The best moisturizing body washes don’t just rinse away dirt and sweat—they also leave your skin feeling softer and more hydrated before you even reach for moisturizer. The right formula transforms your shower into more than just a rinse-off routine: It’s a two-in-one moment of cleansing and care. These aren’t your average suds; they’re loaded with the kind of nourishing ingredients, like shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin, that attract moisture, so you get clean without the tight, squeaky aftermath. And if you have sensitive skin, you’ll appreciate that many of these derm-approved picks skip common irritants like dyes and fragrances, and even carry the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval.
Bottom line: A great moisturizing body wash saves you from that dry, itchy post-shower feeling and makes your skin feel silky and comfortable all day. Here, the editor-approved picks that turn a simple shower into a moisturizing moment.
Our Top Moisturizing Body Washes
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Osea Undaria Algae Body Wash
Osea
Undaria Algae Body Wash
Why we love it: If you’ve tried the Best of Beauty-winning Osea Undaria Body Oil, you’re probably familiar with its delicious-smelling formula and skin-softening powers. Good news: Its sister product, the Undaria Body Wash, offers all the same little luxuries, just in the form of a foaming cleanser. Like the body oil, this body wash is boosted with seaweed, a natural ingredient packed with amino acids and antioxidants that replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Additionally, glycerin hydrates, plant-based surfactants gently cleanse, creating a light foam that doesn’t strip the skin, and nourishing jojoba and avocado oils leave your skin feeling silky and supple. After use, your skin will feel soft, hydrated, and revitalized.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I won’t lie: The scent is the selling point for me. The grapefruit and lime notes feel like a gentle wake-up call and boost my mood every time I use it. The formula itself is so silky and has the perfect amount of slip, and of course, it’s filled with moisturizing powerhouses, like the brand’s signature undaria seadweed, aloe, glycerin, and jojoba oil that leave my skin feeling as soft as a baby’s bum. Once I’m out of the shower and dried off, I follow up with the Hyaluronic Body Serum because it’s one of the few nonsticky body-care products my impatient self tolerates. It’s the perfect recipe for long-lasting hydration.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: seaweed, glycerin, jojoba oil, coconut oil, avocado oil
- Scent: grapefruit, lime, cyprus, mango, mandarin
- Size: 8 fl oz
Best Scent: Kiehl’s Oil-to-Foam Cleanser
Kiehl’s
Oil-to-Foam Cleanser
Why we love it: Plenty of body washes boast “oil-infused” formulas, but this one is an oil at its core—at least until it meets water. The moment it does, it transforms into a fine, cloud-like foam that feels like pure luxury. And the scent seals the deal: a cozy blend of vanilla and almond that lingers softly on skin without overwhelming your senses. With a base of castor and grapeseed oils—both rich in vitamin E and antioxidants—it cleanses while replenishing, leaving your skin velvety and moisturized. It’s basically a two-in-one: cleanser first, body oil second.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I’m five months pregnant in the middle of winter, so I’m all about oils right now—they’re the only thing that keeps the skin on my belly from feeling itchy or dry as it stretches. But a traditional shower oil isn’t really my jam, which is why this one is perfect: It builds to a sudsy foam that feels effective but nourishing, has a light herbal scent that feels like a mini-meditation in the morning, and leaves my skin soft and soft. I don’t think I’ll go back to anything else, even postpartum, especially in the winter months when my skin is thirsty.”—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: grapeseed oil, castor oil
- Scent: vanilla, almond
- Size: 8.4 fl oz
Best for Body Acne: Nécessaire The Body Wash
Nécessaire
The Body Wash
Why we love it: Nécessaire’s The Body Wash is a quiet hero in the acne-fighting category. Alabama-based dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, says this non-comedogenic formula—meaning it won’t clog pores—is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. It’s also packed with niacinamide, which he says “clears active acne, keeps pores clean, and reduces inflammation.” New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, is another fan: “I always look for formulas rich in glycerin, niacinamide, and plant oils to deeply hydrate while maintaining skin’s natural pH,” Dr. Engelman says, adding that it cleanses effectively but never leaves skin feeling tight (unlike many other cleansers that help with acne).
Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jen Hussein
“From the neck down, my skin is pretty finicky (I’m 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, glycerin, plant oils
- Scent: fragrance-free
- Size: 16.9 fl oz
Best for Sensitive Skin: Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel
Soft Services
Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel
Why we love it: If your skin flares up at the mere thought of showering, the Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel will put your skin at ease. Made with gentle cleansing agents, it washes away dirt and sweat without stripping, while glycerin locks in moisture long after you dry off. The water-oil texture adds a silky layer of slip, making it perfect for shaving (and for saying goodbye to razor bumps for good).
Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo
“I’m a huge Soft Services girly, and not only because the packaging is always beautiful. This shower gel in particular is so silky and gentle on my skin—I have dry skin all over, but this is good at not stripping away all oils and leaving my skin feeling hydrated. I also love how it can be used as a shaving oil!”—Briana Rengifo, designer
More to know
- Key ingredients: glycerin
- Scent: fragrance-free
- Size: 10 fl oz
Best Drugstore: Olay Super Serum Body Wash
Olay
Super Serum Body Wash
Why we love it: If you’re into a rich, creamy body wash that practically melts into your skin, this one’s for you. Olay’s Super Serum Body Wash lathers like a dream, glides over skin without tugging, and leaves you looking and feeling seriously hydrated. The formula packs a ton of hard-hitters like calming niacinamide, exfoliating BHA, brightening vitamin C, soothing vitamin E, and plumping collagen peptides. It’s basically a mini spa in a bottle, and bonus points for the cozy vanilla and soft woody notes that linger long after you get out of the shower. And for $13? A skin-loving steal.
“With dry and sensitive skin, I find it so easy to start dreading the winter months. The moment the temperature falls below 70 degrees, I swap out all of my body-care products for an ultra-moisturizing routine that always includes the Olay Super Serum Body Wash. The formula leaves my skin feeling silky smooth and provides the ideal base (hydrated but not sticky) to lather on my heavy-duty moisturizer once I’m out of the shower.”—Kassidy Silva, social media director
More to know
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, BHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, collagen peptides
- Scent: florals, vanilla, wood
- Size: 10 fl oz
Best for Eczema: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash
La Roche-Posay
Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash
New York-based dermatologist Jane Yoo, MD, has suffered from eczema for years, but La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash has been a personal favorite for years. “I used to purchase this in half-gallon bottles and lug it back from City Pharma in Paris for years until it finally came to the States,” she says. As someone who tests new products all the time (sounds familiar), that’s saying a lot. It has lipid-replenishing glycerin and shea butter, anti-inflammatory niacinamide, and the brand’s signature soothing, antioxidant-rich thermal spring water. As far as the formula feels, Dr. Yoo says it has a light, silky touch and is not too heavy, so it doesn’t leave behind any residue. “It’s also fragrance-free and suitable for babies, kids, and adults,” she adds.
“The fragrance-free milky gel removes all traces of my (granted, relatively light) makeup while also leaving my skin softer than it was pre-wash. The second ingredient in the formula is glycerin, a humectant that pulls water from the air to keep skin hydrated for hours. It also includes niacinamide to rebuild the skin’s lipid layer and shea butter to soften. A little dab’ll do ya (dime-size for your face, a couple of quarters for your entire body), and you still get just enough foaminess to tell your brain you’re getting clean. This wash started out in my kids’ bathtub—where it soothed rough patches on my eczema-prone son—before it migrated to my own shower and became my go-to.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
More to know
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, BHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, collagen peptides
- Scent: florals, vanilla, wood
- Size: 10 fl oz
Best for Very Dry Skin: L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
L’Occitane
Almond Shower Oil
Why we love it: For very dry skin, Dr. Engelman recommends pairing a hydrating, non-stripping body wash with a shower oil to seal in moisture immediately afterward, as it leaves a hydrating finish on the skin even after you hop out of the shower. “Or, you can opt for a shower oil, like L’Occitane’s Cleansing & Softening Almond Oil, which locks in hydration and prevents water loss.” This editor-beloved oil is made with highly moisturizing grapeseed, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oils that get nice n’ sudsy for a satisfying clean and to leave your skin soft and smooth. If your skin is unbearably dry and in desperate need of a double dose of moisture—or you just don’t have time for the cleanse-then-oil routine—say hello to your new shower power duo.
“Oil and suds usually don’t go together, but L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil proves otherwise. Thick and creamy in the bottle, it transforms into a rich, foamy lather the second it hits water, gliding effortlessly over the skin. It hydrates like an oil without leaving any greasy residue, leaving skin soft, supple, and touchable. Some days, I skip body lotion entirely—it’s that moisturizing. And the almond scent is pure spa vibes with every shower. I can’t get enough!”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
- Key ingredients: grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil
- Scent: almond, vanilla
- Size: 8.4 fl oz
Best Exfoliating: Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Hand & Body Wash
Beekman 1802
Goat Milk Hand & Body Wash
Why we love it: What’s goat milk got to do with dry skin? Well, a lot, when it comes to Beekman 1802. Goat milk naturally contains lactic acid, a gentle alpha hydroxy acid that helps whisk away dead cells for smoother, softer skin without irritation. Combined with “glycerin, jojoba seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and shea butter, the Goat Milk Hand and Body Wash hydrates the skin, supports the skin barrier, and helps to lock in moisture,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “Honey and aloe vera add additional soothing properties.” You can also use this as a hand wash—extra points for versatility.
More to know
- Key ingredients: glycerin, goat milk, jojoba, meadowfoam seed oil, shea butter
- Scent: fragrance-free
- Size: 12.5 fl oz
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizing body wash?
Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos recommends looking for ingredients that hydrate and support the skin barrier, like niacinamide (a.k.a vitamin B3), key for brightening, boosting ceramide production, and delivering antioxidant benefits. “Niacinamide is an ingredient with numerous advantages; as a cosmetic chemist, I love its versatility in formulations,” Dobos says. And don’t forget your ceramides, either. New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, previously told Allure that they’re key for filling in the cracks between skin cells and helping skin repair itself. Shea butter, jojoba oil, and algae extracts are also top picks for lasting softness, while hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated and clear, adds Dr. Engelman.
Synthetic compounds are also crucial to a good body wash—even the ones you can’t pronounce. “Combinations of two to three synthetic surfactants are essential for good cleansing and foaming, and increasing mildness. Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and cocamidopropyl betaine are examples of mild secondary surfactants,” says Dobos. “One ingredient that is particularly useful in body wash is guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, a conditioning polymer with many positive charges that make it substantive to dry skin. It can help deposit other ingredients on the skin too,” she adds.
What should I avoid in a body wash for dry skin?
While not everyone is sensitive to fragrance in body washes, picking a fragrance-free option minimizes the risk of irritation. “Try to avoid fragrances, cleansers with a high pH, or soap-based cleansers,” Dr. King attests. She notes that “soap” doesn’t always refer to bar soap, but rather cleansers with a high pH. “Skin has a neutral to slightly acidic pH, so you want cleansers that mimic that and support barrier health, Dr. King explains. “If it has tons of ingredients, ditch it. Keep it simple!” It’s a good idea to avoid harsh, skin-stripping detergents like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to more dryness.
If you have eczema, avoid formulas that feature acne-targeting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, Olga Bunimovich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh, previously told Allure, as they can be particularly drying and irritating. The safest option, however, if you have acne-prone and very dry skin, is to talk to your dermatologist before buying a new body wash.
Meet the experts
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, AL
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
- Olga Bunimovich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh
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 the best body washes for dry skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. 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.
Round out your body-care routine with these Allure editor must-haves:
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