Compared to how intense I am about the ingredients, serums, and masks that touch my face, I’m pretty laissez-faire about what goes on my body. I’ll invest in a fancy lotion from time to time, but it’s the shower where things really go awry. Instead of honing in on the best body wash for my skin type, I’m guilty of using leftover hotel samples. Or that good old standby: Dove Body Wash.
In an effort to set my shower game straight, I tapped two skincare experts —Dr. Heather D. Rogers, dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and founder and CEO of Doctor Rogers; and celebrity aesthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar—to break down everything to know about finding the right body wash for you.
Whether you’re struggling with eczema, acne (including the dreaded “bacne”), or want to find something solid to count on every day, the best body wash is just a quick scroll away.
Feature image by Michelle Nash
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I was assured that I’m not alone in my less-than-diligent approach to buying body wash, but I was also reminded of its importance.
“I believe that our body products should be the most selective regarding the ingredients used because they’re the ones we cover our bodies in and wash down the drain in the most significant quantities,” Dr. Rogers shares. “We expect to pay $250 for 0.5 fluid ounces of eye cream but suddenly become very price sensitive if a body product costs more than $50. This paradigm needs to shift. I regularly educate my patients to skip the eye cream and spend on body products that work safely for their skin, body, and our world. They save money and get better results!”
In general, look for ingredient lists that are simple and minimal. A few crowd-pleasing body wash ingredients to keep an eye out for:
And body wash ingredients to avoid:
Doctor Rogers Restore Restore Face Wash
“If your budget can stretch, our body wash is made with face-quality, 100% readily biodegradable ingredients, including gentle, sulfate-free cleansing agents, powerful humectants, and clinically-proven moisturizing oils.” — Dr. Heather D. Rogers
Any congestion on your back—be it your back, butt, or thighs—is very common, according to Dr. Rogers. The solution: use a body wash with an active chemical exfoliator like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Aguilar also loves body toners and lotions with gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs.
Stick to an every-other-day routine (to avoid drying out the skin) and be sure to hydrate with a great body lotion along the way.
DMK Skin, Hydra Louffa Body and Bath Wash
“I see a lot of success with DMK Skin. Not only do they have a purifying yet hydrating body wash, but they also have great products to meet all different lifestyles such as acne lotions, mists, and powders to combat bacne.” — Natalie Aguilar
For a body wash that’s ultra-hydrating, look for ingredients like:
For those who are quick to develop eczema, be sure your body wash is at or below a pH of 7, and avoid ingredients that could inflame the skin, like fragrances, alcohol, essential oils, and physical exfoliators.
For sensitive skin types, Dr. Rogers loves Native’s fragrance-free body wash.
Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Dr. Rogers also recommends this soap-free option for those who prefer oil cleansers.
Cell turnover is slower on your body than it is on your face, so it’s important not to overdo it in the exfoliating department. Every other day or three times a week should work for most, especially when interspersed with a moisturizing body cream.
In terms of loofahs or any physical scrubs, Dr. Rogers warns against them entirely. “You are literally just scratching your skin, causing micro and some not-so-micro tears and ultimately damaging the skin barrier,” she notes.
Though we should be willing to shell out more for our body wash, great quality doesn’t always have to mean a high price tag. Case in point: all of the following options.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Surgras Cleansing Bar
“La Roche-Posay Lipikar Surgras—formulated with minimal fragrance—is a great affordable option.” — Dr. Heather D. Rogers
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
“Naturium does a great job with clean, cruelty-free, and versatile, ingredients.” — Natalie Aguilar
“A well-formulated syndet (“synthetic detergent”) bar is an option, including Dove’s Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar.” — Dr. Heather D. Rogers
Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Dr. Rogers also loves this drugstore staple for a well-formulated body wash.
Vanicream Cleansing Bar, Fragrance Free
“A well-formulated syndet (“synthetic detergent”) bar is an option, including the Vanicream Cleansing Bar.” — Dr. Heather D. Rogers
Our experts agree that a nickel-sized amount of body wash should be enough to cover most of the body.
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