Below, the best body washes to help you transform your at-home routine into a spa-like experience.
In this article:
Editors’ Pick: Aesop A Rose by Any Other Name Body Cleanser
- Why we love it: Aesop’s lightweight body cleanser will leave skin feeling ultra-soft and hydrated. While rose is one of the key notes, there are also hints of cardamom and black pepper, making it spicier and warmer than your grandmother’s rose-scented perfume.
- Key ingredients: Rose Petal, Cardamom, Black Pepper
- Fragrance: Floral, Spicy, Warm
- Size: 3.4 OZ, 16.9 OZ
- More to know: Vegan, paraben-free, cruelty-free
Best Hydrating Cleanser: Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
- Why we love it: Transforming from an oil into a gentle lather, this hydrating body wash cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Dr. Garshick explains, “It’s formulated with glycerin, a humectant to draw moisture in, as well as a blend of linoleic-rich oils and plant-derived squalane, to keep the skin feeling soft and smooth.”
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, Linoleic-Rich Oils, Plant-Derived Squalane
- Fragrance: Vanilla, Coconut
- Size: 16.9 OZ
- More to know: Vegan, paraben-free, cruelty-free
Best Bar Soap: Dove Beauty Bar
- Why we love it: If you’re looking to get squeaky clean and prefer a no-frills approach, bar soap works just fine. Dove’s is a classic formulated with gentle cleansers and the brand’s moisturizing cream to hydrate the skin while maintaining the natural moisture barrier.
- Key ingredients: ¼ moisturizing cream
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Size: 3.75 OZ
- More to know: Sulfate-free, paraben-free, pH balanced
Best Hypoallergenic Cleanser: Nécessaire The Body Wash
- Why we love it: Nécessaire’s eucalyptus body wash is created with soothing oils and nonirritating natural exfoliants that gently cleanse the skin without stripping—plus the fresh scent can act as sinus relief for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Dr. Garshick is also a fan, explaining that it contains niacinamide, which helps to nourish the skin and is rich in vitamins and fatty acids to help balance it.
- Key ingredients: Plant Surfactants, Plain Oils, Niacinamide
- Fragrance: Eucalyptus
- Size: 3.4 OZ, 8.4 OZ, 16.9 OZ
- More to know: Hypoallergenic
Best Splurge: Augustinus Bader The Body Cleanser
- Why we love it: Formulated with the brand’s proprietary TFC8, Augustinus Bader’s body cleanser removes the day’s dirt and grime without stripping the skin or leaving it dehydrated. And for those who could really use some peace of mind, it has a strong eucalyptus scent to help you relax.
- Key ingredients: Pure Coconut Oil, Ceramides, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Eucalyptus, Copaiba Resin, Niaouli Leaf
- Fragrance: Eucalyptus
- Size: 6.7 OZ
- More to know: Vegan, paraben-free, clinically-tested
Best for Body Acne: CeraVe SA Body Wash
- Why we love it: Baby got bacne? Not anymore, thanks to this exfoliating salicylic acid cleanser for rough and bumpy skin. It’s great for those with oily skin, as Dr. Garshick advises, “Those with oily skin should look for products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that also works to unclog pores and remove excess oil.”
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid
- Fragrance: Fragrance Free
- Size: 10 OZ
- More to know: MVE Delivery Technology
Best Scent: Youth To The People Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser
- Why we love it: Let Youth To The People elevate your shower experience with its hydrating foaming gel cleanser. It’s like a superfood smoothie for your skin, with notes of fresh greens, cedarwood, and black pepper that linger pleasantly throughout the day.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Kale and Green Tea Extracts, Gently Amino and Fatty Acid Surfactants
- Fragrance: Earthy, Woody, Fresh greens, Black pepper, Cedarwood
- Size: 16.4 OZ
- More to know: Clinically-tested
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
- Why we love it: A favorite of Dr. Garshick, this moisturizing wash can be used on the face and body and is designed for those with extra-dry or sensitive skin. It’s accepted by the National Eczema Association and can be used from babies to adults, as well as by individuals undergoing chemotherapy. “It incorporates La Roche-Posay’s prebiotic thermal water, shea butter to help support the skin barrier, glycerin to draw moisture in, and niacinamide, which is soothing on the skin. Together, this helps to gently cleanse while also protecting the skin and providing 24-hour hydration,” she adds.
- Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Aqua Posae Filiformis
- Fragrance: Fragrance Free
- Size: 13.52 OZ
- More to know: Accepted by National Eczema Association, allergy-tested
Best Fragrance-Free Cleanser: Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash
- Why we love it: “Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy body wash is a great option for those who have sensitive skin,” Green says. “It contains colloidal oatmeal, which has been known to reduce inflammation of the skin as well as stimulate the production of collagen. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal make it a powerful ingredient for soothing and healing irritated skin.”
- Key ingredients: Oat Flour, Oat Extract, Oat Oil
- Fragrance: Fragrance Free
- Size: 18 OZ
- More to know: Allergy-tested, sulfate-free
Best For Eczema: Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream & Body Wash
- Why we love it: “Somebody with sensitive skin, including conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, would want to lean towards something more nourishing that is milk or cream-based and fragrance-free,” says Boda. Thankfully, this non-foaming option from Eucerin fits the bill. Not only is it safe for sensitive skin, but it also helps to soothe with the addition of colloidal oatmeal.
- Key ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal
- Fragrance: Fragrance Free
- Size: 13.5 OZ
- More to know: Soap-free, dye-free
Best Multi-Use Cleanser: L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
- Why we love it: Fans of the “everything shower” are going to love this shower oil. Think of this as a multi-use product; not only is it a super hydrating body cleanser, but you can also use it as a shaving cream, add it to your bathwater, and as a moisturizer post-shower. You’ll smell faintly of almonds and vanilla—a scent that will cause others to stop and ask what you’re wearing.
- Key ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil
- Fragrance: Fresh Almonds, Warm Vanilla
- Size: 2.5 OZ, 8.4 OZ, 16.9 OZ
- More to know: Made of a 100% recycled second-life plastic bottle
Best Exfoliating Cleanser: Tatcha Hinoki Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash
- Why we love it: “If you struggle with keratosis pilaris or body acne, you want to look for exfoliating ingredients as you need to regulate your cell turnover,” says Boda. This body wash contains exfoliating cellulose, an eco-friendly alternative to microplastic beads. But not only is it great for gentle exfoliation, it also has a calming effect as it’s formulated with hinoki wood essential oils, scientifically proven to improve well-being (and it smells amazing!).
- Key ingredients: Forest Awakening Essential Oil Blend, Cellulose
- Fragrance: Citrus, Wood
- Size: 1.7 OZ, 6.8 OZ
- More to know: Sulfate-free, paraben-free
Best Cleansing Oil: Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
- Why we love it: One of the highlights of this cleansing oil is that you can use it on both the face and body. So whether you’re looking for a good deal or don’t have enough space in your home and need a two-in-one, this is the product for you. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy the way some oils might. It simply glides on and off the body, removing any dirt and grime, leaving it silky smooth in the process.
- Key ingredients: Vegetal Biolipids, Vitamin PP, Barrier Skin Therapy
- Fragrance: Light, Fresh
- Size: 6.76 OZ, 3.38 OZ, 33.81 OZ
- More to know: Provides skin barrier therapy
Best Plant-Based Body Wash: Sangre de Fruta Neroli Noir Botanical Body Wash
- Why we love it: “For someone with normal skin, the key is to find something that not only feels good and smells good but also doesn’t contain too many drying alcohols, which can lead to dry skin and accelerated aging on the body,” says Boda. Enter this spicy-sweet body wash formulated with essential oils to nourish and moisturize the skin.
- Key ingredients: Moisturizing Cacao Seed Butter, Cleansing Rosemary Extract, Soothing Chamomile Extract
- Fragrance: Spicy-Sweet Aroma, Refreshing
- Size: 16.9 OZ
- More to know: Plant-based, ocean-friendly ingredients
Best Drugstore: Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash
- Why we love it: Olay’s Indulgent Moisture body wash is the ultimate choice for those with dry skin. Formulated with a vitamin B3 complex, it comes in at just under $15. There are several delightful scents to choose from, including mango butter and vanilla orchid, guava and coconut, and rose and cherry cream.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin B3
- Fragrance: Many scents (rose/cherry, mango/vanilla, elderberry/almond, guava/coconut oil)
- Size: 20 OZ
- More to know: Delivers 24-hour moisture
Best Gel Cleanser: Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Body Wash
- Why we love it: For those in search of an elevated body wash, look no further than Salt & Stone, whose washes look as chic as they smell. Who wouldn’t covet one, especially when it’s infused with a unisex scent grounded in sandalwood and vetiver?
- Key ingredients: Seaweed Extracts, Spirulina, Blueberry Extract, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Probiotics
- Fragrance: Santal, Vetiver
- Size: 15.2 OZ
- More to know: Naturally hydrating ingredients
Best Scent Range: Native Body Wash
- Why we love it: For a shower-time detox, consider washing with Native’s Body Wash, formulated without sulfated surfactants, parabens, phthalates, and dyes. A drugstore pick that doesn’t sacrifice scent quality, with many enticing options including lilac and white tea, sea salt and cedar, and cashmere and rain.
- Key ingredients: Plant-Based Ingredients
- Fragrance: Many fragrance options
- Size: 18 OZ
- More to know: Sulfate-free, paraben-free, vegan
Most Calming: Being Frenshe Body Wash Palo Santo Sage
- Why we love it: Infused with oat extract, niacinamide, and essential oils, this affordable body wash helps slough away dirt and oil while leaving skin soft to the touch. The best part is that it turns your shower into a spa experience with notes of cleansing palo santo, fresh crisp eucalyptus bark, and rosewood, helping you to unwind and let go of your worries.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Oat Extract, Pro-Vitamin B5
- Fragrance: Woody, Sage, Ylang Ylang, Eucalyptus
- Size: 14 OZ
- More to know: Backed by MoodScience scent technology, dermatologist-tested formula
What is a body wash
Think of body washes as a facial cleanser for your body. They not only eliminate dirt, buildup, and residue from the body using gentle surfactants but also help with body odor and improve overall skin health. According to board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, some body washes may contain additional ingredients to target specific concerns—more on that later. “While some body washes may also be used on the face, others may be intended mainly for the body, so it is always important to check the label when considering a product,” she says.
What to look for in a body wash
When choosing a body wash, aesthetician Savanna Boda emphasizes the importance of considering skin-supporting ingredients, texture, and a pleasant fragrance, as scent is often a deciding factor in whether one will like (and keep using) a product.