19 best body washes, according to dermatologists
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If you’re experiencing major skin-dry out from the harsh winter months (because, same), know that the best body washes are here to change your shower game. These hydrating formulas contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your skin strip-free and moisturised, even if the temperature drops to below freezing.
Don’t know where to start your search? We’ve got you covered (with suds). Our top pick is the NEOM Wellbeing Super Shower Power Body Cleanser, because it gives a major lather, smells phenomenal (like a freshly made mint tea), will layer nicely with your favourite perfume, and leaves skin feeling super smooth. We also adore the Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream which is infused with an exotic blend of Tahitian Monoi Oil and Tiare Flowers for a spa-like experience.
Ahead, see everything you need to know about choosing the best cleanser for you and your skin type, according to dermatologists, plus editor-reviewed picks that we put to the test.
SKIP TO: Our full reviews | How to choose the best body wash for your skin type | When should you apply body wash? | Is body wash better than bar soap? | Is there a difference between body wash and shower gel?
How we tested body washes
We tested body washes for a duration from one week up to six months, and even included picks that some of our editors have loved for years. We looked at how well the body washes lathered, how our skin felt after application (was it dry, or stripped, or did it feel fresh and moisturised?), and paid attention to the fragrance and long-lasting smell. We narrowed it down to the best body washes that lathered well, made us feel clean, and gave us smoother-looking skin.
Meet the experts:
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm.
- Brendan Camp, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
- Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
Ahead, the best body washes adored by GLAMOUR editors.
NEOM Wellbeing Super Shower Power Body Cleanser
- Key ingredients: 100% natural spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils, oat milk, organic coffee extract.
- Scent: Spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus.
- Size: 500ml.
- Pros: 100% natural fragrance, 100% recyclable, biodegradable ingredients.
- Cons: None.
Why we love it: Not a morning person? You will be with this, trust us (or the masses of five star reviews). Powered by 100% natural essential oils of spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus, this silky formula will cleanse, nourish and hydrate the skin. It's said to smell like a refreshing mint tea, and contains antioxidant-rich organic coffee extract too - just what you need in the morning. But it's great to use after a workout too, as it offers a cooling and tingling sensation on the skin. Plus, it delivers up to 24 hours of hydration, and the scent lingers on your skin throughout the day. Mint.
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream
- Key ingredients: Monoi, Fragipani and Tiare Flowers.
- Scent: Frangipani.
- Size: 200ml.
- Pros: Recyclable. The scent transports you straight to the spa. A great lather. Can be used daily. A little goes a long way.
- Cons: Small size. Expensive.
One of the first products I ever tried from Elemis – second to the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm I've long adored – this is one of the most luxurious body washes I've ever tried. It's expensive, yes, so I'd only buy it as a treat – but it lasts for ages. You only need a coin-sized amount to create enough of a lather to cover your entire body, and the scent is honestly incredible. It has a skin-friendly formula that doesn't strip the skin of protective surface oils, and it's infused with a blend of Tahitian Monoi Oil, Tiare Flowers soaked in Coprah Oil and Frangipani Flowers. Divine.
- Key ingredients: Peony flower water, rose flower extract, pink sea salt.
- Scent: Rose and peony.
- Size: 532ml.
- Pros: Cruelty-free, dermatologically tested, bottle is made from 85% post-consumer recycled plastic.
- Cons: Some reviews mention it can be drying.
Why we love it: Step forth flower lovers, you're going to love this pretty-in-pink body wash. Enriched with peony flower water and rose flower extract to a) hydrate and soften the skin and b) smell incredible, it also stars pink sea salt to lend an exfoliating element and slough away dead skin cells. Housed in a huge bottle that delivers excellent value for money, this is a no stress, wash your worries away vibe that'll have you reaching a place of calm and serenity.
Cowshed Replenish Uplifting Bath & Shower Gel
- Key ingredients: Citrus oils (lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit), vitamin E, lavender flower oil.
- Scent: Red mandarin, bitter orange and grapefruit.
- Size: 300ml.
- Pros: Spa-like scent, nourishing, mood-boosting.
- Cons: Doesn't lather up a huge amount.
Why we love it: Used in every Soho House and Cowshed spa, this sensorial body wash is just made for early mornings when you're tired, groggy and cba. As the name suggests, it envelops your body in an uplifting citrus fragrance (that isn't too strong - so no need to worry about overloading your senses before you've even had your morning coffee). Starring notes of red mandarin, bitter orange and grapefruit, this zesty body wash softens, nourishes and replenishes whilst helping you feel energised and ready for the day ahead. Take that, Monday.
Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser
- Key ingredients: Geranium oil, bergamot oil, mandarin peel oil, sea salt.
- Scent: Geranium.
- Size: 500ml.
- Pros: Reviews mention how soft it leaves your skin. Gender neutral fragrance. Aesthetically pleasing.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: Fill your bathroom with the fresh, green scent of geranium, fresh bergamot and zingy mandarin (there's a match made in heaven if we ever saw one). Refreshing both your skin and your senses, this transports you from your exhausting commute to a blooming garden with citrus trees. Purposefully low-foaming to prevent your skin from drying out, it efficiently sweeps away dirt, grime and impurities whilst keeping your limbs soft and supple. And if you can't get enough (we understand), it also doubles as a hand wash.
- Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, milk protein and oat.
- Scent: Camellia and Macadamia.
- Size: 300ml.
- Pros: Milky formula nourishes the skin. You only need a pea-sized amount to create enough lather to for the entire body. Smells amazing.
- Cons: Expensive.
Suitable for use twice a day – both morning and evening – the Elemis Skin Nourishing Shower Cream is a luxurious body wash that'll nourish dry skin thanks to its nourishing blend of Camellia, Macadamia and Jojoba Oils. It lifts away daily impurities and leaves your skin feeling supremely soft when you step out the shower. A little goes a long way, which is great, but we perhaps wouldn't use it every day – thanks to the high price-point.
Jo Loves A Bath & Shower Gel Pomelo
- Key ingredients: Panthenol, aloe leaf juice, vitamin E.
- Scent: Pomelo, a citrus fruit that's part of the grapefruit family.
- Size: 275ml.
- Pros: Beautiful scent. Lathers easily. Lingers on the skin.
- Cons: Expensive. Could have more skincare ingredients.
Why we love it: You say ‘Jo Loves’, we say ‘sold’. Delivering a masterclass in scent, the brand's shower gels include Pomelo, a citrus-meets-earthy scent with notes of vetiver, patchouli and of course, pomelo (a friend of the grapefruit). Nourishing your limbs with a soothing fusion of panthenol (or vitamin B5, which smooths and moisturises), plus calming aloe leaf juice and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, this staple shower gel is just destined to take pride of place in your shower.
Augustinus Bader The Body Cleanser
- Key ingredients: Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8), hydrolysed rice protein, ceramides, coconut oil, eucalyptus.
- Scent: A light eucalyptus fragrance.
- Size: 200ml.
- Pros: Targeted skincare ingredients, highly moisturising, rich lather, a little goes a long way.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: Consider your body wash game elevated considerably with this uber luxe option. Instantly recognisable with its bold blue bottle, this body wash is not just a body wash - it's like skincare for your body. Ceramides help to moisturise and protect the delicate skin barrier, while coconut oil nourishes, and hydrolysed rice protein provides high amounts of strengthening amino acids. Calming, softening, refining and helping to reduce irritation and redness, it's infused with a subtle scent of eucalyptus to relax the mind and body. But as with all Augustinus Bader products, the star ingredient is the Trigger Factor Complex (or TFC8), a proprietary blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides. Your bod's in for a treat with this one.
Molton Brown Rose Dunes Bath and Shower Gel
- Key ingredients: Coco glucoside, glycerin, caprylyl glycol.
- Scent: A floral amber.
- Size: 300ml.
- Pros: Cruelty-free, hydrating, shimmery, lasts on the skin.
- Cons: Could have skincare ingredients.
Why we love it: As quintessentially British as an English breakfast and a cup of tea, Molton Brown has been winning hearts since 1971 for its unique fragrance combinations and affordable yet luxurious products. Featuring top notes of saffron, cassis, violet leaf and pepper, a heart of rose, cinnamon and geranium, and an earthy base of patchouli, amber and moss, it's safe to say that this body wash is brimming with opulent fragrances. It also lathers up easily (no endless pumping here) and leaves your limbs soft, supple and smelling delightful. And who are we kidding? The bottle had us at hello with its shimmery, dual-toned colours and golden cap.
Beauty Pie Une Balade En Forêt Deluxe Body Wash
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, aloe juice, amber powder, sandalwood oil.
- Scent: Earthy and woody.
- Size: 400ml.
- Pros: Lasts a long time, softening, not overpowering scent.
- Cons: Not suitable for sensitive skin.
Why we love it: This skin-softening cocktail of glycerin, aloe juice, amber and sandalwood turns your shower into a relaxing stroll through a sunshine-dappled forest. Vegan and sulphate-free, it features top notes of fir and bergamot, heart notes of cashmere wood and gentian absolute (a slightly bitter floral), and a base of cedarwood, moss, amber, and guaiac wood, which is giving us such Twilight vibes. Layer it with the Beauty Pie Une Balade En Forêt Eau De Parfum to smell utterly divine all day.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, inulin, ashwagandha.
- Scent: Caramel latte inspired.
- Size: 50ml, 350ml.
- Pros: Moisturising,
- Cons: Scent may be too sweet for some.
Why we love it: Created by Dr Alexis Granite, an expert in all things dermatology, Joonbyrd's luxury body wash is specially designed to bring you joy. The foamy formula features a skin-fortifying blend of vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and barrier-boosting prebiotic inulin, for hydrated, happy and healthy limbs. Plus, ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, helps to reduce the visible signs of stress and inflammation (hello, redness and uneven skin texture). All of this, with a delectable caramel latte scent to boot. No, we're not drooling.
- Key ingredients: Plant oils, glycerin.
- Scent: Fresh and clean.
- Size: 650ml.
- Pros: Suitable for all skin types, huge bottle, very gentle formula.
- Cons: Won’t combat body acne.
Why we love it: Board-certified dermatologists Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, and Marisa Garshick, MD, both highly recommend Dove’s nourishing body wash. “It’s simple and has a great ingredient profile and is tolerated by all skin types,” says Dr. Bhanusali. Dr. Garshick agrees. “This body wash is a great option for all skin types, especially those with dry skin, as it not only provides a gentle cleanse, leaving the skin feeling clean, but it’s now also formulated with moisturising MicroMoisture Droplets to nourish the skin and improve the moisture barrier for a full 24 hours,” she says.
“I was extremely pleased with how fresh it smelled, how well it lathered, and most importantly, how clean I felt after using it. This wash made my skin feel soft, velvety, and so smooth that there wasn’t even a need to apply moisturiser after my shower. I wouldn’t recommend this one for someone who doesn’t love fragrance as it’s quite strong and lasts a while, but if you love ‘feeling clean,’ this is the one for you,” says GLAMOUR commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, blueberry extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid.
- Scent: 4 scents: Saffron & Cedar, Santal & Vetiver, Black Rose & Oud, and Bergamot & Hinoki.
- Size: 450ml.
- Pros: Brightens, softens, soothes, lathers well, leaves skin feeling hydrated and comfortable.
- Cons: The pump could be better.
Why we love it: Multiple GLAMOUR editors and contributors are big fans of this antioxidant-rich body wash for those looking for an extra moisture boost. This pick is a favourite of GLAMOUR senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who says she loves the scent and lather. GLAMOUR contributor Tanisha Cherry also calls this pick one of the best luxury washes in her collection. “Salt & Stone’s body wash is one word: Opulence. The smell is not too intense and it leaves my skin silky smooth every time,” she says.
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Wash
- Key ingredients: Oat, sunflower seed oil, glycerin.
- Scent: Light, fresh scent.
- Size: 300ml, 500ml.
- Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin, soothing, helps to preserve the skin's natural moisture barrier.
- Cons: Doesn't exfoliate.
Why we love it: Both Dr. Garshick and Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology, recommend this sensitive-skin-friendly option for simultaneously cleansing and hydrating skin. “This body wash uses prebiotic oat to help soothe while also nourishing and boosting the skin’s moisture,” says Dr. Garshick. “It offers a light scent for those who prefer a scented option, while still being gentle on the skin.”
Pro tip: This body cleanser also makes a great shaving gel if you’re in a pinch. “I’ve used it to help make my shaving routine a little faster, and it’s also saved me on days that I’ve run out of shaving cream or gel. It lathers up just like a shaving cream and is thick enough to keep the skin moisturised as you shave with a razor. It will give you the silkiest, smoothest legs you’ve seen yet,” says GLAMOUR's Kilkeary.
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, coconut and sunflower extracts.
- Scent: Clean and fresh.
- Size: 1 litre.
- Pros: Hydrating, non-greasy, rich lather, soothes irritation and redness.
- Cons: Reviews mention you have to do 3-4 pumps to achieve the lather you want.
Why we love it: You don’t have to be a big spender if you’re looking for quality body wash. “This is a great option if you want a more luxurious feel at a drug store price point,” says Dr. Bhanusali. “I love the coconut esters and calming niacinamide.”
“I was hesitant to test this one at first because I sometimes deal with body breakouts, especially on my back. Much to my surprise, this lathered nicely and didn’t leave any acne behind—it actually just softly cleansed and left my skin smooth and bump-free. I found this to be particularly useful when washing off self-tanner, as well, because it was able to seep in and lift excess tan that my exfoliator didn’t catch. I’d definitely rely on this one again to help get stubborn self-tan off, stat! Plus, it’s ultra-moisturizing,” says GLAMOUR's Kilkeary.
Ouai Melrose Place Gentle Body Wash
- Key ingredients: Rosehip oil, jojoba oil, vitamin C, vitamin A.
- Scent: A musky floral with champagne, amber and rose notes.
- Size: 300ml.
- Pros: Luxe feel, nourishing oils, delicate scent that's not too strong.
- Cons: Bottle is hard to squeeze to get all the product out.
Why we love it: If you’re a floral fragrance girlie, you’ll love this body wash that’s packed with hydrating rose hip oil, jojoba oil, and vitamins, and has a long-lasting, fragrant scent. “I’ve used Ouai’s Melrose Place for years—as a perfume, body lotion, and body wash,” says GLAMOUR's commerce editor Malia Griggs. “I can’t get enough of the fragrance. It’s floral and sweet without being cloying, with notes of rose. I ration out the body wash so that I only use it on days when I need a mood boost or want to feel pretty (before a nice dinner or a date, say). I love catching whiffs of it throughout my day. Just lovely.”
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, lipids, apple extract, squalane.
- Scent: Fragrance-free.
- Size: 500ml.
- Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin, hydrating, smoothing.
- Cons: Doesn't exfoliate.
Why we love it: “Transforming from an oil into a gentle lather, this cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils,” says Dr. Garshick. “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.”
“I used this cleansing oil to remove body bronzer, and it didn’t disappoint. It lifted off my makeup in two lathers, and I was left with clean, fresh, and smooth skin. Although I liked the texture, I wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t like the slippery feeling of oil-based cleansers. To remove makeup, though, it was nothing short of stellar,” says GLAMOUR's Kilkeary.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide.
- Scent: 3 scent options including Hinoki, Santal, Eucalyptus, and Fragrance-Free.
- Size: 100ml, 250ml, 500ml.
- Pros: Great for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic.
- Cons: On the pricey side.
Why we love it: You’ve likely seen the Nécessaire body wash all over Tiktok. But could something so trendy really be worth the hype? According to Dr. Shirazi it is. “Formulated with niacinamide, vitamin B3, and plant-based surfactants, it’s gentle and effective without overstripping the skin,” she says. “It also uses multiple oils, such as marula, meadowfoam, and cacay oils rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-6 and omega-9, to support the skin barrier. It’s also free of sulfates and parabens.”
GLAMOUR's Kilkeary says: “This pick is a body wash I always find myself going back to over the years. It’s silky smooth and lathers gloriously, and I’m a huge fan of all the scents. It’s a little pricey but well worth it, since it’s a luxury wash in a bottle that simply makes your shower feel like a spa, not to mention it also has salicylic and glycolic acids to help slough off dead skin cells and make your skin look bright and smooth. I reach for it every time I shower before a special occasion to make me feel nourished and fancy.”
- Key ingredients: Plant oils, citric acid.
- Scent: Coconut & Vanilla.
- Size: 532ml.
- Pros: Non-stripping, free of parabens and sulfates.
- Cons: Bottle can leak.
Why we love it: “Washing always removes some of our natural oils, and looking for a well-made body wash can preserve our skin and minimize inflammatory conditions (especially in the cooler winter months, when the environment naturally pulls hydration out of our skin!),” says Dr. Nazarian. This is why choosing a soothing body wash that won’t overly strip the skin, like this pick, is key.
“The Native body wash has remained a staple in my shower routine for over three years now because it has a soothing gel consistency that creates the perfect amount of lather, it doesn’t feel drying post-wash, and it always comes in fun fragrances that will surely put a smile on your face every time you shower,” says GLAMOUR's Kilkeary.
How to choose the best body wash for your skin type
The best body wash for your skin type depends on your skin’s needs, says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm.
For dry skin, opt for gentle cleansers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, in a cream or lotion texture. “Cream cleansers gently cleanse using natural oils, making them ideal for sensitive or dry skin,” she says. The same goes for mature skin, though Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, also suggests ingredients that encourage cell turnover and improve the appearance of fine lines, such as lactic and glycolic acid.
If you have oily or acne prone-skin, look for salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help manage breakouts. “Foaming and gel formulations are effective for oily skin, as they work to dissolve excess oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.” If your skin is rough or bumpy, or you have keratosis pilaris, Dr. Rambhia recommends an exfoliating body wash with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to smooth texture.
For extremely sensitive skin, avoid fragrances and potential irritants like dyes, she adds.
When should you apply body wash?
While there’s no hard-and-fast rule on the order, some dermatologists suggest shampooing and conditioning before body washing, so the product can sit on your scalp while you clean the rest of your body.
Dr. Greenfield recommends using gentle circular motions to avoid rubbing harshly or in any way that’s traumatising to the skin.
Is body wash better than bar soap?
According to Dr. Rambhia, body wash isn’t necessarily better than bar soap, but if you have dry or sensitive skin it can help boost hydration. If sustainability is a concern, bar soaps have a longer shelf life. But keep in mind that they can harbour bacteria, so if you’re using a bar soap, make sure it is yours exclusively and not shared with other members of the household, says Dr. Greenfield.
Is there a difference between body wash and shower gel?
“Although used interchangeably, body wash and shower gel are different skin-care products,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Both clean skin in the shower, but their consistency is slightly different, which means they can be better or worse for certain skin types.” A shower gel is a gel-consistency, and less lotion-y and hydrating. The gels are generally combined with lots of scents, perfumes, and although newer versions exist that can be tolerated by sensitive skin, they wouldn’t be the best choice for someone with dry, irritated, or sensitive skin. “Body washes, on the other hand, are classically a softer, more lotion-y, creamy product, which has the job of cleansing the skin in the shower, but also often leaves moisturising ingredients on the skin,” says Dr. Nazarian.
