19 Best Body Washes, According to Dermatologists & Glamour Editors
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Odds are you’ve been using the same soap for years. No shame in that, but have you ever stopped to think about trying the best body washes for women? Or if you already use body wash, have you wondered if there could possibly be a better one out there for you? They may be the most underrated skin care item in your routine; after all, it’s the first product that touches your skin in your morning showers, and one of the few that you use every day. Plus it practically functions as your signature scent. Don’t know where to start your search? We’ve got you covered (with suds). Ahead, see everything you need to know about choosing the best cleanser for you and your skin type, plus editor and dermatologist-approved picks.
The best body washes for women, at a glance
- Best Body Wash Overall: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, $9
- Best Scented Body Wash: Nécessaire The Body Wash, $25
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash, $11
- Best Body Wash for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, $17
- Best for Bumpy Skin: CeraVe SA Body Wash, $13
- Best Cleansing Oil: Naturium Glow Getter Multi Oil Hydrating Body Wash, $16
Your body wash questions, answered
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- 1/21
Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
Board-certified dermatologists Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, and Marisa Garshick, MD, both highly recommend Dove’s nourishing body wash. “It’s simple and has a great ingredient profile and is tolerated by all skin types,” says Dr. Bhanusali. Dr. Garshick agrees. “This body wash is a great option for all skin types, especially those with dry skin, as it not only provides a gentle cleanse, leaving the skin feeling clean, but it’s now also formulated with moisturizing MicroMoisture Droplets to nourish the skin and improve the moisture barrier for a full 24 hours,” she says.
- Pros: Suitable for all skin types
- Cons: Won’t combat body acne
- 2/21
Cerave Hydrating Body Wash
If you’re looking for another dermatologist favorite, Dr. Bhanusali recommends this drugstore body wash to his patients at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in NYC; it features core essential ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Lauren Penzi, MD, especially loves the hydrating ingredients. “A fantastic choice for those with dry skin, this wash contains powerful humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that help retain water and moisture inside the skin, leaving your skin hydrated and ready to soak in whatever moisturizer you choose to apply after the shower,” she says.
Dr. Garshick recommends Cetaphil’s Ultra Gentle Soothing Body Wash for anyone with especially dry, flaky skin, or whose skin is in need of some gentle care. “This body wash is especially good for those with dry skin, as it cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. In addition to a blend of moisturizers, it contains aloe vera and vitamin B5 so it helps to soothe,” she says.
- Pros: Hydrating; formulated for dry skin
- Cons: No exfoliation
- 3/21
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
Both Dr. Garshick and Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology, recommend this sensitive-skin-friendly option for simultaneously cleansing and hydrating skin. “This body wash uses prebiotic oat to help soothe the skin while also nourishing the skin and boosting the skin’s moisture,” says Dr. Garshick. “It offers a light scent for those who prefer a scented option, while still being gentle on the skin.”
- Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin; sold at drugstores
- Cons: Does not exfoliate
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- 4/21
Nécessaire The Body Wash
You’ve likely seen the Nécessaire body wash all over TikTok. But could something so trendy really be worth the hype? According to Dr. Shirazi it is. “Formulated with niacinamide, vitamin B3, and plant-based surfactants, it’s gentle and effective without overstripping the skin,” she says. “It also uses multiple oils such as marula, meadowfoam, and cacay oils rich in vitamins A, C, and E and omegas 6 and 9 to support the skin barrier. It’s also free of sulfates and paragons.”
- Pros: Great for sensitive skin; hypoallergenic; sulfate-free; available in other scents like invigorating eucalyptus, bergamot, and smoky sandalwood
- Cons: On the pricey side
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- 5/21
La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Both Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, and Dr. Garshick recommend this gentle cleanser to people with sensitive skin. “This moisturizing wash can be used on the face and body and is designed for those with extra-dry or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s accepted by the National Eczema Association and can be used in babies to adults, as well as 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. Together this helps to gently cleanse while also protecting the skin and providing 24-hour hydration.”
- Pros: Good for sensitive skin
- Cons: Won’t combat body acne
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- 6/21
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
Dr. Camp, Dr. Garshick, and Dr. Penzi all recommend Vanicream’s Gentle Body Wash as an ideal gentle formula. “A mild cleanser formulated for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, this product is free of dyes, fragrances, formaldehyde, sulfates, and gluten,” says Dr. Camp. Says Dr. Penzi, “It’s an amazing option for patients with eczema and very sensitive skin. It contains no dye, fragrance, lanolin, or parabens.”
- Pros: Gentle; suitable for sensitive skin; unscented
- Cons: Does not exfoliate
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- 7/21
CeraVe SA Body Wash
Both Shirazi and Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, suggest CeraVe’s SA Body Wash for bumpy and broken-out skin. “This body wash has salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and improve razor bumps and body acne, as well as ceramides to support the skin barrier,” says Dr. Shirazi, and Dr. Camp concurs: “As a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), the salicylic acid in this cleanser deeply penetrates pores to remove dead skin and oil and prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.”
- Pros: Affordable; combats body acne
- Cons: Not for sensitive skin
- 8/21
Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Hand & Body Scrub
For the aromatherapy-obsessed, Malin + Goetz's body scrub is a must-have. “If you love eucalyptus, you have to pick up this body scrub,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco. “It’s pretty fragrant, so if you’re sensitive to smells, this might not be for you. But personally, I can’t get enough of the strong eucalyptus scent. It’s immediately calming and reminds me of a gorgeous spa. I work the exfoliating beads onto places where I have rough skin, like my elbows and the balls of my feet, and I end up feeling much smoother.”
- Pros: Aromatherapy; smoothing
- Cons: Heavily fragranced
- 9/21
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Find Comfort Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash
Selena Gomez has done it again. While we’re big fans of Rare Beauty’s makeup, the body care should not be ignored. “I love the texture of this body wash—it’s almost jelly-like and really sticks onto skin,” says Glamour’s Yaptangco. “Some body washes can immediately slide off once applied in the shower, but Rare Beauty’s has a great tackiness that feels luxurious. The exfoliating beads are so fine and gentle, instead of grainy and harsh. It really is comforting to use.”
- 10/21
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
You don’t have to be a big spender if you’re looking for quality body wash. “This is a great option if you want a more luxurious feel at a drug store price point,” says Dr. Bhanusali. “I love the coconut esters and calming niacinamide.”
- Pros: Hydrating; nonslippery; rich lather
- Cons: Lightly scented
- 11/21
Augustinus Bader The Body Cleanser
Glamour’s Yaptangco is a big fan of Augustinus Bader’s body wash, which features a nourishing blend of coconut oil, ceramides, and rice protein. “This body wash may be expensive, but it’s worth the investment. It works into the richest lather and has the most subtle spa-like eucalyptus scent,” she says. “My skin feels so soft and supple when I step out of the shower, and I’ve noticed my tone is more even after two months of use.”
- Pros: Improves skin texture; subtle scent
- Cons: Expensive
- 12/21
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash
“Transforming from an oil into a gentle lather, this cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s formulated with glycerin, a humectant to draw moisture in, as well as a blend of linoleic-rich oils and plant-derived squalane, to keep the skin feeling soft and smooth.”
- Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin; hydrating
- Cons: Does not exfoliate
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- 13/21
Kiehl’s “Made for ALL” Gentle Body Wash
Is your skin feeling irritated or in need of something soothing? If so, Dr. Camp recommends Kiehl’s Made for All Gentle Body Cleanser. “Ideal for all skin types, this gentle cleanser features hydrating aloe and can be used for children and adults,” he says.
- Pros: Suitable for all skin types; calming
- Cons: On the expensive side
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- 14/21
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
“The best OTC cleansers for oily and acne-prone skin are oil-free and contain salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid that travels down inside pores to keep them deeply clean and to reduce sebum buildup,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Her recommendation? Neutrogena’s Body Clear Body Wash. “It contains a combination of salicylic and glycolic acids to exfoliate and deeply cleanse pores,” she says.
- Pros: Combats body acne
- Cons: Not for sensitive skin
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- 15/21
Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash
If you’re struggling with itchy or irritated skin, Dr. Camp recommends Eucerin’s Skin Calming Body Wash. “This fragrance- and soap-free formula is enriched with omega oils and other natural lips to cleanse dry, itchy skin,” he says.
- Pros: Fragrance-free; calming
- Cons: Does not combat body acne
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- 16/21
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
For acne-prone skin, Anna Karp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, loves SkinMedica’s cleanser for its combination of AHAs and BHAs. “This is a bit on the pricier side, but it’s a big tube and a little goes a long way. The formulation is beautiful and the texture is elegant,” she says. “It contains AHAs like lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic acids as well as BHA salicylic acid for mild exfoliation, while round, soft jojoba spheres provide a mechanic exfoliation without irritating the skin.”
- Pros: Exfoliating
- Cons: Expensive
- 17/21
Oribe Côte d'Azur Replenishing Body Wash
Not only does this body wash smell luxurious, but it’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients. “I’m obsessed with the Oribe signature scent, which is light and fresh,” says James Kilgour, MD, founder of KilgourMD. “This wash is also rich in rice oil, which replenishes fatty acids that are essential to a healthy skin barrier.”
- Pros: Softens skin; moisturizing
- Cons: Heavily scented; expensive
- 18/21
Jergens Softening Body Wash in Cherry Almond
Jergens’s nostalgic cherry almond scent is making a comeback with this nourishing body wash. “It contains almond oil to maximize skin vitality for moisturized, beautiful and healthy-looking skin,” says Dr. Karp. “It’s also dermatologist-tested, paraben-free, dye-free, and pH balanced.”
- Pros: Inexpensive; hydrating
- Cons: No exfoliation; scented
- 19/21
Grown Alchemist Energize Body Cleanser
Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, loves this body cleanser for its sensorial ingredients. “It’s a great balance between soft and gentle on your skin while accomplishing a thorough cleanse using plant-based chamomile, bergamot, and rose, giving your skin a quality and calming cleansing experience. Skin is left feeling clean, moist, plump, and bright.”
- Pros: Sulfate-free; calming
- Cons: Expensive
- 20/21
How to choose the best body wash for your skin type
In order to choose a body wash formulated for your skin type and concerns, you’ll want to keep an eye on the ingredient list.
If you have dry skin, the best cleanser for you will be pH balanced and rich in ceramides and moisturizers, as this helps to repair the skin barrier rather than strip it, says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. The same goes for mature skin, though Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, also suggests ingredients that encourage cell turnover and improve the appearance of fine lines, such as lactic and—for those with mature skin— glycolic acid.
Oily and acne-prone skin, on the other hand, can benefit from ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide for clearing clogged pores from impurities, minimizing breakouts, and calming redness (looking at you, body acne). “Salicylic acid removes excess oil and prevents blocked pores, and benzoyl peroxide has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties,” says Dr. Camp.
Finally, if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid any additives that could result in irritation. “Choose a cleanser that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free that will replenish the skin barrier with a low risk of irritation if you have sensitive skin,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. ”Sensitive skin types should also look for gentle body washes that incorporate moisturizers and are pH balanced, and, when possible, it may be best to avoid sulfates, parabens, PEGs, and phthalates.”
- 21/21
When to apply body wash in the shower
While there’s no hard-and-fast rule for the order of operations of showering, some derms suggest shampooing and conditioning first, says Dr. Camp. “That way you can let your shampoo or conditioner sit on your scalp and cleanse or condition your hair while you clean the rest of your body,” he says. On the other hand, Dr. Murphy-Rose says, “It is best to shampoo and condition your hair first, then wash your body to remove any residue from hair washing.”
Feeling inspired to give your shower routine an upgrade? See above for our top picks for the best body washes for women, according to Glamour editors and dermatologists.