19 Best Body Washes, According to Dermatologists & Glamour Editors

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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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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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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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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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

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

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.”

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

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

“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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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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“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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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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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

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

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

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