We Tested & Ranked 12 Men’s Body Washes - The Guy's List (2024)

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How I Ranked the Best Men’s Body Washes

There are plenty of ways to rank men’s body washes, but I kept it very simple by focusing on these key categories:

1. Smell
2. Value

Duke Cannon Bay Rum | 8.25 / 10

As of now, Duke Cannon’s Bay Rum body wash is the highest-scoring on my list. The scent is outstanding and unique, with a tropical island vibe that feels like an expensive vacation. It even reminds me of a high-end candle, which I love. Duke Cannon’s body washes are great overall because they’re super thick and lather really well, so a little goes a long way, making it last longer. I’m also a fan of their bold, masculine branding. This one is definitely worth it.

$9 at Duke Cannon

Native Sea Salt & Cedar | 8 / 10

Next up, and a very close second, is Native’s Sea Salt & Cedar. It smells like you’re walking into a high-end spa—luxurious and soothing. It’s also incredibly gentle on the skin, and I love that it’s all-natural. I now understand why this brand has become so popular. The scent is amazing, and the pricing offers good value. The branding is clean and aesthetically pleasing as well.

$19.94 at Amazon

Old Spice Swagger| 8 / 10

Old Spice is a classic for guys. They’ve been around forever, so it’s no surprise they’ve nailed how to make a solid men’s scent. The Swagger scent is legit and sticks around long after you’re out of the shower. It’s not the most moisturizing body wash out there, but the price is the best I’ve seen. If you’re after a great-smelling body wash at a killer price, this is the one to grab.

$12.97 at Amazon

Method Men Sea + Surf | 7 / 10

I’ve seen Method Men a lot and always wanted to try it, and I’m glad I did. This body wash has a very fresh, oceany scent that’s invigorating and pairs well with many of the affordable colognes I use. The lather is similar to Native. Plus, you get a good amount of product for a reasonable price, offering great value for the money.

$7.98 at Amazon

Duke Cannon Midnight Swim | 6.5 / 10

I’d never tried seagrass before, but the mix of seagrass and sandalwood is pretty awesome. This body wash gives off refreshing, upscale ocean vibes with a deep, clean scent. Duke Cannon’s signature thick viscosity and rich lather are back at it again, enhancing the scent even more. If you’re into that kind of thick lather and a fresh ocean scent, you’ll definitely enjoy this guy right here.

$9 at Duke Cannon

Duke Cannon Naval Diplomacy | 6.25 / 10

While Naval Diplomacy is water-based like Midnight, it stands out with its citrusy notes from bergamot. This gives it a more tropical, beach vacation vibe, while still retaining that aquatic, fresh-water scent. It’s a great mix for a refreshing and uplifting shower experience.

$9 at Duke Cannon

Oars + Alps California Coast | 6 / 10

Oars + Alps California Coast is fresh and super manly. It’s clean, and energizing, and strikes that perfect balance between subtle and bold. What I like is how it pairs perfectly with cologne—doesn’t clash, just complements. If you’re after a body wash that keeps you fresh and works with your favorite scent, this one’s a solid pick.

$22.78 on Amazon

Cremo Silver Water & Birch | 6 / 10

Cremo Silver Water + Birch is hard to describe because it’s so unique. It’s got this crisp, clean vibe that’s subtle yet still noticeable. The scent sticks around after your shower, which I really like. It also pairs well with my YSL cologne—the scents complement each other nicely. At first, I thought the smell was a little off, but now I’m really into it. If you are looking for something that’s different than everything else then I’d recommend trying this one.

$10.24 on Amazon

Cremo Silver Water & Birch | 5.5 / 10

Dove Eucalyptus & Cedar Oil didn’t really do it for me. The scent just doesn’t hit—there’s barely any eucalyptus, so it feels kind of weak. I was hoping for something more refreshing, but it’s underwhelming. The cedar doesn’t stand out much either. On the bright side, the pump bottle is convenient, and the price is decent, but if you’re looking for a strong eucalyptus vibe, this one’s probably not it.

$9.99 on Amazon

Happy Nuts Sea Man | 4 / 10

I’m a fan of the Happy Nuts Sea Man body wash scent—it’s got a really strong oceany aroma, probably the boldest of all the ones I’ve tried. It’s natural, refreshing, soft, and hydrating. The main downside is the price. At over $1.29 per fl oz, I was expecting a bit more bang for my buck.

$18 on Amazon

Happy Nuts Big Wood | 2.5 / 10

Happy Nuts Big Wood body wash has a pretty neutral scent—kind of like nothing at all. It’s not terrible, but it’s definitely not impressive. The name might be funny, but I’m not going to pay a premium for an average product with a gimmicky name.

$18 on Amazon

Hathorne Eucalyptus Mint | 2 / 10

I don’t mind the scent of Hawthorne Eucalyptus Mint, but my girlfriend wasn’t a fan—she said it reminded her of a hair salon and even smelled like hair dye. If it’s not a hit with her, it’s not going to be a staple for me. On the plus side, the texture is nice with some exfoliating beads, which is a cool touch. My main issue is the price. With only 8 oz for $1.25 per fl oz, it’s pricier than many other great options on this list.

$9.99 on Amazon

How I Tested?

The testing process started with some research. I reached out to friends and family to get their recommendations and checked online reviews to see which body washes were popular. Once I had a list, I bought all the options and used each one for at least a week. I tested them with bare hands, a loofah, and a silicone scrubber to see how each method affected the scent and its longevity. To gauge how long the scent lasted, I often went without cologne during testing and checked with my girlfriend after a few hours to see if she could still smell it and guess which one it was. I also had her try them for her own feedback.

Conclusion

This experiment was pretty eye-opening. I always thought body wash was a basic commodity, but it’s clear that some really stand out in terms of scent, longevity, and how well they pair with cologne. These are just my opinions, but I think it’s worth investing in top-ranked options like Duke Cannon’s Bay Rum or Native. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, Old Spice Swagger is a solid choice. I didn’t dive too deep into the ingredients this time, but I plan to explore that further in future updates to this article. I hope this helps you next time you are looking to buy body wash!

Joe Sanfilippo