We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare The 13 Best Body Washes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Our tested favorites for supple, cleansed skin. By Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek is a writer with 10+ years of experience in the home and travel industry. She has written for Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and The Washington Post, among other publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 08, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Kristin Kempa The best body wash clears the day's sweat, oils, dirt, and impurities from your skin, leaving you cleansed and fresh. While you may not consider body wash a part of your regular skincare routine, it is a crucial component of your daily regimen. “Body washes are my go-to recommendation for people with normal to sensitive skin living in dry climates,” says Elaine Kung, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology. “People with oilier skin, or people living in humid conditions, may prefer a shower gel or soap because they don't leave a creamy finish or residue." To find the best body washes, we tested 50 products in real-world conditions over six weeks while evaluating effectiveness, active ingredients, scents, and price points. In addition to Dr. Kung, we also consulted Serena Mraz, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates, Annabelle Garcia, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Sonterra Dermatology, and Suzanne Friedler, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC. Our Top Picks Best Overall Body Wash: SALE Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash at Amazon $18 $14 Jump to Review Best Budget Body Wash: Method Pure Peace Body Wash at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best Splurge Body Wash: Le Labo Hinoki Shower Gel at Nordstrom $38 Jump to Review Best Multipurpose Body Wash: Philosophy Amazing Grace Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Hydrating Body Wash: Soap & Glory Original Pink Clean on Me Clarifying Body Wash at Target $8 Jump to Review Best Scented Body Wash: Saltair Bloom Body Wash at Target $13 Jump to Review Best Unscented Body Wash: Maude pH-Balanced Body Wash and Bubble Bath at Sephora $22 Jump to Review Best Exfoliating Body Wash: Kosas AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash Jump to Review Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Body Wash for Melanated Skin: Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash at Amazon $29 Jump to Review Best Overall Body Wash Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon $14 at Target $14 at Walmart What Stands Out It hydrates skin and reduces redness. What Could Be Improved Though it's fragrance-free, it does have a slight scent. For a gentle yet effective body wash, the Aveeno Skin Relief checks all our boxes. Its primary ingredient is an oat blend that moisturizes dry skin and soothes itching—and in our case, we noticed it eliminated flakiness and reduced redness. We found that a little product goes a long way, as it lathers well and spreads across your body. Overall, it effectively cleansed our skin without stripping natural oils, leaving us smooth and refreshed without any residue or film left behind. The one thing to note is that while this body wash is technically fragrance-free, it does have a slight scent that's very light and pleasant. Key Ingredients: Triple oat blend (oat flour, oat extract, oat oil) | Size: 18 ounces | Scent: None Best Budget Body Wash Method Pure Peace Body Wash PHOTO: Target $12 at Amazon $8 at Target $8 at Walmart What Stands Out It has a luxurious, floral scent. What Could Be Improved It's not very moisturizing. If you want a spa-like shower on a budget, Method Body Wash might be for you. We loved the floral scent, which made this body wash feel more luxurious even at its budget-friendly price. That said, the fragrance might be too potent for those with sensitive skin. As for cleansing, this body wash sudsed up well and left our skin feeling smooth without residue. The main downside we noticed is that it didn't necessarily add moisture to our skin. Instead, our skin maintained its original moisture levels without drying out. If you have dry skin, we recommend following up with a moisturizer. Key Ingredients: Peony, rose water, pink sea salt | Size: 18 ounces | Scent: Floral Real Simple / Abby Moore Best Splurge Body Wash Le Labo Hinoki Shower Gel PHOTO: Nordstrom $38 at Nordstrom $57 at Net-a-Porter $38 at Saks Fifth Avenue What Stands Out The packaging and thicker consistency feels luxe. What Could Be Improved The bottle size is small, especially considering its cost. You might have stumbled upon Le Labo products in hotels and high-end gyms, but you can also bring that luxury to your home with this Hinoki shower gel. During testing, we found it utterly luxurious—its thicker gel consistency feels more upscale, and the scent is a lovely blend of gentle spices and musk. We found that the body wash cleansed effectively with minimal product, but the small bottle size means you may run out quickly. Though it didn't strip natural oils from our skin, we didn't feel that it changed how our skin felt; there was no improvement in skin moisture, which you might want from a high-priced body wash. Key Ingredients: Rosemary leaf, sunflower oil | Size: 8.5 ounces | Scent: Hinoki Real Simple / Alyssa Angelucci Best Multipurpose Body Wash Philosophy Amazing Grace Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath PHOTO: Ulta $35 at Amazon $35 at Nordstrom $35 at Target What Stands Out It makes our skin glow. What Could Be Improved It contains sulfates, which aren't safe for color-treated hair. While you might generally avoid multipurpose bath products, Philosophy's three-in-one gel should be an exception. We found that it moisturized our skin and left it glowing and radiant. Plus, we loved its scent, which had an effervescent combination of bergamot, lily of the valley, and musk. We didn't test the shampoo or bath gel capabilities, so the jury is still out on those factors. That said, as a body wash, it lathered and cleansed beautifully, rinsing easily without any noticeable residue left behind. Key Ingredients: Water, sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl betaine | Size: 16 ounces | Scent: Feminine Real Simple / Ava Wegner Best Hydrating Body Wash Soap & Glory Original Pink Clean on Me Clarifying Body Wash PHOTO: Ulta $8 at Target $9 at Ulta $9 at Walgreens What Stands Out The floral scent is subtle and elegant. What Could Be Improved It only comes in one scent. This body wash is a two-in-one product that cleanses your skin while nourishing it with built-in body lotion. During testing, it kept our skin from getting dry during the harsh winter months, even without a moisturizer. While it didn't create a glow, it did leave our skin soft and smooth. We were also fond of the floral scent—it's not cloying or overpowering, and we found it almost refreshing rather than perfumey. Plus, it didn't linger on our skin too long after use. Still, if floral scents aren't your thing, you might not love this product. Key Ingredients: Tangerine peel, sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine | Size: 16.9 ounces | Scent: Rose bergamot Real Simple / Ashley Kappel Best Scented Body Wash Saltair Bloom Body Wash PHOTO: Saltair $13 at Target View on Saltair.com What Stands Out The packaging is super elegant and sleek. What Could Be Improved The fragrance doesn't last all day. For those who want to step out of the shower smelling wonderfully fragrant, opt for the Santal Bloom Body Wash from Saltair. The fragrance reminds us of Le Labo Santal 33 fragrance, with warm and woody notes that are noticeable but not overwhelming. The Saltair body wash also has floral and sweet undertones for an invigorating, refreshing finish. The scent was our favorite part of this body wash—we only wished it lingered longer on our skin after showering. We also loved its moisturizing finish and elegant packaging. Key Ingredients: Monoi oil, cupuaçu butter, and kukui oil | Size: 17 ounces | Scent: Creamy sandalwood Real Simple / Elise Wang Best Unscented Body Wash Maude pH-Balanced Body Wash and Bubble Bath PHOTO: Sephora $22 at Sephora $22 at Neiman Marcus $22 at Bloomingdales What Stands Out The consistency is thick, which means you only need a little product to lather your whole body. What Could Be Improved It's challenging to squeeze the product from the packaging. If liquid body washes that drip from your body and down the train are the bane of your existence, fear not: The Maude Wash pH-Balanced Body Wash has a thick, luxurious consistency that won't run through your fingers. Sure, you might have to squeeze a little harder to get the product out, but you only have to do so once—it lathers extremely well to cover your entire body. We also love that the No.0 scent has absolutely zero fragrance in addition to its pH-balanced formula, as described by the brand. For those sensitive to fragrances, this option from Maude has the scent-free and rich consistency for a truly exquisite shower (or bubble bath). Key Ingredients: Omega-3, -6, and -0 and Vitamins B3, B5, C, and E | Size: 12 ounces | Scent: None Real Simple / Donna Freydkin Real Simple / Donna Freydkin Best Exfoliating Body Wash Kosas AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash PHOTO: Kosas View on Kosas $22 at Amazon $22 at Sephora What Stands Out The AHAs leave your skin feeling radiant without irritation. What Could Be Improved It doesn't lather very well. Loaded with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), this body wash is a chemical exfoliant that smooths and softens the skin without irritating it. Overall, it cleansed our skin thoroughly without stripping natural oils, leaving our body feeling well-hydrated. We also loved its sweet breakfast cereal scent—though the powerful fragrance might not be for everyone (they also have a fresh, tropical scent). We also noticed that we needed more product for full body coverage, as it doesn't lather up as much as other body washes on this list. Key Ingredients: AHA blend, tropical fruit enzymes, allantoin | Size: 9 ounces | Scent: Juicy creamsicle Real Simple / Kimberly Souza Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon $18 at Target $17 at Laroche-posay.us What Stands Out The formula is fragrance-free with quality ingredients. What Could Be Improved This product doesn't do much for body odor. For a gentle yet effective body wash, opt for this fragrance-free wash from La Roche Posay, which we found deeply hydrating. In just four uses, we noticed an improvement in our dry patches, and it didn't leave behind a residue, clog our pores, or strip our skin of natural oils. We particularly liked how well it lathered, as a little product covers your entire body. While the lack of fragrance is ideal for sensitive skin, it didn't do much in the way of body odor, though we did feel thoroughly cleansed. Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, niacinamide | Size: 13.5 ounces | Scent: None Real Simple / Rachel Thalhuber 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's so hydrating that we don't need a moisturizer after showering. What Could Be Improved The fragrance is floral, which might not suit everyone. This cocoa butter and shea butter combination feels utterly creamy on the body, cleansing thoroughly while keeping the skin supple. Unsurprisingly, it works wonders for hydration, so much so that we don't need to moisturize after showering. After each use of this body wash, our skin felt smooth and clean—and even a bit glowy. And despite all its moisturizing power, we never felt residue or film left behind. We think the floral, vanilla, and musk fragrance was lovely, though it might not suit all tastes. Key Ingredients: African cocoa butter, shea butter, multi-vitamin extracts | Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Pharaoh’s Love Real Simple / Amandeep Singh Best Body Wash for Body Acne frank body Everyday Clearing Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon View on Cultbeauty.com View on Frankbody.com What Stands Out It helps remove dry skin with salicylic acid. What Could Be Improved The fragrance is very citrus-forward. If you want to target body acne, a body wash with salicylic acid—like this one by Frank Body—can help reduce breakouts by unclogging your pores and reducing inflammation and redness. What we love about this body wash, in particular, is that it's gentle and doesn't strip your skin's natural oils. That said, it did remove some dead, dry skin as we lathered, ultimately leaving our skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated. The only downside is that this body wash is very citrusy in scent, though that scent dissipates quickly. Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 12.17 ounces | Scent: Mandarin and cedarwood Real Simple / Megan Wood Best Gel Body Wash Native Body Wash PHOTO: Walmart $20 at Amazon $10 at Target $15 at Walmart What Stands Out This body wash left our skin feeling silky. What Could Be Improved We didn't love the fragrance, though there are many other scents to choose from. If you prefer a gel texture to a creamy body wash, we recommend the Native Body Wash. The sulfate-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and phthalate-free formula has an almost hand soap–like consistency, though it suds up well. We found it to be very hydrating, leaving our skin feeling silky. The only downside was that the fragrance was underwhelming, though you can always choose another option from the range of 24 scents. Key Ingredients: Salt, citric acid | Size: 18 ounces | Scent: Tropical Real Simple / Maddy Baker Best Oil Body Wash Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash PHOTO: Naturium $27 at Amazon $16 at Target View on Naturium.com What Stands Out It can soften skin over time. What Could Be Improved It doesn't make your skin glow as much as the brand claims. Oil-based body washes can be deeply hydrating, the Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash certainly lived up to that claim. Though our skin felt silky immediately after use, that feeling dissipated throughout the day. Still, after repeated use, we noticed our skin getting much softer, so much so that we stopped using a body scrub to remove dead skin. While our skin felt well-hydrated, it didn't necessarily glow like the product's name might lead you to believe. Key Ingredients: Glycerin, a blend of linoleic-rich oils, plant-derived squalane | Size: 16.9 ounces | Scent: None Real Simple / Taylor McIntyre Final Verdict The Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash for Sensitive Skin is our best overall choice for general use—it not only cleanses but also moisturizes the skin. For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the Method Body Wash has a luxurious formula that feels just as quality as our high-end recommendations. Our Testing Process We tested 50 body washes over six weeks in real-world conditions, analyzing both regular body washes and body washes formulated for dry skin. We used the product at least 1x per day, integrating it into our daily bathing routines. During the testing period, we reviewed each product's consistency, hydration, cleansing ability, and effectiveness. We also examined the lather, the scent, and the packaging. How to Shop for Body Wash Like a Pro Ingredients Dr. Kung recommends body wash ingredients that “help repair and protect the skin barrier.” These include hydrogenated vegetable oil (glycerin), sunflower seed oil, soybean oil, colloidal oatmeal, vitamin B3 (panthenol), and vitamin E. The skin barrier protects external threats—like toxins, viruses, and chemicals—from entering your body. As such, you want to keep your skin barrier healthy and strong. "Moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are also key," advises Dr. Garcia. Our skin is supposed to be moist and supple, not dry. While many people use separate moisturizers after a shower, body washes with moisturizing ingredients can also keep your skin in peak condition. To treat conditions like acne or keratosis pilaris, look for ingredients like salicylic acid, AHAs, BHAs, urea, and lactic acid which exfoliate the skin. "Chemical exfoliants such as AHA glycolic acid work to gently remove surface dead skin all while sending a signal to the fibroblasts or collagen-producing cells to step up production," says Dr. Mraz. "Furthermore, the acidic exposure may help create a more favorable environment for a healthier skin microbiome, important for skin health." Purpose Dr. Friedler recommends selecting a body wash based on what you want it to do. If you want a hydrating body wash, look for one that contains dimethicone, glycerin, petroleum, or plant oils. If you have oily skin, you might prefer a body wash with salicylic acid. Battling body acne or keratosis pilaris? Look for exfoliating ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, urea, and lactic acid, which "dissolve dead skin cells without mechanically irritating the skin," says Dr. Garcia. Dealing with sensitive skin? Pick a body wash without fragrance or other irritants. Just note that when switching body washes to target specific issues, it takes time to see results. "Remember, consistency is key,” says Dr. Garcia. “Whichever body wash you choose, stick with it for at least four to six weeks to see results.” Scent Dr. Friedler says that scents and fragrances aren’t the most skin-friendly ingredients. “Some people have fragrance allergies,” she says. “People with naturally sensitive skin or eczema can also experience negative effects from body washes with fragrances, as they will be more sensitive to allergens.” So, if you have super sensitive skin or are prone to eczema, avoid scented products. "Always listen to your skin,” says Dr. Garcia. “If you experience any redness, stinging, or increased dryness, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist.” More Body Washes to Consider OLAY Cleansing & Strengthening Body Wash: We love this body wash for its luxurious lather and light moisturizing abilities, though we think it would be best paired with a post-shower moisturizer for the best effect. We also love its light, perfumey scent that is fragrant but not too overbearing. Isle of Paradise Confidently Clear Body Cleansing Wash Lactic & Salicylic Acids: We found this body wash to be utterly refreshing, leaving our skin feeling cleansed and smooth. Still, we wished the packaging included a pump rather than a flip cap. The scent is also very fruity, which may not appeal to everyone. Real Simple / Lauren Radesich Questions You Might Ask What’s the difference between body wash, shower gel, and soap? Dr. Kung explains that many people think body wash and shower gel are the same because “they are both liquids we wash our bodies with.” However, they have different formulas. Dr. Kung says that while body washes are usually like liquid soap with a thin, creamy consistency, shower gels are typically thicker and more jelly-like. They also target different concerns. “Body washes tend to work better in moisturizing and hydrating the skin, while shower gels may feel tight on dry skin,” she says. Which type you use depends on your skin type and environment—for dry climates, opt for a regular wash. But for those with oily skin or living in humid climates, opt for a gel or soap formula. Should you use a loofah to apply body wash? Dr. Kung discourages using loofahs, exfoliating gloves, or shower brushes. “There is simply no need to scrub our skin or rush our skin's natural exfoliating timeline,” she says, explaining that human skin cells shed naturally every four to six weeks. “Scrubbing tools can harbor bacteria and mold. Plus, scrubbing the skin daily can cause skin changes like discoloration and skin thickening.” Should you use body wash every day? While most people won't argue about the merits of loading up your soap dispenser to encourage the habit of frequent handwashing, showering with body wash presents a different question or two. "The question of whether or not it is healthy to shower on a daily basis remains for some people surprisingly controversial," says Dr. Mraz. "Much of the concern about over-drying of the skin is based on the use of traditional harsh soaps that strip the natural lipids from the skin, often resulting in worsening of eczema prone or dry skin." Fortunately, many body washes can protect the skin barrier, not deplete it, so you can use them daily. Can you use body wash on your face? Some body washes are suitable for sensitive facial skin, while others are better suited for your body only. Cleaners for the face are typically non-comedogenic and gentler on the skin, while body washes may irritate or dry out your face. If a body wash says it’s suitable to use on your face, go for it. Otherwise, use a separate facial cleanser. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Stefanie Waldek, a writer with a decade of experience in lifestyle, home, and travel. To find the best body washes, we tested 50 products in real-world conditions while evaluating effectiveness, active ingredients, scents, and price points. She also consulted Suzanne Friedler, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC, and Elaine Kung, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology, Serena Mraz, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist of Solano Dermatology and Associates, and Annabelle Garcia, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Sonterra Dermatology, for their expert input. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.