The Best Body Washes, According to Real Simple Editors

If you’ve ever stood in the body wash aisle staring at 40 nearly identical bottles wondering,
“Why is this so hard?”, you’re not alone. Real Simple editors actually put that confusion to the test:
they tried around 50 different formulas and narrowed them down to a small group of standouts that made
skin feel clean, soft, and happy instead of tight and itchy.

Their approach lines up with what beauty editors, independent testing labs, and dermatologists at outlets
like Good Housekeeping, Allure, Byrdie, and People recommend: focus on
gentle ingredients, smart moisturizers, and formulas tailored to your skin typenot just the prettiest
bottle or catchiest scent.

Below, you’ll find editor- and derm-loved body washes that frequently show up in testing roundups across
major U.S. publications, plus a guide to picking the best one for your skin and some real-world
experiences that capture what a good body wash can actually do for your daily shower.

How Editors and Dermatologists Evaluate “Best” Body Washes

While Real Simple editors tested dozens of formulas themselves, their criteria look surprisingly similar
to those used by expert labs and derm panels at places like Good Housekeeping, Glamour, and InStyle.

Key Testing Criteria

• Cleansing power without stripping: Washes need to remove sweat, sunscreen, and oil but leave skin feeling comfortable, not squeaky or tight.
• Moisturizing ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, ceramides, and natural oils are editor favorites for boosting hydration.
• Fragrance profile: Options range from fragrance-free for sensitive skin to complex, spa-like scents. Longevity mattersbut so does not irritating the skin.
• Skin-type friendliness: Editors consult dermatologists about formulas for eczema, body acne, keratosis pilaris, and very dry or reactive skin.
• Texture and rinse-off: Does it lather well? Rinse clean? Leave a residue? Testers score these elements over days or weeks of use.

In short, a “best” body wash isn’t just about smelling niceit’s a mix of performance, skin feel, value,
and how much you actually look forward to using it.

Editor-Approved Body Washes at a Glance

You’ll see the same names pop up across Real Simple’s testing and other editor and derm roundups. Here are
body washes that frequently make the cut:

• Best overall everyday wash: Nécessaire The Body Wash Fragrance-Free
• Best affordable drugstore pick: Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash
• Best for sensitive, reactive skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
• Best for very dry, itchy skin: CeraVe Hydrating or eczema-friendly body washes
• Best for body acne and clogged pores: Salicylic-acid body washes (like body acne formulas from Cetaphil or Neutrogena)
• Best clean, simple scented option: Native Moisturizing Body Wash
• Best luxury “treat yourself” wash: Aesop body cleansers and botanically scented formulas like Wonder Valley Hinoki Body Wash
• Best multi-tasker for families: Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap

Let’s dive into why these types of formulas are so beloved by editors and dermatologists alike.

Best Overall Everyday Body Wash

Nécessaire The Body Wash Fragrance-Free

Multiple beauty outlets highlight Nécessaire’s gentle, fragrance-free body wash as a top all-around pick
thanks to its blend of hydrating ingredients and skin-friendly pH.
Real Simple–style editors love that it feels minimal but still luxurious: you get a silky gel texture,
light lather, and no heavy perfume competing with your lotion or fragrance.

The formula leans on ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide to help support the skin barrier while
cleansing. That makes it a strong everyday choice for normal to slightly dry skin, or anyone who layers
on active skincare and doesn’t want their body wash undoing all that work.

Best for: Most skin types, including mildly sensitive skin; people who want a “quiet,”
sophisticated formula that just works.

Editor tip: Use this as your baseline. If your skin still feels tight after a week, you
probably need something even creamier and richer.

Best Affordable Drugstore Body Wash

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash

If there were a hall of fame for body washes, Dove Deep Moisture would be in it. Good Housekeeping’s beauty
lab, Allure editors, and other reviewers consistently call out Dove’s rich, creamy formula for how soft
it leaves skinespecially in cold, dry weather.

Rather than harsh sulfates, this formula uses milder surfactants plus moisturizing ingredients like
plant-based oils and glycerin to keep your skin from feeling stripped. Dermatologists often recommend it
as a budget-friendly option for dry or sensitive-prone skin types.

Best for: Dry to normal skin, especially if you want soft, bouncy skin without spending
prestige-level money.

Editor tip: Pair it with a matching rich body lotion on slightly damp skin to lock in
even more moisture.

Best Body Wash for Sensitive, Reactive Skin

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

When dermatologists are asked to recommend something for eczema-prone or very sensitive skin, La
Roche-Posay’s Lipikar line is a frequent first pick. E! and other outlets feature this gentle foaming
wash because it’s fragrance-free, rich in shea butter, and formulated with soothing thermal water and
barrier-supporting ingredients.

It’s designed to be safe for babies, kids, and adults, and it can often be used on both face and body.
That makes it an excellent “one-and-done” option for households dealing with dry, irritated, or reactive
skin.

Best for: Eczema-prone, very dry, or reactive skin; anyone who needs a fragrance-free
formula.

Editor tip: Apply your moisturizer within a few minutes of stepping out of the shower
while skin is still slightly dampthat’s when this kind of gentle wash really shines.

Best Body Wash for Very Dry, Itchy Skin

CeraVe Hydrating & Eczema-Friendly Body Washes

Skin experts regularly name-check CeraVe in lists of the best body washes for eczema and extreme dryness
because of its signature blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and gentle surfactants.
These formulas are designed to support the skin barrier rather than simply coat it with temporary
moisture.

Dermatologists like that CeraVe keeps things simple: minimal fragrance (or none), no trendy irritants, and
a pH that plays nicely with skin. For chronically dry skin, that “boring but effective” approach is often
exactly what you need.

Best for: Chronically dry, itchy, or compromised skin; people treating eczema with
prescription creams who need a non-irritating cleanser.

Editor tip: Use lukewarmnot hotwater and keep showers under 10 minutes. With dry skin,
water temperature is almost as important as the body wash itself.

Best Body Washes for Body Acne and Rough Bumps

Salicylic-Acid Body Washes (Cetaphil, Neutrogena, and Others)

When backne, clogged pores, or keratosis pilaris enter the chat, editors and derms reach for ingredients
like salicylic acid. Roundups of acne-friendly cleansers highlight body washes and bars that combine
gentle surfactants with exfoliating acids to help clear pores on the chest, shoulders, and back.

These formulas are typically used a few times a week instead of daily if you’re sensitive. Many also
include hydrating ingredients like glycerin to offset potential dryness, but they’re still more active
than a basic hydrating wash.

Best for: Oily or breakout-prone skin on the body; rough bumps on arms or thighs.

Editor tip: Leave the lather on breakout areas for 30–60 seconds before rinsing so the
salicylic acid has time to workbut avoid using these on freshly shaved or very irritated skin.

Best Clean, Simple Scented Body Wash

Native Moisturizing Body Wash

In People’s recent beauty awards, editors called out Native’s Moisturizing Body Wash for its rich lather,
hydrating feel, and crowd-pleasing scentsall while keeping the ingredient list relatively streamlined and
“clean-leaning.”

For shoppers who want fun fragrances (think coconut, citrus, or cozy gourmand notes) but still care about
gentle surfactants and hydrating ingredients, Native lands in a sweet spot: accessible price point, easy
to find at major retailers, and a fragrance wardrobe that doesn’t feel childish.

Best for: Normal to slightly dry skin; anyone who likes a scented shower but wants to
skip heavy, old-school soaps.

Editor tip: Match your body wash scent to your deodorant or lotion to build a subtle,
layered fragrance without perfume.

Best Luxury “Treat Yourself” Body Wash

Aesop & Hinoki-Scented Body Cleansers

Luxury-focused lists from outlets like Marie Claire, Allure, and GQ consistently shout out brands like
Aesop and Wonder Valley for turning a very normal shower into a full-sensory ritual.
These formulas usually feature sophisticated scentscitrus, spice, woods, or herbaceous notespaired with
silky textures that feel more like a spa treatment than basic soap.

Are they strictly necessary? Of course not. But Real Simple-style editors often include at least one
“splurge” option on their lists because it transforms an everyday habit into something indulgentand for
many of us, the shower is our only true alone time.

Best for: Normal to dry skin that’s not overly sensitive; anyone who delights in complex,
perfume-like scents.

Editor tip: Save your pricier wash for “everything showers” or weekend pampering and use
a cheaper everyday wash the rest of the week.

Best Multi-Tasking Family Body Wash

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap

Multi-use formulas like Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap show up in numerous best-of lists thanks to how
concentrated and versatile they are. Editors appreciate that a single bottle can be diluted for body,
hands, and sometimes even household cleaning tasks.

That said, this is a more “active” formulavery concentrated and often scented with essential oilsso it’s
not ideal for very sensitive skin if used full strength. When diluted properly, though, it’s a
minimalist’s dream.

Best for: Normal, oilier, or non-sensitive skin; families who like fewer bottles in the
shower caddy.

Editor tip: Always follow dilution guidelines and consider patch testing if you have any
history of sensitivity to essential oils.

How to Choose the Best Body Wash for Your Skin

Looking at Real Simple’s testing notes alongside other expert lists, a few patterns emerge about what
actually matters when you’re picking a body wash.

1. Start with Your Skin Type and Concerns

• Dry or mature skin: Look for words like “moisturizing,” “creamy,” “nourishing,” and ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and plant oils.
• Oily or acne-prone skin: Choose formulas labeled “clarifying” or “acne-fighting” with salicylic acid, but avoid using them on already irritated areas.
• Sensitive or eczema-prone skin: Seek out “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” and recommendations from dermatologists, not just marketing claims.
• Normal skin: You can focus more on texture and scent, as long as the wash doesn’t leave you feeling tight or itchy.

2. Read the Ingredient List Like a Pro

Editors and labs don’t just rely on vibes; they analyze ingredient lists. Most agree it’s wise to favor
sulfate-free or gentle surfactant systems if you’re dry or sensitive, and to prioritize humectants
(glycerin, hyaluronic acid) and barrier-supportive lipids (ceramides, plant oils) over heavy perfumes and
dyes.

Fragrance isn’t evil, but if you’re prone to irritation, a fragrance-free or lightly scented option can
save you a lot of trouble.

3. Consider Texture, Lather, and Rinse

Gel, cream, oil, foamthere’s no single “best” texture, but Real Simple’s testing (and others) show that
users tend to stick with products that make the shower feel enjoyable.
If you like a foamy lather, choose a formula that specifically promises that. If you prefer something
silky and milky, look for “shower oil” or “cream wash” in the description.

4. Match the Wash to Your Climate and Routine

In winter or very dry climates, even editors who love their clarifying washes will switch to something
richer. In hot, humid summers, a lighter gel might feel better. The “best body wash” for you in January
might not be the same one you want in July.

Common Body Wash Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

• Using scalding hot water: It feels amazing in the moment but strips lipids from your skin, making even gentle washes feel harsh.
• Over-scrubbing with loofahs: Loofahs can harbor bacteria and cause micro-tears. Editors increasingly favor washcloths or just hands, especially for sensitive skin.
• Washing with face cleanser on the body (or vice versa): Formulas are designed for specific areas and needs. Using the right product in the right place helps prevent dryness or breakouts.
• Skipping moisturizer after a “gentle” wash: Even the best hydrating body wash isn’t a substitute for lotion or cream if your skin tends to be dry.

Real-Life Experiences With Editor-Loved Body Washes

Testers and editors rarely just say “it was nice.” When you read through their descriptions and testing
notes, you start to see patternslittle lifestyle moments that show how a good body wash fits into real
life. The stories below are based on those kinds of experiences.

From Bar Soap to Hydrating Wash

Imagine someone who’s used the same basic bar soap since high school. It’s cheap, it’s familiar, and it
gets the job done… sort of. But every winter, their shins get so dry they itch through jeans, and their
arms feel tight after every shower.

When they finally switch to a richer, editor-approved formulasomething like a moisturizing drugstore
wash with glycerin and plant oilsthey notice the difference within a week. Towels don’t drag on their
skin. They’re not reaching for body lotion three times a day. The shower still feels quick and practical,
but it no longer comes with a side of flakes and itch.

Living With Eczema and Finding a “Safe” Wash

People with eczema often talk about living on the edge: one wrong product and suddenly they’re dealing
with flares that last for days. For them, finding a derm-recommended, fragrance-free body wash that
doesn’t sting or leave skin red is genuinely life-improving.

A gentle, eczema-friendly formula becomes more than a shower product. It’s something they can use even
when their skin is at its worst, a tiny bit of predictable comfort. That’s a big reason sensitive-skin
washes show up so often in editor roundups and dermatologist interviewsthey’re not trendy, but they are
reliable.

Body Acne, Confidence, and the Right Ingredients

Body acne can be surprisingly demoralizing. It’s not just about how your back looks in a tank top; it’s
also the discomfort of inflamed bumps rubbing under straps or sports bras. Editors who test acne-focused
body washes often share versions of the same story: once they swapped a heavily fragranced shower gel for
a salicylic-acid wash, their body breakouts gradually calmed down.

The change doesn’t happen overnight. But over a month or two, red, angry bumps soften. Dark marks fade a
little faster. Wearing a swimsuit feels less like a strategic operation and more like a normal part of
summer. That’s not just a skin resultit’s a quality-of-life improvement.

Turning the “Everything Shower” Into Self-Care

There’s also the purely joyful side of body wash. Real Simple and other outlets have covered the rise of
the “everything shower”that long, luxurious session where you double-cleanse, exfoliate, shave, hair
mask, and maybe even apply a face mask for good measure.

In that kind of routine, a beautiful body wash is like a soundtrack. Maybe it’s a hinoki-wood scent that
makes your tiny bathroom feel like a cedar sauna, or a citrusy gel that wakes you up more effectively
than your coffee. Editors often talk about these formulas in emotional terms: “It makes my shower feel
like a spa,” or “It’s the one product I look forward to at the end of a long day.”

Does a luxe body wash solve major problems? No. But in a world where so much of our self-care feels like
a chore, having one small, purely pleasing product genuinely matters.

Sharing a Shower Shelf Without a Fight

Finally, there’s the very practical challenge of sharing space. Couples and families often default to
whatever’s cheapest or most generic, which doesn’t always work when one person is sensitive, another loves
strong fragrance, and a third just wants something that rinses quickly.

Editor-approved picks often solve this by gently nudging households toward a two-wash system: a simple,
fragrance-free option that works for everyone, plus a second “fun” wash chosen for scent or texture.
Suddenly, no one is secretly resentful because the fancy body wash keeps disappearing, and everyone has a
formula that respects their skin.

Final Thoughts

If you take only one thing from Real Simple’s testing and the broader editor and derm consensus, let it be
this: the best body wash is the one that keeps your skin comfortable and fits your life. It doesn’t have
to be expensive, but it should be well-formulated, gentle, and something you actually enjoy using.

Whether you reach for a fragrance-free dermatologist favorite or a luxurious hinoki-scented gel, a good
body wash turns an everyday necessity into a tiny daily ritualand your skin will thank you every single
time you step out of the shower.