12 Best Bodywashes | The Strategist
By Amelia Brooks
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As an enthusiast of the “body shower” (a.k.a. washing everything but my ) and someone who has especially skin, I’ve spent a great deal of time shopping for just the right bodywash. And — as anyone who has perused the skin-care aisle will know — the options are abundant, to say the least. There are ultramoisturizing bodywashes, particularly nice-smelling bodywashes, and cleansers designed to polish your skin. Then there are targeted formulas, like those that claim to be gentle enough for -affected areas, and plenty that boast dermatologist-recommended badges.
To narrow down the field and find the best of the bunch, I set out to test a number of bodywashes myself — including ones I’ve used and loved for ages and several new-to-me ones. Then I interviewed six dermatologists to hear what they recommend to patients, and consulted several Strategist staffers about their favorites (it turns out they had many). As I researched, I learned that the first thing you’ll want to think about when choosing a bodywash is your skin type ( or ? Any specific concerns, like or ?). From there, you can choose the cleanser consistency that’s best for your needs — such as a creamy gel, shower oil, or lightweight foam — and determine if a scented or fragrance-free option is right for you.
Here, you’ll find bodywashes for skin types and needs of all kinds — from one for extremely dry skin to the citrus-floral one that I can’t get enough of. And if you are taking an everything shower, read our guides to and for all skin types, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly .
Updated on October 24, 2026
All of these picks are still our favorites, and they’re all still in stock. We added the California Naturals Glow Oil Body Wash as our pick for dull skin.
Our top picks
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What we’re looking for
Key ingredients
The ingredients you’ll want in a bodywash will largely depend on your skin type. According to , founder of , gentle, hydrating, and fragrance-free bodywashes are the best option for most skin types. If your skin is or if you shower more than once a day (which can be drying), you’ll want moisturizing ingredients including glycerin, , or ceramides that lock in moisture and keep your skin barrier intact. can benefit from salicylic acid (a BHA or beta-hydroxy acid), which controls oil production and unclogs pores. And if you have sensitive skin or , aloe vera can help soothe inflammation, as can colloidal oatmeal, which is naturally anti-inflammatory.
For those with especially sensitive skin, avoiding harsh ingredients like (such as sodium lauryl sulfate) and alcohol is a good idea, according to the dermatologists I spoke with. And if you’re still unsure about what ingredients to look for, clean formulations are usually your best bet. “I would also try to select a bodywash with as few ingredients as possible to minimize irritation,” says , who heads the Medical Advisory Board at gender-neutral skin-care brand .
Consistency
Bodywashes come in many forms, from gellike cleansers to thick, cream-based formulas. Depending on your skin type and any accompanying skin conditions, certain consistencies will work better than others. Normal to will benefit from more emollient formulas; eczema-prone skin is also best suited to creamier washes that add extra moisture. If you’re prone to body acne, you should avoid using oil-based products because they can exacerbate even during a quick shower. Instead, choose a gel-to-foam option that doesn’t contain heavier oils, such as shea butter and coconut oil.
Scent
A scented bodywash can undoubtedly make any shower feel more luxurious — and which scent is right for you will come down to personal preference. I’ve included a range of unscented to last-all-day-scented bodywashes on this list. Just note: Many experts I spoke to recommended fragrance-free formulations for those prone to allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.
Best body wash overall
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$9 $9
Key ingredients: Glycerin, fatty acids | Consistency: Lightweight foam | Scent: Light floral
Dove’s bodywashes are beloved by dermatologists and Strategist staffers alike, so I had high expectations when I started testing this Instant Foaming wash — and it truly did not disappoint. From the start, I was impressed by the bodywash’s soft and airy foam consistency. It felt extremely lush when I lathered it in the shower, and after showering, my skin always felt smooth and supple all over. The cleanse was thorough but still gentle and hydrating. (So gentle, in fact, that it even soothed a sunburn I had while testing it.)
The bodywash’s ultrahydrating effect is thanks to glycerin and skin-barrier-strengthening fatty acids — both ingredients nourished my skin and kept it feeling soft long after my shower. And even with those hydrating ingredients, the bodywash still has a lightweight consistency, which is part of why it’s a great choice for a range of skin types. As Dr. Noëlle S. Sherber, co-founder of and clinical associate professor of dermatology at, told me, “This foamy formula will rinse cleanly enough for oilier skin and is nourishing enough for drier skin.”
Other perks: a very affordable price tag — one of the least expensive on this list — and intuitive packaging. I loved that the foam is dispensed through a convenient pump that’s super-easy to use, even with slippery, wet hands. The scent also sold me. It’s almost like a sweet vanilla, with floral notes that aren’t too overpowering but still linger on the skin. (And if you’d prefer a fruitier scent, our newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang has been using for over 15 years. She loves the pomegranate and hibiscus scent, which she describes as “quite lovely and not too floral-smelling.”)
Photo: Brenley Goertzen
Best bodywash for dry skin
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$28 $28
Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, meadowfoam oil | Consistency: Oil-in-gel | Scent: Eucalyptus
I’m a devout user of this Nécessaire bodywash. It’s been part of my shower routine for more than three years, and that’s because nothing else nourishes my quite like this pH-balanced and antioxidant-rich formula. At first, the consistency is thicker and oilier than other bodywashes on this list, but it turns milky in texture and foams slightly as you lather. It’s also noncomedogenic — meaning it won’t clog your pores — and contains niacinamide and vitamin E, which can reduce inflammation and redness. I’ve noticed that thanks to these hydrating ingredients, the Nécessaire provides near-instant relief for my skin when I apply it and soothes any discomfort from skin cracking.
It’s also safe for those with skin: Our beauty columnist uses it and says it hasn’t caused any hot and itchy flares up post-shower. Although the brand offers a fully bodywash, also prefers the eucalyptus scent that I use.
Best (less expensive) bodywash for dry skin
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$22 $22
Key ingredients: Glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, avena sativa kernel flour, inulin, arginine | Consistency: Gel | Scent: Fragrance free
In a previous version of this story, we named CeraVe’s Hydrating Body Wash our favorite (less expensive) bodywash for dry skin — but it was recently discontinued. As an avid user of the CeraVe, I was determined to find a new top pick for the readers of this shopping guide and for personal reasons (I’m a dry-skin sufferer). I decided to consult and noticed a few commenters mentioning Prequel’s Gleanser as a solid alternative to the CeraVe that’s still under $20. Prequel is a dermatologist-founded skin-care brand that’s been getting some buzz, so I had high hopes.
While I’ve only been testing the Gleanser for a short period, I’m already so impressed by the lightweight gel formula that feels unlike any other bodywash I’ve tested. It has a slippery, smooth texture with a slight lather, but it’s non-stripping, so my skin never feels tight, even after drying off post-shower. In just a few weeks, it has alleviated some of the dry and rough skin on my elbows and legs. I’ve even used it on my face to take off my makeup while I’m showering: It removes everything including my mascara and the bronzer near my hairline. It’s called the Gleanser (glycerin cleanser) because it contains 50 percent glycerin plus inulin, a prebiotic which helps draw water into the skin, making it a super-hydrating ingredient that’s helpful for dehydrated skin. Other important ingredients include arginine to further boost hydration, plus oat extract and aloe vera to calm irritation or redness. This bodywash also gets a stamp of approval from the and the , which means it’s free of known irritants and allergens.
with code: MDW20
Best bodywash for extremely dry skin
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$34 $34
Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, coconut esters, sunflower esters | Consistency: Oily | Scent: Floral
If you’re in need of even deeper hydration, I recommend using a shower oil, which creates a protective barrier on the skin to replenish its moisture. This Bioderma one, which contains moisturizing glycerin and brightening niacinamide, is a favorite of Sherber’s. I decided to try the oil-based formula because my skin is on the drier side, and I found it to be moisturizing but not as heavy as other shower oils I’ve used, like L’Occitane’s almond shower oil. Along with its delicate floral scent, I love that the Bioderma has a gentle and fine lather, which washes away cleanly without any oily residue, so there’s no need to double cleanse. During a recent stay at my parent’s house, my mom noticed me unpacking this bodywash and immediately asked if she could borrow it. I eventually let her keep my bottle, and I ordered a new one. She now uses it primarily for shaving — and apparently she’s not the only one: Sherber notes that the Bioderma Cleansing Oil can actually be applied as a hydrating alternative to because it offers a nice slip to the skin. It’s also noncomedogenic, so it won’t block your pores.
Our former editor Maxine Builder is a fan, too — she tested the Bioderma wash and says you don’t need a ton of product to get a good lather: “I use about two full pumps for my legs and lower body and two full pumps for my arms, chest, and upper body,” she says. Builder prefers to use it after she’s shaved or exfoliated because the thicker texture helps alleviate the feeling of skin tightness.
Best bodywash for dull skin
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$12 $12
Key ingredients: Sea-buckthorn oil, moringa-seed oil, guava-seed oil, vitamin B5 | Consistency: Oil-to-gel | Scent: Earthy citrus
For those trying to revive dull skin, this bodywash from California Naturals is a great pick — it leaves my skin looking instantly glowy after a shower. It contains a cocktail of skin-softening and -brightening oils — including evening-primrose oil, moringa-seed oil, guava-seed oil, and sea-buckthorn oil — which make it super-nourishing and hydrating for dehydrated skin. It also has vitamin B5, which can soothe dry skin and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Because it’s mostly made of naturally derived ingredients, I’m not afraid to use it on my intimate parts. It also uses food-grade fragrance, meaning the scent is safe enough to be used in items like lip balms and toothpaste. While it has citrusy notes (the brand says tangerine, to be exact), I find it to be very subtle and lean more earthy. When I first pumped this formula into my hand, the consistency was more like a runny oil. But then when I began to lather, it melted into a milky foam. If you want a bodywash that provides a natural glow and prefer formulas that are not overly perfume-y, this one might be for you.
Best bodywash for skin barrier support
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$32 $32
Key ingredients: Glycerin, grapefruit peel oil, Undaria seaweed, jojoba oil, aloe | Consistency: Gel | Scent: Fruity
As a devoted user of Osea’s seaweed-infused (and our best overall) , I was excited to try the brand’s new bodywash when it launched over the summer. After testing it for the last six months, I’ve been so impressed with the formula, I knew it deserved a spot in this guide. During the colder months of the year, I noticed that the quality of my skin barrier was being impacted — I kept seeing red, itchy splotches on my arms and chest — and hot showers left my skin feeling super dehydrated. After using the Osea regularly, I noticed that the light, silky lather truly calmed the redness and dryness. I credit that to the fact that the bodywash contains aloe and the humectant glycerin, which hydrate and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. It also has the same signature Undaria seaweed — an ingredient rich in amino acids and antioxidants that repairs and supports healthy skin cells — as the brand’s body oil.
Osea’s bodywash is also great for healing a compromised skin barrier because it’s SLS-free (). Instead, it’s made with a gentle plant-based surfactant blend that creates a super light foam that cleanses without stripping my skin. The ingredient list also counts jojoba oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil, which give the formula a smooth gel-like texture that locks in moisture. , the Undaria Algae collection has an “all natural fragrance” with notes of uplifting grapefruit, lime, and cypress, but I would describe this one as a delicate citrus scent that’s slightly brighter and more fruity than the body oil.
Best bodywash for keratosis pilaris
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$17 $17
Key ingredients: Glycerin, salicylic acid, linoleic-rich oils | Consistency: Gel | Scent: Fragrance free
Naturium’s the Perfector contains salicylic acid, which helps slough away dead skin cells and is typically used to treat acne or keratosis pilaris. As someone who has experienced skin dryness leading to keratosis pilaris for most of my life, I decided to give this bodywash a try — and I must say I was impressed. After using it for a couple of showers, I could already see the rough patches on my arms softening. I found the best results by applying it just once every three days — any more can be drying, though I do think the linoleic-rich oils and glycerin helped add some moisture back into my skin.
It also works to clear breakouts: Our junior writer Bella Druckman, who has moderately sensitive , uses the Perfector to target body acne, specifically on her chest. She says her blemishes begin to disappear after a few washes and that the formula — which has a consistency between maple syrup and molasses — was thick enough that she didn’t need much to get a nice lather.
Although the dermatologists I spoke to caution against using products with salicylic acid on dry and sensitive skin, some people can benefit from the exfoliating ingredient. In fact, our deals editor Sam Daly this bodywash for her “incredibly .” She told me that this fragrance-free bodywash worked wonders, clearing an itchy and red reaction that developed all over her arms and legs. “I feel so smooth after using it — like one of those nice buffed pebbles you find at the beach — and it never leaves you feeling squeaky like some other washes do,” Daly says, adding that her skin is so much silkier since she started using the formula.
Photo: Brenley Goertzen
Best bodywash for acne-prone skin
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$57 $57
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin, oat kernel extract | Consistency: Gel-to-foam | Scent: Fragrance free
Instead of using a physical exfoliant (like a body scrub) to rid skin of dirt and oil, you can use a chemical-exfoliant bodywash, which penetrates deeper to loosen dead skin cells. Safe for both face and body, BeautyPie’s BHA-infused cleanser is ideal for or oily skin because it contains 2 percent salicylic acid and a papaya-enzyme complex, which can help unclog pores and prevent future breakouts, says Dr. , a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. “It also contains glycerin to hydrate the skin and oat-kernel extract to soothe and support the skin barrier,” King explains.
Best bodywash for chest acne
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$30 $30
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin, grape water | Consistency: Gel-to-foam | Scent: Fragrance free
“I often recommend that my patients who get breakouts on their chest use a facial-quality cleanser such as this one by Caudalíe,” Sherber told me. A facial cleanser is handy for chest breakouts because that area can be very sensitive and reactive and has more in common with facial skin than it does with thicker-skinned areas on the rest of the body. Those with will benefit from this formula because it contains salicylic acid, which is effective in clearing pores of any gunk, plus redness-reducing grape water. It’s also sulfate free, soap free, and alcohol free.
Best scented bodywash
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Key ingredients: Glycerin, jojoba oil, rosehip oil | Consistency: Gel-to-foam | Scent: Citrus-floral
Out of all the scented bodywashes I’ve tested, Ouai’s Dean Street cleanser is the one I keep coming back to. It has bright citrus-y top notes of lemon and grapefruit, plus a mix of rose, magnolia, linden blossom, and musk — a blend that makes me feel like I’m strolling near an overflowing flower garden on a warm spring morning every time I use it. And beyond its cheery, long-lasting scent, this bodywash contains some solid skin-care ingredients, too: Antioxidant-rich jojoba and rosehip oils work to seal in moisture, soothe irritated skin, and fade dark spots.
Best multipurpose bodywash
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Key ingredients: Water, coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, hemp oil, jojoba oil | Consistency: Oily | Scent: Peppermint
Castile soaps like Dr. Bronner’s are unique because they’re derived from vegetable or plant oils instead of animal fats, which are commonly used to make soaps and skin cleansers. This vegan formula contains more than 70 percent organic ingredients, which are certified fair trade, and since it’s so highly concentrated, it has multiple uses: , , hand-washing, shaving, , and of course, in the shower as a bodywash. (Experts even consider it one of the most .)
Though it has several purposes, many folks specifically like using Dr. Bronner’s as a bodywash, which is why I’ve included it here. New York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff told me she loves the peppermint scent of this all-in-one option, and a handful of celebrities — including , , drag queen , and — are also fans of the scented formula, which is fully biodegradable and has no added synthetic preservatives, thickeners, or foaming agents.
When I tested it for myself, I quickly discovered that you only need a few drops to get a slippery lather. Since it contains five different oils — coconut, palm, olive, hemp, and jojoba oil — the consistency is on the runnier side, but it lathered wonderfully as I mixed it with water. It left my dry skin feeling cool, refreshed, and hydrated, even after I’ve rinsed off. Plus the combination of hot steam with the peppermint scent helped to clear up my sinuses, allowing me to breathe easier throughout the rest of my day. After trying this one myself, I think Anderson put it best: “It makes you feel like you’re doing something in the bathtub, bathroom, or shower because you get this tingling sensation.”
Best sustainable bodywash
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From $32 From $32
Key ingredients: Glycerin, aloe vera, shea butter, olive oil | Consistency: Gel | Scent: Earthy
If you’re seeking a sustainable bodywash, consider this one from California brand Bathing Culture that senior editor Simone Kitchens has been using for the past five years. Part of what Kitchens loves about this bodywash is the packaging, which is made from 100 percent pre-existing recycled materials (and you can purchase the formula in a if you’d prefer). To further cut down on waste, the brand offers one-gallon , or you can visit one of its special when you need to re-up your supply. And it looks good on a shower shelf to boot. “It’s by far the coolest-looking bodywash bottle out there,” says Kitchens.
Packaging isn’t the only draw. The super-clean, biodegradable formula is similar to the soap above, but Kitchens says it’s a lot more hydrating on her dry skin thanks to the minimal yet high-quality ingredients list, which includes glycerin, aloe vera, and shea butter. It has a lovely woodsy scent, too, thanks to its mix of cedar wood, juniper, vetiver, and frankincense essential oils. “I like how powerful the scent gets in the shower, but since there’s nothing synthetic in there, it doesn’t linger in a cloying way,” Kitchens says.
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Our experts
• Maxine Builder, former editor
• Sam Daly, deals editor
• Bella Druckman, junior writer
• Dr. , board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Simone Kitchens, senior editor
• , founder of Mitchell Dermatology
• Dr. Noëlle S. Sherber, co-founder of and clinical associate professor of dermatology at
• Alexis Swerdloff, New York deputy editor
• Ashley Wolfgang, newsletter editor
• , founder of and head of the Medical Advisory Board at
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