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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
When it comes to lathering up in the shower, shampoos and facial cleansers tend to get all the love. But seeing as the majority of your largest organ is located below the neck, it's definitely worth designating a product to the skin on your body. Body wash comes in a range of formulations. Some merely cleanse the skin while others tackle other concerns like sensitivity, breakouts, or discoloration.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Overall, Nécessaire's The Body Wash lives up to the brand's hype and more—it's packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, marula oil, and niacinamide. However if you think you need a little extra moisturizing power—and don't want to spend a ton on a product you'll need to use liberally—we also swear by Dove's Dryness Relief Nourishing Body Wash.
"You should be washing your body with a creamy body wash (unless you have body acne) in the colder months and if you have dry skin," says celebrity esthetician Taylor Worden.
We conducted hours of research on the best body washes for all skin types, evaluating them on active ingredients, consistency, and value. We tried some of the top-rated formulas out there, our testers taking note of each formula as well as targeted results. Our team then combined these insights with our own research of fan-favorite body washes plus dermatologist-recommended picks to create this list.
Ahead, find the best body washes for every skin type.
Best Overall
Nécessaire The Body Wash
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Award-winning formula
Good for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free available
Relatively small amount
Who else recommends it? Elle, The Strategist, and Vogue all picked the Nécessaire The Body Wash.
What do buyers say? 87% of 1,400+ Nordstrom reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
Nécessaire gets a lot of hype in the world of body care, and we're here to tell you it's all that and more. A favorite of Byrdie associate editorial director Hallie Gould and available in your choice of fragrance-free, spa-like eucalyptus, or marvelously musky sandalwood, The Body Wash is for everyone.
It's formulated with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, and marula oil to cleanse, smooth, and soften, plus niacinamide (vitamin B3) to nourish, replenish, and balance the skin barrier. You'll notice a difference in your dermis after one use and won't have to worry about irritation if you have sensitive skin.
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, vitamin E, marula oil | Benefits: Nourishing, replenishing, softening | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $34
"Nécessaire's The Body Wash makes my shower experience feel luxe. The eucalyptus fragrance smells like a relaxing spa: clean and calming. The formula is mild, non-stripping, and leaves skin feeling deeply cleansed." — Karla Ayala, Product Tester
Best Budget
Dove Dryness Relief Nourishing Body Wash
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Courtesy of Walgreens
Budget-friendly
Generous amount
Creamy lather
Contains dye
Celebrity esthetician Taylor Worden is obsessed with this formula. "I personally love Dove's deep-moisturizing body wash," she says. Containing unsung hero glycerin and earth-sourced oils like jojoba and argan, it delivers an ultra-creamy lather that hydrates dry and sensitive skin.
Active Ingredients: Jojoba oil, glycerin, argan oil | Benefits: Moisturizing, nourishing | Size: 22 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $7
Best Drugstore
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
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Courtesy of Amazon
Budget-friendly
Good for sensitive skin
Generous amount
Pump bottle
Not Byrdie clean or cruelty-free
From the drugstore aisle, we're big fans of Aveeno Skin Relief. This hefty 33-ounce pump bottle contains a fragrance-free blend of ingredients like oat flour and coriander oil to gently cleanse, nourish, and soothe all skin types.
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, oat flour, coriander oil | Benefits: Moisturizing, soothing | Size: 33 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $10
Best Splurge
Byredo Gypsy Water Body Wash
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Luxurious formula
Nice scent
Pump bottle
Expensive
Small amount
Paying top dollar for body wash is an undeniable luxury—but there's nothing wrong with splurging once in a while. Byredo Gypsy Water cleans and clarifies with glycerin and castor oil, then leaves an enchanting scent in its wake. Featuring notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper, and juniper berries, the French fragrance lasts for hours.
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, castor oil | Benefits: Clarifying, invigorating | Size: 7.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $68
Best Scent
Davines OI Body Wash
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Courtesy of Amazon
Moisturizes skin
Nice scent
Sleek container
Can be tricky to dispense
Skincare authority and expert cosmetic injector Kristina Kitsos stands behind the Italian-made Davines OI Body Wash. "The roucou oil that they use in this formula is loaded with beta-carotene and antioxidants," she tells Byrdie. "Also, it smells divine. I can't stop smelling myself when I use this."
Active Ingredients: Roucou oil, glycerin | Benefits: Protective, moisturizing | Size: 9.46 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $26
Best Aromatherapy
Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash
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Courtesy of Dermalogica
Nice scent
Spa-like aromatherapy
Replenishes the skin barrier
Relatively pricey
When it comes to relaxing and refreshing scents, there may be no better combo than eucalyptus and lavender. Dermalogica's spa-level Conditioning Body Wash soothes with vitamin E, clarifies with tea tree oil, and delivers a pleasant dose of stress-relieving aromatherapy with a blend of essential oils.
Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil, vitamin E, orange peel oil, essential oils | Benefits: Invigorating, moisturizing, softening | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $32
Best Unscented
The Seaweed Bath Co. Hydrating Cleansing Body Wash
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Courtesy of Amazon
Made with organic ingredients
Good for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free
Nothing!
For those who prefer fragrance-free formulas, we highly recommend this unscented concoction from The Seaweed Bath Co. Containing upwards of 65 vitamins and minerals, plus aloe, coconut oil, and spirulina, it works hard to nourish your skin from head to toe.
Active Ingredients: Minerals, vitamins, spirulina, coconut oil, aloe | Benefits: Moisturizing, replenishing, nourish | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $13
Best for Dry Skin
Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash
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Amazon
Nourishing formula
Hydrates skin for up to 72 hours
Amazing scent
Somewhat pricey
Thirsty skin? This supremely moisturizing body wash will quench skin for up to 72 hours after you use it. Formulated with cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin extracts, it works hard to deep cleanse the skin while softening it, not stripping it. Oh, and the scent—which includes notes of white lily, rose, and white musk—is absolutely divine.
Active Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin extracts | Benefits: Moisturizing, nourishing, cleansing | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $28
Best Bar
DHC Coenzyme Q10 Body Soap
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Courtesy of Dermstore
Budget-friendly
Soothing
Rich lather
Not ideal for eczema-prone skin
The best bar for sudsing up in the shower is DHC's Q10 Body Soap. In addition to plant oils and aloe vera, the star of the cleansing bar is Coenzyme Q10 (aka CoQ10), an effective ingredient that tackles free radicals and soothes stressed skin.
Key Ingredients: Coenzyme Q10, olive oil, castor oil, aloe | Size: 4.2 oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Price at time of publish: $18
Best Organic
Suzanne Organics Wild Orange Vanilla Body Wash
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Suzanne Organics
Organic formula
Nice scent
Pump bottle
Expensive
Board-certified dermatologist Marie V. Hayag, MD, of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics likes Suzanne Organics Body Wash. With glycerin, white tea, oat extract, and coconut oil, this high-end cleanser works overtime to moisturize, nourish, and soothe inflamed skin.
Active Ingredients: White tea, glycerin, oat extract, coconut oil | Benefits: Moisturizing, nourishing | Size: 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $60
Best Exfoliating
Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash
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Exfoliates as it cleanses
Helps prevent ingrown hairs
Fragrance-free
Can cause sun sensitivity
"I recommend this body wash because it contains a high percentage of glycolic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin, as well as prevent ingrown hairs from shaving, and help counteract sun damage," says celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross of SkinLab. "One thing to note is that this product will make you more sun-sensitive, so make sure you are using sunscreen and only use it at night."
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, glycerin | Benefits: Exfoliating, retexturizing, softening | Size: 6.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $34
Best Gel
Jurlique Softening Shower Gel Rose
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Courtesy of Jurlique
Gentle formula
Nice scent
Pump bottle
Scent may be too strong for some
Some people prefer the cooling sensation of washing with gel. Boasting a medley of glycerin, aloe, and healing honey, Jurlique's gel-based Australian body wash gently clarifies while softening and replenishing the skin barrier. Oh, and did we mention it smells incredible?
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, aloe, honey | Benefits: Softening, clarifying, replenishing, healing | Size: 10.1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $26
Best Oil
Glossier Body Hero Daily Oil Wash
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Courtesy of Glossier
Contains seven nourishing oils
Replenishes the skin barrier
Pump bottle
Scent may be too strong for some
Love oil-based skincare? Grease up with Glossier Body Hero. This moisturizing body wash flaunts a seven-oil blend that lifts dirt, grime, and body odor away from your skin and replenishes it with plant-based nourishment.
Active Ingredients: Coconut, meadowfoam, olive, and grapeseed oils | Benefits: Moisturizing, replenishing | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $20
Best for Sensitive Skin
Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser
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Replenishes skin barrier
Relatively small amount
Those with sensitive skin, take note. Worden recommends Drunk Elephant Kamili, a supremely creamy and notably gentle body wash that "does the job and doesn't dry out your skin." This luxe cleanser calls on natural oils and an amino acid blend to remove dirt and replenish thirsty skin without irritating or stripping it.
Active Ingredients: Passionfruit oil, sweet almond oil, marula oil, amino acids | Benefits: Soothing, nourishing, replenishing | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $20
Best Sulfate-Free
Alaffia Everyday Coconut Body Wash
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Courtesy of Amazon
Budget-friendly
Pump bottle
Generous size
Pump can be finicky
If you prefer to keep sulfates out of the shower, your best bet is Alaffia EveryDay Wash. This whole-body cleanser contains antioxidant-rich coffeeberry extract, plus Mother Nature's go-to nourishers coconut oil and shea butter to moisturize and brighten your skin from head to toe.
Active Ingredients: Coffeeberry extract, coconut oil, shea butter | Benefits: Moisturizing, toning, brightening, nourishing | Size: 32 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Clean
Price at time of publish: $15
Best Multi-Use
Clean Rebellion Organic Castile Soap
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Courtesy of Clean Rebellion
Can be used on face and hair
Organic
Gentle formula
Oil may settle at the bottom of bottle
Looking for a one-and-done formula you can use on your body, face, and even your hair? Clean Rebellion has your name on it. This sizable bottle of ultra-gentle organic castile soap contains nourishing olive oil and a light fragrance from a blend of essential oils. (An unscented version is also available.)
Active Ingredients: Organic castile soap, olive oil | Benefits: Moisturizing, nourishing | Size: 17.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $24
Best for Sensitive Skin
Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash
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Walmart
Gentle on even sensitive skin
Soap-free
A pump would be easier to dispense
This soap-free formula gently cleanses the skin, enriching the dermis with omega oils and other lipids. It's affordable, doesn't irritate, and comes in a large bottle, making it a great value.
Active Ingredients: Soybean oil, castor seed oil | Benefits: Moisturizing, nourishing | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $8
Best for Dry Skin
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
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Amazon
Works on all skin types
Affordable
Not clean
Natural omega oils help to gently cleanse and protect skin, while ceramides and hyaluronic acid cleanse and moisturize. This dermatologist-developed product doesn't strip skin, which we love, and can be used on a range of skin types.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, glycerin, | Benefits: Moisturizing, nourishing | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $8
Best for Eczema
Skinfix Eczema+ Foaming Oil Body Wash
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Sephora
Safe for sensitive skin
Moisturizing
Cruelty-free
Some reviews say the oil leaves a film on the skin
This fragrance-free and cleanly formulated product can be used on both face and body. What's more, it works on a variety of skin types—even those with eczema. We love how the occlusive ingredients help create a barrier on the skin, trapping moisture within.
Active Ingredients: Aloe vera, coconut | Benefits: Moisturizing, nourishing | Size: 12.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $26
Best for Acne
PanOxyl Maximum Strength Antimicrobial Acne Foaming Wash for Face
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Target
Helps ease breakouts
Could cause redness
May be too harsh for sensitive skin
This benzoyl peroxide-packed wash foams up to fight both existing acne and ward off future breakouts. It's maximum strength at 10%, so it could cause irritation and might be best for use as needed, rather than every day.
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Benefits: Fights acne | Size: 5.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $10
Final Verdict
The best option overall is undoubtedly The Body Wash by Nécessaire, a luxurious cleanser containing skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E, marula oil, and niacinamide. For a more affordable pick, consider Dove Dryness Relief, an esthetician-approved body wash boasting an incredibly creamy formula.
Meet the Expert
- Taylor Worden is a celebrity esthetician and the founder of Taylor Worden Skin.
- Kristina Kitsos is a skincare authority and expert cosmetic injector.
- Marie V. Hayag, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Fifth Avenue Aesthetics.
- Joshua Ross is a celebrity aesthetician at SkinLab.
What to Look For
Ingredients
The main thing to look for when shopping around for a body wash is the ingredients list. Most formulas clean the skin with glycerin, castile soap, and other emulsifiers. In addition to being moisturizing, plant oils such as jojoba, coconut, argan, and castor oil are naturally antimicrobial, meaning they repel bacteria.
If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, you might want to look for soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, vitamin E, and aloe vera. Those with acne-prone skin should keep an eye out for skin-clearing actives like tea tree oil and exfoliating AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) such as glycolic acid or lactic acid.
Scent
Body washes are often scented with synthetic fragrances or essential oils. A lot of skincare experts recommend steering clear of products containing fragrance to avoid irritation. However, the skin on your body might be less sensitive than the skin on your face, in which case a light scent may not cause a reaction.
Container
If you prioritize overall value and ease of use, look for a large pump bottle. The pumps are user-friendly, allowing you to dispense the product without lifting the container, plus they often yield several months' worth of use.
That said, there are some really great higher-end products that come in smaller containers without pumps, as well as cleansing bars with no container to speak of. In the end, it's a matter of preference.
Skin Type
Your body wash should correspond to your skin type, so it's important to look for formulations that will work for you. If you're dry, look for a product that will hydrate and won't dry the skin out (soap-free formulations are best). If you're oily, look for something with ingredients that aim to rid the skin of bacteria (like glycolic or hyaluronic acid).
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and copyeditor specializing in beauty and wellness. She considered dozens of formulas for this roundup, evaluating top-rated body washes on their active ingredients, texture, and value. Our team then combined these results with testing insights plus dermatologist-recommended picks to create this list.
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