The soap has a characteristic smoky aroma from the birch tar itself. That smell is noticeable when you open the bottle and while you are washing, but many users find that it does not linger on the skin after rinsing. The key is to rinse the skin thoroughly after lathering, because leftover foam is what would carry the scent after a shower. If you are sensitive to odours, use lukewarm rather than very hot water; heat makes the tar note more noticeable in the air.
Unlike some perfumed shower gels, this scent is not added artificially; it comes from the tar component. After you dry with a towel and air out the bathroom, most people notice little or no remaining fragrance on the body. The bottle itself can keep a strong smell between uses, so closing the cap and storing it in a cabinet helps keep the bathroom neutral.
If you are used to perfumed products, the smoky aroma may take some getting used to. A good way to decide is to try a small amount and see how you feel during the wash; the scent is not a sign of spoilage and does not mean the soap is too strong for normal use. For hand washing, rinsing under running water is enough to remove any smoky residue from the hands.