Best bath and body works hand soap scents 2022

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Byrdie / Michela Buttignol

Bath & Body Works is known for tons of fragrances. And when we say tons, we actually mean more than 100 fragrances—plus, there are new ones launching all the time, thanks to an ever-expanding selection of seasonal options. (How’s that for a mind-blowing fun fact?) And while yes, you may associate Bath & Body Works scents with your middle school days (please tell us we weren’t the only ones dousing ourselves in cucumber melon body mist after gym class), today’s fragrance portfolio is not only extensive but also much more sophisticated than you may initially think. The best part? Not only is there a scent to fit every preference, but most of them come in a variety of formats, from three-wick candles to body wash, lotion, and hand sanitizer.

Since the sheer amount of options can be truly dizzying, we did the hard work—or sniffing, as it were—to find the top picks.

Ahead, find the best Bath & Body Work scents.

Fresh and invigorating yet calming and grounding, this pairs herbaceous sage with notes of clean white tea. This duo is balanced out by a touch of citrusy bergamot that adds just the right amount of sweetness. We love it as a home scent (it comes in a candle and room fragrance) but also as the hand soap, hand sanitizer, and hand cream options.

Is there anything better than the smell of fresh laundry? We think not. This scent, which comes in a candle and room spray, channels those vibes (without any of the actual laundry-doing required). It’s crisp and clean, and it is one of those scents that just smells good without being too in-your-face.

Another best-seller, this is so popular that the brand recently launched a more intense version of it. It’s warm, woody, and spicy—especially great for cooler weather. Find it in a mix of home fragrance formats; there’s also a teakwood scent available in the men’s product line, which is very similar.

Anyone who loves sweet, sugary, bakery-inspired fragrances has to try this classic candle. It takes a cue from a coffee shop order, blending espresso, whipped cream, and caramel syrup notes. We’ve even heard whisperings on social media that lighting this during your workday can help increase your productivity vibes, the same way a good cup of coffee can.

When a full-on spa day isn’t in the cards, one whiff of any of the eucalyptus spearmint products is the next best thing. Also a best-seller and another part of the aromatherapy line, its intended purpose is stress relief. Clean, verdant, and oh-so-fresh, this also comes in everything from home fragrances to body products to shampoo and conditioner.

What Our Editors Say

“No exaggeration: Every time I bust out my Eucalyptus Spearmint hand sanitizer, the person I'm offering it to raves about how amazing it smells. The scent is the perfect combination of woodsy and fresh and not too powerful—a perfect little hint of relaxation as I'm trying to kill train germs." — Eden Stuart, Byrdie Associate Editor

This newbie is juicy and fruity, reminiscent of a big ol’ scoop of strawberry ice cream in the best way possible. And while oftentimes more fruity scents are only available in home fragrances, this one has the added benefit of coming in a lengthy list of body care options, too, including a body lotion, body wash, and fragrance mist.

A true fan favorite, this is bubbly, sweet (though never cloying), and effervescent. Indeed, it's just like a glass of champagne. Whether you use it as a fine fragrance mist, body wash, hand cream, or hand sanitizer, it’s sure to be equally enjoyable.

Yes, the balsam and evergreen combo of this candle is amazing for the holiday season, but it’s so good that you’ll want to burn it all winter long. The woodsy-ness of the pine, plus the sweetness of the vanilla is unique, but still familiar and cozy in the best way possible.

A summer staple, this does have some of those traditional tropical notes you want in a summer scent (hello, coconut), but does it in a way that doesn’t smell like cheap sunscreen. Case in point: Toasted coconut elements are combined with vanilla musk and floral orchid for a result that’s well-balanced but unmistakably summery.

Final Verdict

Bath & Body Works offers a veritable cornucopia of different scents. Finding your favorite is obviously a matter of personal preference, but we’re very partial to White Tea & Sage, an herbaceous and fresh option. In a similar vein, check out Eucalyptus Spearmint, a best-seller that’s part of their aromatherapy line and has stress-busting benefits. Those who prefer sweet scents will like Champagne Toast or the new Berry Waffle Cone, while the Mahogany Teakwood is rich, woodsy, and masculine.

What to Look for in a Bath & Body Works Scent

The Format

The brand is well-known for offering its scents in both the home fragrance and personal fragrance space but not each scent comes in every type of product. So if you find a scent you love, just bear in mind that it may not come in both a candle and a body wash, necessarily (though many do).

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. A long-time Bath & Body Works fan, she always has a stash of the brand's candles at the ready.