We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 9 Best Body Washes to Keep Your Dry Skin Happy, According to 800+ Hours of Testing Look of the Day. By Tatiana Boncompagni Tatiana Boncompagni Tatiana Boncompagni is a freelance writer in New York City who is passionate about everything related to looking and feeling your best from the inside out. Her writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Financial Times. Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet's editorial guidelines Updated on April 18, 2025 @ 11:00AM In This Article View All In This Article a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City Reviews What to Keep in Mind nbsp;to boost hydration, as well as honey and colloidal oatmeal to reduce irritation Why Shop With Us Photo: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet Have you ever heard that if you’re thirsty, you’ve already gone too long without water? Well, it’s the same for your skin. Sure, your ashy, flaky legs and arms can be soothed with a rich moisturizer or body lotion, but the hard truth is that they should probably never get that dry in the first place. One of the major culprits behind parched, itchy skin is soap, which often contain sulfates and surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate ( SLS ) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which are “common foaming agents that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and irritation,” says Best Surfactant-Free/ Best All-Natural, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. So, our team of beauty experts set off to find the best body washes for dry skin that won’t wreak havoc on your skin barrier. Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash at Amazon tested 21 body washes formulated specifically for dry and sensitive skin, critiquing them on their consistency, ability to hydrate and cleanse skin, how radiant the skin looked with continued use, and their overall ability to deliver moist, clean skin. In the end, the team fell in love with nine body washes packed with soothing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter—all of which help restore the skin’s barrier and keep the skin hydrated, says Best for Travel, If you have rough patches, use an emollient balm for those spots. a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City Best Overall: SALE Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash at Amazon $12 $10 Jump to Review Look of the Day: SALE Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash at Amazon $29 $21 Jump to Review Best for Travel: AKT The Body Wash Concentrate at Aktlondon.com Jump to Review Best Dermatologist-Recommended: I’ve Tried 30+ Anti-Aging Tools, but This Gadget Plumps My Withered Skin in 60 Seconds $18 Jump to Review Best Surfactant-Free/ Best All-Natural: Juara Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Everyday: Linoleic acid, candlenut oil, glycerin｜ $10 Jump to Review Best for Dry, Sensitive Skin: Eczema Honey Soothing Body Wash at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best Budget: Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash at Amazon $7 Jump to Review Best Luxury: Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best Overall Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $12 $10 at Amazon $12 $10 at Walmart View on Vitacost a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City: The unique gel cream formula had us at hello, but it was the way this body wash lathered up into a rich foam and left our skin feeling fresh and clean that made us fall head over (super soft) heels. The hydrating ingredients helped calm our dry, itch-prone skin and kept the texture of our skin soft and flake-free. We also liked the gender-neutral scent, a refreshing citrus and herb aroma that washed off. Who It's For: We think this body wash is best for someone with normal to dry skin who’s used to using bar soap. This hydrating formula eliminated our tester’s usual need to use a moisturizer post-cleanse since their skin never felt tight after showering, nor did the formula leave behind a residue. However, we think that those with extremely dry skin may need a more nourishing product to stave off itchiness or flakiness throughout the day. Formula: Creamy gel｜Key Ingredients: Amla fruit extract, magnesium, marula oil｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 6.8 oz We loved using this wash with our loofah, which resulted in extra suds and helped exfoliate any dead skin on our legs. Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet Chrissy, tester with dry skin: “This body wash was a good cleanser. It took away some redness and itchiness I was dealing with, and it also got rid of the flakiness I was having with my skin.” Look of the Day Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash PHOTO: Nordstrom $29 $21 at Amazon $29 at Nordstrom $29 at Ulta a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City: Body odor is one of our top concerns, but sometimes soap makes dry skin uncomfortable, especially in the winter. Just one pump of this cleanser is enough to wash the day off of skin and leave behind lovely notes of rose, musk, and vanilla. The emollients in the formula help improve the texture of rough skin, and over time, we even noticed a slight glow. Though some rich and creamy formulas can leave behind a greasy feeling, this one rinsed off clean and left our tester’s skin feeling soft and comfy. Who It's For: Ultra nourishing cocoa and shea butters, calming purslane extract, and hydrating marshmallow root extract all soothe exceptionally dry, easily irritated skin. The lathering formula does a good job of washing away body odor and imparting a lasting fragrance on the skin. Those with dry skin leading very active lifestyles will appreciate this product. Formula: Cream｜Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, marshmallow root extract｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 10 oz If you are the kind of person who sees lines on your skin when you scratch it, give this body wash a try. Our skin was a lot smoother, more deeply hydrated, and radiant after testing this formula. PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet Dr. Marina Peredo is a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan at Skinfluence Amandeep, tester with dry skin: “After using this product, I no longer need to use moisturizer even in winters, which was not the case with the products I used in the past.” Best for Travel AKT The Body Wash Concentrate PHOTO: AKT View on Aktlondon.com a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City: Got travel plans? This concentrated body wash kept our tester’s dry skin happy and itch-free on an extended road trip through New England. The waterless formula includes prebiotics to promote a healthy skin barrier In This Article. Who It's For: This body wash is TSA-friendly and, thanks to the bottle, isn’t at risk of leaking all over our makeup bags. We also appreciate that it’s environmentally conscious and sustainable, thanks to its waterless formula and metal, plastic-free packaging. Zero sulfates and skin-soothing aloe vera on the skin. Those with dry skin leading very active lifestyles will appreciate this product. Formula: Cream gel｜Key Ingredients: Squalane, prebiotics, calendula oil｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 3.38 oz The Body Wash Concentrate comes in four fragrance profiles. We tried SC.03, which had a very light vetiver and yuzu scent that was barely noticeable after we washed it off. Other versions feature orange, pomelo, and violet notes. Image: AKT. Tatiana, tester with sensitive skin: “I really love this body wash because it takes up so little room in my shower, and I can travel with it when I go on trips. It also has a luxurious feel to the lather and lasts a long time because you don't need much.” Best Dermatologist-Recommended La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ PHOTO: Amazon $18 $16 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $18 $16 at Target a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City: This “milky and smooth” body wash left our tester’s skin feeling clean, hydrated, and nourished with no greasy residue or irritation. Plus, a little goes a long way. One pump lathers up the whole body. In fact, NYC dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., FAAD, says this is her “go-to” recommendation for patients with moisture-deprived skin. “It gently cleanses skin and helps alleviate dryness, leaves the skin feeling soft and supple, and helps protect skin from the drying effects of water,” says Dr. Nussbaum. Who It's For: A hydrating, fragrance-free, and non-irritating formula makes this wash ideal for combination skin types. Our Chrissy, tester with dry skin wasn’t clogged by this really good cleanser. Want a post-shower clean feel without any of the dryness? This wash does the trick. Formula: Milky｜Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 13.5 oz Consistency is key. Our tester noticed the rough and dry spots on her elbows really started to improve after four washes, and her skin softness and overall hydration continued to improve over several weeks. PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet Best for Travel: “The body wash did leave me feeling hydrated and nourished. I do feel like it wore off a little bit throughout the day, but if I was struggling with rough and dry spots like my elbows in particular, I noticed a difference with those spots being fully hydrated in about four uses of the body wash. It was really incredible to see the level of hydration work so quickly and to notice a difference almost immediately!” Best Surfactant-Free/ Best All-Natural Juara Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel PHOTO: Juara $32 at Amazon View on Juaraskincare.com a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City: This creamy gel body wash is made without sulfates to gently cleanse without irritating or stripping skin of its natural oils. Our tester noticed her ashy legs became hydrated and less itchy when she used it regularly. Her legs and arms were so soft that she could give her weekly exfoliating scrub a break. Who It's For: Rich in candlenut oil and linolenic acid, which helps support the skin barrier function, this creamy shower gel is perfect for people who are sensitive or reactive to sulfates and won’t miss the lather or foam of other washes. The light rose, freesia, jasmine, bergamot, and coconut fragrance is reminiscent of the beaches of Bali, but doesn’t linger on the skin after you wash it off. Formula: Creamy gel｜Key Ingredients: Linoleic acid, candlenut oil, glycerin｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 12 oz We love a good multitasker, and this skin-softening shower gel does more than meets the eye. It worked super well as a shaving cream and also does double (or is that triple?) duty as a bath soak. Image: Juara. Image: Juara. The following Experts spoke to: “This product is much more hydrating than many of the shower gels I have used. I am careful about what I use on my skin, and this wash really is gentle and moisturizing.” Best Everyday Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $10 $9 at Amazon $12 at Walgreens $10 $9 at Walmart a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City: The soft, milky texture of this formula made us rethink our stockpile of bath products. It managed to eliminate our tester’s body odors and cut through all of their post-workout sweat and grime, even though it didn’t lather. You have to use a few pumps to clean from head to toe, but there’s a lot of product in the bottle, and the pump packaging makes it easy to dispense. Who It's For: While the glycerin, shea butter, and avocado oils in the formula are nourishing, testers still had to use moisturizer for extra hydration after rinsing. Someone with extremely dry skin will need to use a more hydrating wash or pair it with a post-cleanse lotion. Formula: Milk｜Key Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, avocado oil｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 20 oz Our skin never felt itchy or stripped, and even though we did have to use lotion, we had to use it less often the more we used this body wash. Those sensitive to scents will be happy to note that this wash is fragrance-free. PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet mdash;all of which help restore the skin’s barrier and keep the skin hydrated, says: “I love a soap that lathers—this one doesn't—but I still feel as though it does a good job cleaning the body. It 100 percent eliminated odor and anything leftover from a long day or workout. Even better: My skin never felt overstripped or tight, nor did it ever leave a film or residue.” Best for Dry, Sensitive Skin Eczema Honey Soothing Body Wash PHOTO: Ulta $14 at Amazon $14 at Ulta View on Vitacost a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City: This ultra mild, lightweight, and sulfate-free formula is made specifically for people with sensitive skin, and it’s one of the most gentle body washes out of the bunch. It calms and soothes skin on days when it is irritated, and it neutralizes body odor without using any harsh chemicals. Who It's For: If you have extremely dry skin and want something that’s very rich and creamy, this may not be your pick. But if your skin is sensitive to fragrance and sulfates and you want a lighter, milky wash, this product is perfect for you. It includes ingredients like chamomile extract to calm skin and fight bacteria, and aloe vera and jojoba oil to boost hydration, as well as honey and colloidal oatmeal to reduce irritation. Formula: Gel｜Key Ingredients: Honey, colloidal oatmeal, calendula extract｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 13 oz The thickness is a bit runnier than a gel, and all it takes is one or two pumps to get your whole body clean. Our tester’s skin was so soft and nourished that they could skip a day of lotion without any dryness. PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet Courtney, tester with dry and flaky skin and keratosis pilaris: “My skin felt pretty smooth and soft, even if I missed lotion for a day or two. I found this body wash formula to be quite nourishing despite being pretty lightweight. It was incredibly gentle and didn't irritate my skin at all.” Best Budget Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash PHOTO: Walgreens $7 at Amazon $7 at Walgreens $8 at Walmart a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City: Body washes can cost a little or a lot, and you often pay for what you get, but this thick and creamy formula creates a luxurious lather and leaves skin feeling silky smooth—for an affordable price. Testers found it rinsed off nicely, didn’t cause any irritation or itchiness, or leave a film behind, and it made their skin more deeply hydrated. Who It's For: Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash at Amazon. Niacinamide provides hydration and nourishment, and shea butter to combat dryness. The classic scent was pleasing to us, but fragrances “can definitely be a concern for sensitive skin, especially for those with skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea or psoriasis,” warns Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “These fragrances and scents can potentially trigger redness, itching, dryness, and flare-ups,” she says. Formula: Cream｜Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 22 oz If you have rough patches, use an emollient balm for those spots. PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet Glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter｜: “This body wash is thick, creamy and a bit runny and it lathered very well. My skin felt soft, smooth and refreshed after each use.” Best Luxury Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon $36 at Ulta $36 at Dermstore a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City: If you dream of dropping everything and going on a five-star yoga retreat, think of this silky gel body wash like a spa getaway in a bottle. The wash is made with eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, and orange peel oils that gently cleanse skin (and melt stress away) without stripping away any natural oils. After taking one shower, our tester’s skin texture visibly improved, and it felt more hydrated and comfortable for the full 24 hours after use. Who It's For: If you want a luxurious, spa-like experience, this wash won’t disappoint. Although this luxury body wash is on the pricier side, it only takes one or two dime-sized pumps to cleanse your entire body. Formula: Gel｜Key Ingredients: Eucalyptus, orange peel oil, tea tree oil｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 10 oz You can also use this wash to shave since it doesn’t get very sudsy and has a nice slip to it. We also liked how the wonderful spa scent lingers on the skin post-toweling off, but when it comes to residue, there’s not a trace. PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet PHOTO: Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet Cocoa butter, shea butter, marshmallow root extract｜: “I love how luxurious it felt going on. It felt high-quality. It smells and feels like a product that would be used in a spa, and my skin felt refreshed and smooth after.” While these body washes are made for dry skin, you can enhance their effectiveness by monitoring the clock and your water temperature. Dr. Peredo recommends limiting shower time and using lukewarm water to help prevent further skin drying. And, if you really want to bank some bonus hydration, use body lotion on your moist skin immediately after washing to lock in the moisture. What to Keep in Mind Lather: Some body washes are creamier and some are more gel-like, but different consistencies can lather or foam depending on their ingredients. If you prefer a rich, creamy lather, you might prefer a sulfate-based wash, says Dr. Reszko. Gentler, more hydrating body washes have milder surfactants. “Creamy or lotion-like body washes are perfect for dry or sensitive skin, while feeling less soapy and more like a moisturizing lotion,” she says. Residue: It gets a bad rap, but should it? Body washes with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or glycerin often leave a slight residue, says Dr. Reszko. “This can be great if you have dry skin and want lasting moisture,” she says. “Non-moisturizing or clear gel washes typically rinse off completely with no residue, leaving your skin feeling clean and fresh. These are great for people with oily or combination skin who don’t want to feel like they’ve left anything behind.”Key Ingredients: If skin is dry, it needs hydration and moisture—and yes, there’s a difference. Hydration adds water to the skin, and to do that, you’ll want to use a formula with humectants, which act like magnets to draw water into your skin. Most people are familiar with glycerin, which is a humectant that helps maintain hydration levels. Another star ingredient to search for is hyaluronic acid, which keeps skin plump and hydrated. Then, to seal in that hydration, Dr. Peredo recommends emollients, such as jojoba, coconut, and avocado oil, and ceramides, which are lipids that help restore the skin's barrier by preventing moisture loss.Scent: Fragrance is personal. Some people like it, and other people don’t, but when it comes to super dry and sensitive skin, it might be better to take a pass, says Dr. Engleman. The expert recommends looking for indicators that a body wash is fragrance-free or hypoallergenic on the label. nbsp;to boost hydration, as well as honey and colloidal oatmeal to reduce irritation Is body wash as effective as soap? Depending on the ingredients, body wash helps eliminate body odors and cleans the skin. The downside of soap is that it “usually has a pH that makes the skin feel tight and dry, which is why we like liquid moisturizing body wash better,” says Dr. Nussbaum. What is the biggest mistake I can make using a body wash? Don’t over-wash. Even moisturizing washes can dry out the skin if they are overused. Dr. Engelman recommends lathering for no more than 30 seconds before rinsing. “Lathering too long can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness or irritation,” she says. Her best tip? Always use your body wash with water to prevent damaging your skin with any unnecessary friction. Do cleansing oils for the face work on the body? If you’ve made the switch to a cleansing oil for your face and want to try it on your body, go for it. “The same principles that make cleansing oils effective on the face can be applied to the body. They work by attracting and breaking down oils, and they tend to emulsify with water to rinse clean, leaving the skin soft and hydrated without stripping it of its natural oils,” says Dr. Reszko. Can I use a body wash if I have bacne? If you have dry skin and bacne, the best course of action is to use benzoyl peroxide on your back and moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer, says Nussbaum. Why Shop With Us Tatiana Boncompagni is a writer and communications consultant with two decades of experience covering beauty and health. She’s also on her super’s sh*t list for routinely clogging her shower drain with her favorite body scrub, but that’s a price she’s willing to pay for soft skin. To update this story, Tatiana tested body washes, pored over reviews, and spoke to numerous dermatologists. I Almost Can’t Believe How Poreless This $15 Treatment Makes My Skin Look Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet nbsp;to boost hydration, as well as honey and colloidal oatmeal to reduce irritation: I Tell Everyone to Buy This $20 Korean Tint That Makes My Skin Dewy and Glass-Like.Dr. Anetta Reszko is a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. She's also a dermatologic surgeon, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and an Assistant Attending Dermatologist at New York Presbyterian HospitalDr. Marnie Nussbaum is a board-certified dermatologist in NYC specializing in non-invasive aesthetic rejuvenation.Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. She's the Director of Dermatologic Surgery at Metropolitan Hospital. Read more: Beauty Skin