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Credit: Mytour / Amelia ManleyA quality body wash is a must-have in your skincare routine, particularly for those with dry skin. Unlike bar soaps, body washes offer superior hydration, making them ideal for sensitive skin types. They also provide a more sanitary alternative, especially in shared bathrooms.
“Body washes are enriched with moisturizing agents that help maintain skin hydration, particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin,” explains Dr. Tia Paul, a board-certified dermatologist based in Orange County, California. “These products are specially formulated to tackle various skin issues, including body acne. Additionally, their packaging is designed for convenient sharing among family members, unlike bar soaps.”
Alongside Dr. Paul, we consulted Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of FACET Dermatology, to gain expert advice on the key ingredients to seek out and avoid when selecting a body wash tailored to your skin type.
Top-Rated Body Wash
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
IMAGE: AmazonEnriched with ceramides to boost skin hydration.
The bottle design may make it difficult to dispense the body wash.
Our top pick for all-day hydration, the CeraVe Body Wash is ideal for dry skin and comes highly recommended by dermatologists. It has also earned the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Its unique formula includes three essential ceramides, naturally occurring lipids that support skin health. Additionally, it features hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which lock in moisture without stripping the skin’s natural oils. The lightweight, creamy texture lathers beautifully, making it a luxurious shower experience.
Ideal for sensitive skin, this body wash is free from parabens and sulfates, featuring an unscented, non-comedogenic formula that prevents pore clogging. However, its thick consistency may make it challenging to dispense, particularly as the bottle nears empty.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented
Mytour / Michele HansonTop Affordable Body Wash
Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash
IMAGE: AmazonInfused with shea butter for a soft and smooth skin feel.
Lacks active ingredients to address acne or eczema concerns.
The Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash, enriched with shea butter and Vitamin B3, offers gentle cleansing and deep hydration, making it a standout choice for a drugstore body wash. Ideal for dry skin, it delivers noticeable moisturization within two weeks of regular use. Priced at just $9 for a 30-ounce bottle, it’s an affordable option. While it may not be the best choice for those with body acne or eczema, its large size offers excellent value. (Bonus: It’s perfect for family bathrooms.) Available in single or double packs, it comes in a user-friendly pump bottle.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter | Size: 30 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Shea butter
Top Luxury Pick
fresh Milk Body Cleanser
IMAGE: UltaThis body wash is enriched with niacinamide and plant-based milks, offering deep hydration and soothing properties for the skin.
The product is only available in a compact 8.7 fluid-ounce bottle.
The fresh Milk Body Cleanser, though the priciest option on our list, justifies its cost with premium active ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, all crucial for achieving soft, well-hydrated skin. It also includes a blend of plant-based milks derived from centella, rice, and linseed, which help calm the skin and lock in moisture.
Suitable for all skin types, including oily and normal, this body wash is pH balanced and carries Sephora's clean seal, indicating it's formulated with safe, clean ingredients. Its subtle, pleasant fragrance is ideal for those who prefer a non-intrusive scent. While the price point is higher and the bottle size smaller than others on our list, it's a worthwhile investment for those with sensitive skin or dryness, particularly when purchased on discount or sale.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, centella, rice, linseed plant milk | Size: 8.7 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Light fragrance
PHOTO: Mytour / Elena Garcia
PHOTO: Mytour / Elena GarciaTop Body Wash for Relieving Itchy Skin
Curel Itch Defense Body Wash
PHOTO: WalmartThis body wash is ideal for sensitive skin and eczema sufferers, boasting certification from the National Eczema Association.
A pump bottle option is not currently offered.
For those struggling with itchy and dry skin, Curel's body wash offers much-needed relief. Endorsed by the National Eczema Association, it’s perfect for individuals with eczema or similar skin conditions. Its formula includes nourishing ingredients like olive oil and jojoba oil to deeply hydrate the skin. Being fragrance-free, it’s safe for sensitive skin. For enhanced hydration, Curel also offers a complementary Itch Defense lotion. While the body wash comes in a 10-ounce squeeze bottle, a pump version would provide better control over usage.
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, jojoba oil | Size:
Top Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash
PHOTO: AmazonThis hypoallergenic cleanser is specially formulated for sensitive skin, offering a gentle and soothing experience.
While it’s gentle, it isn’t entirely free of fragrance.
For those with sensitive skin prone to redness and breakouts, Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash is an excellent choice. This hypoallergenic formula is free from sulfates and parabens, making it ideal for easily irritated skin. Its unique formula includes micro-moisture droplets that provide 24-hour hydration. According to the brand, it reduces skin dryness by 50% with every shower.
This body wash is biodegradable and made with mostly clean ingredients, benefiting both your skin and the environment. It’s affordable and comes in a generous 30.6-ounce bottle, so you can use it liberally. While designed for sensitive skin, it has a subtle fragrance that might cause reactions in extremely sensitive individuals.
Key Ingredients: Sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium methyl lauroyl taurate | Size: 30.6 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Light fragrance
Top Body Wash for Acne-Prone Skin
Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash
PHOTO: NaturiumIt can also be used as a facial cleanser, making it a versatile product.
The body wash lacks a rich lather, which some users might find less satisfying.
For acne-prone skin, a body wash with salicylic acid is essential for reducing breakouts. The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash is an excellent choice, featuring encapsulated salicylic acid that releases gradually, making it gentler on the skin. Enriched with glycerin, safflower seed oil, and olive oil, it ensures your skin stays soft and hydrated.
Suitable for all skin types, this body wash is free from parabens and fragrances, making it safe for daily use. Its gel formula includes exfoliating properties and can even be used on the face. While it doesn’t produce much lather, this doesn’t affect its effectiveness, though it might not appeal to everyone.
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated salicylic acid, safflower oil, olive oil, glycerin | Size: 16.9 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented
Top Body Wash for Keratosis Pilaris
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+
PHOTO: AmazonThis product is so gentle that it’s safe for use on babies.
Some users report issues with the pump’s efficiency.
Keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition characterized by small red bumps, can be effectively managed with a gentle, dermatologist-recommended cleanser like La Roche Posay’s body wash. This product offers 24-hour hydration, prevents moisture loss, and protects the skin from water-induced dryness.
Suitable even for babies, this body wash can treat cradle cap and double as a face wash. Its foaming formula includes hydrating ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, and antioxidant-rich thermal prebiotic water. It’s non-comedogenic, ensuring it won’t clog pores. However, some users find the pump inefficient and inconsistent in dispensing the product.
Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, glycerine, niacinamide | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Thalhuber
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Thalhuber
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel ThalhuberTop Body Wash for Reducing Redness
CLn Non-Drying BodyWash
PHOTO: AmazonIts clinical formula is designed to effectively reduce skin redness.
It is not suitable for infants under six months old.
The CLn Body Wash is formulated by physicians to address redness, dryness, and flakiness caused by eczema, rashes, and itchy skin. It’s gentle enough for daily use and contains sodium hypochlorite as its active ingredient to soothe and calm irritated skin.
The brand claims that just two minutes of daily use in the shower can significantly reduce redness. Suitable for nearly all ages, it’s free from parabens, dyes, and steroids. However, it’s not recommended for babies under six months. While it’s pricey at around $36 for an 8-ounce bottle, a smaller 3-ounce option is available for $20, making it ideal for occasional flare-ups.
Key Ingredients: Sodium hypochlorite | Size: 8 fluid ounces, 3 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented
Best-Smelling Body Wash
Sol de Janeiro Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel
PHOTO: SephoraIt boasts luxurious fragrances like almond, pistachio, caramel, and jasmine, creating a rich sensory experience.
The strong scent may not appeal to those who prefer a more subtle fragrance.
The Sol De Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Body Wash is packed with nourishing ingredients that promote healthy skin and a delightful aroma. Its unique fragrance combines pistachio, almond, caramel, and jasmine, offering a tropical and indulgent shower experience.
This creamy, sulfate-free body wash includes natural ingredients like coconut oil for hydration, anti-aging acai oil, and cupuaçu butter, a South American alternative to shea butter. Available in sizes ranging from 385 milliliters to a 1-liter bottle and refill, it comes in a convenient pump bottle for easy dispensing. While its irresistible scent is a highlight, it may not suit those who prefer a lighter fragrance throughout the day.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, cupuaçu butter, acai oil | Size: 385 milliliters, 90 milliliters, 1 liter | Fragrance: pistachio and almond (top note); heliotrope and jasmine (mid); vanilla, salted caramel, sandalwood (dry)
Top Fragrance-Free Body Wash
Vanicream Body Wash
PHOTO: WalgreensIt has a gentle, soap-free formula that’s endorsed by dermatologists.
It doesn’t produce a rich lather.
For those with highly sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, the pH-balanced Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is an excellent choice. Approved by the National Eczema Association, it’s the top dermatologist-recommended brand in the U.S. It’s free from fragrances, fragrance maskers, lanolin, and dyes, making it safe for even the most delicate skin.
This soap-free body wash is designed to be gentle and moisturizing, suitable for all skin types. It can also double as a hand soap, providing hydration to your hands with every wash. While it may not lather heavily, its fragrance-free and sulfate-free formula makes it ideal for those prone to eczema or acne flare-ups.
Key Ingredients: Purified water, glycerin | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented
Best Body Wash For Melanated Skin
Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash
PHOTO: NordstromIt combines natural ingredients like purslane, marshmallow root, and shea butter for enhanced skin benefits.
It comes with a higher price tag.
This Buttah Body Wash is packed with antioxidant-rich purslane extract, marshmallow root, and shea butter, providing anti-aging and deep moisturizing effects. While designed for melanated skin tones, its hydrating properties make it ideal for anyone with dry skin. It delivers 72-hour hydration, leaving skin smooth and supple without the need for additional lotion.
Infused with white musk, white lily, vanilla, and rose, this body wash transforms your shower into a spa-like experience. It’s also perfect for adding to your bath for a luxurious skin treat. However, it’s on the pricier side and only comes in a 10-ounce bottle.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, purslane extract, marshmallow root | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Vanilla, white musk, white lily, vanilla, rose
Mytour / Amandeep SinghBest Oil Body Wash
L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil
PHOTO: AmazonIt comes in a 16.9-ounce refillable bottle, making it eco-friendly and convenient.
The subtle fragrance might not appeal to those who prefer stronger scents.
For those with dry or sensitive skin, the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil is an excellent choice. Enriched with almond oil and grapeseed oil, it deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Additionally, it’s free from parabens and phthalates, making it a safe and gentle option.
This body wash has a delicate blend of almond and vanilla scents, which are understated and may not satisfy those who prefer a stronger fragrance post-shower. It starts as an oil when poured but transforms into a creamy lather upon contact with water. It’s an excellent choice for shaving, leaving skin soft and smooth. Available in four sizes, including travel and value options, the brand also offers a 16.9-ounce refill bottle for convenience.
Key Ingredients: Almond oil, grapeseed oil | Size: 8.4 fluid ounces, 16.9 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Vanilla, almond
Final Verdict
Our top recommendation is the CeraVe Body Wash For Dry Skin, thanks to its ceramides and hyaluronic acid that ensure all-day hydration. For a budget-friendly option, consider the Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash With Shea Butter, which offers a rich lather and comes in a generous 30-fluid ounce bottle, providing excellent value.
How to Shop for Body Wash for Dry Skin Like a Pro
Use
While most body washes are formulated for the body and not the delicate facial skin, some contain gentle ingredients suitable for both. “Body washes are specifically designed for the body, where the skin is thicker and less sensitive compared to the face,” explains Dr. Yadav. However, we’ve included options on our list that are safe for facial use.
Ingredients
Dr. Yadav advises choosing body washes with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe. She also suggests looking for nourishing components such as shea butter and colloidal oats, which help retain moisture instead of stripping the skin. “Avoid sulfates, artificial fragrances—especially for sensitive skin—and parabens or other harsh chemicals,” adds Dr. Paul.
Fragrance
Fragrance choice is a matter of personal preference, but experts recommend that individuals with sensitive skin or allergies avoid scented body washes, as they may trigger breakouts or eczema flare-ups.
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the difference between body wash, shower gel, and soap, and what should you use on dry skin?
Body wash, shower gel, and soap all effectively remove dirt and bacteria, but they differ in form and texture. Body washes come in cream, oil, and gel forms, while shower gels are strictly gels. Dr. Paul notes that shower gels typically produce a richer lather compared to body washes, which can vary by brand.
Dr. Paul highlights that body wash is often preferable to bar soap because it leaves less residue and has a pH level closer to the skin’s natural balance, making it gentler and more suitable for dry skin.
“Traditional soap effectively removes dirt but lacks the moisturizing properties of body washes, often leaving skin dry and irritated,” explains Dr. Yadav. For hydrated, soft skin, she suggests opting for a creamy, moisturizing body wash.
How often should you use body wash if you have dry skin?
For individuals with dry skin, daily showers are essential to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria. However, it’s crucial to use a hydrating body wash to maintain softness and smoothness. After showering, applying a moisturizer—such as lotion, cream, coconut oil, or shea butter—helps lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
What body wash do dermatologists recommend for very dry skin?
Selecting the right body wash depends on skin type and specific concerns like extreme dryness, eczema, or redness. “For dry or sensitive skin, prioritize ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerin,” advises Dr. Paul. For acne-prone skin, she recommends body washes with salicylic acid, such as the Murad Acne Control Body Wash.
For individuals dealing with dry skin, Dr. Yadav recommends body washes with creamy, hydrating formulas: “I highly recommend the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and Eucerin Complete Repair Cleanser, both of which are rich and moisturizing. Additionally, the Aveeno Calm + Restore body wash is excellent, as it contains oat extracts that naturally lock in moisture and prevent dryness.”
Take Our Word for It
This article was authored by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Mytour. To compile this list, we extensively researched body washes, evaluating their use, ingredients, and fragrance. We also consulted Dr. Tia Paul, a board-certified dermatologist in Orange County, California, and Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, for expert advice on selecting the best body wash for various skin types.
