We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare The Best Body Washes for Hydrating Dry Skin Come out of the shower feeling moisturized as ever with these top picks. By Nor'adila Hepburn Nor'adila Hepburn Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 07, 2024 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara In addition to fact-checking for Real Simple, Jillian covers various topics from food and wine to luxury travel and culture guides for outlets such as Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and Conde Nast Traveler. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Amelia Manley A bottle of body wash is an essential part of a cleansing regimen, especially if you have dry skin. It is considered more moisturizing than bar soaps, which is great if you have sensitive skin and is generally a more hygienic option, especially if you’re sharing a bathroom with others. “Body washes have moisturizing ingredients that keep the skin hydrated, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Tia Paul, board-certified dermatologist in Orange County, California. “They have specialized formulations to address specific skin concerns such as body acne, too. The packaging of body wash also makes it easier to share among family members rather than bar soap.” In addition to Dr.Paul, we spoke to Dr. Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, for deeper insight on what ingredients you should look for and avoid when choosing a body wash for your skin type. Our Top Picks Best Overall Body Wash: CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best Budget Body Wash: Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Splurge: fresh Milk Body Cleanser at Nordstrom $15 Jump to Review Best Body Wash for Itchy Skin: Curel Itch Defense Body Wash at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin: SALE Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash at Amazon $12 $10 Jump to Review Best Body Wash for Acne-Prone Skin: Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Body Wash for Keratosis Pilaris: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Body Wash for Redness: CLn Non-Drying BodyWash at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best-Smelling Body Wash: Sol de Janeiro Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel at Sephora $26 Jump to Review Best Fragrance-Free Body Wash: Vanicream Body Wash at Amazon $13 Jump to Review Best Overall Body Wash CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $12 at Walgreens What Stands Out It contains ceramides, which add moisture to the skin. What Could Be Improved You might find it hard to squeeze the body wash out of the bottle. This CeraVe Body Wash is our top recommendation for anyone looking for all-day moisturization for dry skin. It’s also dermatologist-recommended and accepted by the National Eczema Association. What makes it so moisturizing is that it is formulated with three essential ceramides, which are lipids or fats naturally found in skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help trap moisture in the skin and won’t strip the skin of any natural oils. The body wash feels light and creamy, plus it foams up nicely in the shower. People with sensitive skin will appreciate that it contains no parabens or sulfates and is unscented with a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores. Just note that the body wash is thick, so you might find it hard to squeeze out, especially if the bottle is almost empty. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented Best Budget Body Wash Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Walmart What Stands Out It features moisture-rich shea butter that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t contain active ingredients to fight acne or eczema. Made with shea butter and Vitamin B3 to gently cleanse and deeply moisturize, the Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash is one of our top choices for anyone shopping for a drugstore body wash. If your skin is dry, it is able to moisturize skin with regular use in as little as two weeks. The best part is that it’s inexpensive, costing just $9 for a 30-ounce bottle. While this would not be our first choice if we suffered from body acne or eczema, it’s enormous size provides a great value for the price. (Side note: This is a great option for family bathrooms, too.) The body wash is available in single and double packs and comes in a convenient pump bottle. Key Ingredients: Shea butter | Size: 30 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Shea butter Best Splurge fresh Milk Body Cleanser PHOTO: Ulta $15 at Nordstrom $35 at Sephora View on Fresh.com What Stands Out This body wash contains niacinamide and plant-based milks to moisturize and soothe skin. What Could Be Improved It comes in a small 8.7 fluid-ounce bottle only. The fresh Milk Body Cleanser is the most expensive on our list, but it’s worth it. This body wash features active ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, which are essential for getting soft and hydrated skin. In addition, it contains a variety of plant-based milks made from centella, rice, and linseed plants to soothe and prevent moisture loss from the skin. All skin types from oily to normal can benefit from this body wash, as it’s pH balanced and features a clean seal from Sephora, which means that it’s made with clean ingredients. It has a light pleasant scent, which is nice for those who don’t want a lingering smell from their body wash. It’s important to consider the higher price and small amount of product per bottle compared to others on our list, but if you have sensitive skin or dry patches, it could be worth it, especially if it's discounted or on sale. Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, centella, rice, linseed plant milk | Size: 8.7 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Light fragrance Best Body Wash for Itchy Skin Curel Itch Defense Body Wash PHOTO: Walmart $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $13 at Walmart What Stands Out It is recommended for those with sensitive skin and eczema, and it is certified by the National Eczema Association. What Could Be Improved There is no pump bottle version available. If your skin is itchy and dry, getting a bottle of Curel body wash can provide the soothing relief you need. It is certified by the National Eczema Association and is ideal for those with eczema or other conditions that cause dryness or redness on the skin. It uses gentle ingredients such as olive oil and jojoba oil that add moisture to the body. Plus, it’s unscented, so is safe to use on sensitive skin. To seal in moisture even more, Curel sells an Itch Defense lotion to apply after your shower. The body wash is available in a 10-ounce squeeze bottle, but it would have been nice if there were a pump bottle available to better control the amount used. Key Ingredients: Olive oil, jojoba oil | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Walmart What Stands Out It is a gentle hypoallergenic cleanser for sensitive skin. What Could Be Improved It’s not completely fragrance-free. Sensitive skin requires a gentle touch, which is why we recommend the Dove Sensitive Skin Body wash for skin that’s prone to redness and breakouts. This body wash is hypoallergenic and contains no sulfates or parabens—the perfect combo for easily irritated skin. It also features a patented formula, featuring micro-moisture droplets that moisturize skin for 24 hours. Skin dryness is also reduced by 50% every time you shower, according to the brand. The body wash is biodegradable and uses mostly clean ingredients that are good for the skin and the environment. It is really cheap and comes in a 30.6-ounce bottle, so there is no need to be stingy when pouring it on your loofah or washcloth. While it is meant for sensitive skin, there is a very light fragrance to it, which might trigger reactions in some people. Key Ingredients: Sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium methyl lauroyl taurate | Size: 30.6 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Light fragrance Best Body Wash for Acne-Prone Skin Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash PHOTO: Naturium $30 at Amazon $16 at Target $26 at Walmart What Stands Out It doubles as a facial cleanser. What Could Be Improved This body wash doesn’t have a rich lather. Because acne-prone skin needs extra care and attention, it might be better to use a wash containing salicylic acid, which is able to reduce acne from the skin. We recommend the Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash because it’s exfoliating and formulated with encapsulated salicylic acid, which is released in stages and is gentler on the skin compared to regular salicylic acid. It also contains glycerin, safflower seed oil, and olive oil to keep skin super soft. Even though it’s designed for people with acne, it’s safe for all skin types. The body wash comes in a gel form and has no harmful parabens. It is also fragrance-free and can be used daily without issue. Additionally, it has exfoliating properties and can be used on your face. You don’t get a lot of lather with this body wash, which is no indication of its cleaning power but could be a turn-off for some. Key Ingredients: Encapsulated salicylic acid, safflower oil, olive oil, glycerin | Size: 16.9 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented Best Body Wash for Keratosis Pilaris La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ PHOTO: La Roche Posay $18 at Amazon $18 at Target $17 at Laroche-posay.us What Stands Out It is gentle enough for babies to use. What Could Be Improved Some say the pump does not work efficiently. Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that causes tiny reddish bumps to appear on the skin. To treat it successfully, we suggest incorporating a gentle and allergy-tested cleanser that’s recommended by dermatologists, like this La Roche Posay body wash. This body wash provides 24-hour moisturizing and won’t strip moisture from your skin. It also protects the skin from drying out from water. It’s gentle enough to use on babies' scalps to treat cradle cap conditions and use as a face wash. It’s a foaming body wash that has hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, and antioxidant-rich thermal prebiotic water. The body wash also features a non-comedogenic formula and won’t clog pores. Note that some say that the pump is not efficient and may not evenly dispense body wash. Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, glycerine, niacinamide | Size: 13.52 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented Best Body Wash for Redness CLn Non-Drying BodyWash PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon $36 at Walmart $39 at Walgreens What Stands Out It features a clinical formula to reduce redness. What Could Be Improved It should not be used on infants younger than six months. The CLn Body Wash features a physician-developed formula that treats redness and dry, flaky skin caused by eczema, rashes, and itchy skin. It is non-drying and can be used as an everyday body wash. The body wash relies on sodium hypochlorite as its active ingredient to help soothe and relieve skin. According to the brand, it only takes using it for two minutes daily in the shower to reduce redness. It’s safe for nearly all ages and contains no parabens, dyes, or steroids. Just keep in mind that it cannot be used on babies younger than six months. Our only complaint is that it’s expensive, costing about $36 for an 8-ounce size. But, if you only plan on using it to treat the occasional flare-up, the brand sells a 3-ounce size for $20. Key Ingredients: Sodium hypochlorite | Size: 8 fluid ounces, 3 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented Best-Smelling Body Wash Sol de Janeiro Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel PHOTO: Sephora $26 at Sephora $26 at Revolve $26 at Ulta What Stands Out It features luxurious scents such as almond, pistachio, caramel, and jasmine. What Could Be Improved The scent is not for those who prefer a lightly scented body wash. Just reading the ingredient list on the Sol De Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Body Wash appeals to the senses, as it is chock full of nourishing ingredients to keep skin healthy and smelling good. The body wash contains multiple notes and features a fragrance medley of pistachio, almond, caramel, and jasmine for a soothing, tropical shower experience. This body wash is creamy and sulfate-free, and it features natural ingredients such as coconut oil to heal and nourish dry skin, anti-aging acai oil, and cupuaçu butter—a shea butter-like ingredient found in South America. It comes in a range of sizes from 385 milliliters to a giant 1-liter bottle and 1-liter refill. It also conveniently comes in a pump bottle, so it’s easy to dispense the right amount onto your loofah. Even though this body wash has the most delicious scent on this list, it could be a turn-off for anyone who doesn’t want to smell like a candy bar all day. Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, cupuaçu butter, acai oil | Size: 385 milliliters, 90 milliliters, 1 liter | Fragrance: pistachio and almond (top note); heliotrope and jasmine (mid); vanilla, salted caramel, sandalwood (dry) Best Fragrance-Free Body Wash Vanicream Body Wash PHOTO: Walgreens $12 at Amazon $12 at Walgreens $14 at CVS What Stands Out It features a mild soap-free formula that’s dermatologist-approved. What Could Be Improved It does not have a rich lather. If you have extra-sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, you can’t go wrong opting for the pH-balanced Vanicream Gentle Body Wash. This body wash is approved by the National Eczema Association and is the No. 1 dermatologist-recommended brand in the country. It contains zero fragrances, fragrance maskers, lanolin, or dyes that can irritate the skin. This body wash is soap-free, which is gentler on the skin and is moisturizing, so anyone can use it, no matter the skin type. You can also use it as a hand soap to give your palms and fingers a moisture boost every time you wash them. While it might not lather as well as other body washes, the fact that it is a fragrance- and sulfate-free option that won’t trigger eczema or acne flare-ups could be a fair trade-off. Key Ingredients: Purified water, glycerin | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented Best Body Wash For Melanated Skin Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash PHOTO: Nordstrom $29 at Amazon $29 at Nordstrom $29 at Bloomingdales What Stands Out It features a blend of natural ingredients such as purslane, marshmallow root, and shea butter. What Could Be Improved It’s quite expensive. Antioxidant-rich purslane extract, marshmallow root, and shea butter are the main ingredients in this Buttah Body Wash that gives skin anti-aging and moisturizing benefits. Although this creamy body wash was created for those with melanated skin tones, anyone with dry skin can benefit from its nourishing ingredients. It offers long-lasting hydration for up to 72 hours, leaving skin soft and silky without having to put on lotion. This body wash is scented with white musk, white lily, vanilla, and rose, which makes you feel like you’re having a mini spa day each time you shower. You can also use it to soak in your tub whenever you need to treat your skin to a spa. This body wash is pricey and only available in a 10-ounce size. Key Ingredients: Shea butter, purslane extract, marshmallow root | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Vanilla, white musk, white lily, vanilla, rose Best Oil Body Wash L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon $12 at Sephora $29 at Ulta What Stands Out It is available in a 16.9-ounce refillable bottle. What Could Be Improved The fragrance may be too light for some. If you have dry and sensitive skin, an oil body wash like this L’Occitane body wash could be a great option. It is made with almond oil and grapeseed oil, which are both emollients that moisturize skin. Also, it contains no parabens or phthalates in its formula. The body wash features subtle almond and vanilla notes, which don’t overpower but might not be enough fragrance for those needing a bold scent when they step out of the shower. It looks like oil when you pour it out of the bottle but turns into a creamy lather when mixed with water. This is a good product to use while shaving because it leaves skin soft and smooth. The bottle comes in four sizes including travel, mini, and value sizes. The brand also sells a 16.9-ounce refill bottle for you to top off your body wash wherever you run out. Key Ingredients: Almond oil, grapeseed oil | Size: 8.4 fluid ounces, 16.9 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Vanilla, almond Final Verdict The CeraVe Body Wash For Dry Skin is our top pick because it contains ceramides and hyaluronic that keep skin moisturized all day long. If you want something more affordable, we suggest the Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash With Shea Butter. It has a rich lather and comes in an economical 30-fluid ounce bottle, offering plenty of bang for your buck. How to Shop for Body Wash for Dry Skin Like a Pro Use Most body washes are designed to clean the body and not the sensitive areas of the face. However, there are body washes that have gentle ingredients and can also be used on the face (we’ve included several on our list). “Body wash should be used exclusively on the body as that's where they're formulated to be used,” Dr. Yadav says. “The skin on the body is thicker and less sensitive than that of the face.” Ingredients Dr.Yadav says to look for a body wash that has moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe. She also recommends getting body washes that contain nourishing ingredients like shea and colloidal oat, which locks moisture in rather than stripping the skin of natural oils. “Avoid sulfates that can cause skin irritation, artificial fragrances especially for those with sensitive skin, and parabens or other harsh chemicals,” adds Dr. Paul. Fragrance Fragrance ultimately comes down to personal preference, but our experts say those who have sensitive skin or allergies should avoid scented body washes, as they can cause skin breakouts or eczema flare-ups. Questions You Might Ask What’s the difference between body wash, shower gel, and soap, and what should you use on dry skin? Body wash, soaps, or shower gel products can all adequately clean dirt and bacteria from your body, but there are some key differences between the three that should be noted. While body washes and shower gels are both liquid cleansers, body washes come in cream, oil, and gel forms while shower gels are gels alone. Dr. Paul also points out that shower gels tend to have a rich lather while body wash lather can vary depending on the brand. According to Dr. Paul, body wash has certain advantages over bar soap because it leaves less residue on the skin and has a pH balance that is closer to the natural pH of the skin. “Traditional soap can wash away grime but does not moisturize as well as body washes and can leave skin dry and irritated,” Dr. Yadav says. For soft, moisturized skin, she recommends choosing a moisturizing body wash with a creamy formula. How often should you use body wash if you have dry skin? If you have dry skin, it’s important to shower daily in order to keep it clean and free of dirt, sweat, and bacteria. However, it’s best to use a body wash that has a moisturizing formula so the skin will stay soft and smooth. To seal in moisture after your shower, grab your preferred moisturizer—lotion, cream, coconut oil, or shea butter—to ensure your skin doesn’t dry out. What body wash do dermatologists recommend for very dry skin? Choosing the right body wash boils down to skin type as well as skin issues such as extra-dry skin, eczema, or redness. “For dry or sensitive skin, it is helpful to look for moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerin,” Dr. Paul says. For acne-prone skin, she prefers using body washes that contain salicylic acid, like the Murad Acne Control Body Wash. For those who have dry skin issues, Dr. Yadav suggests looking for body washes that have a creamy and moisture-rich formula: “I really like the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and Eucerin Complete Repair Cleanser, which are creamy and moisturizing, as well as the Aveeno Calm + Restore body wash. Aveeno products use oat extracts, which naturally work to bind moisture to the skin, helping to prevent dryness.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To put together this list, we researched the best body washes, looking at use, ingredients, and fragrance. We also spoke to Dr. Tia Paul, board-certified dermatologist in Orange County, California, and Dr. Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, for expert tips on choosing the best body wash for skin.