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Let’s be honest — nothing beats that fresh, clean feeling after a good shower. And for me, a body wash isn’t just about hygiene — it’s a little ritual. A few minutes to myself, away from work, kids, noise… and ideally, something that smells amazing. I’m half French, half Italian, so maybe that explains why I’m a bit particulier about scent. I absolutely love fresh-smelling body washes — the kind that make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of the sea or walked through a citrus grove. But here’s something I’m very picky about: I don’t like using a body wash that smells exactly like my fragrance. I want my shower moment to have its own identity — clean, invigorating, and totally separate from whatever cologne I’m wearing that day. Over the past year, I’ve tested loads — from drugstore basics to stylish brands made for men over 40 like us. So here are my Top 5 Best Body Wash for Men in 2025, all personally tested, used on repeat, and approved by someone who’s way too passionate about smelling good in the shower.

1. Duke Cannon Thick Body Wash – Midnight Swim

Let’s start strong with one of my favourites — the Thick Body Wash by Duke Cannon, in the Midnight Swim scent.
I’ve been a fan of Duke Cannon for a while now. I love their no-nonsense, masculine branding — it’s bold, unapologetic, and doesn’t try too hard to be trendy. That said, I’ll be honest: I actually preferred the old packaging of this body wash. The new look is fine, but the old bottle just had more character. Maybe that’s the vintage lover in me talking…

Packaging aside, what really matters is the formula — and this one doesn’t disappoint. The name “Thick” isn’t just marketing — it’s genuinely one of the thickest, richest body washes I’ve used. It lathers up beautifully, and the consistency makes it feel really indulgent, especially first thing in the morning when I need something to wake me up and put me in the right mood for the day.

Now let’s talk scent: Midnight Swim is just stunning. It’s got that deep, slightly mysterious sandalwood base, softened with a touch of lavender — and honestly, it works. I’m quite picky with lavender (it can sometimes feel too floral or old-school), but this one is blended just right. It’s clean, masculine, and refreshing without being overpowering. It lingers just long enough without clashing with your cologne, which I really appreciate. Whether you use it after a gym session or as part of your wind-down routine before bed, it does the job and smells fantastic doing it. It’s paraben-free, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, which is always a plus.

Pros
✅ Rich, thick texture
✅ Beautifully blended sandalwood/lavender scent
✅ A little goes a long way

Cons
➖ New packaging is a bit less charming (personal taste, I know)

2. Brickell Invigorating Mint Body Wash

If there’s one scent that really wakes me up in the morning, it’s mint — and this one from Brickell hits all the right notes. It’s called the Invigorating Body Wash, and the name says it all. That cool, minty burst first thing in the morning? Honestly, it’s like a double espresso for your skin. I am a big fan of Brickell. They’re one of those brands that really care about what goes into their products — all-natural, organic ingredients, no nasty chemicals, and made for guys who are a bit more conscious about skincare (especially as we get older). The Invigorating Body Wash is packed with aloe vera, jojoba, and vitamin E, so not only does it clean well, but it actually feels like it’s doing something good for your skin too.

The scent is bold — a proper peppermint hit — but not overbearing or too toothpaste-y. It leaves your skin feeling cool, refreshed, and super clean. Perfect after a sweaty workout or just to start your day with a bit of a kick. Now yes, I’ll admit — this one is on the pricier side compared to your average drugstore option. But you’re paying for quality. The ingredients are top-notch, the formula is gentle but effective, and a little goes a long way. Plus, it’s free of sulfates and parabens, and it’s cruelty-free — so it ticks a lot of boxes if you’re trying to keep things clean and skin-friendly.

Pros
✅ Super refreshing peppermint scent
✅ Organic, natural ingredients
✅ Feels clean, cool, and gentle on skin

Cons
➖ More expensive than average — but worth it if you care about ingredients

3. Every Man Jack Body Wash – Citrus + Eucalyptus (2-Pack)

Let’s talk about Every Man Jack — a brand I’ve really grown to like over the years. They just get it. No over-the-top marketing, no complicated routines. Just good, solid products that smell great and work well. And when it comes to their body washes, they’re genuinely some of the nicest-smelling options out there.

This Citrus + Eucalyptus version comes in a 2-pack — which is great because once you start using it, you won’t want to run out. The scent? It’s like a blast of cool, fresh air with a juicy citrus kick. Think of peeling an orange in the middle of a eucalyptus forest — that's the vibe. It’s honestly one of the most energising scents I’ve ever tried in a body wash. Perfect for those slow mornings when you need something to jolt you awake and get you moving. The formula itself is pretty gentle. It’s made with naturally derived ingredients, and it’s free from parabens, phthalates, and dyes, which I always appreciate. Lathers up nicely, rinses off clean, and leaves your skin feeling soft, not stripped. It's not overly “moisturising,” but it doesn’t dry you out either — which is perfect for daily use.

And I have to say, the 2-pack is great value. You get plenty of product, and the bottle looks good sitting in the shower — simple and masculine, just the way I like it.

Pros
✅ Zesty, fresh scent that wakes you up
✅ Naturally derived ingredients
✅ 2-pack gives you more for your money

Cons
➖ If you prefer unscented or subtle scents, this might feel too lively

4. Dove Men+Care Body & Face Wash – Sensitive Skin (Oatmeal + Aloe)

Now here’s a classic that deserves a spot on any list — Dove Men+Care Sensitive Skin Body & Face Wash.
I’ve used Dove products for years, and they’ve always had that clean, comforting scent that just works. But what makes this version stand out is that it’s specifically designed for men with sensitive skin — and yes, it actually lives up to the claim. The formula is packed with oatmeal and aloe vera, which are both known for being soothing and gentle. Perfect if your skin tends to feel tight, itchy, or irritated after a hot shower or a long day. I’ve tested this after a sweaty day of walking my dog or just when I’ve been feeling a bit run down, and it leaves my skin feeling calm and soft — not dry or stripped.

One thing I really love? The pump bottle. I know it sounds silly, but once you get used to a pump, it’s hard to go back. It’s just convenient, clean, and perfect when your hands are wet or soapy. And here’s another bonus: you can use it on your face too. It’s rare to find a body wash that doubles as a gentle face wash and actually works — but this one does. No redness, no tightness, just fresh, smooth skin.

The scent is exactly what you’d expect from Dove — subtle, fresh, and clean. Nothing overpowering, which is ideal for guys who don’t want their body wash to compete with their fragrance.

Pros
✅ Great for sensitive skin (oatmeal + aloe)
✅ Pump packaging = game changer
✅ Doubles as a face wash

Cons
➖ Not the flashiest packaging, but it’s what’s inside that counts

5. Happy Nuts Big Wood Body + Nut Wash – Cedarwood & Bergamot

Happy Nuts Big Wood Body and Nut Wash. It makes me smile every time I see it in the shower, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. But don’t let the name fool you — this is actually a really good body wash.

Happy Nuts is a brand I genuinely like. This particular wash is made with natural ingredients and is free from parabens, sulfates, and other junk that can irritate your skin — especially down there. The scent? Cedarwood and bergamot — a really nice blend that hits that sweet spot between woody and fresh. It’s masculine without being too musky, and light enough for everyday use. If you’re a fan of clean, earthy scents with a bit of zing, you’ll love this one.

As the name suggests, it’s designed to be safe for your more delicate areas, so I’ve tested it accordingly — and yes, it’s gentle, effective, and leaves everything feeling fresh without any dryness or irritation. The lather is great too, and the consistency feels more premium than you’d expect from a body wash with a joke on the label. And let’s be honest — it’s also just fun to say you’re washing with something called Big Wood.

Pros
✅ Fun branding with real performance
✅ Great woody-fresh scent (cedarwood + bergamot)
✅ Gentle enough for full body — yes, even the nuts

Cons
➖ Not ideal if you’re after a fragrance-free

Conclusion

There you go — my top 5 body washes for men in 2025, all tested by ymyself. Whether you’re into thick, rich textures like Duke Cannon’s Midnight Swim, refreshing minty bursts from Brickell, or something cheeky and effective like Happy Nuts, there’s definitely something here to upgrade your shower routine.

For me, body wash isn’t just about cleaning — it’s part of how I start and end my day. It has to smell good, feel good, and fit into real life. I’ve chosen these five not just because they perform well, but because they bring a little something extra: a cooling kick, a soothing formula, or just a scent that makes me feel good stepping out of the shower.

And remember — you don’t need to match your body wash to your cologne. In fact, I love keeping my shower experience separate. That way, it’s its own moment of calm, refreshment, or energy — depending on the time of day.

If you try any of these, let me know what you think. Or if you have your own favourite, drop it in the comments or message me — I’m always on the lookout for a good excuse to test a new one.

Stay fresh,
Jerome

Jerome is the founder of Dapper & Groomed, a lifestyle blog for men over 40. At 51, he knows that smelling fresh and feeling clean is more than hygiene — it’s self-respect. Half French, half Italian, and based in the UK, Jerome is on a mission to help men upgrade their skincare, fragrance, and grooming routines without the fuss.