The 20 Best Body Washes of 2024

Best Overall

Necessaire the Body Wash

View On Sephora $12 View On Necessaire.com

For a daily body wash that feels chic and indulgent without breaking the bank, it doesn’t get better than Necessaire. We’ve been loyal repeat customers for over three years — there’s no cleanser we trust more to leave us feeling squeaky clean. 

Every time we twist open the cap (a smart design, might we add), a sense of spa-like calm washes over our bathroom. This is partly thanks to the scent: We’re partial to serene eucalyptus, but sandalwood is also divine. And if you have sensitive skin, there’s also a fragrance-free version. 

The formula is filled with skin-loving actives like vitamins C and E, which leave us feeling smooth and soft after a single shower. “Because it’s chock full of nourishing ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier, it's much thicker than other formulas I’ve tried,” says InStyle’s former commerce editor Mary Honkus. The substantial consistency means that a little bit of product goes quite a long way, making the bottle last far longer than you might think (an average of three to four months). Just don’t expect a sudsy experience — the gel texture gets us clean without the traditional lather. 

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide | Benefits: Cleanses, nourishes, smooths, softens | Size: 8.4 oz | Scents: 4

Best Budget

Native Body Wash

View On Amazon $18 View On Walmart $15 View On Target $9

We’re such big fans of Native Body Wash, we could’ve slotted it in a number of superlative spots. We ultimately decided that the product’s thick texture and indulgent foamy lather is seriously impressive considering the affordable price point. It doesn’t leave that filmy residue that sometimes occurs with other less expensive cleansers. Instead, it deeply hydrates from the very first application. “My skin is always silky after using this,” says Honkus.

And, we’re seriously obsessed with their wide range of delectable scents — 20 different options to be exact. “Along with traditional soothing fragrances, they also offer more obscure choices like Aloe & Green Tea, as well as nostalgia-inducing Sour Berry Belts,” adds Honkus. “And, aside from cleansing the body, this also makes for the most luscious, frothy bubble bath.

Active Ingredients: Citric acid, sodium cocoyl isethionate | Benefits: Cleanses, refreshes, nourishes | Size: 18 oz | Scents: 20

Best Splurge

Byredo Body Wash

View On Nordstrom $58 View On Byredo.com

Byredo began as a luxury perfume brand, so when they expanded into bath and body care, it came as no surprise that they led with their beloved scents (including La Tulipe, Mojave Ghost, and Gypsy Water). And out of all their body products, the cleanser is the ultimate luxury.

Don’t get us wrong, the price point is slightly outrageous for a body wash, but we can honestly say that we’ve never smelled such heaven — and it lasts. Whenever we use it, we get hints of the scent throughout the day, even if we haven’t followed up with the matching lotion or perfume.  As for the formula, the gel-like consistency feels thick and hydrating for a nourishing shower experience. Rather than using it as our everyday cleanser, we like to save it for indulgent self-care occasions. Plus, it makes an excellent gift.

Active Ingredients: Citric acid, glycerin | Benefits: Cleanses, hydrates, perfumes | Size: 7.6 oz | Scents: 6

Best for Dry Skin

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

View On Amazon $40 View On Walgreens $7 View On Newegg.com

Dove is a long-time Dermatologist favorite. And this Deep Moisture Body Wash pick is no different. Recommended by NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick for its deeply hydrating ingredients, it’ll clear up dry patches and leave skin looking instantly renewed. “This body wash is a great option for all skin types, but especially for those with dry skin, as it not only provides a gentle cleanse, leaving the skin feeling clean, it’s now formulated with moisturizing Micro Moisture Droplets to nourish the skin,” she says. Proven to hydrate the skin’s natural moisture barrier for a full 24 hours, you’ll be feeling silky smooth from day to night. 

Plus, we love that the ergonomic bottle can be stored in the shower upside down for easy access, and its 100% recyclable. Meanwhile, the formula is free from all harmful chemicals (parabens, sulfate, and more), is vegan, and PETA-approved. 

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Citric Acid | Benefits: Deeply hydrates, nourishes dry skin | Size: 20 oz. | Scents: 1

Best Scent

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser

View On Amazon $49 View On Nordstrom $19 View On Bloomingdales $19

Aaah, Aesop — the body care brand of choice for artsy bros and hip downtown restaurant bathrooms. But seriously, their body cleanser lives up to the hype with its luxuriously thick gel texture and naturally-derived scents that will draw in any intriguing passerby with impeccable taste. We’re partial to the Geranium scent for a flirty floral moment that's rooted in leafy greens and refreshing citrus, but A Rose By Any Other Name will surprise and delight with its warm and spicy rose notes, while Coriander Seed is ideal for those who prefer something more woody and peppery with a masculine appeal. 

The shower gel formula is low-lather and non-drying, leaving skin feeling smooth and hydrated straight out of the shower. And while we’re disappointed that our true favorite Aesop scent — Resurrection, a citrusy and herbaceous blend — isn’t made in their body wash, we’ve found that the brand’s shower and hand wash formulas are surprisingly similar and nearly interchangeable. Personally, I’ve gone ahead and used them both as such. And though the price point is high, we’ve been impressed with how long the 16.9 oz. bottle lasts, rendering it definitely worth the splurge. 

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Citric Acid, Geranium Leaf, Mandarin Orange Rind | Benefits: Cleanses, refreshes | Size: 16.9 oz. | Scents: 4

Best for Acne

Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Scrub

View On Target $11 View On Walmart $10 View On Walgreens $12

Another derm-recommended pick, this Neutrogena Clear Body Wash specifically targets acne and breakouts throughout the body with deep pore-cleansing active ingredients like salicylic acid and vitamin C. According to Dallas-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus, “the 2% salicylic acid breaks up oil, treats existing acne, and prevents new breakouts from forming.” And the small active dosage renders the wash gentle enough for everyday use, ready to remove the regular grime and impurities of daily life without being overly-drying. Meanwhile, the formula’s vitamin C works to repair discoloration and post-acne marks over time — restoring the skin to its natural smooth brilliance with consistent use. 

Personally, we are fans of the natural grapefruit extract scent, but it can be a bit too potent for some. Though, the scent is fresh and citrus-y in our opinion, not overly feminine — we’ve even noticed that the product is beloved by men and people of all genders too. 

Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid | Benefits: Cleanses, prevents buildup and breakouts | Size: 8.5 oz. | Scents: 1

Best Moisturizing

Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash

View On Amazon $36 View On Ulta $36 View On Dermstore $36

Typically, washes that get foamy with a heavy lather use chemical ingredients that can be overly stripping on the skin. But, not this Dermalogica formula — it’s chock full of ultra-nourishing essential oils that hydrate and moisturize while gently cleansing. Infused with tea tree, eucalyptus, sandalwood, rosemary, lavender, orange peel, and more (!), this body wash will turn your shower into a relaxing and sensory-filled spa experience, while refreshing the skin and awakening the senses. 

Even though it's a gel-like texture, the formula goes on like a milky lotion — feeling silky smooth without any grip or stick. I used this body wash consistently while living in the mountains at high-altitude elevation and always felt deeply moisturized upon getting out of the shower, even before applying my favorite creams. It was my go-to hero product for combating dry air and dehydrated skin; I even noticed it smoothed and brightened my dull-looking arms and legs. 

Just note that the bottle’s pump can be a bit finicky, getting stuck occasionally and requiring extra force to release, which isn’t always ideal with slippery wet hands. 

Active Ingredients: Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus | Benefits: Cleanses, conditions, moisturizes | Size: 10 oz. | Scents: 1

Best for Eczema

Skinfix Eczema+ Foaming Oil Body Wash

View On Sephora $27

Skinfix’s product line is frequently recommended by the derms we speak with, and this foaming body wash is no different — meeting all expectations for an eczema-specific oil cleanser by reducing itchiness, irritation, and extreme dryness. This is one of those products where you’ll see best results with consistency over time — though eczema flare ups will most definitely lessen after a wash or two, you’ll see decreased noticeable dryness after three days, and more long-lasting clear skin after about two weeks (especially if you suffer from tight, cracked, or bumpy patches). 

Gentle enough to be used as part of a daily shower routine and also on children, the citric acid, aloe, and colloidal oatmeal combo will provide immediate relief and feel ultra-soothing, leaving your body sufficiently soft and moisturized. The brand’s signature sulfate-free coconut cleansers clean the skin without stripping the natural lipid barrier, allowing for maximum protection and nourishment. 

If you’re extra cautious with certain allergens, take note that the formula does include decyl glucoside, which can be irritating to some — but, the product is generally safe and effective for those with severe sensitivities. 

Active Ingredients: Coconut Cleansers | Benefits: Cleanses, hydrates, soothes sensitive, irritated, and eczema-prone skin | Size: 12.5 oz. | Scents: 1

Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+

View On Amazon $17 View On Ulta $19 View On Target $17

La Roche Posay’s Lipikar AP+ line of products is a mainstay in any sensitive skin arsenal for its exceptionally gentle ingredient list with soothing properties. “It’s ideal for extra sensitive skin, super dry skin, and even babies,” says Dr. Marcus. “Shea butter and glycerin are ultra-hydrating, thermal spring water is rich in minerals that support the skin barrier, and the formula is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin,” she adds. Plus, the formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and recommended for safe use on both body and face (to get a sense of just how mild it is, most body washes use ingredients that are too harsh for the delicate facial skin). The soothing antioxidants cleanse the skin, while working to stabilize and rebalance the skin’s microbiome by providing 24-hour hydration. 

After showering, you’ll be left with clean, supple, and soft skin — any rosacea patches, eczema flare-ups, or general irritation will be soothed. Although, if you don’t require the intense moisturization of this advanced formula, the product may feel a bit too greasy on normal or oil-prone skin. 

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, Prebiotic Thermal Water, Shea Butter | Benefits: Gently cleanses, soothes sensitive skin | Size: 13.52 oz. | Scents: 1

Best Natural

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Soothing Shower Gel

View On Andalou.com

Andalou Naturals uses all-natural ingredients to create body care products that support a healthy skin microbiome with subtly botanical scents. The 1000 Roses line is specifically formulated to protect delicate skin using the stem cells of Swiss alpine roses known for their extreme resiliency through harsh weather conditions. 

“This gel blends emollient rich rosehip and argan oils with coconut water and gentle cleansing botanicals for fresh, healthy-looking skin,” explains Dr. Garschick. “The rosewater helps to soothe the skin while antioxidants and aloe vera protect and support the skin barrier,” she adds. Your skin will be left feeling soothed and softened, while the scent experience is refreshing and not overpowering. Plus, at $13.29 for a value-sized 32 oz. bottle, the price point is significantly lower than other beauty brands that boast clean and natural ingredients. And though you may not be able to find the product during your local drugstore run, it's 100% worth seeking out online. 

Active Ingredients: Swiss Alpine Rose Stem Cell | Benefits: Gently cleanses, soothes sensitive skin | Size: 32 oz. | Scents: 1

Best Drugstore

Olay Body Wash with Pump

View On Target $9 View On Walmart $15

We could’ve picked any number of Olay’s beloved body washes, but the Cleansing & Nourishing formula stood out amongst the drugstore set with its high-quality active ingredients. The hyaluronic acid locks in moisture for long-lasting hydration and premium soft skin, while the vitamin B3 works to repair and restore the natural skin barrier. Given its budget-friendly price, this body wash is surprisingly luxurious — its texture is thick and creamy and works up into a nice lather for a rich shower experience. 

We loved the way our skin felt when using this body wash post-shave — it helped relieve irritation and restore brilliance. There’s no filmy residue or oily coating left behind, just healthy, bright, and smooth skin. 

The scent has a strong floral aroma with hints of sweetness. And while we enjoyed it, it may be too feminine or pungent for some.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin B3, Hyaluronic Acid | Benefits: Cleanses, nourishes, restores hydration | Size: 17.9 oz. | Scents: 1

Best Exfoliating

DermaDoctor Body Scrub

View On Dermadoctor.com View On Walmart $52 View On Verishop.com $52

Suffering from rough patches or bumpy red spots? This DERMAdoctor body scrub is formulated by leading dermatologists and uses powerful actives to exfoliate away skin concerns. “It uses a combination of AHAs, BHA, and PHAs to help soften the skin while still providing nourishment with soothing ingredients like evening primrose, black currant seed, and borage oils,” says Dr. Garshick. 

You get the benefits of a chemical peel or microdermabrasion, but in a simple-to-use, at-home treatment that rinses right off to reveal healthy and smooth skin that’s ready to be seen and touched without any downtime. With medical-grade, chemical-exfoliant ingredients, you’ll see fast-acting results that will supercharge the skin’s nourishment. 

Though, because of the actives’ strength, we don’t recommend this scrub for those with sensitive skin, and be mindful not to overdo it — stick to once per week with this ritual. 

Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Gluconolactone | Benefits: Exfoliates, soothes Keratosis Pilaris and rough skin patches | Size: 8 oz. | Scents: 1

Best for Glowing Skin

Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Cleanser

View On Sephora $22 View On Theisleofparadise.com

Say goodbye to dull skin and dark spots with Isle of Paradise’s Brilliantly Bright Body Cleanser. “Isle of Paradise may be best known for their tanning products, but their body care line is just as glow-inducing — especially this body wash,” says Beauty Commerce Editor Mary Honkus. Filled with essential nourishing ingredients that restore brilliance, your skin will look refreshed and ready for sundress season in no time. Niacinamide visibly smooths uneven texture and firms the skin, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps, and vitamin C provides that extra boost of unbeatable glow. 

“This creamy cleanser brightens and moisturizes skin as it clears away the grime of the day. It’s my new go-to for summertime,” says Honkus, who also likens the product’s scent to delicious Dole Whip and praises the bottle’s innovative flat-back shape that conveniently saves shower shelf space. But, the best part? “My shower is transformed into a tropical paradise. And by the time I step out, my skin looks like it has a vacation glow because it just looks so healthy,” she says. 

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Benefits: Cleanses, hydrates, brightens | Size: 11.15 oz. | Scents: 1

Best for Aging Skin

Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser

View On Amazon $22 View On Sephora $22 View On Ulta $22

Drunk Elephant’s Kamili Cream Body Cleanser uses an innovative creamy lotion-to-foam formula to provide everyone’s desired lather, but with maximum moisturization benefits for skin of all ages. A mix of plant oils and very mild surfactants combine to lift grime and cleanse the skin without stripping it of essential natural oils, before replenishing the skin’s surface with moisture-rich fatty and amino acids. 

The passion fruit oil hydrates and soothes, while the sweet almond oil provides long-lasting nourishment and creates the majority of the wash’s subtle nutty scent (free from essential oils and other fragrance additives!). Drunk Elephant formulates their products with pH balance in mind — which is an excellent feature for aging skin or women experiencing symptoms of menopause. This cleanser has a pH reading of 5.0, which keeps the skin in a recommended range so as not to cause dehydration or irritation from overly alkaline formulas and restore the microbiome to strong levels of protection. 

Active Ingredients: Amino Acid Blend, Passion Fruit Oil | Benefits: Gently cleanses, hydrates, replenishes, and soothes | Size: 8 oz. | Scents: 1

Best Unscented

SEEN Skin-Caring Fragrance Free Body Wash

View On Dermstore $29 View On Skinstore.com $29 View On Helloseen.com

SEEN’s Skin-Caring Body Wash is the relatively new brand’s latest launch, as the dermatologist-developed line makes its way from hair care into body care. The product is offered in both scented and fragrance-free versions — and while we love the apple dew, orange peel, and leafy green scent notes, we’re partial to the unscented iteration for just how sensitive-skin safe it is (no matter your allergens or fragrance sensitivities!). 

What many companies don’t tell you is that their “unscented” products actually contain fragrance-masking agents that neutralize odors from other ingredients. But this clean formula is unscented in the truest sense, using non-irritating, non-comedogenic ingredients and gentle surfactants, even gaining certification from the National Eczema Association. 

Naturally-derived Bisabobol soothes irritated skin, glycerin hydrates without clogging pores, and hemisqualane is a plant-sugar that gently cleanses. With a pH level of 6.64, the body wash will keep the skin barrier balanced and you feeling fresh and moisturized.

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Bisabobol, Hemisqualane | Benefits: Gently cleanses, unclogs pores, balances, and soothes | Size: 10 oz. | Scents: 2

Best for Keratosis Pilaris

CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser

View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $20 View On Cerave.com

Though this CeraVe cleanser is designed for those with Psoriasis, we’ve found that it also works wonders on skin suffering symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris. Enriched with powerful 2% salicylic acid and potent AHAs, the body wash works to cleanse bumpy, irritated, and patchy skin, restoring it to a clear and healthy standard. 

Though the cleanser is formulated with strong active ingredients, it's still gentle enough to be used on the body, hands, or face — wherever you’re experiencing itching, flaking, or red bumps. Just be sure to incorporate the product into your routine slowly. We recommend starting with one to two times per week in place of your regular shower gel and adding as needed. What makes CeraVe products so beloved is that no matter how targeted they are in stripping the skin of excess oils, they still incorporate necessary ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) that work to replenish the skin barrier with hydration and nourishment. 

Just keep in mind that anytime you’re using a formula with AHAs, your skin will be even more sensitive to the sun — meaning doubling down on SPF will be more important than ever. 

Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid | Benefits: Cleanses, controls the symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris and Psoriasis | Size: 8 oz. | Scents: 1

Best for Oily Skin

Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash

View on Kosas View On Amazon $22 View On Sephora $22

Oily skin is best offset by exfoliating ingredients that unclog pores, fight breakouts, and smooth texture — this deeply cleaning body wash from Kosas does it all and more. By mixing a blend of AHAs consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid with natural tropical fruit enzymes, you’re getting a highly powerful cleanser that's specifically situated to target excessive oil production, grime buildup, and acne. Meanwhile, allantoin restores moisture to the skin barrier and soothes irritation. 

The clean beauty brand only uses facial-grade ingredients, even within their body care line. So, your skin will be visibly smoothed and brightened with a fresh, just-back-from-vacation glow. The wash is also ideal for when you desire a deeper clean after a workout or if you notice more oily patches during the summer months. We love the easy squeezable design of the bottle and the refreshing scent. Just don’t be surprised if acne-prone skin endures a purging period after starting with the wash — it’s just the impurities coming to the surface, but you’ll be pleased to find clear and smooth skin after a week or so.

Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Tropical Fruit Enzymes | Benefits: Cleanses, unclogs pores, reduces oil production, smoothes texture, brightens | Size: 9 oz. | Scents: 1

Best Oil Cleanser

Glossier Body Hero Daily Oil Wash

View On Amazon $40 View On Glossier.com $20

Just like facial oil cleansers have gained popularity for their ability to cleanse the skin of makeup, sweat, and other impurities, oil-based body cleansers do the same. Glossier’s Body Hero Daily Oil Wash cleans the body by attracting unwanted oils like a magnet and lifting them from the skin without drying you out. A blend of coconut, olive, sesame seed, grapeseed, and soybean oils combine to rebalance the moisture barrier with essential nourishment. 

While you can’t expect a robust lather experience with this cleanser, the texture will emulsify into a gentle milky consistency that exudes the soft orange blossom and neroli scent. Pro tip? You can even add a few drops into your bath to create a soothing spa-like ritual. It isn’t overly greasy and even sensitive skin will feel non-irritated and ultra smooth. 

Active Ingredients: Sesame Seed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut | Benefits: Cleanses, lifts sweat and dirt, nourishes | Size: 8.4 oz. | Scents: 1

Best Cream Cleanser

Indie Lee De-Stress Body Wash

View On Indielee.com View On Bluemercury.com $12

This cleanser smells so good and feels so soothing on the body, our skin drinks it right up — it's a shower ritual we genuinely look forward to as a self-care moment. The formula is coconut-based, giving it a unique cream-meets-gel consistency that comes out white and milky, but feels rather buoyant and silky.

Indie Lee, a beloved clean beauty brand has developed a three-part body care system with different formulations for various moods and times of day. In their body wash line, there is an Energize Wash, a De-Stress Wash, and a Sleep Wash. In a dream world, we’d be ultra-indulgent and keep all three on hand to circle through, but for now, we’ll settle on the De-Stress Body Wash as our ultimate go-to for everyday. In addition to the ingredient list’s cleansing and moisturizing benefits, the essential oil blend is intended to promote clarity of thought, healing, and calm. It’s more than just a body wash that’ll leave you with super soft skin — you’re also receiving a reminder to breathe in the scents and enjoy the de-stress practice. 

And while we gave this product the best cream cleanser superlative, we will admit the consistency is a bit more of a cream-meets-gel than a traditional cream cleanser. But, it has the same moisturizing properties of something strictly cream-based and we’re confident cream cleanser devotees will be fans. 

Active Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Calendula, Panthenol | Benefits: Cleanses, hydrates, soothes, calms | Size: 8.7 oz. | Scents: 1