If you are looking for a scent that takes you back to childhood summers, the Bath & Body Works Strawberry Soda Cleansing Gel Hand Soap might be your next favorite find. While it is designed for hands, its quality and feel make it versatile enough for other uses in a pinch.
The Scent Profile: Strawberry or Grape?
The official fragrance notes for this soap are Fresh Strawberries, Bubbly Seltzer, and Crushed Ice. However, the actual experience is quite unique:
- The Vibe: It has a very distinct artificial scent that leans into nostalgia.
- The Plot Twist: Rather than a fresh garden strawberry, it smells more like artificial grape powder juice.
- The Experience: It truly lives up to the “soda” name, reminding one of a fizzy, grape-flavored powdered drink.
Despite the scent being more “grape soda” than “fresh strawberry,” it is a highly enjoyable, fun fragrance for those who like sweet, candy-like aromas.
Formulation & Ingredients

One of the highlights of the Cleansing Gel formula is what is left out. It is formulated without sulfates, parabens, or dyes. Instead, it is packed with skin-loving ingredients to keep your hands feeling soft:
- Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant protection.
- Shea Extract: Known for its intense moisturizing properties.
- Aloe: Helps to soothe and calm the skin.
The full ingredient list includes Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine for a creamy lather, along with Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice.
Packaging & Sustainability
The product comes in an 8 fl oz / 236 mL bottle with a convenient pump dispenser. A major plus for eco-conscious shoppers is that the bottle is made with 100% recycled plastic. Additionally, Bath & Body Works confirms this product is not tested on animals.
Final Verdict
Rating: 10/10
This is a high-quality soap that leaves the skin feeling clean and soft. While the scent is more “artificial grape soda” than strawberry, it is a fun, nostalgic fragrance that is definitely worth picking up, especially when it’s on discount.

