27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (2024)

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (1)

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You probably put a lot of thought into what hair products you use to keep your locks looking fabulous, but if you don't put the same time and effort into selecting your body wash, you could be missing out on brighter, smoother skin.

Like most other personal care products, body wash isn't one-size-fits-all: There are many types, including moisturizing formulas, those for acne-prone skin, gentle options, and exfoliating washes, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist.

Meet the experts: Debra Jaliman, MD is a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist. Michele Green, MD is a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. Diane Madfes, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. Corey L. Hartman, MD is the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.

For the most part, it's safe to use any type of body wash, but you won't reap maximum benefits—and may even experience adverse effects—if you select the wrong one. (For example, those with acne-prone skin may experience breakouts if they use an ultra-hydrating option.)

To find the best body wash for you, check out the top dermatologist-approved picks in all categories.

1

Best Body Wash For Bath and Shower

Kiehl's Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (2)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (3)Sustainable packaging
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (4)Great scent
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (5)Pricey for body wash

This cleanser can be used in the shower or the bath and contains humectants to help skin maintain its moisture long after you've dried off. The eco-conscious will love the fact that both the packaging and the cap are fully recyclable.

Rave review: "Nice scent which is not overpowering. Very pleased with cleansing performance. Excellent foaming action. Most importantly, I feel very refreshed after a shower using this product."

Key ingredientsAloe vera, hydrolyzed wheat protein, sodium PCA
Size16.9 oz

2

Best BIPOC-Owned Body Wash

Buttah Skin Egyptian CocoShea Body Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (6)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (7)Great lather
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (8)Cruelty-Free
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (9)Expensive

Specifically-formulated for darker skin, this ultra-nourishing body wash contains a trio of African cocoa butter, shea butter, and nourishing multivitamin extracts to deeply cleanse and soften the skin at the same time.

Rave review: "I will not use any other body wash. There is no need. This product gives my body all the moisture I need."

Key ingredientsCocoa butter, shea butter
Size10 oz

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3

Best Body Wash For Irritated Skin

Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Sulfate-Free Body Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (10)

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (11)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (12)Soothes away redness and irritation
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (13)Gentle on even the most sensitive skin
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (14)Not for those who like scents

Because it contains colloidal oatmeal, which has shown to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis, this pick is great for sensitive skin, says Dr. Green. "Oatmeal contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a powerful ingredient for soothing and healing irritated skin."

Rave review: "My dermatologist recommended this product for my extra sensitive skin. I am in my eighties and always have had dry sensitive skin so I was skeptical of trying one more product that didn't work. But I was happily surprised. It does what it says it does."

Key ingredientsColloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, pro-vitamin B5
Size18 oz

4

Best Drugstore Body Wash

Dial Clean + Gentle Hypoallergenic Body Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (15)

Now 48% Off

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (16)Free of dyes, parabens, sulfates, and silicones
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (17)Affordable
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (18)Doesn't lather well

Though the cheapest body wash on the list, it's just as worthy of your attention, says Dr. Hartman. "It has aloe to help add moisture and is free of dyes, parabens, sulfates and silicones, which ideal for people with sensitive skin."

Rave review: "I have tried numerous different body washes to find one that is gentle on skin, but also cleans well. I highly recommend this product."

Key ingredientVitamin E
Size16 oz
Product TypeBody Wash
BrandDial

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Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (20)Great scent
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (21)Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (22)Pricey

If you love a beachy scent, Kopari's Hydrating Body Wash is for you. A simple lather, and your whole shower will smell like a piña colada. That's not all you get, though. The gel-based formula is packed with smoothing ingredients like coconut water, organic aloe vera juice and sea kelp.

Rave review: "I love how hydrating this body wash is! I can finally feel clean without stripping my skin!"

Key ingredientsCoconut water, aloe vera, sea kelp
Size9 oz

6

Best Body Wash For Acne

Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (24)Contains 2% BHA
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (25)Lightweight
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (26)Expensive

For patients with acne on their chest or back, Dr. Hartman says this hardworking body wash is a "go-to recommendation." Thanks to the a powerful punch of 2 percent salicylic acid, using this exfoliant wash even just one to two times per week in the shower can help reduce acne, he explains.

Rave review: "This works great in combination with my body scrub to stop my rough patches and bumpy skin."

Key ingredientsSalicylic acid, green tea, chamomile

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7

Best Cream Body Wash

Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (27)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (28)Made from plant oils
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (29)Non-irritating
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (30)Expensive

Made from non-fragrant plant oils, this sulfate-free body wash is gentle enough for sensitive skin and won't further irritate dry skin. Instead, it relies on a multi-amino acid blend to rinse dirt and fatty acid-rich marula, sweet almond, sacha inchi seed, and maracuja oils to hydrate.

Rave review: "This smells so good! I love how it isn't so bubbly that all of it doesn't just fall of my loofah. It is so great to pair with the Sili body lotion. And the packaging of course is super cute!"

Key ingredientsPassionfruit oil, marula oil, amino acid blend
Size8 oz

8

Best Gel/Oil Combination Body Wash

Nécessaire The Body Wash in Bergamot

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (32)Smells great
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (33)Lathers well
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (34)Expensive

Plant-derived surfactants (aka cleansers!) rinse away dirt and other impurities, while a blend of marula, cacay, and meadowfoam smooth and soften skin.. For additional skin benefits, the formula is also packed with vitamins, including vitamins A, B3, C and E, as well as Omegas 6 and 9 and antioxidants.

Rave review: "This got me through the Covid blues and pregnancy when every scent made me nauseous. It’s so delightful to use and it makes me feel refreshed."

Key ingredientsMarula oil, vitamins A, B3, C and E, meadowfoam oil
Size8.4 oz

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9

Best Scented Body Wash

Raw Sugar Watermelon + Mint Body Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (35)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (36)Great scent
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (37)Affordable
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (38)Doesn't lather well

Though it doesn't foam like some other formulas, you'll love lathering up with this affordable body wash, which smells like a liquid Jolly Rancher. As a nice bonus, it's vegan and cruelty-free, too.

Rave review: "I LOVE the smell of this body wash. It smells like watermelon Jolly Ranchers but a little less sweet. It lathers well and doesn’t dry my skin. Perfect for summer!"

Key ingredientsAloe vera, meadowfoam oil, olive oil, comfrey oil, jojoba oil
Size25 oz

10

Best Body Wash For Sensitive Skin

Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (39)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (40)Extremely gentle and hypoallergenic
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (41)Affordable
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (42)Not completely unscented

Dove's lightly-scented formula provides a great lather, and leaves your skin feeling clean and nourished. The secret is its MicroMoisture droplets—a plant-based moisturizer that contains no parabens or sulfates, but penetrates your skin to nourish its protective layer, so your skin won't dry out as quickly as it usually might.

Rave review: "This is a great product because it’s easy to use and leaves you feeling clean and fresh. The pump is great to have in the shower. It doesn’t make your skin feel dry but moisturized."

Size20 oz

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11

Best Invigorating Body Wash

Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (43)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (44)Energizing
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (45)Lathers well
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (46)Expensive

So much more than a hydrating body wash, this formula by Dermalogica has an invigorating blend of eucalyptus and lavender to awaken the senses first thing in the morning.

Rave review: "I love everything about this product!!! Smells like you are in a extravagant spa and feels like you just received a 90 minute massage. Heavenly!"

Key ingredientsTea tree oil, rosemary oil, orange peel oil, eucalyptus
Size10 oz

12

Best Body Wash For Dry Skin

Dove Dryness Relief Body Wash with Jojoba Oil

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (47)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (48)Can buy in bulk
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (49)Very affordable
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (50)Unscented

Because it's sulfate-free and formulated with only the gentlest cleansers, it won't irritate dry skin. It also works to restore a smooth, hydrated skin barrier, thanks to ingredients like jojoba oil.

Rave review: "I have very dry skin on my legs and arms and I use this body wash to help with that. It’s very soothing and helps lock moisture on my skin. Makes your skin feel smooth."

Key ingredientsJojoba oil
Size22 oz

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13

Best Luxury Body Wash

Oribe Replenishing Body Wash

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (52)Lathers well
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (53)Great scent
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (54)Expensive

You'll certainly pay the price for this luxurious cleanser, but it's worth the indulgence. The pearlescent formula feels silky going on, infuses the skin with moisture, and smells heavenly.

Rave review: "I really enjoyed the scent and the amount of lather I got with this body wash. It did seem to last throughout the day and wasn’t drying to my skin."

Key ingredientsAlmond, meadowfoam, and starflower oils, carrot root extract
Size10.1 oz

14

Best Cruelty-Free Body Wash

Glossier Body Hero Daily Oil Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (55)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (56)Vegan
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (57)Smells great
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (58)Expensive

Made of seven oils, this clear, lightweight cleanser froths when mixed with water to effortlessly clean while hydrating at the same time. The orange blossom neroli scent is the icing on the cake.

Rave review: "I use it always and am constantly getting compliments on how good I smell!"

Key ingredientsSeseme seed, olive, coconut, sunflower, and soybean oils, orange blossom neroli blend,
Size8.4 oz

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15

Best Eco-Friendly Body Wash

Blueland Body Wash Starter Set

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (59)

Now 80% Off

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (60)Dermatologist-tested
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (61)Eco-friendly
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (62)Lots of customers say it doesn't lather well

Be kinder to the environment with this formula by Shark Tank-famous brand Blueland. You simply buy the starter set, which comes with a refillable bottle, then fill the bottle with the powdered plant-based wash. It's dermatologist-tested and loaded with oat and vitamin E for a rich moisturizing lather.

Rave review: "It actually does get really thick, and it smells so good! Works amazing. Love it!"

Key ingredientsVitamin E, oat, kaolin clay, coconut acids
Size18 oz (bottle), 2.3 oz (powder refill)

16

Best Calming Body Wash

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Body & Face Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (63)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (64)Widely available
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (65)Gentle
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (66)More expensive than other drugstore picks

A favorite of Madfes, this drugstore body wash is loaded with glycerin for a moisturizing effect, plus contains niacinamide to calm irritated or rash-prone skin.

Rave review: "I use this for my psoriasis. It is gentle, fragrance-free, and does a good job."

Key ingredientsShea butter, niacinamide
Size13.52 oz

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17

Best Fragrance-Free Body Wash

Odele Ultra Sensitive Body Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (67)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (68)Gentle
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (69)Fragrance-free
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (70)Not widely available

This pick is approved by the National Eczema Association because it's fragrance-, sulfate-, phalate-, paraben-, and dye-free. It's nice and gentle, even if you're experiencing a flare up, thanks to soothing oats.

Rave review: "My son has very sensitive skin! This body was is amazing, doesn't irritate him or make him itchy. Love the simple and clean but effective ingredients—so glad we found this brand!"

Key ingredientsCalming oats
Size16 oz

18

Best Body Wash Clogged Pores

Neutrogena Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Acne Body Wash

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (71)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (72)Great scent
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (73)Non-comedogenic
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (74)Beads may be bad for the environment

Have large pores prone to clogging and breakouts? This product contains a combination of salicylic acid and glycerin to help unclog pores without drying out skin, says Dr. Jaliman.

Rave review: "This product saved my backne situation. I used to breakout all over my back and was so frustrated and stressed out about it. But just after a few uses, I already notice that the inflammation is under control."

Key ingredientsSalicylic acid, glycerin
Size8.5 oz

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19

Best Foaming Body Wash

Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Bath & Shower Gel

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (75)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (76)Lathers well
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (77)Smells great
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (78)Expensive

You'll love the fresh and invigorating grapefruit scent. But what's even better? The foaming shower gel is packed with citrus fruit extracts, shea butter, and vitamins C and E to gently cleanse and brighten skin.

Rave review: "I love Hesperides. The scent lightly lingers after a shower but it’s not overwhelming. It is such a clean smell and you can also use it for bubble bath."

Key ingredientsShea butter, vitamins C and E
Size10 oz

20

Best Hydrating Body Wash

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fragrance-Free Hydrating Body Gel Cream

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (79)

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (80)

Pros
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (81)Ultra-hydrating
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (82)Widely available
Cons
  • 27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (83)Hard to get out

Part of the wildly popular Hydro Boost line by Neutrogena, this body wash is beloved by those with all skin types, says Dr. Madfes. That's because it contains a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturized longer.

Rave review: "Hydro boots gives dry skin the hydration it needs. My skin tends to be on the dryer side getting older and this lotion gives it what it needs to stay healthy."

Key ingredientsHyaluronic acid
Size16 oz

27 Best Body Washes for Women, According To Dermatologists (84)

Brigitt Earley

Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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