We depend on body washes for doing all of the heavy lifting: Removing stubborn dirt, sweat and grime from a busy day. But they deliver more than basic cleaning. When investing in the right body wash for your skin type, it can transform your shower ritual into a more luxurious experience that benefits your skin, too.
Between regular hot showers, intense workouts and harsh weather, our skin goes through a lot on a daily basis — even if it’s unintentional. And depending on our skin type, that can worsen or irritate symptoms, such as eczema and acne. While there are many steps you can take to effectively keep your skin healthy and hydrated — from taking shorter showers to moisturizing soon after bathing — many dermatologists we spoke with agreed: Using a body wash intended for your skin type or concerns can make a huge difference.
But not all body washes are created equal. To get the most out of your body wash, our experts and editors shared the best formulas and ingredients to effectively cleanse skin and treat specific concerns. After all, smooth and balanced skin starts in the shower. Read more for the best hydrating body washes for all skin types.
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What ingredients should you look for in a body wash for your skin type?
All skin types can benefit from a hydrating body wash. But there are some ingredients that could either soothe or worsen common skin concerns. Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, broke down the ingredients you should look for in a body wash, based on your skin type.
- Dry skin: Ingredients that boost hydration are key. “Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are important naturally occurring components of the skin that help skin retain moisture,” he recommends.
- Acne-prone skin: Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two key ingredients for targeting and preventing acne, so you’ll want to look for a body wash with one or both of the ingredients. “Salicylic acid removes excess oil and prevents blocked pores,” Camp explains. “Benzoyl peroxide has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.”
- Sensitive skin: “Sensitive skin will do best with cleansers that are free of dyes, fragrances, or other potentially irritating ingredients,” the dermatologist says,” so pay attention to body washes with ‘free from’ on the bottle.
What’s the best way to wash your body?
“Using a body wash with a washcloth or loofah will help activate the product so that it forms a lather,” Camp suggests as the best method. “Creating a lather will allow you to reach a much larger surface area of skin without using too much of the product.”
How often should you exfoliate?
“The frequency with which to use an exfoliating body wash will depend on your skin type,” says Camp. Though, you can follow the general rule of exfoliating two to three times a week. “Sensitive skin may become irritated from over-exfoliation, and more tolerant skin may benefit from more frequent exfoliation,” he notes.
Best body washes for all skin types, according to dermatologists
Best overall body wash:
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick points to the formulation of Dove’s body wash as one that’s great for all skin types.
“This not only works to cleanse the skin, but [it] also contains ingredients, such as the Moisture Renew Blend [a proprietary combination of moisturizers that Dove says works with the skin to produce its own ceramides], to help replenish moisture to prevent dryness of the skin. It is sulfate-free and gentle on the microbiome.”
For a soap-free formula:
This multitasking cleanser is gentle enough for your face but strong enough to hydrate your body. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Lortscher swears by the soap-free, non-comedogenic formula to help preserve the skin’s pH level.
A hypoallergenic formula:
Living up to its ‘ultra gentle’ name, this hypoallergenic formula is particularly beneficial for those with the most sensitive dry skin, Garshick says.
This is because it’s formulated not just with a blend of moisturizes, but also aloe vera and vitamin B5, a combination that helps soothe the skin, according to the derm. “It cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture,” she adds.
Recommended for sensitive skin:
Love that squeaky-clean feeling that soapy body washes provide but hate the dry, tight feeling they leave behind? Dr. Deanne Robinson, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist, suggests grabbing a soap-free formula that moisturizes as it cleanses to help protect your skin’s essential oils.
Plus, it’s great if you have sensitive skin, Garshick says: “This body wash is sulfate-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, formaldehyde-free and cocamidopropyl-betaine-free. It offers an effective cleanse while still being gentle on the skin.”
Most moisturizing body wash (plus, loved by experts and editors):
This Aveeno pick uses the power of oat — prebiotic oat, to be exact. The ingredient, says Garshick, “helps soothe the skin while also nourishing the skin and boosting the skin’s moisture. It offers a light scent for those who prefer a scented option, while still being gentle on the skin,” she adds.
But if you still aren’t convinced, deputy managing editor Jess Bender said the product lives up to its claims after experiencing an eczema breakout all over her body. “I tried several internet-and dermatologist-recommended remedies to bring down the irritation, but the only products that reduced its look and feel came from Aveeno, specifically this body wash made with prebiotic oat,” she mentions. “It’s extremely effective, leaving my skin feeling moisturized, but gentle enough to not leave lingering redness like some other fragranced body washes can do.”
Best body wash for glowing skin:
Another favorite of Garshick’s for dry skin is this multi-oil body wash that turns into a gentle lather. “This cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils,” she explains.
The key is the humectant glycerin in its formulation, which draws moisture in, “as well as a blend of linoleic-rich oils and plant-derived squalane to keep the skin feeling soft and smooth,” Garshick adds.
If you’re eczema-prone:
If you’ve got extra-dry skin that’s prone to itching or eczema, we’ve got you covered. This foaming body wash, which is accepted by the National Eczema Association, is designed for extra-dry or sensitive skin, says Garshick. She adds that it can even be used on babies or 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,” she explains. “Together this helps to gently cleanse, while also protecting the skin and providing 24-hour hydration.”
Best body wash for mature skin:
For a body wash that both moisturizes and is packed with nourishing vitamins (and smells good, too), opt for Necessaire’s body wash, another Garshick favorite.
“This niacinamide-containing cleanser helps to nourish the skin and is also rich in vitamins and fatty acids to help balance the skin,” she says. “This gel-based cleanser can be massaged into a gentle foam to effectively cleanse the skin.” The combination of vitamins and niacinamide also help strengthen and hydrate the skin barrier, which, in turn, can assist with minimizing fine lines, wrinkles and even pores.
Plus, not only is it available in three soothing scents like Eucalyptus, but it’s also offered fragrance-free.
Best body washes for all skin types, according to editors
Best budget body wash:
You don’t always need to splurge to get a quality body wash. Case in point: The award-winning Dial Healthy Hydration Body Wash. Our reviewers praised its foamy texture, pleasant scent and skin-smoothing benefits for what it’s worth.
Best body wash for men:
Half of the reason my [San Miguel] dad loves this body wash is because of founder Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The other half, which, for this story, is the most important factor, is how refreshing he feels after use. The formula equally cleanses and exfoliates without irritation, which helps the skin feel soft, smooth and extra clean.
Great for balancing pH levels:
Some, including myself [San Miguel], might experience an unbalanced pH during their menstrual cycle. I appreciate that this wash helps balance pH levels with a super-rich and moisturizing formula that has left my skin feeling hydrated after wash (for instance, your sweat can increase and change in smell due to the hormonal changes, per the Cleveland Clinic). Best used externally (never internally, highly emphasizing), this has been a great product for helping me feel extra clean from head to toe during that time of the month.
Best shower oil:
Dove’s recently released Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash combines the benefits of a serum with those of a shower oil for a deep clean and enhanced moisture moisture. Both commerce editor Julie Ricevuto and I [San Miguel] tried the launch, and particularly enjoyed using it to soothe dry, winter skin. “It also combines a 50% glycerin serum with other oils, so my skin feels super hydrated after use,” Ricevuto adds.
Best body wash for acne-prone skin:
With 4% Benzoyl peroxide, this foaming face and body wash is one of my [San Miguel] favorite products for clearing and preventing stubborn breakouts. I specifically use it for bacne, which I’ve unfortunately struggled with since I was a teen, but this has completely controlled it to where I hardly ever experience a pimple or two, unless I don’t use it. I love pairing the wash with their Salicylic Acid Acne Cleansing Bar to exfoliate and unclog pores.
If fragrance irritates your skin:
“I have extremely sensitive skin, and this is literally the only body wash that works for me,” claims social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo. “For example, I used to get hives after using scented body wash, and I would have insane itching for an hour after I showered. This one is so moisturizing and easy on my skin.”
Most skin-softening formula:
Though the little lather is not for everyone, including editor Vivien Moon, who first tried the pick above and noted that these types of formulas can be beneficial for calming and smoothing. “After sticking with it, I’ve noticed a big improvement in my skin’s softness,” she boasts. “It’s great because it’s also scent-free, so I feel like it would be a good addition to so many people’s routines. I also feel like it’s great value for the size and price — I would repurchase!”
Recent launch to pay attention to:
This recent launch promises the ‘lather of a gel with the softness of a milk,’ per the brand, which impressed Moon the most.
“The gentle formula doesn’t strip my face or body (and I don’t usually like multipurpose beauty products) and it’s creamy enough that I feel hydrated after,” Moon raved. “Overall, I really like it and would repurchase!”
For long-lasting hydration:
This recent launch from Josie Maran is a true treat for dry skin like mine [San Miguel]. Infused with 100% argan oil, this body wash dispenses as a silky gel then lathers into a light foam, leaving the skin with plush softness and lasting hydration. I couldn't stop feeling my skin after use, as most body washes leave my skin feeling more dry than silky. The only issue I had was deciding between which three scents I loved more!
Improves rough texture and bumps:
While it does sit nicely on my [San Miguel] vanity, the Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Wash packs a powerful punch. Just as I would use a chemical exfoliant (like the AHAs in this formula), I use the body wash just a few times a week to exfoliate my skin. It’s been effective at smoothing rough patches on my elbows, deep cleaning my body post-workout and even smoothing bumps from ingrowns. It really does it all!
Most viral:
It seemed like 2025 was the year of the L’Occitane Shower Oil, with most online creators and shoppers having the viral body wash in their showers. And based on Black Friday, Amazon Prime Days and other major sale events, our readers had the product in theirs, too, as it was one of the top 100 beauty products that they and our editors loved last year.
Best smelling body wash:
This previous Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner will leave your skin with a delicious vanilla scent. Though we were impressed by the lasting smell, the moisturizing formula is worth noting, too.
“The product felt extremely soft on my skin. The vanilla scent is rich without being overpowering and it is long-lasting. That first use felt like putting on a cozy sweater you hadn’t seen in a while — comforting, reliable and still so, so pleasant,” TODAY social media video producer Nicole Collazo Santana previously shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
In short, yes. "Especially if they use certain surfactants that can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin’s pH," says Garshick. This can, in turn, negatively affect the skin’s natural barrier and leave it susceptible to moisture loss.
That's why, she adds, there's a balance to be struck when bathing: Thoroughly cleaning skin but also being careful not to strip it of its natural oils, which leaves the skin feeling tight.
"Generally, if the skin feels squeaky-clean, chances are your body wash is too harsh. This is why it can help to use a wash that contains gentle surfactants, or a wash that also incorporates nourishing and moisturizing ingredients to leave some moisture behind," she advises.
She also encourages those with dry or sensitive skin to steer clear of harsh soaps (like some bars of soap) or abrasive scrubs.
"Look for body washes containing ingredients such as ceramides, which help support the skin barrier, as well as humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help to draw moisture," Garshick adds. These ingredients do doubly duty, helping the skin feel softer and smoother while minimizing the potential for dryness, the doctor explains.
If you have extremely dry skin, it's best to avoid fragrances or potential irritants, our experts say. But another practice you should apply is taking short and non-scalding showers, at most once a day, they add.
“Less is more when it comes to bathing and showering. Showers should be less than 10 minutes, using lukewarm water and sensitive skin cleansers," recommends Del Campo.
Garshick echoes this advice, adding, "For someone who is dealing with eczema or very dry skin, it is also helpful to note that unless areas are visibly dirty, only the underarms, groin and feet need to be washed with body wash daily. For the other areas, simply rinsing with water may be sufficient."
Dermatologists highly recommend moisturizing after showering, but it's something many of us tend to forget. "When you get out of the shower and the skin is still moist, it’s important to put your cream on because this binds the water molecules to the outer layers of the skin," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman says.
Garshick also emphasizes the importance of patting dry after bathing or showering, "as opposed to vigorously rubbing the skin with a towel, which can be drying on the skin."
In short: Per FDA guidelines, 19 active ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban, "can no longer be marketed in nonprescription consumer antiseptic wash products" as of 2016, explains Camp. "It was determined that manufacturers didn’t provide data showing that those active ingredients are safe for daily use over time, and any more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illnesses and the spread of certain infections," he adds.
How we chose the best body washes
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. We chose the best body wash for all skin types based on search, expert recommendations and editor-tested products.
Meet our experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
- Dr. Danilo C. Del Campo, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist currently practicing at Chicago Skin Clinic. Known as “Dr. Danny” to his patients, he specializes in diseases and conditions related to skin, hair and nails, as well as cosmetic services.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist for Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. She serves patients in Manhattan, as well as Clifton, New Jersey. Her focus spans various medical and cosmetic dermatological procedures.
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist who focuses on both general and cosmetic dermatology. She also penned “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.“
- Dr. David Lortscher, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in San Francisco. He is co-founded and is board chair for Curology.
- Dr. Deanne Robinson, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist based in Connecticut. She’s also the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut.
