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Dry skin can be uncomfortable and lead to various symptoms, including itchiness, redness, flaking, and pain. A moisturizing body wash can help keep your skin healthy by retaining hydration, guarding against irritants, and preventing dryness. For sensitive skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, a nourishing body cleanser can help minimize flare-ups, irritation, and scarring.
Choose gentle, fragrance-free, non-soap cleansers that contain humectants and skin barrier-repairing ingredients to clean and minimize any barrier disruption, advises Robert Finney, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. A moisturizing body wash does not replace a daily skin moisturizer, he adds. While a good body wash can provide the foundation for hydration, a moisturizer is necessary to seal it in.
To determine the best moisturizing body washes for every skin type and concern, we tested 41 popular body cleansers at home over the course of a month. During each shower, we evaluated the consistency, hydration, cleansing ability, effectiveness, and value of each body wash. In addition, a dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy regarding moisturizing body washes and their effectiveness.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and plant oils like jojoba, coconut, or avocado oil to draw in and lock moisture into the skin actively.
- Barrier Supporting Ingredients: Look for ceramides, fatty acids, and oatmeal to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and soothe sensitive or irritated skin.
- Harsh Cleansers: Avoid sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip natural oils and leave skin feeling tight or dry.
- Artificial Fragrances: Avoid fragrances and dyes that can irritate sensitive or dry skin. If you have these skin types, choosing fragrance-free or hypoallergenic formulas is often better.
- Exfoliants: Avoid acids such as AHAs (glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) that can be helpful for acne-prone skin but are not recommended for daily use.
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Why We Like It
When it comes to body washes that truly pamper our skin, the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel is hands-down our favorite. We loved this product for its luxurious, moisturizing formula and delightful, beachy scent that instantly transported us to summer days. From the first use, we noticed how our skin felt soft and moisturized, even after towel drying.
We experienced no irritation, even on sensitive skin, and noted that it kept potential eczema flare-ups at bay. The Sol De Janeiro cream-gel is ideal for people with normal to dry skin, especially during warmer months when lighter hydration is preferred.
- The product’s orange-brown tint can leave faint spots in the shower. However, it doesn’t stain and can be rinsed away easily.
Product Details
- Skin type: Normal to dry
- Key moisturizing ingredients: Cupuaçu butter, coconut oil, acai oil
- Scent: Pistachio caramel
- Size: 13 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
When it comes to finding a body wash that truly meets the needs of dry skin, we think the Bioderma Atoderm Face & Body Cleansing Oil stands out. This gentle cleansing oil delivers hydration and feels lightweight and luxurious, making it ideal for anyone with normal to dry skin.
We were surprised by how often we forgot to reach for our usual moisturizer after the shower because our skin felt hydrated on its own, even on our sun-exposed skin. Unlike heavier body washes, this oil doesn’t leave a residue, making it perfect for daily use, especially in the warmer months.
It’s Worth Noting
- The thin consistency of this cleansing oil means it doesn’t lather up as much as thicker body washes, which might not satisfy everyone’s preference for a foamy wash.
Product Details
- Skin type: Dry to very dry, sensitive
- Key moisturizing ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, Vitamin E
- Scent: Fresh
- Size: 33.8 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
For those of us with sensitive skin, finding a gentle yet moisturizing body wash can feel like a never-ending quest. Enter the CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash—our top pick for sensitive skin. This fragrance-free body wash is formulated with skin-loving ingredients and offers a creamy, luxurious texture that feels more like a moisturizer than a cleanser.
We appreciated its thick, lotion-like consistency, which felt gentle on the skin and didn’t strip away any natural oils. While it didn’t completely solve our dry skin issues, it significantly reduced itchiness, especially on our legs, and left our skin feeling soft and comfortable throughout the day.
It’s Worth Noting
- This body wash doesn’t produce a heavy lather, so it may not provide that “squeaky clean” feeling that some people prefer.
Product Details
- Skin type: Normal to dry
- Key moisturizing ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, urea, soybean oil, ceramides
- Scent: Fragrance-free
- Size: 10 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
Dove Body Wash Hydration Boost provides a luxurious, creamy texture and gentle hydration without breaking the bank, making it perfect for anyone looking to maintain soft, smooth skin with an affordable daily cleanser. We found this body wash incredibly gentle and loved how it left our skin feeling clean and fresh without causing irritation.
While the Dove body wash has a thick texture, it rinsed off easily without leaving any residue or tightness. The scent is subtle, but we found it pleasant and calming. This neutral scent will be a welcome feature for those sensitive to strong fragrances.
It’s Worth Noting
- If prefer a body wash with a bold, invigorating fragrance, this one might feel a bit mild.
Product Details
- Skin type: Normal to dry
- Key moisturizing ingredients: 6% hydrating serum, hyaluronic acid
- Scent: Fresh
- Size: 18.5 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
For those of us dealing with eczema or extra-sensitive skin, Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is our top pick. This body wash contains millions of moisturizing droplets formulated to deliver exceptional hydration and keep your skin feeling soft and moisturized even after the shower. Plus, it’s gentle enough to maintain balanced skin without irritating sensitive areas.
With a neutral, mild scent, this body wash provided the hydration we needed without any negative effects on our eczema-prone areas. We also appreciated how it balanced oily and dry areas without making our skin feel tight or uncomfortable.
It’s Worth Noting
- We found ourselves using a generous amount per wash, which could make the bottle go faster.
Product Details
- Skin type: Dry
- Key moisturizing ingredients: Glycerin, stearic acid, coconut oil derivative, sunflower seed oil
- Scent: Fresh
- Size: 12, 24, 32 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
The Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash is a refreshing body wash that contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and enzymes that gently exfoliate, helping to clear out excess oil without stripping the skin. We loved that our skin felt soft and refreshed, with a noticeable improvement in texture, but without any tightness or dryness.
The thick, gel-like consistency feels cooling and soothing and rinses off easily. While this body wash is marketed as an exfoliating cleanser, we found it gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive skin. It kept our skin looking bright and healthy, which is a plus for those struggling with occasional body breakouts.
It’s Worth Noting
- While it provides a refreshing cleanse, it might not be strong enough for days when you need a heavy-duty wash after intense workouts or yard work.
Product Details
- Skin type: Dry
- Key moisturizing ingredients: AHA blend, tropical fruit enzymes, allantoin
- Scent: Fresh, tropical
- Size: 9 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
Thanks to its gentle formula and impressive moisturizing power, the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ is our top pick for those dealing with keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition that causes small, rough bumps. With consistent use, we noticed a reduction in the rough, bumpy texture commonly associated with this skin condition.
This body wash is formulated with ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter, which lock in moisture and help restore the skin’s barrier. Even 24 hours after using it, our skin felt soft and hydrated. We also found that it significantly reduced dryness, even during seasonal changes when our skin tends to feel driest.
It’s Worth Noting
- While the body wash provides excellent hydration and soothing benefits, it doesn’t create a heavy foam, which may take some getting used to if you prefer a more sudsy lather.
Product Details
- Skin type: Dry, sensitive
- Key moisturizing ingredients: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, aqua posae filiformis
- Scent: Fragrance-free
- Size: 13.52 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
The Naturium Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash has a lightweight, almost syrupy texture that makes application easy and comfortable. Formulated with glycerin, a blend of linoleic-rich oils and plant-derived squalane, this fragrance-free body wash effectively cleanses while providing just the right amount of hydration, leaving skin soft but not slick.
Unlike some oil-based body washes that can feel heavy, this one provides moisture that lasts all day without leaving a residue. We experienced no redness, irritation or itchiness, which was a huge plus for those prone to skin sensitivities, particularly during allergy season.
It’s Worth Noting
- While this body wash delivers lightweight hydration, it might not be as moisturizing as you’d expect from a multi-oil formula. If you have very dry skin, especially in cooler months, you may still want to follow up with a body lotion.
Product Details
- Skin type: All
- Key moisturizing ingredients: Linoleic-rich oils, glycerin, plant-derived squalane
- Scent: Fragrance-free
- Size: 16.9 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
We found the Necessaire The Body Wash Multi-Oil | Eucalyptus Niusha Ocean body wash particularly effective at maintaining moisture in areas prone to dryness while not exacerbating oiliness on other parts of the body. This body wash’s lightweight, oil-infused formula is gentle enough for regular use and keeps skin feeling soft and hydrated over time.
The subtle eucalyptus fragrance is calming and sophisticated, creating a spa-like atmosphere that adds to the shower experience. The scent is light enough not to linger long, making it a good fit for those who prefer understated aromas.
It’s Worth Noting
- Those who prefer a more intense lather may find this product less satisfying.
Product Details
- Skin type: Dry
- Key moisturizing ingredients: Niacinamide, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega-6, Omega-9
- Scent: Eucalyptus
- Size: 16.9 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
Combined with its moisturizing properties, the Salt & Stone Body Wash is a treat for the senses and the skin. This body wash offers a rich, sophisticated scent that makes a lasting impression without being overpowering. The aroma lingers on the skin for a couple of hours, which we found to be just right—not overwhelming but present enough to enjoy throughout the morning.
This body wash didn’t just smell great—it also left our skin feeling hydrated and soft. Since the formula locks in moisture without leaving a greasy residue, we needed less lotion after showering. Our skin felt softer and more supple, with a noticeable reduction in dryness.
It’s Worth Noting
- You may need a few extra pumps to cover your whole body due to its thicker texture, and this body wash is pricier than others on our list.
Product Details
- Skin type: Dry
- Key moisturizing ingredients: Blueberry extract, Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, probiotics
- Scent: Saffron and cedar
- Size: 15.2 fluid ounces
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Why We Like It
Formulated to address dry, irritated skin, the Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Ultra-Soothing + Moisturizing Body Wash helps calm itchiness and keep skin feeling comfortable throughout the day. After using it, we noticed a significant reduction in itchiness, especially in areas like the legs and upper arms which are prone to dryness.
This body wash is gentle enough to use every day, and its all-in-one functionality—working as a body wash, sensitive area cleanser and pre-shave gel—adds to its appeal for those with sensitive, easily irritated skin.
It’s Worth Noting
- The Soft Services body wash comes at a higher price point, so if cost is a concern, you may want to consider purchasing it for occasional rather than daily use.
Product Details
- Skin type: Dry
- Key moisturizing ingredients: Glycerin
- Scent: Fragrance-free
- Size: 10 fluid ounces
We spent over 55 hours in the shower, testing 41 moisturizing body washes to determine which ones provide the best results for different skincare needs. Over the course of four weeks, we incorporated each body wash into our daily routine, using them twice a day. We evaluated each product across a range of attributes:
- Consistency: We gauged if the product’s consistency allowed easy application and lathering. We also noted how well the body wash rinsed and whether it left residue behind. We also considered whether the scent was pleasant, overwhelming, or neutral.
- Hydration: We noted whether we experienced fewer skin issues like redness, itchiness, or breakouts since using the body wash and whether our skin felt more hydrated throughout the day.
- Cleansing: We noted the effectiveness of the body wash in removing dirt, oil, and sweat from our skin.
- Effectiveness: After using the product for four weeks, we documented whether it provided any long-term benefits or improved our skin condition.
- Value: Based on its cost and size, we determined whether we would recommend the product to others and whether we were likely to use the body wash regularly.
During our research, we consulted respected dermatology experts, whose insights on moisturizing body wash helped us select the products we tested and recommended.
- Robert Finney, MD, Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder of Soho Skin and Hair Restoration
- Tiffany Libby, MD, a Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon
- Claire Wolinsky MD, a Board-Certified Dermatologist in New York
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a Board-Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
Types of Moisturizing Body Washes
Moisturizing body washes come in different formulas, each with its own textures and benefits. The best choice for you depends on your skin type, the season, and the level of hydration you need.
- Creams: Rich, thick, non-foaming cleansers that hydrate deeply and cleanse gently. They typically contain nourishing oils or butters, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
- Gel: Lightweight, gel-like products that offer a refreshing, cooling sensation and are best suited for normal to oily skin types.
- Foaming: Bubbly body washes that create a rich lather and offer a refreshing cleanse, but may also dry out the skin.
- Oil-Based: Cleanse without removing the skin’s natural oils, leaving it soft and hydrated, which makes them ideal for very dry skin.
- Lotion: These body washes are lighter than cream washes but still provide hydration with gentle ingredients, making them a suitable option for those with sensitive skin.
Moisturizing Body Wash pH Levels
- A body wash with a pH level close to your skin’s natural balance, around 5.5, will help prevent dryness and irritation.
- Dr. Finney recommends a lower pH between 4.5 and 5.5 for eczema, allergies, or other sensitive skin conditions to help maintain a resilient and healthy skin barrier without any flare-ups.
Isabella Ubaldi has 10 years of research and writing experience covering topics that range from the most comfortable high heels to how “femtech” helps to fill the gap in our medical understanding of women’s bodies. Her curiosity about the world feeds her keen interest in helping people reduce the shopping noise and make decisions that may just improve their quality of life or make the everyday a little bit sweeter.
Suzie Glassman is a freelance journalist and die-hard skin care fan who is constantly on the search for products to relieve her dry skin. She has a tween daughter who only occasionally listens to her advice and may be more obsessed with skincare than she is. She’s an avid runner and gym-goer. I love lifting weights and trying new fitness crazes.
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