Whether you're going out to do an errand or just staying in, applying body spray has become a part of our daily routine. It keeps us fresh and fragrant throughout the day, and it can also be a way to express our personality through different fragrances. No matter what you're in the mood for, there's a scent for that!
Aside from scents, you also need to know what ingredients to look for and how to make sure that your scents complement each other. Hopefully, you can gain insights from our buying guide, with comments and insights from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, and a list we've created of the 10 best body sprays for women.
Quick List - Top Body Sprays for Women
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Basically, body sprays and perfumes both refer to a product that has a scent and can be sprayed all over the body. However, a body spray has a lighter fragrance and is less concentrated compared to perfumes.
While perfumes contain a high concentration, typically 10-20%, of oil as the source of their fragrance, a body spray or body mist is composed mainly of water or alcohol and then infused with 1-3% of oil. This makes it a milder version of perfumes that requires reapplication or topping up after a few hours.
Meanwhile, a deo spray is a specific type of body spray that is only meant to be applied on the underarms. Typically, a body spray does not have antiperspirant properties, which makes it different compared to a deo spray that is used to prevent sweat or body odor.
The key difference between a body spray and a perfume is mainly that of concentration. Body sprays are generally less concentrated versions of perfumes.
Deodorants, on the other hand, are specifically made for the underarms. While deodorants are different from antiperspirants, a lot of deodorants contain ingredients that help reduce sweating, in turn, keeping bad odor at bay.
When buying body sprays and other scented products, people usually just gloss over the ingredients and focus on the scent. Although scent is important, you should also watch out our for certain ingredients that might cause negative effects on your health.
Body sprays with natural ingredients cause fewer irritations and allergic reactions compared to synthetic ones. Examples of natural ingredients found in body sprays are essential oils and other natural sources of fragrances such as flowers and blossoms.
Another advantage of scented sprays with natural-based ingredients is that they can be used to layer your scents. This is hard to achieve with synthetic scents, so consider natural ones if you want to combine two or more fragrances.
Remember though, natural doesn't equate to 100% risk-free! It is still best to patch test yet the same to ensure you don't develop any untoward reactions.
Benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol are some of the common ingredients found in scented body sprays. However, according to a report made by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group (EWG), these chemical substances, depending on their quantities, are found to be irritants to the upper respiratory tract and may cause allergic reactions.
Moreover, another ingredient to look out for is phthalates, which can disrupt your hormone levels, and have adverse effects on your reproductive system, especially after long-term use.
Based on the Cosmetic Ingredient Review report on the safety of benzyl alcohol, it was found to be "safe for use in cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 5%". However, the available data was insufficient to support its safety in cosmetic products in which a primary route of exposure is inhalation. Thus, if you can avoid it, then all the better.
To find the perfect scent, you need to have a good grasp of fragrance notes, particularly the top, middle, and base. Top notes are the ones you can smell right away, so it's crucial if you want a body spray that grabs attention.
Next, the middle notes are considered the "heart of the fragrance" and can be smelled after the top note evaporates. The base notes are the rich and warm scent that lasts the longest among the three.
If you prefer scents that are inspired by gardens or the sea, go for floral and fresh notes, as they usually have scents derived from fresh flowers and sea salt. Floral notes, which are usually infused with extracts from roses, magnolias, jasmine, and peonies, are perfect for any occasion because of their sweet and subtle fragrance.
On the other hand, fresh scents, such as sea breeze and mint, feel light and clean to help you freshen up, especially after a long day of work or completing errands.
The choice of a scent is a very personal one. When it comes to finding the right one—start off with notes like the ones you love in your other products from your day-to-day experiences.
Fruity scents are based on sweet and tropical fruits and can be used individually or combined. Examples of such scents like strawberry shortcake, creamy coconut, and ripe mango. On the other hand, citrus scents have notes that are strikingly zesty, which can easily perk you up after every application. Popular citrus scents include lemon, lime, and orange.
Tip: Sample those scents! Spray it on your wrist to make sure you don't develop a reaction. At the same time, go through your normal activities and observe how it interacts with your natural body odor as well as how long it lasts!
Gourmand scents are derived from edible and sugary ingredients such as cookies, vanilla, caramel, and even coffee, which contribute to its sweet notes.
Meanwhile, woodsy scents have notes based on musk, pine, sandalwood, amber, and oak that imitate the freshness of the air when outdoors, particularly in forests.
Both gourmand and woodsy scents have bold, unique, and long-lasting notes. If you want something deeper and richer, go for these scents as they evoke a passionate and powerful feel compared to lighter fragrances.
Certain scents smell different off a bottle versus when applied and absorbed onto your skin. Fragrances interact with your body chemistry and/or odor so it's a good idea to try out the scent and see how it smells on you.
Many, especially those who face the daily commute, know that body sprays wear off within a couple of hours. If you want to smell nice all the time, you can either re-apply every 4 hours or pick a body spray with an intense, long-lasting fragrance.
If you plan on being outside all day, then it is best to opt for body sprays with stronger scents. This is because they last longer than those with subtle notes, even without re-applying every hour or two.
Go for body sprays with stronger scents if being outdoors is part of your daily routine. Keep in mind, however, to check your body spray’s ingredients and make sure that they have safe and skin-friendly ingredients, as some may cause irritation when it comes in contact with sweat.
Another consideration is adapting the choice of a scent to your activities for that particular day!
On the other hand, if you mostly stay indoors especially in a small room with many people, then it is best to opt for body sprays with subtler scents. An overpowering scent might give you a bad impression from the people around you, so pick the intensity of your scent with careful consideration.
You can also consider body mists, which are basically light-fragranced sprays that only last for 2-3 hours after application. Although you'll need to re-apply your body spray throughout the day, the subtle scent will be appreciated by the people around you, especially those who are allergic to strong perfumes.
If you just want yourself to smell fresh for others but don't necessarily want to 'smell' yourself, go for a subtler, lighter fragrance.
As you go about your daily regimen, you probably use several skincare products with different scents. It is not unusual for them to clash, resulting in an unpleasant odor. To prevent this, layer your fragrance by choosing scents that complement each other.
For example, you may go for uniformity or use a body wash, lotion, and body mist with the same scent. You can also opt for a combination of citrus and floral scents or woodsy and mint. Overall, citrus scents are the most versatile and can be paired with other types of fragrances.
Remember, each product from your cleanser down to your moisturizer may contain fragrance. In fact, even your clothes would have a particular fragrance as well. Although generally mild, it's good to keep these in mind so that you ensure all these scents complement one another.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vera Wang Embrace Periwinkle and Iris Body Mist | ![]() | Get the Perfect Blend of Floral and Woodsy Notes | |
2 | Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Mist | ![]() | Vanilla and Orchids for a Sweet Body Spray | |
3 | Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Fine Fragrance Mist | ![]() | A Bright and Fresh Scent to Uplift Your Mood | |
4 | Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea Fragrance Mist | ![]() | A Crowd Favorite for Fruity and Floral Notes | |
5 | Regatta By The Sea Body Spray|Aqua | ![]() | Feel the Sea Breeze With This Aqua-Inspired Spray | |
6 | Body Fantasies Signature Cucumber Melon Body Mist | ![]() | A Cool and Crisp Fragrance for Long-Lasting Freshness | |
7 | Penshoppe Fairy Dust Purple Fantasy Body Spray | ![]() | Feel Light and Airy All Day Long | |
8 | Fresh Scentlab Wild Bombshell Fragrance Mist | ![]() | A Fun and Lively Berry Scent | |
9 | Bench Pink Paradise Deo Body Spray | ![]() | A Deo Body Spray With Sweet and Fruity Scents | |
10 | Penshoppe Fruit Fave Watermelon Body Spray | ![]() | A Body Spray Perfect for Daily or Outdoor Use |
This body mist from Vera Wang has remained a popular scent for many years because it strikes the perfect balance between floral and woodsy. The combination of light notes like periwinkle and iris with deep notes like bergamot and benzoin gives you a fragrance that feels open yet intimate all at once.
This versatility makes it a body spray that can take you from daily errands in the morning to a romantic date in the evening. It finishes off with a warm vanilla and whipped sugar note that's sure to leave you with a feeling of coziness and comfort. Overall, this is a perfect go-to body spray for those who want to keep things light yet intimate and elegant.
Looking for a scented body spray that could match your sweet personality? Try this body spray from Bath & Body Works that features the irresistible scent of vanilla infused with sheer florals. It has a vanilla top note that will give a sweet first impression, followed by a sugary middle note and a creamy sandalwood base note.
The warm and comforting scent makes this a consistent bestseller among Bath & Body Works body sprays. In fact, it's so popular that it's considered an iconic blend and has become a classic when it comes to vanilla-scented fragrances. If you want a scent that makes you feel good no matter what life throws at you, give this one a try!
Fans of the Elizabeth Arden Green Tea perfume would be happy to know that there's a lighter version of it that captures the same fresh and modern spirit. This body mist is the perfect solution for those who face the daily commute and need a scent that feels as light as possible without losing its strength.
It has an extensive ensemble of ingredients that blend together to give you an energizing fragrance that's sure to put you in a buoyant mood. It starts with a wonderfully fresh and citrusy combination of lemon, caraway, and bergamot.
These then open into the middle notes of green tea, jasmine, carnation, and celery spice. Later on, you'll detect the base notes of musk, amber, and oakmoss. This is quite a heady combination of floral, fruity, spicy, and woodsy notes that shouldn't work, but it surprisingly does!
Who hasn't heard of Bath & Body Works' Sweet Pea fragrance? This variant has stood the test of time and is such a well-loved scent for good reason. With its fruity opening notes, this body spray is an absolute pick-me-upper that will leave a great first impression on anyone.
Not only that, it has great staying power, too. As the day goes on, you'll find that the fragrance turns floral and woodsy with notes like sheer freesia and soft musk. This is a great choice for those who want a happy scent that isn't overpowering and has some depth to it!
Who said that you have to live near a beach to enjoy the sea breeze? With this body spray, you can easily do that because of its aqua-inspired fragrance. It has top notes derived from dew and rain, guaranteed to give you a fresh and clean scent.
Aside from those scents, this body spray also has long-lasting floral middle notes derived from hyacinth, peony, and jasmine. Lastly, the musk, sandalwood, and moss base notes tie everything together to give you that varied but still highly-relaxing scent.
This body spray from Body Fantasies is the best match for those who love crisp and fresh scents. With cucumber and melon as its main notes, it's no surprise that this spray can keep you feeling cool no matter the weather. The comforting blend is reminiscent of a water spa and is a great scent to reach for when you need something to help you focus and stay calm.
The fragrance opens with honeydew melon and green notes that are reminiscent of morning dew. The middle notes consist of cucumber, muguet or lily of the valley, and jasmine, finally ending with a base note of musk. Aside from that, it's pretty light and gentle, so it's good for daily use.
From Penshoppe, this body spray can give you both fruity and floral scents in a single 150ml bottle. It has fruity top notes derived from lemon, mandarin, and mango, followed by a combination of tropical, floral, and green notes.
Because of its floral and fruity scent, this body spray is perfect for teens and fun-spirited adults as well. It can be used for special occasions, especially if you want to showcase your feminine side through a flowery fragrance. This product enjoys many high ratings from users who love how it's so light and fresh enough for daily use.
If you're into fruity scents, you shouldn't miss the Wild Bombshell fragrance mist from Fresh Scentlab. This one is bursting with a bright wild berry scent that is absolutely energizing and full of personality. It's also infused with a dash of green pear for a touch of citrus.
This is great if you need a scent that wakes you up and gets you excited for the day. Users love how it's refreshing without being overpowering. It also comes in a handy small bottle that's easy to slip into your purse and take with you whenever you go out.
Everyone probably agrees that 2-in-1 products make our lives so much easier. A great example of that is this deo body spray from Bench, which can combat body odor while simultaneously keeping you fresh and fragrant throughout the day. With this feature, you have one less task to worry about in your daily routine.
The fragrance profile shows an infusion of a sweet vanilla top note that then fades to reveal a light, fruity, and woodsy middle note of blackcurrant. It's not lacking in depth either, as its base notes consist of musk and warm sandalwood. With this body spray, you can certainly stay fresh despite the heat and humidity of our weather!
This body spray from Penshoppe bursts with fresh and fruity notes, making it perfect for everyday use. Green apple notes are combined with watermelon to perk you up in an instant, while the floral middle tones derived from muguet or lily of the valley and jasmine can keep you fragrant all day. Meanwhile, it features musk as its base note for a bit of depth and longer staying power.
Because of its unique scent, this body spray may not be everyone's cup of tea at first. The watermelon scent might need some time getting used to but once you do, you can appreciate its fresh and fruity fragrance-enough to make it a part of your daily routine. Bring it with you on your summer getaways and trips as well!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz!
Remember, the underarm skin is very thin and delicate which makes it prone to irritation. Best to keep that body spray for the body since it may be a little too harsh for that underarm skin!
Best to keep that body spray for the body. Remember, our hair is prone to damage, including dryness and brittleness from the environmental stressors as well as products we apply to it. Body sprays may contain a certain percentage of alcohol, which can be drying to those locks.
Some body sprays may contain certain alcohols. If applied to the skin, this component may contribute to the drying of the skin to some extent.
With our country's tropical weather, it is not unusual to get hot and sweaty even within minutes of stepping outside. To combat this, check out the articles below for more product recommendations that can help you smell nice and feel refreshed from morning to night.
Author: Katrina Balingit
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Vera Wang|Embrace Periwinkle and Iris Body Mist
No. 2: Bath & Body Works|Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Mist
No. 3: Elizabeth Arden|Green Tea Fine Fragrance Mist
No. 4: Bath & Body Works|Sweet Pea Fragrance Mist
No. 5: Regatta|By The Sea Body Spray|Aqua
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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