As a beauty editor, a big part of my job is testing dozens of products throughout the year. And while this might sound weirdly specific, one of my favorite types of products to test are bodywashes. I’ve tried everything from luxury washes to drugstore gems.
I definitely don’t mind testing (and enjoying) the formulas that sit at a higher price point, but I personally tend to invest in affordable brands when I’m shopping for myself. A lot of people assume that because a bodycare product is cheaper, it’s less effective, but that’s not exactly the case. In fact, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of which drugstore bodywashes actually deliver on results.
But just to be sure, I spoke with board-certified dermatologist Tiffany L. Clay-Ramsey, MD, FAAD and double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, for their insight. Read on to see which bodywashes made the list!
The Best Drugstore Bodywashes, at a Glance Best Drugstore Bodywashes of 20261. Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash Ap+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
La Roche-Posay
Lipikar Wash Ap+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
In our top spot is this moisturizing wash from La Roche-Posay, which was recommended by both of our experts. Camp calls out the hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide that can be used on extra-dry and sensitive skin. It can be used on the face and the body, and is accepted by the National Eczema Association. “It’s great for someone who craves a simple routine,” says Clay-Ramsey. “It’s also fragrance-free and contains prebiotic thermal water. I recommend it to many of my eczema and dry skin patients.”
Pros: 24 hours of hydration, multi-purpose
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide
Scent: None
Size: 13.5 oz
Customer review: “Its been a journey trying to find a body wash that doesn’t irritate my skin. I’ve cycle through a couple of brands before finding this one. Its been great for my dry and sensitive skin, no irritation and left my skin feeling moisturized.”
2. Best Splurge: Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Wash
Cetaphil
Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Wash
If you’re willing to splurge a little, consider this option from Cetaphil. “This cleanser is great for dry skin because it’s soap-free and contains nourishing vitamin B3 and antioxidant vitamin E,” says Camp. It’s also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.
Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, soap-free
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, vitamin B3
Scent: None
Size: 10 oz
Customer review: “For dry skin, using it as a shower body wash is great. I don’t feel itchy between daily showers.”
3. Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
VANICREAM
Gentle Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, odds are you’ve tried a few different formulas in hopes of little to no irritation. This option from Vanicream is gentle enough to sooth skin without causing any itching or redness. “This gentle body wash checks off a lot of boxes,” says Camp. “It’s free of fragrance, parabens, sulfate, dyes, cocamidopropyl betaine, and formaldehyde-releasing agents.”
Pros: Affordable, safe for sensitive skin, free of fragrance
Cons: May not treat dry skin as well as other formulas
Key ingredients: Glycerin
Scent: None
Size: 12 oz
Customer review: “From the moment this product goes on my bathing sponge and touches my skin, it glides and softens and smoothes. After a shower, I sometimes don’t even need cream because my skin is so hydrated. Lovely product that I will buy again and again.”
4. Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Wash
Neutrogena
Body Clear Acne Body Wash
If you struggle with stubborn body acne, you’ll appreciate this formula from Neutrogena. “This is a popular cleanser for treating acne on the chest, shoulders, and back,” says Camp. “It contains salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, penetrates deep in pores to remove oil and unclog pores.”
Pros: Lightly scented, oil-free formula, affordable
Cons: Not ideal for those with dry skin
Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid
Scent: Citrus
Size: 8.5 oz
Customer review: “I bought this a month ago and I’m in love. It smells amazing! My chest and back are clear, and it feels so smooth! I will be buying this again and again.”
5. Best for Dry Skin: Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash
Aveeno
Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash
If you have dry skin, look no further than this bodywash from Aveeno. “This is extremely moisturizing and is also fragrance-free,” says Clay-Ramsey. “I enjoy that it creates a nice lather without stripping the skin. It can also be used when shaving if you run out of shaving cream.” She notes that the triple oat formula also soothes irritated skin.
Pros: Moisturizing, soothing
Cons: Pump can break easily
Key ingredients: Triple Oat blend
Scent: None
Size: 33 oz.
Customer review: “This is a wonderful body wash! I have extremely sensitive skin, so I have to be careful about what products I use on it. This one moisturizes my skin so much and never leaves it feeling tight or dry. The amount you get in this bottle is totally worth the money, and the pump provided is key. The scent is very subtle and fresh smelling. I love it!”
6. Best Ph-Balancing Formula: The Honey Pot Company Coconut Shea Hydrating Body Cleanser
The Honey Pot Company
Coconut Shea Hydrating Body Cleanser
I’ve tested this product on several occasions and instantly fell in love with the formula after the first use. “Honey Pot’s Hydrating Body Cleanser is a naturally derived, clinically tested, pH-balanced wash that actually supports your skin barrier instead of stripping it,” says Clay-Ramsey. “It uses coconut oil and a hydrating herbal serum to help maintain balance, while shea butter and lactic acid work together to lock in moisture and leave skin feeling soft and comfortable.”
Pros: Balances pH, smells great, gentle on skin
Cons: None
Key ingredients: Marshmellow and shatavari root, coconut, and calendula
Scent: Coconut and shea
Size: 15 oz.
Customer review: “I love this product! The scent is amazing, and I really do love the bottle. The fact that it is plant derived and made with great ingredients make this the most beautiful product for my skin. It leaves you feeling clean and refreshed.”
7. Best Budget: Dove Beauty Deep Moisture Body Wash
Dove Beauty
Deep Moisture Body Wash
Another product that I’ve tried first-hand is this bodywash from Dove. It works well with my sensitive skin and smell amazing without being too strong. I noticed my skin feeling softer after just a few uses. I like alternating between this one and the Cucumber and Green Tea formula.
Pros: Affordable
Cons: May feel heavy on skin for some
Key ingredients: Gylcerin and soybean oil
Scent: Fresh
Size: 20 oz.
Customer review: “This body wash is basically a hug in liquid form. It’s so creamy I’m convinced Dove has a secret deal with the cloud industry. It lathers like it’s trying to impress me (and honestly, it does), leaves my skin ridiculously soft, and smells clean without screaming for attention. If Dove ever stops making this, I will absolutely file a formal complaint with the universe.”
8. Best Scented: Native Coconut U0026 Vanilla Body Wash
Native
Coconut Vanilla Body Wash
If you’re on the hunt for a vegan formula that also smells amazing, try Native’s Coconut Vanilla Body Wash. This notes are like a vacation in a bottle with coconut, pineapple, citrus, and vanilla. The plant-based ingredients work together to hydrate skin and balance pH. It’s a favorite in my household!
Pros: Smells great, pH-balancing
Cons: Pricey, pump can break or get stuck
Key ingredients: Citric acid and glycerin
Scent: Vanilla and coconut
Size: 36 oz.
Customer review: “It’s thick and soapy, smells good, and provides a lot of hydration. Doesn’t strip oil out of skin. Will buy more.”
9. Best for Rough Skin: CeraVe Body Wash With Salicylic Acid for Rough and Bumpy Skin
CeraVe
Cerave Body Wash With Salicylic Acid for Rough and Bumpy Skin
Anyone who has dry, rough, or bumpy skin will fall in love with this formula from CeraVe. It’s made with salicylic acid and ceramides to restore the protective skin barrier and exfoliate dead skin. It’s also relatively affordable and gentle on sensitive skin.
Pros: Exfoliating
Cons: Some users don’t love the smell
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and ceramides
Scent: None
Size: 10 oz
Customer review: “I love the products from this brand, it doesn’t dry out my skin, it has a pleasant and subtle scent, and my skin feels velvety after use. I highly recommend it to my friends and family.”
How do dermatologists recommend washing your body?
Although this question gets asked a lot, the bottom line is that body washing is very personal (and sometimes cultural), so everyone does it a little differently. That said, Clay-Ramsey suggests that people with dry or eczema-prone skin specifically “lather the “dirty” parts of the body daily, and the entire body every other day to avoid drying out sensitive places like the arms and legs which can get quite dry,” she says.
She also notes that a washcloth or pouf should be used more frequently than physical exfoliators to protect the skin. Camp also likes the use of washcloths to create a generous lather that prevents excess product use. If you use a loofah, Clay-Ramsey flags that it should completely dry out between washes to avoid mold and bacteria growth and be swapped for a new one regularly.
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best scalp concealers for this roundup, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients, scent, and size. We’re aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.
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