Though it may seem basic, we all know that a good shower can truly make a big difference in our day. In fact, studies have shown that hot showers actually reduce stress by stimulating the release of oxytocin. Frankly, once you throw the best body wash into the mix, you’ve got everything you need to work on your mental and physical well-being — and it all costs way less than a therapy session!
Compared to face cleanser (or any other anti-aging skin care), body wash might not seem as important. But the skin is our body’s largest organ, of course — if you want to keep it healthy, it’s imperative to treat every part of it well, not just your face. For their part, body washes do so much more than cleanse; they can treat breakouts, bring more moisture into the skin and even help with wrinkles and rough texture (crepey arms, anyone?). A solid body-care routine, both in and out of the shower, helps keep skin glowing and youthful-looking. Think about it: Body sunscreens help protect your skin from sun damage, while body scrubs and washes exfoliate dead skin cells. If you want to level up your shower time — and care for your skin at the same time — the easiest thing to do is get yourself an amazing body wash.
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Over my years as a beauty reporter and editor, I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of body washes. Read on for my favorites right now — and why you just might love them too. In the meantime, we have a roundup of the best early Black Friday deals for anyone else you might be shopping for this year, including a roundup of Black Friday skin care deals and the perfect stocking stuffers for anyone on your list.
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Update, Dec. 7, 2024: We checked all product prices and availability.
The best body wash of 2024
Rare Beauty
Benefits: Moisturizes, cleanses, exfoliates | Key ingredients: Konjac jelly, ashwagandha, peach flower extract, avocado oil | Size: 8.45 oz. | Scent: Citrus/woody
Rare Beauty, Selena Gomez’s beauty brand, is centered around mental health, so it was only a matter of time before it started focusing on the comforting aspects of body care. The Find Comfort Body Wash (perfect name) has everything going for it. The formula starts out with a jelly-type texture and then transforms into a milky cream that feels soft and silky on the skin. But it doesn’t just cleanse; it has gentle exfoliation, thanks to konjac jelly. If you want something that’ll help with uneven skin texture but aren’t in the mood to use a regular body scrub, this is a great choice.
Other key ingredients include the stress-relieving Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha, peach flower extract, which protects against oxidative stress, and moisturizing avocado oil. The fragrance is one of the biggest highlights, IMO. It has notes of citrusy lemon with jasmine and cashmere wood that make me feel cozy and refreshed at the same time — or even nostalgic and brand-new! Someone give the Rare Beauty perfumer a raise for messing with my head (in a good way).
- Exfoliating formula
- Free of parabens, formaldehyde, mineral oil and more
- Fragrance may be too strong for some
- Pricey
$24 at Sephora
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More body washes we love
Native
Benefits: Moisturizes, cleanses, repels mosquitoes | Key ingredients: Citric acid | Size: 36 oz. | Scent: Coconut and Vanilla (many other options available)
I swear by Native’s natural deodorants and can co-sign its body wash too. It comes in dozens of different fragrance options (including a Girl Scout Cookie collaboration), but I was impressed by its classic Coconut and Vanilla scent. It smells nice but is still pretty light compared to most body washes, which is appealing to people who are sensitive to scents. Overall, this is a simple yet solid body wash that’s free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, dyes, etc. but still does the job. Another pro is the massive bottle. You get 36 ounces of product for under $15.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you, take a look at this interesting fun fact. A 2023 study found that Native body wash repelled mosquitoes, and a coconut scent seemed to repel them the most!
- Great value for cost
- Free of dyes, phthalates and sulfates
- Doesn’t include any really interesting ingredients
- Some complaints about pump not working correctly
$23 at Amazon
Philip B.
Benefits: Moisturizes, cleanses, nourishes skin | Key ingredients: Amino acids, peptides, safflower oleosomes | Size: 11.8 oz. | Scent: Velvet Oud
Whenever I want a “rich lady shower,” I reach for this. First of all, it looks rich. The gold-hued formula has tiny bubbles that make it look filled with glittering gold specks. It’s a trick of the eye, but I still feel like a pampered princess since it’s pumped with skin-nourishing pea peptides, L-amino acids, and safflower oleosomes.
This luxurious body wash has a luxurious scent to match — the heavy oud fragrance hits you like a magnificent brick but doesn’t linger on your skin too long afterward, so it won’t interfere with your perfume for the day. I call this body wash a “splurge,” but it should also get the title “most sophisticated.”
- Moisturizing
- Feels very luxurious
- Scent might be too strong for sensitive noses
$75 at Amazon
Nécessaire
Benefits: Moisturizes, cleanses, anti-aging | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, marula, meadowfoam and cacay oils | Size: 8.4 oz. | Scent: Eucalyptus (comes in other scents and fragrance-free option)
Once you squeeze Nécessaire’s the Body Wash onto your loofah, you’ll understand why it’s become such a popular classic. The first time I tried it, I let out a deep sigh, like I’d been waiting my whole life for this body wash. While the brand put out newer fragrance options, like Santal, Olibanum and Hinoki, the original Eucalyptus scent is absolutely invigorating. It makes any shower, whether five minutes or 20, feel like an instant spa experience.
A combination of marula, cacay and meadowfoam oils is a treat for skin in need of moisture, but the body wash has even more benefits. The formula also contains niacinamide, a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the skin barrier, protects the skin from oxidative stress and reduces aging signs and hyperpigmentation.
- Supports skin barrier
- Dermatologist-tested and EU-compliant
- Contains small amount of essential oils, which some people avoid
$25 at Amazon
Dove
Benefits: Moisturizes, cleanses | Key ingredients: Glycerin, fatty acids | Size: 30.6 oz. | Scent: Fresh
When it comes to body cleansing, Dove is one of the tried-and-true brands, especially if you have dry skin. Its Deep Moisture Body Wash lives up to its name as it feels highly moisturizing on the skin and leaves it feeling that way after you wash it off. It contains the brand’s MicroMoisture technology, which is made up of skin nourishers like glycerin and stearic and palmitic fatty acids that penetrate the skin’s outer layer.
It’s also vegan, PETA-approved, and free of sulfates and parabens. Plus, it’s another great budget buy. With 30 ounces per container, you get a lot of product that’ll last through dozens of showers.
- Affordable
- You get a lot of product for the cost
- Some users experienced issues with dispenser
$10 at Walmart
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How we tested the best body wash
I’ve been writing about beauty for over a decade (and have been bathing longer than that!), so I’m well-versed in body care — from drugstore finds to bougie picks. For this particular story, I whittled down the best body washes out of dozens I’ve tested over the years — I tested them by reviewing them for ingredient quality, price and value, texture (as in how the formula felt on my skin and whether it left a film), scent and, of course, efficacy.
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Others we tested that didn’t make the cut
While I found Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash super hydrating, it contains petrolatum and mineral oil, which is problematic for some people. Method Body Wash was decent and affordably priced, but it wasn’t special enough to include. It also contains ammonium chloride — another shady ingredient — which can be irritating to sensitive skin.
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FAQs
What should I look for in a body wash?
When it comes to choosing the best ingredients in body washes, it depends on your skin type and concerns. For example, for people dealing with acne or chest breakouts, salicylic acid body washes are a great start. However, there are also certain ingredients that hold numerous benefits for everyone: Niacinamide — which is found in Necessaire’s the Body Wash — is a good example. In general, a good rule of thumb is to look for products with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and plant-based oils and butters.
Which ingredients should I avoid in body washes?
If you have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid heavy fragrances and essential oils. You’ll also find that many body washes (and regular skin care products) do the so-called dirty work for you. They’ll make it a point to avoid harsh or irritating ingredients like parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates and sulfates.
Is body wash better than bar soap?
Not really! Both types of products are usually formulated with skin-benefiting ingredients. The big difference is the form that they come in, which has both pros and cons. Using a bar of soap when you shower can create less waste (you don’t have to worry about plastic), but bar formulations are also less pristine — that is, they’re more prone to being exposed to bathroom dirt and bacteria.
How do I use body wash?
Using body wash is pretty straightforward. When it’s time to get into the shower or tub, get your skin wet. Then, use a small amount of body wash on your loofah or washcloth and lather it across your skin. Afterward, rinse it off with water, making sure you don’t leave any residue.
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