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As a beauty editor for nearly four years, I never gave much thought to the types of body washes I use. But after moving to New York from Florida, I noticed my skin became more reactive to seasonal weather changes. Since a huge part of my job is consulting experts, I chatted with dermatologists about all things body washes for women to figure out how to fix my dry skin. Turns out, using body washes for your unique needs will upgrade your shower routine. Unlike harsh bar soaps that remove excess oil, these liquid body washes are gentle and made with moisturizing ingredients, says dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, of MDCS Dermatology in New York.
So how do they work? Body washes keep skin clean by removing dirt, pollutants, excess oil, and dead skin cells, says Dr. Camp. They can also invigorate the skin, banish acne, soothe irritated skin, and maintain moisture levels to prevent dryness, making them a holy grail product in your at-home routine.
Body washes aren't a one-size-fits-all pick, but by following guidance from my most trusted dermatologists, you'll learn how to shop smartly for your next game-changing beauty product. And as our resident body wash enthusiast, I tested dozens of cleansers over three months to determine my no-fail picks across all budgets.
Best Body Washes
What To Consider
Your best body wash benefits your skin type by cleansing away impurities without messing up your protective skin barrier, says dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD, of Union Square Dermatology in New York. "This balance becomes especially important during seasonal changes when your skin's needs may evolve."
Formula
- Gel cleansers are light liquids that are non-greasy and helpful for normal to mildly dry skin, dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, previously said in our guide to body washes for dry skin.
- Cream cleansers are the thickest option, making them ideal for sensitive and dry skin because they're super rich and hydrating. There are also oil-based body washes, but I only use those in the winter when my skin becomes super parched.
- Foams can be too drying unless you have oily, acne-prone skin.
- Milky, fragrance-free cleansers with minimal ingredients and soothing additions like colloidal oatmeal are ideal for sensitive skin, says Dr. Rambhia. "The gentler the lather, the less likely it will disrupt your skin's delicate balance," she says.
Your Skin Type Determines Your Best Body Wash Ingredients
Now it's time to pick a body wash for women that is compatible with your skin type.
Harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can strip your skin of oils and leave it dryer, says dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, MD. Instead, use gentle surfactants like cocobetaine, isethionates, and glucoside to cleanse and create suds, like the Method Body Wash Hydrating Body Wash. Also, prioritize pH-balanced body washes that fall between five to six and a half to support your skin barrier, dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, recently told WH.
For sensitive, dry, and normal skin types, reach for moisturizing body washes infused with humectants like glycerin to hydrate the skin, emollients like jojoba oil or ceramides to support the skin barrier, and occlusives like petrolatum or beeswax to lock in moisture, says Dr. King. Also, gravitating toward fragrance-free and unscented soaps helps avoid irritating eczema-prone skin, says Dr. King.
Oily and acne-prone skin types should avoid comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil that clog pores and lead to zits. Instead, use a salicylic acid body wash because it's an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate pores to exfoliate and remove excess oils gently, says Dr. King. Benzoyl peroxide also effectively dissolves excess oil and penetrates pores to address breakouts without adding extra moisture that could exacerbate oiliness, says Dr. Rambhia.
Dealing with keratosis pilaris (KP)? Chemical and physical exfoliants, aka the soft, smooth granules in body washes are helpful, says Dr. Rambhia. She likes body washes containing chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid) for surface renewal and BHAs (salicylic acid) to clear congested pores.
How We Chose
For the past few months, I’ve tested dozens of the most popular and top-rated body washes for women available on Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta. After narrowing down my selections based on their formulation, ingredients, price, efficacy, and other skin benefits like acne-fighting and hydration, I consulted dermatologists for their picks. Ultimately, these are the only six body wishes that I’d hit auto-subscribe on and feel confident recommending. And we also considered value: my favorite budget buy comes in a three-pack for $32 on Amazon and it can fight acne. Each bottle will last for at least two months, so that’s got you covered for the next six months, or the equivalent of $5.31 a month on body wash. So keep scrolling for more budget-friendly recommendations worth a portion of your hard-earned paycheck.
Pros
Hypoallergenic- Non-comedogenic
- pH-balanced
- Certified Climate Neutral, Plastic Neutral, B Corp, and FSC
- Available in 4 scents and 1 fragrance-free option
Cons
- They discontinued Bergamot
I've been using Nécessaire's The Body Wash on and off for five years, and it's undoubtedly my all-time favorite. TBH, I only switch it out of my routine when I'm testing products for work, like with this story. Every other cleanser was compared to this one because even though they're truly incredible, Nécessaire’s simple yet effective ingredient list, foaminess, and spa-like aromas win me over every shower.
Some gel body washes are overly drying but not Nécessaire. The brand uses plant-derived surfactants to help cleanse away dirt and impurities without stripping my skin. For additional skin benefits, the featured Santal formula is packed with liquid epsom salt, magnesium, zinc, and silica to replenish essential nutrients back into my skin. Plus, I only need a little product—about a squirt—with each shower, so the jar will last me for at least two months before repurchasing it.
Honestly, the only bad thing I can say about Néc is that they discontinued my beloved Bergamot body wash, but TBH, it's not even remotely a deal breaker for me. Especially because Santal, Olibanum, Hinoki, and Eucalyptus (the OG scent), consistently blow me away. They have unique ingredients for various skin benefits, allowing me to customize my shower based on seasonal needs.
Olibanum brightens dull skin with vitamin C and exfoliating enzymes, such as bromelain and papain. Hinoki is jam-packed with resveratrol, and alpha-, beta-, and poly-hydroxy acids, which are incredible for uneven skin. Eucalyptus is essential for dry skin because it contains niacinamide, omegas, and vitamins A, C, and E.
And if you prefer unscented beauty products, there's a Fragrance-Free option that targets compromised skin. Six types of ceramides restore the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid offers much-needed hydration, and centella asiatica extract has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, per a 2016 study. After using this body wash my winter-related eczema flare-ups disappear quicker, and throughout the year my skin feels soft, clean, and rebalanced cementing it’s place as my all-time favorite cleanser.
Read More: Best Face Sunscreens
| Best ingredients | Liquid epsom salt, magnesium, zinc, silica |
| Scent | Santal |
| Skin type | Oily, combination, sensitive, dry |
| Size | 8.4 fl oz |
Pros
- Smells like an expensive tropical beach vacation
- Creamy texture is fantastic for dry skin
Cons
- The bottle is made with 80% PCR material, which is good, but still not 100%
This body wash only costs $8, but it smells like it costs $50. I gave my parents several body washes for the holidays, and my dad assumed this affordable find was one of the bougie picks because the blend of coconut and macadamia nut smells expensive AF. Think tropical beach vacation from the comfort of your home.
Despite the affordable price tag, it performs just as well as recommendations that cost three times the amount. And thanks to plant-based cleansers and moisturizers, Method is super hydrating for dry skin. I notice my skin is more supple before I even slather on body lotion. It has glycerin to help add moisture and is free of parabens and phthalates, which can irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin like mine. Plus, the thick, creamy consistency is fantastic for dry skin types that could use extra TLC.
| Best ingredients | Glycerin |
| Scent | Coconut, avocado, macadamia |
| Skin type | All, but especially great for dry, sensitive types |
| Size | 18 fl. oz |
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Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Supports the skin barrier
Cons
- Skip if you don’t like products with a pump
I'm a massive fan of Athena razors and shaving cream, and I just had to get my hands on the brand's latest drop—and it didn't disappoint. Athena contains plenty of the good stuff, including avocado oil, glycerin, oat extract, and shea butter for moisturization. A nourishing combination of niacinamide and panthenol further soothes my easily-irritated skin.
It has a lightweight, creamy texture that lathers up beautifully into my damp skin and rinses off easily, leaving behind softer skin. The Skin Replenishing Body Wash does just that, and because it's pH-balanced, I can use it during every shower without worrying about the formula throwing my natural oils out of whack.
Also major snaps have to be given to the array of delicious scents. I'm keen on Sea Splash, which smells like fresh water, cut stems, and citrus to help energize me yet calm for the day ahead. In the evenings, I'll opt for the Lavender Latte, which comes with French lavender (naturally!) with warm amber and tonka bean, which I consider vanilla's more interesting cousin.
| Best ingredients | Niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, shea butter, avocado oil |
| Scent | Fresh water, cut stems, citrus peel |
| Skin type | All, including sensitive and dry |
| Size | 18 fl. oz |
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Doesn’t leave behind any pore-clogging residue
Cons
- If you have very dry, acne prone skin then use this cleanser once daily before ramping up the frequency
Body acne and clogged pores can be a real drag, but Neutrogena's solution is cheap and effective. This classic Body Clear Acne Wash contains a 2% salicylic acid, the highest concentration available in over the counter products, says Dr. Rambhia. The lightweight gel texture offers a moderate foam that's tough on chest and back acne without the drying effect of harsher alternatives, she says. It's also made with hydrating glycerin to prevent overstripping your skin.
Most ideal for oilier skin types, women with body acne, and for summer use, you simply can't go wrong with this dermatologist-approved pick. This golden body wash has a rather mild smell, but if you enjoy citrus aromas then opt for the energizing grapefruit body wash. It's also a must-have for Amazon shoppers who rave about the golden body gel unearthing their clogged pores to treat and prevent future breakouts. No wonder why this Amazon best seller boasts a casual 4.7-star average from nearly 6,600 Amazon reviews.
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Pros
- Soothes redness and irritation
- Super gentle formula
Cons
- Skip if you prefer scented body washes
Caring for sensitive skin doesn't have to be complicated. While we have several beauty guides to protecting your delicate skin, incorporating Aveeno's fragrance-free formula is a great place to start,, says Dr. Rambhia. This is my go-to body wash after I experiment a little too much with testing skincare products for work. This milky, low foam consistency softens and calms my dry, sensitive skin without any harsh stinging or smells.
Even better? It's made with oat extract content for hydration and soothing fragile skin. "The beta-glucans in oats form a light protective film on the skin that prevents moisture loss while drawing additional hydration from the environment," says Dr. Rambhia.
Her patients with eczema or dermatitis have experienced positive results since incorporating this cleanser into their routine. "This gentle formula reduces the tight, irritated feeling that typically follows cleansing, breaking the inflammation cycle that leads to further dryness and barrier damage," she says.
| Best ingredients | Oats, aloe vera, vitamin B-5 |
| Scent | Fragrance-free |
| Skin type | Sensitive, dry |
| Size | 18 fl. oz |
Pros
- Plastic-free packaging
- Moisture-locking
Cons
- Smallest size, but it lasts just as long as other cleansers double the size
AKT provides a great lather and leaves my skin feeling clean and nourished. Formulated without water, it offers a more concentrated formula that instantly foams into a luxurious lather. It also means that I can get away with using less product, so each 3.4 fl oz toothpaste-like tube lasts me for months before restocking. The compact size is also helpful because it tucks neatly into my shower caddy and travel cosmetic bag for last-minute trips, so I can avoid using subpar hotel soap.
This sulfate-free body wash uses prebiotics to balance skin, squalane to improve moisture, and vitamin E for antioxidant protection, says Dr. Camp. It leaves my body feeling clean and fresh without depleting necessary moisture, which I credit to the inclusion of olive squalane, apricot kernel oil, and calendula oil. AKT is also enriched with aloe vera, an ingredient lauded by the pros for its hydrating and soothing effect.
I'm also obsessed with the sophisticated aromas so enticing they should be bottled up into perfumes. Orange Grove is a mix of petitgrain, mandarin, and neroli, which reminds me of my childhood growing up in Florida, while Halcyon Summers—mint, pomelo, tomato vine—smells like an Italian dream. I enjoy using AKT's body wash so much that I now incorporate the full-body AKT deodorant into my at-home shower routine.
| Best ingredients | Olive squalane, calendula oil, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, aloe vera |
| Scent | Fresh water, cut stems, citrus peel |
| Skin type | All, especially those looking for extra nourishment |
| Size | 3.4 fl. oz |
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Meet The Experts
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
- Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Dermatology in New York.
- Dr. Hadley King, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
More Skincare Products We Love
Body Washes for Women | Acne Body Washes | Exfoliating Body Washes | Moisturizing Bar Soaps | Salicylic Acid Cleansers | At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices | LED Face Masks | At-Home Waxing Kits | Red Light Therapy Tools | Dermaplaning Tools | Moisturizers For Mature Skin | Microcurrent Devices | Drugstore Sunscreens | Spray Sunscreens
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
Expert consulted:Dr. Brendan Camp
Dermatologist
Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. He was previously an assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
