The 2026 Men’s Health Smell Fresh Awards

Our testers loved this body wash’s clean, fresh scent that smells natural without being overly perfumey, sweet, or overpowering, and the fragrance lingers just enough after you step out of the shower. The thick gel has a subtle grit that feels gently exfoliating, and it creates a moderate lather that cleans effectively without leaving you feeling stripped.

Too many bar soaps overthink the concept with overly intense, often drying fragrances and funky shapes that forget what these products are meant for. But Huron nails it with a classically shaped and easy-to-grip bar with a strong lather that simply cleans without issue or fuss. Plus, the sea salt and driftwood scent is soothing and refreshing without being overpowering, making it great for layering.

Nothing will tank your scent faster than an unclean bum. These menthol-powered wipes deliver a cool, clean feeling that’s especially refreshing after a workout or on hot days. We also like that they’re extra large and made with 94 percent water and plant-based ingredients.

The perfect post-gym cleanup, these herbal-scented body wipes clear sweat and odor on the go while leaving you feeling—and smelling—refreshed.

Once this shampoo hits your scalp, the warm coconut scent instantly transports you somewhere tropical without smelling overly sweet or at all artificial. It leaves hair feeling clean, soft, and moisturized while making every shower a little more relaxing.

The fresh, woodsy blend of Siberian fir and rosemary gives this conditioner a clean, calming scent that lingers long after you rinse. Its lightweight formula hydrates, detangles, and smooths frizz without weighing hair down.

Featuring Vacation’s signature sunscreen scent with a fresh, beachy coconut base, this is the best-smelling exfoliating bar for fans of tropical vacations.

Listerine is the name in mouthwash for a reason, and its latest release doesn’t disappoint. With a taste that doesn’t overpower, it still leaves teeth cleaner, gums healthier, and breath fresher, making it the perfect mouthwash for those sensitive to intense washes.

With an old-school feel and intense minty flavor that explodes in your mouth in the best way possible, this toothpaste left our breath smelling fresh no matter how much coffee we inhaled throughout the day (and it was a lot).

This wash relies on natural ingredients, like fruit-derived exfoliants and avocado oil, to cleanse facial hair, which gives it the added benefit of a great, earthy scent. It’s fresh, herbal, and clean, smelling like the best version of an essential oil.

Never thought a deodorant stick could feel so cozy, but here we are. Old Spice’s latest scent offers a warm, smooth blend of creamy vanilla, soft cashmere, and subtle woody notes. If you could roast marshmallows under your armpits, it would smell like this.

Dr. Squatch turned its classic Fresh Falls scent—a blend of aquatic freshness and forest greens—into a skin-friendly gel deodorant. Better yet, it’s one of the longest-lasting sticks we’ve tested, delivering serious protection for more than two days.

You no longer have to accept the typical chemical smell of pain relief cream after the gym. Icy Hot’s citrus-scented roll-on cream is as energizing as it is relieving—and you won’t have to avoid public spaces after using it.

Supergoop hasn’t traditionally been a sunscreen you connect with scent, as it’s known more for lightweight, skin-friendly formulas—but that all changed after it released this line of sprays. Our favorite is the new whipped coconut, which smells as energizing as it does refreshing.

The perfect midday quick fix for funky breath, these fast-dissolving strips leave your mouth with a minty-clean smell that mimics freshly brushed teeth in seconds.

The rich coffee-forward scent instantly wakes you up, while subtle whiskey notes add warmth without overpowering the blend. Even hours after applying, our testers still caught hints of the fragrance, making it one of the most enjoyable beard oils around.

Taking the foundation of that classic sunscreen scent and adding warmth and a hint of vanilla, this body lotion could double as beach cologne.

The fresh, botanical blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, and petitgrain makes this texture spray smell as good as it performs. It adds volume and lived-in texture while leaving behind a clean, sophisticated scent that lasts throughout the day.

The fresh blend of citrus, lavender, and tonka bean leaves behind a clean, subtle scent that never competes with cologne or other fragrance while still making itself known. The lotion also does a solid job calming post-shave irritation while keeping skin hydrated.

Don’t let the cherry and vanilla fool you; this deodorant spray is woody and masculine. Plus, it absorbs in seconds without a trace and gives you nearly three days of sweat protection.

This pomade delivers a polished, high-shine finish with reliable medium hold that keeps classic hairstyles looking neat and smooth all day. Its sandalwood scent smells of the cleanest, classiest barbershop you can think of.

This deeper new iteration of Man Wood builds on the classic OG scent with an even richer blend of cedarwood, cashmere, and patchouli that feels warm, smooth, and, true to its name, intensely woody. Just a couple of sprays in the morning last well into the evening, making it one of the longest-lasting fragrances we tested.

Perfect for men who lean toward woody scents but are looking to branch out without losing their signature base, this fragrance blends bright citrus and marine notes with Akigalawood and patchouli to create a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired scent that still delivers the earthy depth wood lovers crave.

This parfum smells far more expensive than its price tag, opening with rich leather and warm woods that feel bold without being overpowering. It also lasts surprisingly well throughout the day, especially for a sub-$50 scent.

Over a decade after Prada released the original Luna Rossa Carbon Eau de Toilette, it has dropped a stronger, longer-lasting Eau de Parfum version. Doubling down on the lavender, bergamot, and ambroxan, then adding licorice and cypress, it’s sweeter and warmer with much stronger staying power.

This fragrance blends peppery fig with soft musk, warm woods, and vetiver for a smooth, subtly spicy scent that feels fresh, modern, and effortlessly wearable.

Sand + Fog blends crisp citrus and pepper with warm woods, soft vanilla, and earthy spices for a scent that’s both refined and inviting. It’s reminiscent of winding down beside a crackling fire after a day on the course—smoky and comforting, while also low-key energizing.

Drake may have dropped three albums that hit Nos. 1, 2, and 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200, but this is his best release of ’26. The woody-aromatic cologne blends crisp mandarin, pear, and ginger with fresh sage and jasmine over a warm base of tonka bean and cedar. It’s the kind of scent made for summer nights, whether or not Iceman is on your playlist.

Dry and earthy cedarwood, musk, and vetiver are at the heart of this enduring fragrance. Add in fresher notes of grapefruit and bergamot, and this cologne is like staring into a wide desert landscape while taking tequila shots.

Two notes men can never go wrong with: sandalwood and musk. It’s a classic combination, especially when you can get a nice warm blend like this for barely over $30.

Bergamot leads the way here before Blind Barber’s signature tonka emerges for a fresh fragrance that settles with sandalwood, musk, and a hint of vanilla. The end result is a slick, lounge-ready scent that smells as smooth as great jazz sounds.

Layering cool cardamom over smoky tobacco and rich cedarwood before finishing with warm, resinous woods, Silent Fury is a bold, spicy amber scent.

A perfect example of why men shouldn’t shy away from floral scents, this parfum blends classy violet and fresh green florals with soft white tea and warm woods for a fragrance that’s clean, airy, and quietly sophisticated.

This breezy, fresh cologne acts as a tropical getaway in a bottle. A salty, coastal base collides with airy, sunburnt notes that immediately transport you to the beach. Thanks to surf wax, there’s a sandiness here that you wouldn’t think would mesh well with vanilla notes; however, the sweetness acts like a Popsicle on a blistering-hot day, a cool relief among the heat.

Tobacco and sandalwood collide with a hint of pineapple to make this one helluva fresh and woody scent. Like smoking a cigarette with dessert, it’s indulgent, rewarding, and best suited for special occasions.