offer body washes in their fragrance--it's a great way to layer on your favorite scent.

These tend to be a little bit more expensive than your average body wash, and you usually don't get a lot for the money--but if you're in love with the scent, it might be worth the splurge.

Designer fragrance body washes run on average between $30 and $50. I find the best place to shop for these is on Amazon. Many of the large cosmetic retailers don't carry a large inventory of these, but you can almost always find on Amazon.

9. Lab Series Active Body Wash

I hate it when Lab Series discontinues good products--and they've discontinued and reformulated a few of their fan favorites. However, this product was recently discontinued, so you can still find online at a number of popular retailers, including Amazon.

Unlike all the other aforementioned body washes, this wash contains small exfoliating granules to help exfoliate your skin. I love this stuff--the smell is amazing; it's light, neutral, with a hint of citrus--it's sweetly exotic.

I found this product to be perfect for guys who get waxed. As hair starts to regrow, you have to exfoliate your skin to prevent ingrown hairs, and this product is perfect for such a task. But, if you work outdoors, I think you'll really like the exfoliation factor.

While supplies last, you can pick this up on Amazon for about $22.

10. Neutrogena Body Clear

No top 10 list would be complete without mention of a body wash that's made with salicylic acid.

For you guys that suffer from body acne on your back, butt, chest, shoulders, etc, then you'll want to work this product into your regimen. If you shave your body, you will also want to use this as well--it will help minimize post-shave breakouts.

The active ingredient, salicylic, is what helps prevent body acne and outbreaks from occurring. I would recommend that you not use this as your sole body wash, but use it in addition to something that you already use and like. I generally like to wash with this ever few days, or wash with it first, and then use my regular body wash.

This product retails for about $11 on Amazon.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Comments

mggs88 on May 26, 2017:

ToppCock All-In-One Shower Gel is my absolute favorite. One product for both hair and body. Keeps me clean and fresh from head to toe and doesn't clutter my shower.