Yes, The Right Body Spray Can Replace Your Cologne

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BODY SPRAYS ARE under appreciated and, in some unwarranted cases, looked down upon. We’ve never understood that mentality because we believe that the best grooming products serve multiple functions and most body sprays hit that mark. They sit between deodorants and cologne in a unique place that’s both functional and aesthetic. So if you think that body spray is just a superfluous product, think again.

Most modern body sprays contain deodorizing ingredients similar to what you’ll find in your underarm deodorants that help not only kill existing odor, but also help prevent odor from forming. But what makes them different from your typical deodorant is that they’re meant to be used on parts of your body apart from just your pits and they tend to smell better. We’re talking cologne-quality scents like the kind you’d usually find in bottles exponentially more expensive. They’re ideal as both a substitute for cologne and, in many cases, a supplement to a traditional fragrance. Plus, what we like most, is that they’re often more travel friendly because who, after all, wants to lug a heavy glass bottle of cologne around with them all day. So if you haven’t thought about a body spray in a while, now is the time to revisit them. We promise you’ll be impressed.

Total Body Deodorant

What’s more important in a body spray: the scent or the deodorizing capabilities? It really depends on what you’re using it for, but the best will provide both features so you don’t have to choose. This new deodorant spray is basically a deodorant like you’d use under your arms, but designed to be used on your entire body (because, as we all know, odor isn’t just regulated to your pits). The rich, smooth vanilla and shea scent smells like an expensive lotion with none of the grease or mess.

Oud Wood Eau de Parfum Fragrance

One reason to use a body spray is as a more transportable cologne replacement (who likes to lug around heavy bottle of cologne anyway) and this one hits that mark with perfection. It smells exactly like the iconic Oud Wood cologne, but is lighter weight both in application and in packaging. It won’t last quite as long as the cologne version, but that’s kind of the point. Use it as a substitute or in addition to the cologne when you’re on the go or just need a little refresher.

Read more: Best Tom Ford Colognes

Fig Leaves + White Musk Body Spray

Body sprays, like deodorants, will often use different kinds of ingredients to help kill odor. This innovative body spray contains your typical deodorizing ingredients to squash odor, but also contains prebiotics that help reduce the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria, even as you sweat. Not to mention, the long-lasting scent is subtle but stays with you for hours and hours. It’s truly a double-whammy of odor protection.

Ocean Body Spray

Body sprays are ideal for a quick refresh after a long day, a hard workout or really any time you’re feeling a little less than fresh. This watery, aquatic scent is instantly refreshing and just a a spray or two is enough to instantly make you feel like you just stepped out of the shower.

Deodorant Body Spray

Designed for the super active guy, this deodorizing body spray works extra hard to keep odor at bay for hours and hours. All of the available scents are luxury quality, but we’re partial to the Sandalwood and Fig for this woody, smooth and, dare we say, elegant vibe. Keep this in your gym bag and use it liberally both before and after your workouts.

Sweet Tobacco Spirits Spritzer All-Over Body Spray

This smoky, sweet, bourbon-y scent is boldly masculine in a way that’s both traditional and modern. This is a rich scent that’s strong, even in a body spray format, so a little bit will last you literally all day long and into the night. And, like any good body spray, it’s elevated enough that it can absolutely stand in for cologne.

Allure Sport

Instead of trying to cram a bottle of cologne into your dopp kit, opt for this body spray instead. It’s the same fresh scent as the Allure Sport you’d get out of the bottle, but in a much more travel-friendly aluminum can. It’s slightly more subtle in finish than the cologne, but if we’re talking body sprays as cologne replacement, this one is basically identical.

All-Over Body Spray, 3.4 Fl Oz

Sometimes you want to use a body spray as just a little topper, instead of the main event. This lightweight, subtle spray isn’t bold in the way you would expect from a cologne, but gives you a nice fresh feeling, especially when applied right out of the shower. Think of it as icing on the cake.

Off Road Body Spray

A few sprays of this and you’re instantly energized thanks to the zingy, spicy scent of bergamot, cardamom, nutmeg and more. The scent is multi-faceted like your favorite cologne and evolves with you throughout the day in a way that not many other body sprays achieve. Think of it, truly, as an aerosol cologne.

Ball Spray

Not every body spray is great to use below the belt, where skin can be extra sensitive to ingredients like added fragrance, but let’s get real—sometimes that’s where you need the help of a body spray most. This spray, however, is specifically designed for your groin area and not only helps keep it feeling and smelling fresh, but also has an anti-chafe quality that keeps you feeling comfortable and dry.

Read more: Best Ball Deodorants

How We Selected

For the past three years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the best-performing body sprays. Experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, put a number of body sprays to the test and evaluated their effectiveness, scent, and price point. We also considered top-reviewed men's body sprays that had over 100 five-star ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.

Shop More of Our Favorite Grooming Products

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