My 6 Favorite Olay Body Wash Scents: A Ranking and Review

If I could describe Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter in one word, it would be comforting. It’s the scent I reach for when I need warmth and softness—especially on cold mornings or after long, exhausting days. The fragrance has that creamy, slightly sweet shea note with a whisper of vanilla and clean linen. It’s subtle but enveloping, making my entire bathroom smell cozy and inviting.

The formula itself lives up to its “Ultra Moisture” name. The texture is thick and creamy, creating a rich lather that coats the skin like silk. My skin feels nourished even before I reach for lotion. While a few reviewers have called the scent a touch strong, I find it perfectly balanced—never cloying or artificial. It’s a scent that feels nostalgic and timeless, one that quietly says “you’re taken care of.”

Olay Rose Water & Sweet Nectar took me by surprise. I expected something overly floral, but what I got was a modern, clean interpretation of rose—light, watery, and just the right amount of sweet. It smells like walking into a fresh bouquet after the rain. The “Sweet Nectar” part adds a hint of fruitiness that softens the rose, making it elegant and contemporary.

It’s also the scent that makes my shower feel the most spa-like. The aroma lingers faintly on the skin, and the formula itself feels gentle and soothing. My only small wish is that the fragrance lasted longer outside the shower. That said, I love pairing it with an unscented lotion afterward—it keeps the skin hydrated while letting the scent subtly peek through. If Olay ever releases a body mist or lotion version of this, I’ll be first in line.

Out of Olay’s recent innovations, Cleansing & Nourishing with Hyaluronic Acid feels the most elevated. Everything from its elegant pink-and-gold packaging to its serum-like feel makes it stand out. The fragrance is soft, slightly floral, and clean, with a luxurious undertone that reminds me of high-end skincare brands. Despite being delicate, it lasts impressively long—sometimes all day.

This is also one of the best-performing Olay washes for lasting hydration. The hyaluronic acid truly makes a difference; my skin feels smooth and dewy long after I towel off. The low-pH formula helps maintain the skin’s barrier, so it’s great for dry or mature skin types. It’s a scent and texture combo that feels indulgent yet functional—a rare balance for an everyday product. I’d call it the “quiet luxury” of Olay’s body wash line.

White Strawberry & Mint is the definition of a cheerful, easygoing scent. It’s bright, juicy, and lightly sweet with just enough mint to give a gentle cooling effect that’s perfect for summer. The scent makes my morning showers feel refreshing and energizing, especially on hot days.

Some people find that it smells more like shampoo than strawberries, and I understand that observation—it does have that clean, fruity “salon” note. Personally, I still enjoy it for what it is: a fun, refreshing pick-me-up. The scent doesn’t last long after rinsing, but during the shower, it’s beautifully uplifting. I’ve also noticed it feels very gentle on the skin, even when my skin is a bit sensitive from sun exposure. It’s a “feel-good” scent I always come back to during warmer months.

If you love a bold, feminine scent that leans a little exotic, Orchid & Black Currant might be your match. It’s floral and fruity with a lush sweetness that fills the bathroom like perfume. This is one of Olay’s most long-lasting fragrances—the scent clings to the skin and lingers faintly on towels hours later.

That said, it’s a polarizing one. Some find it too strong or sweet, but I find that when used sparingly, it feels indulgent and mood-boosting. I especially enjoy it on weekends or after a workout when I want something vibrant. Interestingly, I’ve met people with sensitive skin who swear by this scent because it doesn’t irritate them, while others find it a bit too fragrant. If you’re scent-sensitive, use it with caution—but for fragrance lovers, this one’s a treat.

Olay Age Defying with Vitamin E feels like the heritage scent of the brand—clean, classic, and instantly recognizable. It doesn’t try too hard to impress; it simply does its job well. The fragrance is mild and soapy, with soft floral undertones that feel nostalgic. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable.

This variant focuses more on skin resilience and moisture than on fragrance performance. It lathers richly and leaves the skin supple, thanks to Vitamin E’s conditioning properties. I use it when I want something neutral that won’t compete with my perfume or scented lotion. It’s a great “reset” wash—simple, effective, and comforting in its familiarity.