Which Shower Gel Smells Best? Choosing Scent and Skin Care

There is no single best-smelling shower gel, because scent is personal. What you can do is choose by fragrance family, keep your skin in mind and test before you commit to a large bottle.

Choose by scent family

Fresh citrus and aquatic notes feel light and clean, florals feel soft and classic, and woody, spicy or musky notes feel warmer. If you already own a perfume you love, a shower gel from the same family is a safe starting point.

Think about your skin

The NHS says everyday soaps, shampoos and shower gels usually dry out the skin and can make conditions like eczema worse. For dry or itchy skin it recommends using a leave-on emollient as a soap substitute, mixing about a teaspoon with warm water in your palm and rinsing off.

Tips for longer-lasting scent

• Use a gentle moisturiser in the same scent family after showering.
• Apply body lotion to damp skin.
• Match your shower gel to your perfume rather than layering clashing fragrances.

Before you buy

Try to smell the gel on its own, then on your skin. If your skin stings after using a wash and the stinging does not settle after rinsing, the NHS advises asking a pharmacist for a different product.

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