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Byrdie / David Hattan
TL;DR
Philosophy Amazing Grace Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath stood out during testing for how well it cleaned skin while imparting a soft-to-the-touch finish and a hint of a glow. Plus, it smells lovely without being overpowering. Byrdie testers also liked the Method Body Wash, a budget-friendly formula that offers a cleanse that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture.
While shampoos, conditioners, and facial cleansers often take center stage in the shower, the skin below your neck also deserves its own hero product. Body washes come in a variety of formulations, some offering basic cleansing and others targeting specific concerns like breakouts, uneven skin tone, and weather-related dryness. With so many options out there, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
You’ve come to the right place—we’ve compiled a list of the best body washes for all skin types. (Unsure of yours? Here’s how you can find your skin type.) We conducted hours of research, analyzing active ingredients, fragrance, texture, and value for each formula. Then, we put 30 of the most promising body washes to the test, noting how each one felt and its overall benefits. We combined these firsthand experiences with research and dermatologist insights to create the ultimate guide to the best body washes.
Body Wash vs. Shower Gel
Thinner and runnier, similar to liquid hand soap
Often formulated with hydrating ingredients
Suitable for most skin types
Rich lather
Has a thicker, gel-like consistency
May be less moisturizing and more focused on cleansing
Preferable for oilier skin types
Lighter lather
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Ulta
3-in-1 shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath
Subtle scent detectable without being overbearing
Feels luxurious
Requires a separate conditioner (if you’re using as a shampoo)
Key Ingredients: Oat kernel oil, hydrolyzed silk | Scent: Bergamot, lily of the valley, musk | Size: 16 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Described as clean, fresh, and feminine, Philosophy’s Amazing Grace fragrance has been a favorite of many over the years. In this case, the fragrance (which has notes of bergamot, lily of the valley, and musk) is bottled up in a gel-like format that works as a body wash, a bubble bath, and a shampoo, making it a perfect option for those looking to simplify their shower experience. Thanks to oat kernel oil and hydrolyzed silk in the formula, it’s softening and soothing. While it does a great job of cleansing hair, some people say it can be too drying on very dry hair types. Our advice: Be sure to follow up with a really nourishing conditioner.
Ava, age 13 to 20, with normal skin
“My skin felt moisturized, soft, and clean and had a radiant glow to it. It also smells great without being overpowering or lingering for too long.”
Best Splurge
Augustinus Bader The Body Cleanser
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Augustinus Bader
Gentle and hydrating, even for those with dry skin
Helps soothe irritation and redness
Forms a rich lather that rinses clean
It might not control oil well enough for oily skin types
Key Ingredients: TFC8, amino acids, vitamin E | Scent: Herbaceous | Size: 6.76 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
When it comes to skincare, Augustinus Bader is one of the buzziest names out there. And it’s easy to see why: Each product is formulated with decades of scientific research. Like many of the formulas that came before it, The Body Cleanser contains the ingredient Trigger Factor Complex 8 (aka TFC8, the brand’s patented chemical compound that involves a complex of amino acids and vitamins) to promote cell turnover while mimicking the body’s own regeneration process. The formulation forms a rich lather that rinses off without residue and imparts an herbaceous scent. It’s gentle enough for dry skin folks, but those with very oily skin might not find that it controls oil well enough.
Katie, age 25-34 with normal skin prone to rough patches and KP
“I felt that this body wash cleaned my skin while leaving it hydrated. It foams up into a lather very well and spreads well so a dime-sized amount is enough to wash one leg or both arms. It has a really nice eucalyptus scent that removes odors and freshens things up.”
Best Budget
Method Pure Peace Body Wash
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Target
Wide range of scents
Plant-based ingredients
Large, value-sized bottles
Doesn’t lather as well as some other formulas do
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, vitamin E | Scent: Sea salt, peony, rose, +more | Size: 18 oz. or 28 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
One of the most popular body washes on the market, Target’s Method brand body wash has a lot of hype for good reason. There are plenty of scent options to choose from, but our favorite is Pure Peace, which features a blend of sea salt, peonies, and rose water. As for the formula, it’s impressive, too; you’ll find plant-based ingredients that gently wash away the day without irritation while humectants like coconut oil and shea butter impart moisture. Also nice: The body wash comes in large, value-sized bottles, so you can rest assured that you’re getting your money’s worth.
Abby, age 25 to 34 with normal to dry skin
“My skin felt great while using this soap—it made me feel refreshed after each shower, smelling, quite literally, like a bushel of peonies and rose water! It helped maintain a healthy equilibrium as far as hydration was concerned.”
Best Budget, Runner-Up
OLAY Cleansing & Strengthening Body Wash
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Amazon
Moisturizing and nourishing
Strengthens skin barrier
Decent size for the price
Scent can be a bit strong for some people
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide | Scent: Not specified | Size: 16 oz., 20 oz., and 22 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Formulated with ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide, this pick from Olay hydrates as it cleanses, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s also likely to help strengthen the skin barrier, which can further protect it from irritation and dryness. Best of all: It clocks in at around $9 for 20 ounces, which is a total steal.
Marissa, age 35 to 44 with normal skin
“My skin looks and feels refreshed and smooth after use. I wouldn't say it left any glowing effect but my skin felt most moisturized and silky right after the shower. The scent was really pleasant. It actually made me feel extra clean and refreshed.”
Best Lathering
Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser
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Amazon
Cleanses and deodorizes
Invigorating scent
Emulsifies without stripping the skin
Not moisturizing enough for extra dry skin
Key Ingredients: Coconut surfactants, plant oils | Scent: Geranium leaf, mandarin rind, bergamot rind | Size: 3.3 oz. and 16.9 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re looking to impress visitors with high-end products in your guest bath or just want to elevate your showering experience, Aesop won’t let you down. The brand’s best-selling Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser gently cleanses your skin, eliminates odors, and graces your skin with an invigorating floral scent that smells, well…expensive. While it doesn’t claim to be moisturizing, we may not recommend it if you have super dry skin.
Elena, age 34 to 44 with dry, sensitive, acne-prone skin
“The body wash has pretty traditional consistency: It’s thick and gel-like. What makes it so special is that it lathers amazingly. One pump is all I needed (and sometimes I felt like it was more than I needed) because it would get so sudsy and would distribute wonderfully. I loved that the bottle was big and had a pump, making application a total breeze.”
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Nécessaire The Body Wash
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Amazon
Award-winning formula
Good for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free option available
Relatively small amount in bottle
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, vitamin E, marula oil | Scent: Eucalyptus | Size: 3.4, 8.4, and 16.9 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Nécessaire gets a lot of hype in the world of body care, and we’re here to tell you it’s worth every single word of praise. A favorite of Byrdie editor in chief Hallie Gould and available in your choice of fragrance-free, eucalyptus, or sandalwood, The Body Wash is for everyone. It’s formulated with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, and marula oil, to cleanse, smooth, and soften, plus niacinamide to nourish, replenish, and balance the skin barrier. You’ll notice a difference in your skin after one use and you won’t have to worry about irritation.
Alexa, age 25 to 34 with combination skin
“I have hormonal acne, so it’s hard to control, but I think this body wash calmed broken-out areas. I saw a slight decrease in the look of existing acne in color and texture. My skin felt smooth, hydrated, and more radiant after use.”
Read Full Review: Nécessaire's The Body Wash Is the Epitome of Shower Luxury
Best for Dry Skin
Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash
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Nordstrom
Nourishing formula
Hydrates skin for up to 72 hours
Great scent
Might not be the deepest clean
Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin extracts Scent: White lily, rose, musk | Size: 10 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Thirsty skin? This supremely moisturizing body wash will quench it for up to 72 hours after you use it (seriously). Formulated with cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin extracts, it works to soften the skin, not strip it. It hydrates so well our tester stopped using moisturizer. Oh, and the scent—which includes notes of white lily, rose, and white musk—is divine.
Amandeep, age 35 to 44 with dry skin
“After every use, my skin feels smoother and more refreshed. It even develops a natural glow. I no longer have to use moisturizer after every shower because it already hydrates my skin.”
Best for Sensitive Skin
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
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Amazon
Fragrance-free
Generous amount
Pump bottle for easy use
Not cruelty-free
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, oat flour, coriander oil | Scent: Fragrance-free | Size: 33 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
From the drugstore aisle, we’re big fans of Aveeno Skin Relief. This hefty 33-ounce pump bottle contains a fragrance-free blend of ingredients like oat flour and coriander oil to gently cleanse, nourish, and soothe all skin types, but it’s especially great for those with reactive skin. Our tester, Anna, was a big fan of the pump bottle, too, which allows for easy application in the shower.
Anna, age 35 to 45 with dry, sensitive skin prone to keratosis pelaris
“My skin feels great after using this body wash and I didn't wake up feeling dry or itchy. It's mild and effectively cleanses without fragrance or lots of effort. My skin looks healthy and feels great.”
Best Cream
Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser
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Sephora
Replenishes skin barrier
Silky consistency
Contains an amino acid blend that nourishes the skin
Bottle design not the easiest to handle when wet
Key Ingredients: Passionfruit oil, sweet almond oil, marula oil, amino acid blend | Scent: Almond | Size: 8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We love this formula from Drunk Elephant due to its supremely creamy consistency and gentle nature—aka, it does the job without overdrying or irritating skin (sensitive-skin friends, take note). This luxe cleanser calls on natural oils like passion fruit oil, sweet almond oil, and marula oil plus an amino acid blend to remove dirt and replenish thirsty skin. We just wish it was slightly easier to dispense when we’re slippery in the shower.
Kathryn, age 35 to 44 with normal to dry skin
“The body wash gave me a fresh, clean feeling with a mild almond-y scent. My skin didn’t feel overstripped or tight, and after rinsing there was no residue left behind.”
Best Scent
Le Labo Hinoki Shower Gel
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Nordstrom
Luxury experience
Popular fragrance in body wash form
Rich formula lathers nicely
Small bottle
Key Ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil, sunflower oil | Scent: Hinoki | Size: 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re pro-scented body wash, you’ll want to pay attention. This Le Labo (yes, that Le Labo) makes an incredible body wash that has transportive powers. The formula wraps the body in a hinoki-scented fragrance that makes you feel like you’re at a luxury spa and delivers a sudsy rinse that leaves skin soft and silky (thank you, plant oils). Just keep in mind that the bottle is on the smaller side. Our tester, Alyssa, said it’s easy to go through product quickly if you use too much.
Alyssa, age 25 to 34 with normal to dry skin
“The body wash felt luxurious—with a rich formula, well-known packaging, beautiful scent, etc. The scent was definitely a nice benefit in that it made for a more elevated shower experience. It was warm, a bit spicy, and a tad bit musky.”
Best Post-Workout
OUAI St. Barts Gentle Body Wash
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Sephora
Fan-favorite scent
Formula contains nourishing oils
Washes away sweat and body odor with ease
Can run out somewhat quickly
Key Ingredients: Vitamins A and C, jojoba oil | Scent: Dragon fruit, orange blossoms, tuberose, musk | Size: 10 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Ouai’s St. Barts line is laden with a beachy scent that’s truly addicting and transportive. With notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose, and musk, using this body wash feels like you’re on vacation all year long. It’s packed with rich oils (shoutout jojoba and rosehip) for those who deal with dry skin. Its cleansing properties and incredible scent make it ideal to have on hand for post-gym showers. However, our tester, Casey, said that due to its smaller size, it probably won’t last as long as some other options.
Casey, age 25 to 34 has normal skin prone to dryness
“My body felt very clean after each use. I typically shower in the morning after my daily workout and found that it would get rid of any odors of sweat and any dirt that I had on me from the gym or outdoors.”
Best Naturally-Derived
Native Body Wash
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Walmart
Formulated with simple, nourishing ingredients
Budget-friendly and available at most retailers
Cleanses without irritating the skin
Product can come out quickly
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, food-grade cleansing salt, citric acid | Scent: Several | Size: 18 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Formulated with simple, easy-to-understand, naturally-derived ingredients, Native’s body wash is hard to beat. Starring two ingredients—coconut oil and citric acid—the formula helps moisturize, balance excess oil, and exfoliate the skin. It only takes a little squeeze to get a pretty generous amount (so be careful not to overdo it) and the thick gel quickly transforms into a sudsy lather. Also nice: The brand offers limited edition scents every few months and has several OGs like Coconut & Vanilla, Cashmere & Rain, Cotton & Lilly, and more.
Maddy, age 25 to 34 with normal skin that gets dry easily
“My skin felt soft, smooth, and hydrated. It felt like I had used lotion—it was plush and silky after use. The other benefit was the smell—the brand has a lot of different scents so that customers can pick the one that appeals to them.”
Read the full review: Native's $9 Body Wash Leaves My Dry Skin Feeling So Moisturized
Best for Everyday
frank body Everyday Clearing Body Wash
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Amazon
Gentle and effective
Gets to work on blemishes, dry skin, and signs of aging
Illuminating and softening
Might be too drying for those with very dry skin
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, kakadu plum, coffee seed extract | Scent: Mandarin, cedarwood | Size: 12.17 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
When it comes to an everyday body wash, you’ll want something that doubles down on dirt, grime, and whatever else the skin can come in contact with throughout the day. Enter: The frank body Clearing Body Wash. Made with blemish-busting salicylic acid (which sloughs off dead skin, reduces excess oil, and gets rid of blackheads), Kakadu plum (which puts up a fight against aging, blemishes, and sun damage with a heaping dose of vitamin C), and coffee seed extract (which is full of antioxidants that firm, tight, and perk up skin), it’s hard to find something that packs more of a punch all at once.
Megan, age 25 to 34, with skin prone to KP on the arms and strawberry legs
“I felt like the product left my skin feeling hydrated and nourished. It helped remove dead, dry skin, which helped my skin feel softer and more supple. In my opinion, it’s gentle enough to reach for each day.”
Most Hydrating
Isle of Paradise Confidently Clear Body Cleanser
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Isle of Paradise
Potent blend of actives smooth skin
Works well on body breakouts
Hydrating and nourishing
Fruity scent can be overpowering for some people
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid | Scent: Jasmine, orange, patchouli, almond | Size: 11.15 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Isle of Paradise’s influence on the self-tan game knows no bounds, but the Confidently Clear Body Cleanser is perhaps one of the brand’s most underrated products. Formulated with a powerful blend of lactic, salicylic, and mandelic acids, those prone to body acne will love having this in their arsenal. It helps target said breakouts and helps promote clearer skin in the future.
Lauren, age 25 to 34 with normal skin prone to dryness
“My skin felt very soft, smooth, and refreshed. It was perfect! I felt that it was a body wash and lotion in one, which was a huge benefit for me. I have yet to find another body wash that left me feeling as hydrated or nourished as this one has.”
Best for Radiance
Kosas AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash
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Amazon
Naturally-derived formulation
Gentle yet effective
Exfoliates with four different AHAs
Can be drying for some people
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, mandelic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid | Scent: Juicy, fresh | Size: 9 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This formula from Kosas has a few star elements: lactic acid, mandelic acid, glycolic acid, and citric acid. While this super-powered blend may sound intimidating, it’s actually on the gentler side and is suitable for sensitive skin. In addition to clearing pores and eliminating body odor, it also lathers nicely and leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean without compromising comfort. That said, the powerful AHA blend may be a bit much if you have super dry skin
Kimberly, age 35 to 44, with dry patches on her arms and legs
"I found myself being able to forego my usual post-wash body lotion on most days after using the wash—my body felt that soft! My skin also looks more radiant after using the wash thanks to the AHAs in the formula, with no resulting irritation, sensitivity, or flakiness. The scent is arguably one of my other favorite parts of the wash (but definitely wouldn't be for everyone).”
Best Fragrance-Free
Maude pH-Balanced Body Wash and Bubble Bath
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Sephora
Comes in both scented and unscented varieties
Chock-full of vitamins and minerals
pH-balanced
Nothing
Key Ingredients: Omega-3, -6, and -0, vitamins B3, B5, C, E | Scent: Several, including unscented | Size: 12 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Understanding what type of fragrance works for you and your skin is integral to building out a solid skincare routine. As far as body washes go, you can opt for a scented pick, but if you’re allergic to any form of fragrance (whether synthetic or natural), you should avoid it. That’s where Maude’s Wash comes in (though the brand does offer three fragranced options, which are all very lovely). PH-balanced and fortified with vitamins B3, B5, C, E, and omega-3, -6, and -0, this fragrance-free option is ideal for those seeking a simple cleanser that works on skin and intimate areas without irritation. Plus, it can be poured into the tub for a relaxing, irritation-free bubble bath.
Donna, age 35 to 44 with skin prone to dry patches and texture
“I love the consistency of this wash! It's really really thick. It foams up nicely and a little goes a long way. I used it to wash my nether regions, too, and there was zero irritation. It washed away with ease and left areas of my body feeling fresh and clean.”
Best Skin-Smoothing
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
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Naturium
Oil to milky formula that rinses clean
Dissolves dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping
Leaves skin soft and silky
Doesn’t impart much of a glow
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, rosehip oil, jojoba seed oil, squalane | Scent: Unscented | Size: 16.9 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Powered by glycerin, a blend of rich oils, and plant-derived squalane, this luxurious oil-to-milk body wash drenches skin in nourishment. With repeated use, the brand claims that the formula helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and improves skin elasticity. While we’ve yet to see improvement in that department, we can speak to how darn soft our skin feels after each use. Our tester, Taylor, said that she immediately noticed a softening effect from the very first use, but not much of a glow, as the name suggests.
Taylor, age 25 to 34 with dry skin
“Immediately after use, this body wash gave my skin a silky smooth feel. I've never had a product make my skin feel like that!”
Best Multipurpose
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Body Gel
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Amazon
Can be used as a shave gel
Residue-free
Spa-like scent and luxurious lather
Pump bottle can be faulty
Key Ingredients: Citric acid | Scent: Citrus, herbs, spices | Size: 16 oz. and 32 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
If you’re looking for a spa-scented experience on a daily basis but also want an excellent, moisturizing cleanser that doubles as a shower gel , allow us to introduce you to Neutrogena’s Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Body Gel. The rich formula (which smells like citrus, herbs, and spices) lathers beautifully and leaves skin feeling clean and supple. Unlike other fragranced options on this list, the availability of a large format container (we’re talking 32 ounces) presents excellent value and longevity. Our tester, Talya, loved that it left her skin so soft and clean, but her bottle’s pump was faulty, so had trouble dispensing it.
Talya, age 25 to 34 with normal skin with dry spots
“I felt squeaky clean after using this product! I have to wonder if that was slightly a placebo effect due to the super fresh and clean scent of the product, but overall I do think that this body wash cleanses gently yet effectively, and the scent helps to eliminate any lingering body odor. My skin felt balanced after using this product daily—no issues with feeling overstripped or with product residue.”
Best Two-in-One
Soap & Glory Original Pink Clean on Me Clarifying Body Wash
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Ulta
Enticing scent
Large container
Multi-use formulation
Floral scent might be too overpowering for some
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, mandarin orange extract, | Scent: Bergamot, mandarin, rose, jasmine, peach, strawberry | Size: 16.9 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Those who always find themselves short on time will love this two-in-one formula from Soap & Glory. The clarifying body wash comes with a built-in body lotion for skin that’s soft, clean, and hydrated. The brand claims that one bottle will last 100 washes, and given that it comes in a jumbo-sized bottle, we totally believe them. The formula has a scent laden with notes of bergamot, mandarin, rose, jasmine, peach, and strawberry, so those who don’t love fruity or floral scents may find it to be too overpowering (although our tester loved it).
Ashley, age 35 to 44 with normal skin
“Using this body wash daily has made it so that I don't need daily body lotion on my arms or legs. My skin isn’t super dry, even in the middle of the winter. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a quick spa moment each day in the shower.”
Best for KP
OUI the People Lactic Acid Body Wash
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Sephora
Softens and smooths skin
Addresses texture and KP
Exfoliating but non-irritating
Some say the scent is offputting
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, purple sea moss, purple rice extract | Scent: Herbal | Size: 5.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Keratosis pilaris (also known as chicken skin) is a complicated name for those tiny, rough bumps that can emerge on the back of your arms and legs. While derms aren’t certain why or how some people develop it, the treatment is generally the same across the board: exfoliation. Celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau previously told Byrdie that exfoliants like scrubs or acids can soften and smooth away this dry, rough, bumpy skin, which is exactly what Oui the People’s Clean Slate Body Wash does. Formulated with lactic acid (a form of alpha-hydroxy acid derived from milk that acts as a light peeling agent), this wash gently reduces texture and hyperpigmentation for radiant, soft-to-the-touch skin. And, spoiler alert, it legitimately reduced our tester with KP’s bumps, leaving her with smoother skin.
Mariza, age 25 to 34, with normal skin prone to dryness
“This body wash cleaned my skin well compared to others. It dissipated body odor and left behind a faint citrus scent, which I wouldn't have minded to be a bit stronger. After use, my skin was very soft and silky.”
Best Dispenser
Saltair Bloom Body Wash
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Saltair
100% recyclable bottle
Aesthetic, well-designed packaging
Incredible scent
Might not fit in tight spaces
Key Ingredients: Monoi oil, cupuaçu butter, kukui oil, niacinamide, ascorbyl glucoside | Scent: Amber | Size: 17 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This body wash ticks off a lot of boxes for us. Want your bathroom to smell steamy and sensual? Check. Want the bottle to blend into the calming aesthetic inside your shower? Check. Want the dispenser to deposit the perfect amount of product every time? Also check. With an ambery fragrance, a bottle made of 100% aluminum (so it’s completely recyclable), and an expertly designed spout, this body wash is what dreams are made of. Plus, the fact that its chock-full of nourishing ingredients—monoi and kukui oils, cupuaçu butter, and niacinamide, to name a few—only adds to the appeal.
Elise, age 25 to 34 with skin prone to keratosis pilaris
“My skin felt clean, hydrated, and soft after using the body wash. It seemed to maintain the perfect level of hydration for my skin, even in colder and drier temps. When I rinsed the body wash off, my skin already felt smoother and slicker, not dry or tight. When I got out of the shower and didn't apply lotion, my arms were soft and buttery-feeling, which lasted throughout the entire day. My arms and legs didn't get ashy or dry at all.”
Best for Skin Barrier
Youth To The People Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser
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Sephora
Soothing formula
Amino acid complex helps repair skin
Travel size and jumbo size available
Some say the scent can be too strong
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, kale extract, green tea extract, amino acid complex | Scent: Fresh greens, cedarwood, black pepper | Size: 2.5 oz. and 16.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The skin barrier has been a popular topic of conversation in the beauty industry lately, and for good reason. For starters, a healthy skin barrier helps protect the skin so that it thrives; when it’s damaged, the skin can act out. A damaged skin barrier often presents itself as skin that’s drier, redder, and more inflamed than usual. (It can also feel tight and itchy.)
If you suspect you have a damaged skin barrier or simply want to prevent future damage, look for something pared down and soothing—like this body wash from Youth to the People. It contains skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, kale extract, green tea extract, and an amino acid complex that can help the skin bounce back to its healthy self.
Michelle, age 18 to 23 with skin prone to uneven texture
“This has become my go-to daily body wash, and I really love its lightweight texture, nice lather, and super-clean smell. It left me feeling fresh and smelling good.”
What to Look For In a Body Wash
- Ingredients: The key to finding the perfect body wash lies in understanding the ingredient list. Most formulas rely on cleansing agents like glycerin and castile soap, along with emulsifiers that help water and oil blend. For an extra boost of moisture, consider plant oils like jojoba, coconut, argan, or castor oil; these natural oils hydrate and help keep bacteria at bay, thanks to their antimicrobial properties. Soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, vitamin E oil, and aloe vera are good for those with sensitive skin, while ingredients like tea tree oil and alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid help address breakouts.
- Scent: Scents have the power to transform a daily cleanse into a mini escape, leaving you feeling refreshed and pampered from shoulder to toe. Body washes come in a variety of fragrances, including romantic floral (rose, jasmine), fruity (citrus, berries), gourmand (vanilla, caramel), woodsy (sandalwood, cedar), and invigorating fresh (cucumber, melon).
- Skin Type: Choosing a body wash that complements your skin type is key to achieving an effective cleanse, explains board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. Here’s a quick guide:
- Dry skin: “It’s important to find a wash that will nourish the skin and replenish moisture lost,” Dr. Garshick explains. Look for hydrating body washes with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or shea butter. Avoid harsh sulfates and opt for fragrance-free or gentle-scented formulas.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: If you battle body breakouts or excess oil, choose a wash with acne-fighting ingredients, says Dr. Garshick. Look for salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
- Sensitive skin: Opt for fragrance-free and gentle body washes formulated specifically for sensitive skin. Look for soothing ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera.
- Combination skin: You might need a body wash that caters to different areas of your body. For example, a gentle wash for your entire body and a clarifying wash for your chest and back.
Why Trust Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie, where she covers all beauty-related topics, ranging from skincare and body care to hair tools and makeup. Caitlyn considers her shower to be her sanctuary and relies on body washes to take the day off, so it’s safe to say that she knows the value of a good formula. She has sensitive, acne-prone skin, so those with skin conditions can rest assured that she has kept them in mind during her research and writing of this article. For this story, she consulted with several experts, including:
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She is also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Medical Center. She provides a wide variety of cosmetic and medical procedures and services including treatments for acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis, psoriasis, rosacea, and more.
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