20 Iconic Bath & Body Works Scents Ranked Worst To Best
What are the best and worst iconic Bath & Body Works scents? Nothing says strip mall or smells more like the early 2000s than Bath & Body Works. The colorful, go-to spa store with its fragrance mists, body lotions, shower gels, and candles has never been one to miss. As such, they've become known for some pretty iconic scents. Whether it's the brand's limited edition fragrances for the holiday season or its tried-and-true fragrances, the perfumes definitely have their fans.
The product lines have expanded with time; Bath & Body Works now sells men's products, air fresheners, and small makeup items like lip gloss. But the body care will almost always be what the store is known for, with its most well-known scents leading the way.
But not all Bath & Body Works scents are created equal, and some are downright reviled. We went through the reviews, the comments, and even the very dedicated Bath & Body Works Reddit page to determine which scents are the lowest of the low, and which scents have continued to come out on top. Here are the most iconic Bath & Body Works scents ranked from worst to best.
20. Japanese Cherry Blossom
This might come as a surprise to some of you — especially given that this particular scent is one of Bath & Body Works best sellers — but based on the fan reviews, the Japanese Cherry Blossom scent has landed at the very bottom of our list.
For those of you unfamiliar, here's the breakdown of this iconic scent: The brand describes it as "your little black dress fragrance." It has notes of cherry blossom (obviously), Asian pear, mimosa petals, sandalwood, and jasmine — sounds pretty great, right?
Well, not according to some customers who have tried the iconic scent and have been thoroughly let down. One Reddit user said that the seemingly complex scent smelled like "plain powder" and was very disappointed in the results. Another said that Japanese Cherry Blossom smelled like "old lady bubble soap" to them, and another really didn't hold back on their critique: "I haaaaaate Japanese Cherry Blossom! It smells so strong and musty." Well alright then, there are very strong feelings about this fragrance.
19. In the Stars
You know it's bad when a Bath & Body Works employee genuinely loathes the smell of one of the store's iconic scents. To that end, this Reddit user did not hold back in their critique of In The Stars. "Been working here over a year and for me it's In the Stars," the worker said. "It makes me genuinely [nauseated] and smells overwhelmingly like some type of peppery spice." Yikes, talk about a scathing review.
So what is In The Stars supposed to smell like? Well, it's made up of starflower, sandalwood, agarwood, tangelo, and amber, so in theory, it should have a "warm and captivating" aura. But unlike the product's description that once said "you're sure to fall in love at first radiant mist," not everyone has had such a positive reaction. "It has such good reviews & I DON'T KNOW WHY!" one reviewer wrote on the Bath & Body Works website. "I don't know who would want to smell like this honestly ... Just save your money, you'll thank me later."
18. Strawberry Pound Cake
Scents that smell like sweet foods, known as gourmand scents, are common in perfumes such as Calvin Klein CK2 which smells like wasabi, and Dior La Collection Privee Feve Delicieuse which smells like creme brulee (via Her World). However, gourmand scents can easily go wrong, becoming cloying or artificial smelling, and unfortunately, that's the case with Strawberry Pound Cake by Bath & Body Works.
The brand's website says this scent is "inspired by the dessert of your dreams" and calls it a "sweet, airy blend of fresh strawberries, golden shortcake and whipped cream." Doesn't sound too bad, right? Wrong, according to several Reddit users, who find the scent more of a strawberry-scented nightmare than the dessert of their dreams. "I wanna like it, but the whole line reminds me of this hideous medicine I used to take as a kid that smells *exactly* like strawberry pound cake. I can't with it," one user wrote. Another user found that the scent reminded them of Play-Doh: "It just reminds me of Play-doh for some reason, I can't explain it," they said. Others find the scent to be nauseating, and one former Bath & Body Works employee even chimed in saying: "I could not stand the scent." All in all, we recommend passing on this one.
17. Moonlight Path
We're starting to slowly inch up towards some more fan-favorite Bath & Body Work scents, but Moonlight Path is still pretty far at the bottom of the list, and for good reason. According to the very dedicated Reddit forum about iconic Bath & Body Works scents, customers who've tried Moonlight Path have been disappointed, and in one case, pretty much scarred from the fragrance.
Moonlight Path is supposed to smell of jasmine, violets, and lavender — but this Reddit user said that it had "no distinct scent and smelled like nothing." Another put it very simply: Moonlight Path just smells like an old lady scent, which there certainly isn't anything wrong with, but we do love a more youthful-smelling option.
But one Reddit user had the most violent review of them all. "It's been decades since I smelled it in store and the scent is still burned into my brain," they wrote. "I recognize it as soon I'm near someone who's wearing it and it immediately turns my stomach. I get sick just thinking about it." Yikes.
16. Sweet Pea
It seems like we all have that one scent that takes us back to the halls of junior high — maybe it's the distinct odor of the red rubber dodgeball or the smell of the scented markers that were full of chemicals. But for this Reddit user, the smell that took them back was none other than the iconic Bath & Body Work scent, Sweet Pea. According to them, it smells "like every mean girl in middle school" (via Reddit). So what is this mean girl scent and is Regina George going to vibe with it? It's supposed to be a combination of sweet pea (duh), pear, and raspberry with a soft musk.
For other users, Sweet Pea should have stayed in study hall. "This was good back when I was 14, not for me in my 30s," one reviewer wrote on the Bath & Body Works website. "This is another one of those scents that just smells like a teenager should be wearing it, not a quality mist," wrote another. Clearly, all middle schools should buy Sweet Pea in bulk.
15. Twilight Woods
Some people like the "warm mystery" of Twilight Woods; others find the combination of berry, mandarin, apricot, and woods to be less appealing. For example, a Reddit user said this fragrance made them "feel dirty and like I have been in the heat all day" while another Reddit user called the scent "dark and kinda spicy."
Dark, spicy fragrances aren't necessarily a bad thing, but compared to the most well-loved Bath & Body Works scents — which tend to be simple and sweet — the darker picks tend to be less popular. On Fragrantica, reviews for this fragrance are mixed, but several people note that the scent smells "mature." One Fragrantica reviewer also wrote that the fragrance made them nauseated: "The smell for me is very unpleasant. Coconut is prominent with something else that smells a bit syrupy." Additionally, reviewers on the Bath & Body Works website wrote that the formulation has recently changed, resulting in a weaker and less-pleasant-smelling version of the scent. "I bought Twilight Woods over the years and disappointed the fragrance is not like it used to be," one reviewer wrote.
14. Dark Kiss
Associating a fragrance with a not-so-fun experience is something that some Bath & Body Works scents are responsible for. According to this Reddit user, the scent Dark Kiss was sprayed by a user so much while sitting on a packed airplane that it completely ruined the smell (and the plane ride, from the sound of it). That's not something you should do on an airplane!
So what is Dark Kiss? Well, it's described as "seductive" and boasts a combo of black raspberry, rose, and vanilla bean. Honestly? That sounds pretty nice.
But customers who've tried out the iconic scent haven't had the kindest things to say about it. "At first I thought it was okay, but after wearing it for a few hours I was so grossed out by it," one Reddit user said. Other reviewers on the Bath & Body Works website said that Dark Kiss was "too strong and overwhelming" and that the smell was "too harsh." Another user said that Dark Kiss smelled too much like jelly beans, so we're banking on the scent being just a little too overpowering for some.
13. Sun-Washed Citrus
Next on our list is Sun-Washed Citrus. One former Bath & Body Works employee shared a secret you need to know on Reddit, namely that there are a few fragrances that they can't get behind, and Sun-Washed Citrus is one of them. They said that the perfume smells of "Lysol and stomach bile" (sorry for the squeamish among you), and reminds them of when they had the stomach flu.
So what is the iconic scent supposed to smell like? Well, according to Bath & Body Works, Sun-Washed Citrus is a combination of Sorrento lemons, citron, and agave nectar. To us, that sounds like the makings of a good margarita, so we could dig it. And aside from the negative review on Reddit, other customers have found Sun-Washed Citrus to be a good option. "Favorite Scent!! Love this fresh light scent in every product! Please keep this year round," wrote one happy customer on the company's website. "Sun-Washed Citrus is one of my favorite summer scents. I have it in body care and I have used it in home fragrances," wrote another. So it could be hit or miss for you, but it's worth a try.
12. Gingham
The Bath & Body Works scent Gingham is known not only for its fragrance but also for its cute packaging. The blue and white checked pattern that's on just about everything in the Gingham collection makes it really noticeable, and the iconic scent is a good go-to. Described as a "fresh blend" of citrus and violet, Gingham is one of the first scents on this list that is worth the purchase. And the reviews aren't half bad either.
The biggest complaint about Gingham is that the scent is "refreshing" but doesn't last long. "Such a shame because the scent itself is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for spring/summer!" one reviewer wrote on the Bath & Body Works website. Another user called the scent "generic" and said that it smells like the average clean-cut fragrance. "I don't hate it but don't reach for it either. The packaging is super cute," they concluded.
Gingham has proven to be a contender because, in the 2020 ranking of Bath & Body Works products on MSN, it scored 7.4 out of 10.
11. Cucumber Melon
Fans of fresh scents — and anyone who kept a Bath & Body Works mini body spray in their gym locker in middle school — are probably familiar with the scent Cucumber Melon. Bath & Body Works describes this scent as "cool, sweet and just so classic" with notes of cucumber, honeydew, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and some hints of wood as well.
It's hard to go wrong with a classic scent like this one, and several people on Reddit agree that this scent is actually one of the first Bath & Body Works scents they remember owning. One Reddit user wrote: "Cucumber melon takes me back to 1998 and the old sprays that looked like mini cleaning bottles. Ya'll remember? I still love it though." Another wrote: "Cucumber melon got me into [Bath & Body Works] growing up as well."
Fresh, fruity, and nostalgic; it's easy to see why so many people are fans of this fragrance. While some may say that Cucumber Melon is maybe a little simplistic and suited more for teens than adults, most people appreciate this refreshing scent. One thing to note? It may not last too long. According to a reviewer on Bath & Body Works' website, Cucumber Melon is a "weak scent and it does not last."
10. One in a Million
One in a Million is pretty heavy on the florals, featuring gardenia, jasmine, and tuberose, according to Bath & Body Works. Floral perfumes, especially white florals like this one, aren't for everybody as they can verge on the edge of overwhelming or "old lady-ish" pretty easily; and for some people, this is the case with One in a Million. "Hate it, smells like granny's dresser," one reviewer wrote on Bath & Body Works' website.
But for others, One in a Million is a "divine" floral scent. Some reviewers of the fragrance not only love the smell but find that it's "great to wear to work" and that they tend to get a lot of compliments when they wear the fragrance. Overall, One in a Million is probably best avoided if you don't like flowery scents, but if you are a fan of florals, One in a Million could be your new favorite.
9. Cactus Blossom
Cactus Blossom is an overall good fragrance from Bath & Body Works. From candles to cream to hand sanitizer, Cactus Blossom products are available in a wide range of options, too. The iconic scent is a combination of cactus flower petals, coconut, and vanilla; it also comes in cute packaging.
So what are people saying about Cactus Blossom? Well, the scent is easy to wear (if you're getting it in spray form), slightly sweet, and not overpowering. If you're getting Cactus Blossom in candle form, you're in for a treat. With over 840 five-star reviews on the Bath & Body Works website, the Cactus Blossom candle is good "year round" and keeps the house fresh without being too much. "I fell in love with this fragrance when it first released. So I purchased the candle and it did not disappoint," one reviewer said. "It's like a fresh field of flowers!! It's not too overpowering and just the right fragrance," wrote another. Read this before you buy another scented candle.
Cactus Blossom also made it onto MSN's 2020 list and received a 7.6 out of 10 for its scent.
8. Mad About You
This floral, fruity scent has mixed — but mostly good — reviews. According to Bath & Body Works, it's a "sweet, floral obsession" ... whatever that means! Mad About You features black currant, peony, jasmine, vanilla musk, and patchouli — a seemingly good blend of notes.
Reviewers of the fragrance on Fragrantica seem to like the scent overall, with one reviewer writing: "Sweet fruity floral scent by my favorite line Bath & Body Works. This is a pretty peony on me. ... The fruit topping also includes grape black currant and cassis so that it smells like a strawberry liquor or strawberry cocktail. It's delicious. The dry down is amber with a little touch of vanilla. It smells sweet, fruity, floral, and perfect for spring time. It's romantic, innocent, sweet and my kind of fragrance."
However, despite that glowing review, Mad About You is a miss for others. For some, the fragrance simply doesn't last long enough, with one reviewer noting that the scent had disappeared entirely after 20 minutes; for another, the fragrance is just too sweet. Overall, it's a solid choice, but may not be everyone's top pick.
7. A Thousand Wishes
If you're purchasing a body spray or shower gel from Bath & Body Works, you know that the scent you're getting is probably not quite on par with what you'd get from a high-end luxury fragrance brand. However, when it comes to A Thousand Wishes, you may actually be able to smell like you're wearing a luxury scent — for a fraction of the cost. Reddit users describe A Thousand Wishes as "a designer perfume vibe ... smells similar to Burberry Her" and say that the scent is sweet and feminine, reminiscent of "smelling flowers while drinking champagne." We'll cheers to that!
A Thousand Wishes is considered a seasonal scent, and Bath & Body Works describes it as a "festive" fragrance featuring prosecco, quince, and peony. However, despite its festive feel, a Reddit user notes that this floral, sweet scent is versatile enough to be a "core fragrance" that you can wear year-round if you so choose.
6. Hello Beautiful
This is a fragrance you definitely won't want to miss out on. Hello Beautiful is an iconic scent option from Bath & Body Works, and luckily for us, it comes in a body mist, shower gel, and body lotion. The perfume is made up of white gardenia, jasmine, and magnolia blossom — and if that doesn't sound wonderful, we don't know what does.
Hello Beautiful has some great reviews, with one customer saying that they'd just run out of their sixth bottle and were ready to order more — talk about dedication. "Hello Beautiful is so fun and refreshing to wear!" one reviewer said. "It does not have a ton of staying power but I honestly enjoy using it every time I need a refresh." Other fans of the scent pointed to Hello Beautiful's "romantic floral scent" and its elegance. We can definitely get behind that.
The scent made its way onto the MSN list of the best Bath & Body Work scents and received an 8 out of 10. That's a solid B grade, so keep your eye out for this product.
5. Into the Night
For those looking for that perfect winter scent, you may be interested in Into the Night. This scent is one of our favorites; and according to Reddit, many other peoples' favorites too due to its enticing blend of raspberry, amber, mocha, rose, and patchouli (per Bath & Body Works).
What sets Into the Night apart from some other Bath & Body Works scents is that it's a bit more grown-up than, say, the super-sweet florally options like Mad About You. Into the Night is still sweet, but the mocha and patchouli create a deeper and more interesting scent. One Redditor called the fragrance "warm and rich" while another reviewer described it as a "sexy evening fragrance." And as a bonus, many people note that this scent lasts quite a long time.
Though it's a great scent overall, it has one downside: Due to the depth of the scent, it may be too heavy for warm weather and is probably better suited as a cold-weather fragrance.
4. Snowflakes & Cashmere
The name of this scent alone gives us the best holiday vibes, and the fragrance itself really does not disappoint. Snowflakes and Cashmere is one of the iconic, winter-themed scents from Bath & Body Works, and the hints of vanilla, citrus, and amber make it a warm, cozy option.
Customers have visited the Bath & Body Works website to absolutely rave at just how much they love Snowflakes and Cashmere, with some even saying that they can't believe how much they need the scent in their lives. "Omg! I am so in love with the smell of this. I want it to be an all time season. I can't wait to buy more!" one happy buyer wrote. Another noted that the fragrance isn't too strong and that they get compliments every time they wear it. "I won't miss out on stocking up this year as it sold out last year," they concluded. So jump to it, because this scent definitely seems to run out just as soon as it's replaced.
3. At the Beach
We love a good summer scent, one that's not too strong but that turns heads in the best way possible. And from the customer reviews of At the Beach, it's clear that Bath & Body Works created an iconic scent for its summer-loving clients. Described as "vacation ready," At the Beach is made up of white frangipani blossoms, coconut, and sea salt — it sounds almost good enough to eat if we're being completely honest!
With over 300 five-star reviews on the Bath & Body Work website, it's clear that customers keep going back to this fragrance for the beachy vibes and the cute packaging. "This is hands down my favorite scent!" a happy customer wrote. "It makes you feel like you are right at the ocean catching some waves. I have not found a scent anywhere that compares to it." Others echoed the same sentiment, saying that when they wear At the Beach, they feel like they're on a summer vacation in Hawaii.
2. Beautiful Day
This is where the ratings really start getting good. Beautiful Day is such a fan favorite, it scored a 9.2 out of 10 on MSN's list of best Bath & Body Works iconic scents. So what makes it such a standout? Well, as described on the Bath & Body Works website, Beautiful Day is a combination of daisies, peonies, and apples — giving it a gorgeous, fruity scent with hints of florals.
Some customers raved about the fragrance in the reviews on the website, saying that they'd bought it in the body mist and body lotion form. Others have called it a "staple" in their collection, and with over 400 five-star reviews, it's pretty clear that Beautiful Day has some serious fans. "I have used this for many years now. After putting several BBW scents into my rotation of favorites, I can declare Beautiful Day as my all-time favorite!" one happy client wrote. "Will definitely go back and get it again!" So excuse us while we track down the nearest Bath & Body Works so we can score this scent before it sells out.
1. Warm Vanilla Sugar
For all of us queens who grew up using Bath & Body Works perfumes, Warm Vanilla Sugar could be found in all of our bathrooms in junior high. The serious fans would have the iconic scent in every form, and honestly, we miss those simpler times. But luckily for us, the fragrance is still going strong. Described as a "cozy, enveloping, irresistible blend," Warm Vanilla Sugar is inviting and indicative of the holidays.
Some fans pointed out on the Bath & Body Works website that the best time to buy Warm Vanilla Sugar is when the store is doing their "Buy 3, get 2 free" deal, given that it's such a popular item. Others said that Warm Vanilla Sugar products make good gifts — which we definitely wouldn't say "no" to if gifted these scented lotions and gels as a Christmas present.
If anything, Warm Vanilla Sugar is at the top of the list because it's just as wonderfully scented as it is nostalgia-inducing for those days years ago when we couldn't get enough of it.