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Winter is officially here, and my dry skin is already parched. I'm pretty much prepared to do anything to remedy the itchiness, ashiness, and irritation, so I was thrilled to learn that the shortest path to hydration is through my body wash.
After chatting with a few board-certified dermatologists, I learned that body washes for dry skin are a legit way to minimize dryness and itchy skin. And after testing a few doctor recommendations and some newness that caught my eye, I noticed an real improvement. My eczema flare-ups are less obvious thanks to popular ingredients, like ceramides, niacinamide, aloe vera, and colloidal oatmeal.
Best Body Washes For Dry Skin
The best part about these featured body washes is that you don't have to be, ahem, blessed with dry skin to reap the skin-nourishing benefits. "Even if you are not prone to general dehydration, everyone should be trying to infuse their skin with. moisture this time of year," says board-certified dermatologist Noah Gratch, MD. "Having heat on in your home can dry out the air, plus, a body wash for dry skin is also less likely to contain harsh detergents or fragrances that can strip away your skin's natural oils, which are essential for maintaining hydration."
What To Consider
With all the body washes on the market, it can be challenging to figure out what's worth your buck. Here are a few tips on what to keep in mind while you shop.
Ingredients
When looking for the right body wash for dry skin, it is important to review the ingredient list. The helpful components our dry skin craves can be categorized into hydrating humectants, protective occlusives, and soothing agents.
According to Dr. Gratch, humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw moisture into the skin, while emollients such as shea butter and natural oils smooth and soften by replenishing lost lipids. Occlusives, such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and beeswax, create a barrier to lock in hydration. While barrier-replenishing ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide help repair and strengthen the skin's natural defenses. To calm irritation, you should also look for soothing agents, including aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal.
As for which ingredients to avoid, dyes, exfoliation beads, and other physical exfoliators. As for fragrances, it's important to remember that "unscented" is not the same as fragrance-free. "You always want to look for something that's fragrance-free rather than unscented," explains board-certified dermatologist Jessica Dowling, MD. "Even if something says it's unscented, it could still have masking fragrances."
Ph-Balanced
You should also look for labels that state if the product is meant to balance your pH. "Healthy skin has a pH of five and a half to 5.9," says board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD. "The cleansers you want to look for are between five to six and a half to help support your skin barrier.
Formula
Choosing the right cleanser depends on your skin's needs and how much hydration and care it actually needs. According to board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, each type of body wash offers different benefits depending on your skin type and preferences. Here's a quick rundown of the five types per our medical experts.
- Gel cleansers are light, refreshing, and non-greasy, making them ideal for normal to mildly dry skin. Dr. Gratch adds gel cleansers can be less hydrating than other formulations, potentially leaving skin feeling tight if they're not specifically formulated for dry skin.
- Bar soaps last long, are more cost-effective, and can help reduce plastic waste because they don't come in plastic tubes. They can moisturize with pH-balanced formulas, but Dr. Lal and Dr. Gratch agree that most traditional bar soaps may harm your dry skin if they are overly alkaline. Also, since bar soaps get wet they are prone to contamination.
- Foams rinse away easily, but they're not for us. The pros say foam body washes are best for those with normal to oily skin because they're drying. However, if you decide to forgo our advice and are still keen on using a foam cleanser, Dr. Gratch says to follow up with a good moisturizer.
- Cream cleansers are epic for dry skin, and our experts consider them perfect for very dry or sensitive skin since they feel rich and hydrating.
- Lastly, oil-based cleansers are a fantastic way to show your dry skin some much-needed TLC. Dr. Lal says these types of body washes help replenish moisture and lock in hydration, making them excellent for extremely dry or eczema-prone skin.
How We Chose
A huge part of my eight years of beauty journalism experience has been testing and reviewing new beauty products and old classics from indie darlings and industry power players. After chatting with three board-certified dermatologists from New York and Arizona, I asked them to open up about the products they're using and recommending to their patients.
Once they made the case for their go-to recommendations, I got my hands on their in-stock picks and put them to the test. I also evaluated them against other body washes in our beauty closet for a more comprehensive testing period. I factored in each product's ingredients, formulation, texture, consistency, smell, and price to determine its overall value. I also showered with each cleanser multiple times before narrowing down my selection over two weeks. Ultimately, I sampled nine picks, but these five were the ones I feel comfortable recommending and will be repurchasing in the future when they all run out. While I didn't get to test the sixth and final pick, it earned major snaps from multiple dermatologists and it doesn't break the bank, so I knew it was worthy of inclusion.
Ahead are my honest thoughts on each pick and feedback from the pros.
Best Overall
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Pros
Doesn't irritate eczema-prone skin.- It has a thick consistency that spreads on skin nicely.
- A little but of product goes a long way.
- Can be used on the face and body, though I only use it on my body.
Cons
- Skip if you don't like low foam body washes
The combination of positive feedback from three dermatologists and an enjoyable at-home testing experience solidified La Roche-Posay as my best overall pick.
I's previously used the brand’s matching lotion and it’s a wonderful treat, so I definitely had high expectations for this body cleanser. The Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash lives up to its name—it’s a lightweight milky hue and smooth and creamy texture that foams up nicely. (Someone who loves a big lather might be a tad disappointed here, but everything else is on point.)
When I tested this body wash I was dealing with an annoying eczema flareup. They usually occur on my body during the New York winter season when I can’t control my apartment’s radiator. After turning on the shower to a tolerable medium-hot temperature, I hopped in and began cleansing with this body wash.
I found the combination of niacinamide, ceramides, glycerin, and shea butter were a welcome and calming treat to my sensitive skin. It’s also infused with thermal water from where else but La Roche-Posay, France. I regularly use the brand’s facial spray that contains this signature ingredient and credit it with helping to calm my skin.
Board-certified dermatologist Sara Hogan, MD, tells me this is her go-to pick during the winter months. She says the formulation is so mild that adults, kids, and even babies could use it. Dr. Hogan adds the fragrance-free formula helps moisturize and restore the skin barrier by impacting the microbiome.
Dr. Murphy-Rose also agrees this body wash helps protect the skin barrier while cleansing, while Dr. Gratch adds niacinamide and shea butter in particular hydrate eczema-prone and very dry skin like mine.
More: Best Shampoos For Hard Water
Key Specs
| Formula | Cream |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, La Roche-Posay thermal water |
| Size | 13.52 fl. oz |
Best Value
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
Pros
- It won't leave residue on your skin.
- It's noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Cons
- Skip if you desire something with a scent.
Dr. Murphy-Rose says due to the pH-balanced hypoallergenic formula coupled with ceramides, your delicate skin will enjoy some much needed TLC. Fellow board-certified dermatologists Serena Mraz, MD, and Dr. Lal say the gentle, soap-free body wash helps maintain the skin's natural pH and supporting the skin's protective barrier. Dr. Mraz notes the mild cleansing ingredients are well-tolerated by all skin types, including those with dry skin.
I typically like at least a medium foam with my body cleansers, but I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this non-foaming wash. The biggest sign I knew this cleanser was actually working was when I realized my body started to feel less dry after each wash.
Advanced Body has a gel-like formula that doesn't irritate sensitive, dry, and normal skin types—in fact, this cleanser is so kind to the skin that it can be used on the face and body. It’s also non-comdeogenic, meaning the formulation won’t clog our pores that lead to acne. So teens, student athletes, and adults dealing with pimples our bodies and zits on our faces, take note: This pick is for you.
I’d definitely continue using this as a body wash, but I’m not fully sold on it overtaking my favorite daily face cleanser that I’ve been using for over a year.
Key Specs
| Formula | Cream |
|---|---|
| Best ingredients | Glycerin and castor oil |
| Size | 16.9 fl. oz |
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Best Cleansing Oil
Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Pros
- It takes a while to finish the whole bottle.
- It's helpful for skin prone to eczema and irritation.
Cons
- The pump may break easily.
- The oil texture can be a turn-off for some.
This cleansing oil is awesome for those with dry, itchy skin like myself. I’m a fan of using this oil during the colder months when my skin needs more intense moisture. It’s fragrance-free, doesn’t leave behind annoying residue, and most importantly, my skin is noticeably softer and less irritated whenever I use this body wash.
Dr. Lal even called this an excellent product for eczema-prone or extremely dry skin because the oil is enriched with ceramides and omega fatty acids to provide a barrier-repairing cleanse. Plus, I truly only need a little bit of product—about a pump—with each shower, so the jar will last me for at least several months before I need to repurchase it.
The formula itself is both this wash's greatest attribute and it's biggest hurdle. It was designed to seal in moisture while balancing the skin's microbiome and restoring the skin barrier, but the oil consistency can be off-putting for those who aren't using to using them or are prone to breakouts (will this clog my pores, you may be wondering). Don't worry; it won't. "Shower oils are great for most dry skin that can't tolerate many cleansers at all," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. The doctor confirms that she is a big fan of this cleanser because the foam lifts dirt and debris from the skin without stripping it. Plus, this body wash for dry skin also has the National Eczema Association seal of approval.
Key Specs
| Formula | Oil |
|---|---|
| Best ingredients | Thermal water, glycerin, and jojoba seed oil |
| Size | 13.5 fl. oz |
Pros
- Hypoallergenic so it won't irritate sensitive types
- There are two scented versions if you like fragrance (and it doesn't bother your skin)
Cons
- The bottle shape is a little odd to hold
Dr. Lal is a huge fan of this drugstore pick. Sure, the price is enticing, but it's the gentle formula that cleanses without disrupting the skin's natural barrier that sets it apart as a top pick for those with dry, sensitive skin (yes, you can have both simultaneously).
A powerful combination of star ingredients, like glycerin and panthenol, attract and retain moisture while soothing and softening the skin. Need more proof this is a great find for those with sensitive skin? Lal highlights the fragrance-free formula as a reliable way to minimize the risk of irritation. He notes that the gentle body wash is safe for daily use, even on compromised or reactive skin.
Its soap-free and non-stripping properties are evident to Dr. Lal, who is impressed by the body wash's silky texture that lathers well without being overly foamy. Additionally, it is pH-balanced to maintain the skin's natural acidity, which Lal describes as crucial for barrier health and hydration.
With Dr. Lal's glowing review at the top of my mind, I just had to get my hands on a bottle of this body wash. After several tests, I agree with Lal that this is a fantastic body wash. What impressed me the most is that whenever I use this body scrub, my skin feels soft and moisturized even before applying lotion, highlighting its effectiveness in supporting dry skin.
Key Specs
| Formula | Creamy gel |
|---|---|
| Best ingredients | Aloe vera and panthenol (vitamin B-5) |
| Size | 16.9 fl. oz |
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Best Post-Workout
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser
Pros
- Gourmand lovers will appreciate the vanilla and almond scent.
- Doesn't leave the skin greasy.
Cons
- Not as foamy as other body washes on this list.
Michelle Henry, MD, is one of my most-trusted board-certified dermatologist sources, so when she suggests a product, I’m keen to learn more and give it a try IRL. Her advice is to use this hydrating body wash to help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing potential itching and irritation. “It is a great option for those looking to maintain skin hydration during colder months. Its oil-based formula helps to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils,” she says.
What’s most unique about this cleanser is that it has an oil-to-foam consistency, meaning it starts off as a luxe oil on my body but foams up when activated with water. Speaking of the oils, it’s Infused with antioxidant-rich grape seed and castor oils, both of which leave my skin smoother and more supple when I rinse away the cleanser. The foaminess is a little underwhelming, but it’s still enjoyable for anyone who likes a low lather shower time experience.
I also gotta give credit to this cleanser for doing a solid job of actually removing unwanted grime from my skin, making it perfect post-workout or on high-sweat days. Even though it’s officially winter, I still wear sunscreen on my body—and this body did a great job of removing any lingering SPF without over-drying my skin.
Key Specs
| Formula | OIl-to-foam |
|---|---|
| Best ingredients | Avocado, coconut, grape seed, sunflower seed, and rice bran oils |
| Size | 8.4 fl. oz |
Pros
- It's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores.
- It lathers up without stripping the skin.
Cons
- It's got a hard bottle that makes it difficult to squeeze out the product.
Dr. Gratch is a big fan of this popular popular wash that lives up to it's hydrating namesake. He says the mix of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, replenishes the skin barrier while locking in hydration. Notably, its got a gentle, non-stripping formula that is also fragrance- and allergen-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Dr. Dowling is also a fan of her budget-friendly suggestion. "I like that it has hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum (an emollient)," says Dr. Dowling. "It has soybean oil and three different kinds of ceramides in it as well." She explains that ceramides are the natural moisturizing ingredient in our skin, which means this product will replenish the skin barrier.
The soap-free cleanser will help calm itching after your first shower with greater improvement over time. It'll also leave your body feeling baby-soft.
One quick thing to keep in mind: You'll probably want to store this bottle upside show in your storage because it can be a little difficult to get the cleanser out when it runs low.
Key Specs
| Formula | Gel |
|---|---|
| Best ingredients | Ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid |
| Size | 10 fl. oz |
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Should I always use lotion or moisturizer after a shower?
If you ever get out of the shower and skip moisturizing, you may notice your skin feeling a little tight once you've had a moment to dry off. You can avoid this by using hydrating body washes and moisturizing after showering. "The best time to moisturize is right when you get out of the shower," says Dr. Dowling. She suggests lightly patting yourself dry with a towel and applying a cream while your skin is still damp.
Another pro tip from Dr. Dowling: opt for a cream instead of a lotion since thicker creams have less water in them than lotion.
Plus, dry skin needs extra TLC since it "doesn't have the same capacity to retain water," as skin that's typically less dry explains Dr. Murphy-Rose. "For that reason, you want to support the skin by putting back that protective layer that's going to help to lock moisture in so that it's not evaporating as easily."
Meet our experts
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
- Dr. Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, is a double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Phoenix, Arizona.
- Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.
- Dr. Jessica Dowling, MD, is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at the Skin Institute of New York.
- Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.
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Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
Reviewed byBrian Underwood
Beauty Director
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.
