10 Best Body Washes That Are Anything But Boring
A beauty editor’s favorite way to start every shower is by lathering up with one of the best body washes. These formulas cleanse away dirt and debris, tackle body acne and bumps, draw moisture into the skin, and often have an absolutely delightful scent. And because skin care doesn’t end at your décolletage, you’ll find tons of familiar ingredients in these bottles—we’re talking niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and more. We tested dozens of body washes, ranging from drugstore buys to luxe splurges, to find the products that deliver on all fronts. We also spoke with board-certified dermatologists to get the scoop on what exactly you should be looking for while you shop. Find your new “everything shower” staple below.
Our Top Body Washes
- Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Wash Fragrance-Free, $42
- Best for All-Day Moisture: Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash, $11
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Pattern Beauty Moisturizing Body Wash, $32
- Best for Dry Skin: Saltair Body Wash in Santal Bloom (2-Pack), $26
- Best for Discoloration: Youth to the People Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser, $39
- Best Splurge: Aesop Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser, $53
- Best Exfoliating: Billie Revive Body Wash, $10
- Best Scent: Byoma Hydrating Body Wash, $13
- Best Oil: L’Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil, $29
Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Wash Fragrance-Free
Why it's worth it: Inside Nécessaire's The Body Wash is a skin-softening, niacinamide-based formula that’s loaded with vitamins C and E. A Best of Beauty Award winner in many of our editors' showers, its gel-oil formula offers a nice dose of hydration. "I used this throughout my pregnancy and loved that it kept my skin soft and comfortable—never once did I feel any itchiness or dryness," says Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai. You won't find a single sulfate, paraben, phthalate, or synthetic dye in this stuff, either. Grab it in the above fragrance-free version or choose from scents like Eucalyptus and Santal. We’re also fans of the bar soap version, which won a Best of Beauty Award in 2024.
Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jen Hussein
"From the neck down, my skin is pretty finicky (I'm somehow prone to bouts of dry skin and body acne), so I have to be particularly discerning when it comes to body washes. Thankfully, Nécessaire's fits my fussy bill with its hybrid gel-oil formula. It provides the deep cleanse I need to prevent breakouts, but doesn't over-strip my skin." —Jen Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, meadowfoam seed oil, marula oil, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- Skin type it's best for: all skin types
- Size: 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz, 16.9 oz
- Scent: fragrance-free
Best for All-Day Moisture: Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash
Why it's worth it: Dove knows sensitive skin—and it shows in the Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash, a drugstore diamond that won three Best of Beauty Awards in a row for its rich formula. It's powered by the brand's patented MicroMoisture complex: tiny droplets packed with reparative ingredients designed to nestle into every nook and cranny. "These droplets carry emollients and moisturizing factors, like stearic and palmitic acids, that then get deposited into the crevices of our skin," says New York City-based cosmetic chemist Marisal Mou. "This is quite unique to a body wash because most have surfactants that attach themselves to the oil and dirt on your skin and wash it away [without doing much else]." The result? Soft, clean, and supremely hydrated skin that stays moisturized for up to 24 hours.
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
"[The updated formula of the] Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash left my skin far, far softer than the [original]. So much so that not only did I skip my usual application of body lotion, but I actually felt more comfortable in my clothes all day. Turns out, I didn’t know my skin was dry until it wasn’t. Now, it never will be." —Dianna Singh, features director
More to know
- Key ingredients: glycerin, stearic acid, palmitic acid
- Skin type it’s best for: dry, sensitive skin
- Size: 20 oz, 30.6 oz
- Scent: fruity, floral
Best for Sensitive Skin: Pattern Beauty Moisturizing Body Wash
Why it’s worth it: A scented body wash that won’t upset sensitive skin? We’re listening. Pattern Beauty’s Moisturizing Body Wash has a pleasantly thin formula that builds up to a satisfying lather and leaves skin feeling ultra-soft. Soothing aloe vera, hydrating glycerin, and moisturizing olive oil turn stripped skin into a distant memory. But the best part has to be the scent, a mix of florals, musk, and suede that elevates every shower.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
“This body wash feels so silky smooth, it's genuinely a joy to use. It lathers up nicely, doesn't leave my skin with that awful dry, stripped feeling, and smells fantastic. (This is huge, since products with fragrance don’t always play well with my super-sensitive skin.) The brand calls the scent Midnite Amber—all I know is that it's warm, a little floral, and 100% delightful. I'm actually excited to hop in my shower, just so I can use it! Highly recommend.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: aloe vera, olive oil, glycerin
- Skin type it’s best for: sensitive, easily irritated skin
- Size: 11.6 oz
- Scent: warm bergamot, rose, suede, amber
Best for Dry Skin: Saltair Body Wash in Santal Bloom
Why it's worth it: Saltair's Body Wash in the scent Santal Bloom is not one to miss. This botanical- and butter-rich formula stars soothing monoi oil, antioxidant-loaded kukui oil, and elasticity-boosting cupuaçu butter that dry skin will love. Ascorbyl glucoside (a form of vitamin C) and niacinamide step in to brighten and support moisture retention, all while lathering into a rich, satisfying foam. The fragrance is indulgent but soft, and never overpowering. After your shower, we highly recommend slathering on the brand’s matching body lotion in the same scent. It won a Best of Beauty Award this year because it’s “not sickly sweet, like many other drugstore-priced options,” according to content director Kara McGrath.
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
"The Saltair Body Wash is my absolute favorite body wash, especially on a budget. Its quantity is perfect and I adore the pump application. It's so hydrating but cleans well at the same time. The scent range is also fantastic, I haven't tried one that I didn't love. My favorite is Golden Hour, it instantly transports me to the beach." —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
- Key ingredients: manoi oil, kukui oil, coconut oil, cupuaçu butter, ascorbyl glucoside, niacinamide
- Skin type it’s best for: dull, dry skin
- Size: 17 oz
- Scent: santal
Best for Discoloration: Youth to the People Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser
Why it's worth it: Inspired by the brand's Superfood Cleanser—which has long been a favorite among Allure editors—Youth to the People's Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser is like a green juice for your skin. It pairs a blend of superfoods, including kale, spinach, and green tea, with niacinamide to leave skin looking radiant and feeling soft. While vitamin B5 hydrates, the plant-based fatty acid surfactants gently lather up to swiftly remove dirt and sweat.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
"I don't use body wash every day (unless I work out), but when I do, this is my go-to. It smells divine, lathers nicely, and makes my skin feel renewed. I also deal with some dark spots from who knows what on my legs, and this formula makes them look less apparent." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: kale, niacinamide, glycerin
- Skin type it’s best for: people who want brighter, more even skin
- Size: 2.5 oz, 16.4 oz
- Scent: peppery, smoky, bright
Best Splurge: Aesop Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser
Why it's worth it: If you only know Aesop for its divine hand soaps, prepare to expand your mind—and your body-care routine. The Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser is packed with softening, hydrating botanicals like shea butter, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil, which transform into a rich, foamy lather. It leaves skin feeling refreshed and more supple, with a spicy, herbaceous scent that lingers post-shower. This is a cream wash, but if you prefer a gel texture, the brand has plenty of options in that department, too.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“It’s just as bougie as the hand wash, but I don’t care: The body cleanser has converted me. It builds to a soft lather (despite being a cream) and doesn’t leave my typically itchy skin feeling dry. And the scent is subtle but smells warm and leafy, like I’m forest-bathing in the most literal sense.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, jojoba seed oil
- Skin type it’s best for: all skin types
- Size: 6.2 oz, 16.9 oz
- Scent: spicy, herbaceous, woody
Best Exfoliating: Billie Revive Hydrating Body Wash
Why it's worth it: This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner impressed us with its gentle (but seriously effective) exfoliation. The star ingredient in Billie’s Revive Body Wash: Retinol, the buzzy skin-care ingredient that speeds up cell turnover everywhere—not just on your face. Paired with skin tone-evening niacinamide, it helps kick body acne to the curb. As you lather this gel formula up, take in the white peony scent, which is light enough that it won’t overpower the rest of your shower routine. Skin is left feeling softer, smoother, and ready for a good body butter.
Tester feedback from shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
"In the summer, my back acne flares up like clockwork—but this body wash, with its gentle exfoliating acids and clean ingredients, has been a total game-changer. The scent is fresh, clean, and somehow makes my whole shower feel like a little treat. Plus, the packaging is so fun, it actually makes me want to reach for it every day." —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, retinol, glycerin
- Skin type it’s best for: acne-prone skin
- Size: 18 oz
- Scent: fresh linen, floral
Best Scent: Byoma Hydrating Body Wash
Why it's worth it: Byoma’s Hydrating Body Wash delivers a creamy cleanse with every pump. Glycerin hydrates deeply, while a squalane-based prebiotic complex helps balance your skin’s microbiome, lock in moisture, and support a healthy barrier. We love that Byoma lists every ingredient and its function right on the bottle—so there’s no mystery around the hard-to-pronounce stuff (looking at you, hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride). And it smells incredible, like it costs way more than it does.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman
"I did less than zero research before buying this body wash. I was in a rush at Target and grabbed the first aesthetically pleasing bottle I saw, hoping for the best. And honestly? The skin-care gods were on my side that day because I totally lucked out with my choice. This body wash smells literally incredible. Like, legitimately fancy and sophisticated. It lathers up nicely, never makes my skin feel tight, and one bottle lasts a long while. I’ve restocked twice." —Annie Blackman, contributing commerce writer
More to know
- Key ingredients: squalane, glycerin
- Skin type it’s best for: dry, irritated skin
- Size: 16.9 oz
- Scent: powdery, woody, fresh
Best Body Oil: L’Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil
Why it’s worth it: When it comes to shower oils, the OG L’Occitane’s Cleansing & Softening Almond Oil truly reigns supreme. This editor-beloved formula is made with highly moisturizing grapeseed, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oils that soften your skin as it cleanses (it also makes a great shave oil, according to the brand). And the scent is up there with some of our favorite gourmand perfumes—the blend of almond and vanilla reminds us of a bakery in the best way.
Tester feedback from Trakoshis
“I've been living for the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil—it’s like a silky gel that magically turns into the most luxurious milky lather. My dry skin drinks it up like it’s been stranded in the desert. It leaves me feeling soft, hydrated, and smelling like a fancy French bakery. I don’t substitute it for my body wash, though. I use it in addition to make sure that I’m extra hydrated and moisturized.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil
- Skin type it’s best for: rough, flaky skin
- Size: 2.5 oz, 8.4 oz, 16.9 oz
- Scent: fresh almond, vanilla
Best Drugstore: Monday Haircare Cleanse Body Wash
Why it’s worth it: In addition to moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter, Monday Haircare’s Cleanse Body Wash is made with hyaluronic acid. We’re sure you’re familiar with its skin-plumping benefits on your face—so, why not work it into your body routine, too? The ingredient works the same way below the neck by binding with water molecules to hydrate your skin, giving you a dewy glow all over. Then, coconut oil and shea butter lock that moisture in, for skin that feels as good as it looks. The cherry on top? It’s the largest (and least expensive) bottle on this list.
Tester feedback from McGrath
“This is over 30 ounces of body wash for under $10. I repeat: over THIRTY OUNCES of body wash for under $10, when the average drugstore option sits around the 16-18 ounce mark. And it's really good body wash, too. It lathers up quickly but rinses off fully, unlike some other hydrating formulas that can leave behind some residue. It has the slightest hint of a citrus and coconut scent; enough to satisfy my fellow fragrance heads without blowing more sensitive noses out of the water. Also, the giant pink bottle just sparks joy for me.” —Kara McGrath, content director
More to know
- Key ingredients: coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, shea butter
- Skin type it’s best for: all skin types
- Size: 30.4 oz
- Scent: citrus, coconut
More body washes to consider:
- For people with dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, Iota's Best of Beauty-winning Supervitamin Body Wash+ Soothing should do the trick. It's packed with 15 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (shout out to chamomile flower and Indian gooseberry) that wrap skin in long-lasting hydration. The formula's pH of 5.0-5.5 is ideal for irritated, dry, or acne-prone skin, and the fragrance-free formula is extra gentle.
- The fragrance-free La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash always has our back…and neck, torso, arms, and legs. Philadelphia-based, board-certified dermatologist Michele Farber, MD, previously told Allure that it's formulated with "shea butter to hydrate, glycerin as a humectant, and niacinamide to soothe."
- Another strong, anti-acne option: The acid-packed AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Body Cleanser from K-beauty brand Some By Mi. It’s a star at combating excess sebum production that might lead to below-the-neck breakouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I choose a body wash?
Shop with your preferences and your skin-care goals and concerns in mind. FYI: Unlike your average bar soap, body washes often contain active ingredients that target acne, eczema, and dry skin. "Patients who have acne can use products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide," says Olga Bunimovich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh. "Patients with eczema should avoid those same ingredients, due to their irritating effect, and instead look for moisturizing ingredients, such as natural oils, ceramides, and glycerin." Melissa Piliang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cleveland, recommends steering clear of washes with fragrance, as they can cause irritation. However, if you know your skin tolerates fragrance in body care well, go for it.
What's the best way to use body wash?
While it may be tempting to constantly cloak yourself in soap, Dr. Piliang warns against overdoing the body wash. Overuse can lead to dry, irritated skin—especially during the winter months, when your skin is already stripped of moisture. "Taking hot showers and baths can magnify the problem, as the hot water removes even more of the skin's natural oils," she explains. Dr. Bunimovich recommends that you stick to once-daily showers with lukewarm water and use a moisturizer after cleansing to avoid overdrying your skin. Also, pay special attention to washing the folds of your skin, as bacteria likes to hang out there. We don’t recommend using body wash as a face wash, though, as it can clog pores and worsen any existing acne.
How do I know if I'm allergic to my body wash?
An allergic reaction to a body wash can look different than an allergic reaction to a beauty product, Daniel Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously explained. "Usually, allergic contact dermatitis [caused by a beauty product] will present as a red, itchy rash at the site of exposure, but an allergy to body wash is an exception because body wash is used all over and washed off," Dr. Belkin said. "It will present as a patchy and diffused rash, probably sparing the face because most body wash is used from the neck down."
Still, just because you're noticing redness on your body doesn't always mean you're allergic to a new product. "Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis are different but can look the same," says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut, explains. "Irritant contact dermatitis is not allergic in nature. [It] can come from soap-based surfactants that have a higher pH than skin and create irritation to the barrier." In any case, if you notice persistent redness or irritation after applying your body wash, stop using it immediately and consider calling your dermatologist to discuss what might be causing your skin to react.
Does body wash expire?
Yes: Like most skin-care products, body wash expires eventually. "In general, it's best to discard products that are past their expiration date," Massachusetts-based cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer previously told Allure. Signs your body wash is past its prime? “They may develop an off color, may not smell as nice, and may not be as pleasant to use,” he said.
Meet the experts
- Daniel Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, CT
- Melissa Piliang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cleveland
- Michele Farber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia
- Olga Bunimovich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Jim Hammer, a cosmetic chemist and the founder of Mix Solutions based in Sommerville, MA
- Marisal Mou, a cosmetic chemist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of best body washes, we considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, fragrance, texture, and skin concerns. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Your skin deserves the very best from head to toe:
- The Best Body Washes for Head-to-Toe Moisture
- 12 Best Shower Oils for Smoother, Softer Post-Shower Skin
- In Case You Missed It, Body Care Is Booming
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