10 Best moisturizing body washes (2023)

Dry, stressed-out skin doesn’t have to be your new normal. There are plenty of moisturizing body washes that can help you out.

Finding the right moisturizing body wash for you or your family doesn’t have to break the bank. You may have grown up thinking that bar soap is the way to go. However, though bar soap can be a cheaper alternative to body wash, it doesn’t carry the same moisturizing properties. Bar soaps can easily irritate the skin and cause redness, dryness and inflammation.

The ideal moisturizing body wash is a liquid that cleans the skin without stripping your body’s natural oils. You’re sure to find one that suits your skin type and lifestyle in this list of the best moisturizing body washes.

1. Blu Atlas Body Wash

Everyone is talking about Blu Atlas. This company is at the forefront of premium skin care, and their mission is to provide men and women with the highest-quality products. Blu Atlas’ Body Wash is this year’s best moisturizing body wash. It richly lathers, feels luxurious and smells incredible after every use.

The secret of the Blu Atlas Body Wash is the all-natural ingredients they use. Aloe is a natural moisturizer that helps your skin retain moisture and ensures it feels supple and smooth. Green tea extract can aid the skin by reducing inflammation, soothing reddened skin and protecting the skin’s barrier. Coco-caprylate, derived from coconut, is a natural emollient that both softens and soothes the skin.

We recommend the Blu Atlas Body Wash to anyone who wants naturally nourished, moisturized skin. It’s simply the best body wash cleanser on the market today.

2. Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil

What’s more moisturizing than a body wash? A body wash and cleansing oil. This combination skin-care product clears dirt, sweat and grime while refreshing and rejuvenating the skin. You can use this multifunctional liquid for your body, face and hands to save time during your grooming routine.

What is the difference between a traditional body wash and an oil-based body wash? Oil-based body washes are incredibly mild and gentle on the skin. The Atoderm Cleansing Oil even has a one-of-a-kind Skin Barrier Technology™ patent. The oil cleanser also includes Bioderma’s patented D.A.F.™ complex, a natural skin supporter, which helps reduce irritation. This product is ideal for men or women who want a multi-use oil cleanser that is suitable for all parts of the body.

3. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Cleanser

Ultimate hydration comes in the form of oil. Kiehl’s exclusive oil-to-foam cleanser transitions from a mild fragrant oil to a lightly foaming body wash to lightly cleanse the skin without irritation. If you feel like you’ve tried every body wash in the grocery store aisle, and nothing keeps your skin hydrated, maybe it’s time to try an oil-to-foam cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils.

The unique formula utilizes a number of key ingredients to ensure your skin stays properly hydrated. Grape seed oil carries natural fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants to rejuvenate the skin without clogging pores. Castor oil is a natural soap alternative that gently washes the skin of impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. It is a perfect choice for men and women who want to switch up their traditional body wash and try something lighter and smoother.

4. Grown Alchemist Body Cleanser

Hydration is your skin’s best friend. Grown Alchemist’s Body Cleanser is a moisturizing body wash formula with an incredible scent. While the fragrance leans toward floral notes, it’s a unisex body wash made for everyone in the family. The body wash has the texture of a shower gel that applies smoothly to the skin and easily rinses off without residue.

Harnessing natural botanicals for their scent and skin-soothing properties, the body wash includes neroli, jojoba, rosehip, macadamia, rosemary and tangerine. While many reviewers say they don’t love the high price tag of this moisturizing body wash, they do say it’s worth it for the delightful scent and smooth, hydrated skin.

5. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash

What does dry skin need? The best moisturizing body wash that can mildly clean the skin without causing redness or irritation! CeraVe’s Hydrating Body wash is a creamy formula that uses only essential ingredients and omits harmful chemicals. Even men and women with eczema can use this gentle formulation approved by the National Eczema Association.

CeraVe’s body wash is a family favorite packed with beneficial ingredients. Ceramides work to maximize the skin barrier protection and lock in hydration. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture while mildly cleansing the skin. Emollients soften the skin and give it a smooth texture. We highly recommend this ultra-gentle body wash to anyone who needs maximum hydration with a sensitive skin formula liquid.

6. Sol de Janeiro Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel

With the spirit of South America infused in this sunshine-yellow bottle, Sol de Janeiro’s moisturizing shower gel can handle tough dirt and grime. This shower cream-gel is a smooth, luxurious cleanser that makes showering fun. It’s paraben- and sulfate-free, meaning you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals harming your skin.

A fusion of premium ingredients hydrates skin while clearing out pores and dirt and mending the day’s wear and tear. Cupuacu butter is a fatty acid that dives deep into the skin to nourish and moisturize. Coconut oil is a powerhouse natural ingredient used in skin-, health- and home-care products. In this deliciously scented shower cream-gel, coconut oil adds an extra layer of moisture and nutrition to the skin. Acai oil, another of Mother Nature’s superheroes, protects the skin from environmental pollution and works as a powerful antioxidant.

We recommend Sol de Janeiro’s body wash to anyone who wants to try something fun and new in the shower. Men and women love this highly effective cleanser for its unique scent of pistachio, jasmine and salted caramel.

7. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash

This is a treasured classic body wash that won’t bother sensitive skin. Vanicream’s Gentle Body Wash has been part of skin-care routines for years. It’s free from parabens, sulfates, lanolin, gluten, soap, formaldehyde, fragrance and other harmful chemicals. It contains only proven effective ingredients that clean and hydrate the skin without adverse reactions.

With a seal from the National Eczema Association, this body wash is gentle enough for every skin type and every person in the family. We recommend this wash to anyone who needs to hydrate skin with an uber-gentle formula.

8. Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash

Your skin deserves a gentle, soothing body wash that cleanses the skin without compromising your skin’s natural moisture. Cetaphil’s Ultra Gentle Body Wash is a clinically proven, dermatologist-tested body wash that effectively cleans and moisturizes the skin. Cetaphil utilizes aloe vera, marigold extract and natural moisturizers. This is a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free body wash that can handle dirt and grime while remaining gentle on the skin.

9. Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash

Don’t overlook Eucerin’s Skin Calming Body Wash in your quest for lasting moisture. It’s a mild cleansing formula for people with sensitive, dry or itchy skin. It’s free of soaps, dyes and fragrances, and contains natural lipids and omega oils to treat dry, rough skin. This is a richly lathering wash that feels like a smooth oil as it cleans the skin without stripping the body’s natural oils. The best part: It won’t leave your skin feeling stretched, dry or itchy. We recommend Eucerin’s body wash to anyone who wants to tackle dry, itchy skin and deeply nourish and moisturize.

10. Aveeno Skin Relief

One of the best grocery-store products on this list, Aveeno Skin Relief is a top-rated body wash. This soothing, gentle body wash cleans the skin without stripping your natural oils. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-recommended, Aveeno is a trusted skin-care company with proven results. They have been producing top-tier skin-care products for more than 70 years.

The moisturizing ingredients include colloidal oatmeal, a proven nourishing compound that can relieve dry skin, inflammation, itchiness and other forms of irritation. We recommend Aveeno to men and women looking for a simple product to help them get healthier and happier skin.

How to choose your next moisturizing body wash

Picking your next moisturizing body wash doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether you’re looking to moisturize, gently exfoliate or treat sensitive skin, here are some tips and essential things to look for while choosing your next body wash.

Skin type

Your skin is unique, so you’ll need a body wash to treat your skin’s needs. We’ll identify the most common skin types and share body wash recommendations for each.

Dry

If you have dry skin, you want to gently cleanse and wash the body, making sure it hydrates and locks in moisture without stripping its natural oils. Any of the body washes listed above will help your skin do both of these critical tasks.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin can be hard to manage. You most likely have sensitive skin if you experience redness, irritation, inflammation or other unwanted symptoms after using skin-care products. What does this mean when it comes to body washes? When looking for a body wash, you want to avoid harsh, artificial ingredients that cause adverse reactions to the skin. Avoid fake fragrances, essential oils, parabens, sulfates and pretty much any unnatural chemical substance.

In a body wash for sensitive skin, you want natural, plant-based botanicals that gently cleanse your skin without irritation. The fewer ingredients, the better.

Combination

With combination skin, it’s wise to take a two-tier or even three-tier approach with your body wash. Your skin may feel dry and itchy on certain days, need help with acne on other days, and look totally healthy the following week. So, how do you pick a body wash for combination skin that always seems to be changing or has different needs? Pick two body washes, of course!

Identify your two primary skin needs. For example, does your skin swing between dry and oily most weeks, or does it run between normal to sensitive? Whatever your two most significant skin issues are, those are what you’ll want to treat. If you’re going to skip the hassle of using multiple body washes, you can opt for an all-in-one body wash that treats numerous skin conditions simultaneously. We recommend the Blu Atlas Body Wash for its plant-based botanicals and excellent natural treatments for the skin.

Oily/Acne-prone

Bacne (back acne), chestne (chest acne) and acne elsewhere on the body can be painful and embarrassing. If you’re treating severe acne or are trying to cut down on oil production, you’ll want to use a body wash as close to prescription strength as possible. Natural and potent chemical ingredients can help you treat your body acne.

For severe acne, look for products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. While you don’t want a body wash with ingredients that are too strong, you do want to treat acne with a formula that works. If you have mild acne, dry skin or sensitive skin, you’ll want to use a gentle body wash formula. Some gentle body wash options for acne include tea tree oil and other plant-based exfoliants (don’t use harsh exfoliants on dry or sensitive skin). A botanical exfoliant like tea tree oil will be able to treat the oil and acne on your skin gently.

Intended use

How do you intend to use your new body wash? Are you replacing your gym bag body wash that you use daily when you shower? Are you looking for a gentle, moisturizing exfoliator? Knowing your intended use and outcome is the most significant guideline that can help you choose your next excellent body wash.

Ingredients to look for in a moisturizing body wash

If you’re looking to take care of dehydrated skin, seek out body washes with natural ingredients that offer skin the best nourishment and hydration.

Aloe vera

We know you’ve heard of this powerful plant. It’s most popular as a sunburn remedy because its natural ingredients soothe and calm the skin. Why would you want aloe vera in a body wash, then? The same properties that help with your summer burn can also hydrate and soothe the skin after cleansing. This botanical powerhouse locks in moisture after your skin is clean and leaves you with soft, dewy skin.

Shea butter

Famous for its moisturizing and hydrating properties, shea butter is a common addition to moisturizing body washes. Shea butter is both a skin emollient and humectant, meaning it moisturizes and attracts hydration to the skin. It’s one of the most effective natural ingredients in a moisturizing body wash.

Ceramides

Ceramides are a component of your skin’s natural barrier. They help lock in moisture and hydration and protect your skin. If you can find a body wash with ceramides, it will help moisturize and strengthen your skin. This means your skin will feel nourished and hydrated for longer.

Glycerin

This humectant attracts moisture to the skin. It’s a simple substance that does one job: It attracts hydration. Body washes with glycerin will be nourishing to the skin. This ingredient also helps soften the skin and make it feel soft and smooth.

Hyaluronic acid

Today, hyaluronic acid is widely found in serums, face lotions, moisturizers and other skin-care products for the face. Because it’s a potent humectant, though, we think it’s only a matter of time until we see it added to all skin-care products, including body washes!

Squalane

Squalane is a natural substance that your skin’s sebaceous glands produce to improve oil production. If squalane is added to a body wash, it helps stimulate oil production and increases your body’s natural moisture and hydration level.

Essential oils

Before plucking a body wash with essential oils off the shelf, know your skin type. These are best suited for people with dry, combination or normal skin, and can cause irritation or side effects for anyone with oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Those of you who can enjoy the benefits of essential oils will appreciate their skin healing, repairing and soothing properties. If you’re looking for specific results with your essential oils (softer skin, soothing inflammation, etc.), search quickly to find the correct essential oil for your treatment.

Ingredients to avoid in a moisturizing body wash

If your No. 1 goal is to hydrate and moisturize the skin, you’ll want to avoid the “easy” body wash options. Most body washes you can buy at the grocery store or drugstore contain artificial fragrances and colors.

A few key ingredients to avoid are parabens, phthalates, sulfates and formaldehyde.

How do I use a moisturizing body wash?

First, don’t overthink it! But if you are concerned about using your body wash correctly or adequately, we’ve got you covered.

It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a relaxing bath or a quick, efficient shower. Get your whole body wet and slippery from neck to toe – and don’t forget to wash behind your ears. Apply your moisturizing body wash everywhere on the body and scrub your skin clean. Areas of the body that create more odors will need a bit of extra scrubbing to ensure they’re just as clean as the rest of you. If you think it won’t bother the skin, you can apply body wash to a loofah and cleanse your body that way.

How to prevent dry skin and maintain moisture levels

If you’re on the hunt for the best moisturizing body wash, chances are you’re dealing with dry, itchy or sensitive skin. While we think a body wash is a great idea to help your skin, you can also implement some other life hacks to get the most hydration for your skin.

Humidifier

Depending on the climate where you live, you may want to look into getting a humidifier. If you live in an area with low humidity or experience frequent weather changes, your skin may be lacking vital moisture from the air.

Toss out harsh soaps and detergents

If moisturizing body wash isn’t enough to treat your dry or tired skin, it’s time to examine any other laundry detergents or soaps in your house. Harsh laundry detergents will stick to clothes, and chemicals may rub and irritate the skin. Choose a laundry detergent that is free of fragrances and other harsh chemicals.

The same goes for other soaps in your household. If you notice yourself reaching for a bar soap in the bathroom or liquid soap at the kitchen sink, make sure they’re optimal for your skin type and don’t cause irritation. They’re easy to swap out, and formulas free from harsh chemicals are easy to find.

Ensure you moisturize

Make sure your skin-care routine has a moisturizing lotion or cream. The best time to apply lotion is when you finish your bath or shower and have patted your skin dry.

Use a thick cream or lotion to penetrate the skin’s barrier for optimal hydration if you suffer from severely dry skin or eczema. Look for the National Eczema Association stamp on lotion or body wash bottles to find the best products for people with skin conditions.

Pick a fragrance-free lotion that doesn’t irritate the skin for men and women who need to moisturize sensitive skin. Opt for a body wash with all-natural and plant-based ingredients that don’t bother your skin.

Anyone with oily or acne-prone skin should pick a light gel or cream body wash that won’t cause new breakouts. There are also specific lotions and body washes made for people with acne. One high-quality moisturizing lotion is Mario Badescu Special Cleansing Lotion “O.” It can help treat blemishes, redness and inflamed acne.

Frequently asked questions

Will my moisturizing body wash expire?

Yes. All skin-care products have an expiration date. You can use products with all-natural ingredients after purchase between six and 12 months. Body washes that contain extra chemicals and preservatives will have a longer shelf-life – sometimes up to three years. Check the side or bottom of your body wash bottle for a printed expiration date.

There are a few easy ways to check if your body wash is already expired. Check for a funky smell, strange texture or discoloration. Any of these can be a sign of an expired body wash.

Is there a moisturizing bar soap?

There are bar soaps that contain natural, moisturizing ingredients. However, most bar soaps contain harsh soaps or other components that dry out the skin and strip it of its natural oils. To get the best hydration or moisture, it is better to use a moisturizing body wash. Body washes contain moisturizing elements and substances that bar soaps don’t have.

If you prefer using bar soap, look for an all-natural product that uses fewer (or no) harmful chemicals. A great product to try is Ursa Major’s Morning Mojo Bar Soap.

Do I need to use my moisturizing body wash every day?

If you want to hydrate your skin, yes! Regular body washes can dry out and even strip the skin of natural oils. The ideal body wash will nourish the skin and keep it moisturized, even after cleansing the skin.

If you skip the moisturizing body wash, you may notice your skin drying out or cracking more quickly. An easy remedy for this (if you want to skip the moisturizing body wash) is immediately applying a hydrating lotion after finishing your bath and shower. This locks in the most moisture with the least amount of effort.

What is the best moisturizing body wash?

This year’s best moisturizing body wash is the Blu Atlas Body Wash. It’s a simple, all-natural formula that cleanses the skin and doesn’t irritate or inflame. It’s one of the best body washes for the whole family, with a rich lather and plant-based ingredients that are safe for all skin types.