dettol is a very old name in disinfectants....much like hexol liquid in the u.s....they branched out into bar soap awhile back and had tremendous success,and now they have several other items....that very light medicinal scent is supposed to be there,to mimic the original liquid ..the bar soap has it as well...this is very nice shave cream,and a really thrifty price for a big tube...I got mine from desistores.net ,and if you are buying more than 6 varieties of creams,blades,talc etc.,the price EVEN WITH SHIPPING,is a steal !