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These hardworking cleansers deliver cleaner, smoother skin.
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 Dr. Debra Jaliman, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist.
Meet Our Experts: Dr. Debra Jaliman, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC, Dr. Diane Madfes, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, Dr. Corey L. Hartman, 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.
Great for sharing among family members, this fragrance- and oil-free formula is hydrating, but non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. It also contains ceramides to help retain moisture on the skin's surface and protect the against environmental irritants, says Green.
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.
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.
Because it contains colloidal oatmeal, which has shown to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis, this pick is great for sensitive skin, says Green. "Oatmeal contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a powerful ingredient for soothing and healing irritated skin."
Though the cheapest body wash on the list, it's just as worthy of your attention, says Hartman. "It has aloe to help add moisture and is free of dyes, parabens, sulfates and silicones, which ideal for people with sensitive skin."
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.
For patients with acne on their chest or back, 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.
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.
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.
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.
This fragrance-free formula is gentle and hydrating enough even for someone with psoriasis, says Jaliman. It contains glycerin, a humectant works to moisturize in the immediate, but also serves as a protective layer to help prevent moisture loss.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Jaliman.
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.
Part of the wildly popular Hydro Boost line by Neutrogena, this body wash is beloved by those with all skin types, says Madfes. That's because it contains a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturized longer.
This widely available drugstore body wash contains plenty of the good stuff—hyaluronic acid and ceramides for moisturization and salicylic acid to exfoliate. The result: Clearer pores and smoother skin without irritating, says Jaliman.
Though an oil, this cleanser foams on contact with water to create a dirt-sloughing lather that cleans and hydrates all at once. And if you love the brand's cult-favorite candles? You're bound to go crazy for this product, despite the jaw-dropping price tag.
Massage this ultra-hydrating formula into skin every day for smoother, softer skin. The smell—notes of coconut oil, Tahitian gardenia, and vanilla bean extract—is just as irresistible.
Though it contains a 2 percent salicylic base that does wonders for cleaning acne-prone skin, it overdry and cause irritation, says Madfes. A little goes a long way, too—just put a small drop on your palm, then add water and work into a lather and massage on the affected area.
The lavender in this body wash does more than make a sweet-smelling product, it has exceptional anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, says Jaliman, who says it's a good choice for people with sensitive skin, including those with redness due to rosacea. It also contains shea butter, an ingredient rich in natural vitamins and fatty acids, to help moisturize.
Formulated by a popular spa, this body wash contains a combination of aloe leaf extract and glycerin to draw moisture to the skin, eliminating dryness and improving overall hydration almost instantly.
If you're traveling and in a pinch, need a quick refresh after a hard workout, or simply prefer wipes, Madfes says this product is a great alternative to a traditional body wash. They're safe for use all over and effectively clean and hydrate all at once.