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Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Review: Is It Worth It?

That famous warm, sweet beach scent — plus a fast-absorbing cream that leaves summer skin soft and smooth.

By TopCrate Reviews·Updated June 26, 2026·How we test

★★★★½4.7/5Based on hundreds of thousands of Amazon reviewsViral summer scent

Quick answer: Yes, it's a viral product — and yes, it lives up to it. The scent alone makes Sol de Janeiro's Bum Bum Cream a summer favorite, and the soft, smooth skin is the bonus. Buy one for yourself and one to gift.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

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9.7

OUT OF 10

Our verdict

Yes, it's a viral product — and yes, it lives up to it. The scent alone makes Sol de Janeiro's Bum Bum Cream a summer favorite, and the soft, smooth skin is the bonus. Buy one for yourself and one to gift.

The short version

Half the hype is the scent — the warm, sweet pistachio-and-salted-caramel smell people literally get stopped over. But the Bum Bum Cream also genuinely softens and smooths skin with a fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture. It's the ultimate summer body cream and a foolproof gift, which is why it sells out around the holidays every single year.

Pros & cons

Pros

Iconic warm, sweet summer scent
Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula
Leaves skin soft and smooth
Smells amazing after a shower or beach day
A jar lasts a while
Foolproof, always-loved gift

Cons

The scent is strong — not for everyone
Premium price for a body cream
Fragrance may not suit sensitive skin

Why people love it

1

Smooth it on

Massage into clean skin — it absorbs fast without a greasy film.

2

Soak in the scent

The signature warm, sweet fragrance lingers softly through the day.

3

Stay soft

Regular use keeps skin feeling smooth and conditioned all summer.

Who it's for

Anyone who loves a signature scent
Post-beach and post-shower skin
Gift shoppers who want a sure thing
Summer body-care routines

What does Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream smell like and how long does it last?

The scent is the main event, and it is a warm, sweet, gourmand fragrance most often described as pistachio and salted caramel, with hints of vanilla and a beachy warmth. It is sweet and cozy rather than floral or fresh, which is why people find it so comforting and crave-worthy, and also why it is polarizing for those who prefer light or unscented body products. It is the same scent family as the brand's hugely popular Cheirosa 62 perfume mist, so if you love the cream you will likely love the mist too.

For longevity, the scent lingers softly on the skin for several hours, more like a scented lotion than a full perfume. It is noticeable but not overpowering once it settles, fading gradually through the day rather than vanishing immediately. If you want the smell to last longer and project more, layering the matching Cheirosa 62 hair and body mist over the cream is the trick fans use. On its own the cream gives a pleasant, close-to-skin warmth that people frequently get complimented on.

Does Bum Bum Cream actually firm skin, or is it just the scent?

The product is marketed with skin-smoothing and tightening associations thanks to ingredients like guaraná, cupuaçu butter, açaí oil and coconut oil, which are nourishing and antioxidant-rich. In practice, the cream is a genuinely good moisturizer that leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated with a fast-absorbing, non-greasy feel, and the rich butters give a temporary look of smoother, more conditioned skin. That is a real and worthwhile benefit for a body cream.

Be realistic about the firming claims, though. No topical body cream meaningfully changes the underlying structure of skin or eliminates cellulite, and Bum Bum Cream is no exception. What you get is well-hydrated, soft skin that looks healthier and the signature scent, not a measurable lift or tightening. Buy it because it is a luxurious-smelling, effective moisturizer that makes summer skin feel great, not because you expect it to reshape anything. On those honest terms, it more than delivers.

Is Sol de Janeiro worth the price and what size should you buy?

Bum Bum Cream is priced as a premium body cream, well above a drugstore lotion, so the value depends on what you want from it. If you are buying it as a basic everyday moisturizer, cheaper options hydrate just as well. The premium is really for the iconic scent, the luxurious texture and the gift-worthy experience, which together explain why it sells out every holiday season. As a treat for yourself or a foolproof present, the price makes sense.

On sizing, the jars come in a few sizes, and the move is to buy small first. Because the scent is strong and divisive, a smaller jar lets you confirm you love living with it before committing to a large one. If you are already a devoted fan, the larger jar is the better value per ounce. The travel size is also handy for trying the scent or gifting. Whatever size, a little goes a long way, so even a modest jar lasts a good while.

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Frequently asked questions

What does it smell like?

A warm, sweet blend often described as pistachio and salted caramel — it's the product's most famous feature.

Is it greasy?

No — it absorbs quickly and leaves skin soft rather than oily.

Does the scent last?

Yes, it lingers softly for hours, which is exactly why people love it.

Is it a good gift?

It's one of the most reliable crowd-pleaser gifts out there, and it sells out every holiday season.

Is Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream safe for sensitive skin?

It is a heavily fragranced product, and fragrance is one of the most common triggers for sensitive or reactive skin, so it is not the best choice if your skin flares easily. The moisturizing base itself is generally well tolerated, but the strong scent can cause irritation for some. Patch-test on a small area first, and if you have very sensitive skin, consider a fragrance-free moisturizer instead.

Can you use Bum Bum Cream on your face or as a hand cream?

It is formulated as a body cream, so it is best used on the body rather than the face, where the rich texture and fragrance can clog pores or irritate more delicate skin. You can use it on hands in a pinch, though the strong scent and richness make it more of a full-body treat. For facial moisturizing, stick to a product designed for the face.

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