I Desire to Smell as If I’ve Just Exited the Shower—9 Soapy Fragrances I Highly Recommend

      Have you ever exited a long, steaming shower and wished to capture that scent to enjoy throughout the day? You’re certainly not alone in that sentiment. In fact, I experienced this urge so frequently that at the start of 2025, I set a goal to discover the ideal perfume that embodies the clean and soapy aroma reminiscent of a morning shower. Scents that are equal parts fresh, simple, and effortlessly chic—like those that evoke fresh linen—strike the perfect balance for minimalists seeking understated elegance, while still being intriguing enough to garner compliments. Fortunately for me, soapy perfumes are currently trending, resulting in a variety of options across different price ranges.

      What Defines a 'Soapy' Perfume?

      Aldehydes, Iso E Super, and ambroxan are compounds found in soaps and shower gels that impart a refreshing, clean scent. These compounds are also common as notes in fragrances, forming the base layer of a perfume, typically accompanied by heavier notes like florals, citruses, and ouds. In contrast, soapy perfumes utilize these elements as the top and/or middle layers in their composition, foregoing heavier notes which creates a clean, bubble-like fragrance. The outcome is a scent that makes you feel revitalized and polished, often reminiscent of a shower or freshly laundered clothes.

      The charm of soapy perfumes lies in their balanced nature. They remain fresh without overly assertive citrus notes and clean without venturing into sterile territory. Moreover, they provide a scent reminiscent of just stepping out of the shower all day long. If you share my desire for an elegant "your-skin-but-better" fragrance, I have compiled a list of 9 of my favorite soapy perfumes suitable for any season. Continue reading for my reviews and to shop these fragrances.

      The 9 Best Soapy Perfumes as Recommended by an Editor:

      1. Byredo Blanche Absolu, £190

      2. Frédéric Malle Acne Studios, £290

      3. Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath, £125

      4. & Other Stories Nine Notes, £32

      5. Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume, £150

      6. Comme Des Garçons Marseille, £95

      7. Jones Road Fragrance in Shower, £44

      8. The Body Shop White Musk, £20

      9. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01, £70

      Explore the Top Soapy Perfumes as Suggested by an Editor:

      1. **Byredo Blanche Absolu**

      Byredo's Blanche quickly became a favorite upon its release, but Blanche Absolu elevates the experience. With aldehydes as the leading note, coupled with rose absolute, ambroxan, and black pepper, this fragrance resembles the scent of fresh laundry detergent, lasting for hours on the skin.

       - Notes: Aldehyde, black pepper, neroli, rose absolute, violet, jasmine, cashmeran, musks, ambroxan, cashmere woods.

      2. **Acne Studios by Frédéric Malle**

      Initially skeptical of this perfume based on its notes, I was won over after sampling it. It presents a brighter scent compared to the more subtle soapy fragrances listed, yet the combination of aldehydes, Iso E Super, peach, and frankincense ensures it retains that fresh, clean fabric essence I sought.

       - Notes: Aldehydes, Iso E Super, rose, musk, sandalwood, peach, vanilla, heliotrope, frankincense.

      3. **Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath**

      Typically, eau de toilettes don’t capture my attention due to their shorter longevity, but after trying this in-store, I was pleasantly surprised by its staying power on skin and clothing. Featuring a blend of soap bubble accord, bergamot, and lavender, this perfume is ideal for those who prefer feminine and delicate fragrances.

       - Notes: Soap bubbles accord, bergamot, lavender, jasmine, rose super essence, coconut milk, white musk, patchouli.

      4. **& Other Stories Nine Notes**

      My fellow editors have sung the praises of & Other Stories perfumes for a while, so I was eager to try this during my quest for the perfect soapy scent. I would classify this as perfect for minimalist fragrance enthusiasts, acting as a subtle skin scent for those who prefer a simplistic approach to perfume. At £32, it’s an affordable option.

       - Notes: White linen, silk musk, bergamot, ambrette seeds, spring magnolia, waterlily, freesia.

      5. **Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume**

      Juliette Has A Gun offers a minimalist take with its Not A Perfume fragrance, comprising only one note: ambroxan, a common soap ingredient. This allows it to function as a “your skin but better” scent. However, if you prefer a more complex fragrance profile