Dr. Squatch Cologne Review: Nature-Inspired Scents With Mixed Results

Dr. Squatch built its empire on sudsy, woodsy soap bars aimed at men tired of synthetic body care. Now, the brand has expanded its aromatic ambitions with a line of colognes meant to bring that rugged, all-natural ethos to your pulse points.

In this Dr. Squatch cologne review, we break down whether these plant-powered spritzes are actually wearable or simply marketing in a bottle. From the nostalgic branding to the surprisingly divisive scents, here’s what to know before you spray.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Squatch cologne is best for men who want all-natural fragrance options with a bold, earthy scent profile.
• The packaging feels premium and makes for a great gift, but the scent doesn’t last long. At the time of publishing, Dr. Squatch hasn’t disclosed the fragrance concentration, though based on performance, it wears more like an eau de cologne.
• Signature scents like “Woodland Pine” and “Midnight Birch” are polarizing — some love the campfire vibes, others find them overbearing.
• $40–$60 price tag feels reasonable — but performance doesn’t match traditional designer colognes.
• Not ideal for scent layering or daily office wear; more of a weekend or outdoorsy vibe.

Where Dr. Squatch Shines (And Falls Short)

What Works:

• Clean Ingredients: True to the brand’s promise, these colognes skip parabens, phthalates, and synthetic musks in favor of essential oils and natural alcohols.
• Striking Presentation: The sleek, matte bottles with wooden caps feel more elevated than the price tag suggests.
• Distinctive Profiles: Scents like “Fireside Bourbon” and “Woodland Pine” don’t smell like anything else on the market — for better or worse.
• Vocal Fanbase: Enthusiasts praise the colognes for capturing the same outdoorsy charm that made the soaps a hit.

Where It Misses:

• Longevity Issues: While not labeled with a specific concentration, the scents perform more like an eau de cologne, typically fading within 2–4 hours on most skin types.
• Lack of Complexity: Fragrance notes tend to stay linear — what you smell at first spray is what you get throughout.
• Limited Versatility: Earth-forward profiles don’t transition well from day to night or from woods to workplace.
• Value Question Mark: At ~$60, it undercuts premium colognes but also underperforms compared to them in strength and sillage.
• Narrow Appeal: If you’re not already a fan of Dr. Squatch’s woodsy aesthetic, these won’t convert you.

About the Brand

Founded in 2013 by Jack Haldrup, Dr. Squatch began as a quirky DTC [direct to consumer] soap brand targeting men looking for natural grooming alternatives. Its viral ad campaigns — think rugged lumberjacks mocking body wash ads — helped catapult the company into the spotlight, ultimately becoming a nine-figure business.

The philosophy? Bring natural ingredients and a playful, masculine vibe to personal care. The brand has since expanded into deodorant, toothpaste, and cologne, with consistent themes of earthy authenticity and nostalgia for nature.

Product Overview

Dr. Squatch’s current cologne lineup includes five core scents:

• Woodland Pine
• Midnight Birch
• Fireside Bourbon
• Rainforest Mist
• Glacier Falls

Each is crafted with a base of natural alcohol and essential oils, and packaged in a 2 oz bottle. They’re available individually or in bundles, often discounted via the site’s regular promotions. There are no seasonal drops or limited editions yet, but given the brand’s trajectory, that’s likely on the horizon.

What differentiates them? The clear commitment to no-filler ingredients and an unapologetically rustic aesthetic — more tree sap than trend.

Comfort and Performance

In terms of wear, Dr. Squatch cologne sits light on the skin. There’s no alcohol burn, no cloying after-scent — but also no real evolution. The first 30 minutes deliver the boldest hit, after which it quickly tapers to a skin scent.

Expect performance more in line with a natural body spray than a luxury fragrance. Ideal for short outings or casual wear, but underwhelming in formal or all-day scenarios.

Usability and Application

Application is simple: the atomizer delivers a generous, even mist. Because the scents are relatively mild, overapplication isn’t a huge risk. That said, layering is tricky — each scent is so singular that pairing with other grooming products (even from Dr. Squatch itself) can clash.

Pricing and Value for Money

At $60-250 depending on bundle size and sale, Dr. Squatch cologne is priced accessibly — especially for a “natural” cologne. Still, value is relative. Compared to traditional colognes like Dior Sauvage or Bleu de Chanel, the Squatch line lacks sophistication and staying power. You’re paying for branding, ingredients, and niche appeal, not performance. But for entry-level fragrance users or fans of the brand, that might be enough.

Sustainability and Transparency

All colognes are made using naturally derived ingredients, with recyclable packaging. However, Dr. Squatch offers little in the way of third-party certifications or traceable sourcing info. While it’s clear they’re not greenwashing, the brand could improve transparency around its supply chain and labor practices.

Ideal Customer Profile

These colognes are best for:

They’re not ideal for:

• Fragrance aficionados seeking depth or designer complexity
• Professionals needing long-lasting scent for work or events
• Anyone averse to bold wood and smoke notes

Final Verdict

In this Dr. Squatch cologne review, we found a product that nails brand consistency but falters on fragrance fundamentals. The colognes look great on a bathroom shelf and deliver on the promise of natural, adventurous scent profiles. But with minimal longevity, limited complexity, and a narrow target audience, they don’t quite hold up to traditional EDPs.

If you’re already a Dr. Squatch devotee or want a starter cologne rooted in nature, these might charm you. But if scent performance and nuance matter, you’ll likely find better options elsewhere.

Verdict: A fun, niche pick — but not a fragrance staple.