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WE'LL GET STRAIGHT to the point: the best body washes for men should contain two ingredients: stearic acid and ceramides. The first is a fatty acid that seals your skin barrier and helps soften rough skin cells. The latter is a lipid that helps keep your skin barrier intact, which is why it's also found in some of the best moisturizers and body lotions we've tested. Unlike your typical bar soaps, a quality body wash rinses your skin without stripping it of its natural oils, so you leave the shower squeaky clean, but not ashy.
Best Body Washes for Men
What to Consider
Skin Type
Like most grooming products including shampoos and skincare, most body washes are formulated specifically for certain skin types. For example, if you have dry skin, a harsher wash might dry your skin out even more leading to itchiness and irritation. In this case, look for a body wash that’s specifically formulated for dry skin. They’re often creamier and contain ingredients meant to moisturize skin and bolster the skin’s protective barrier. It may seem like marketing mumbo jumbo, but we assure you, it’s not. Choose a body wash designed for your needs and your skin will thank you.
Active Ingredients
Similarly, different body washes will contain different active ingredients based on what skin type they are designed for. All body washes will contain surfactants, which are the ingredients that actually cleanse your skin, but even then—what kind of surfactants they contain depends on the skin type they are targeting (harsher surfactants can irritate dry or sensitive skin, for instance). Beyond that, most body washes will contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and plant-derived oils which help to keep skin moisturized after it’s been cleansed.
Joshua Zeicher, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City, also recommends looking for stearic acid and ceramides in a body wash. “Stearic acid is a fatty acid found naturally in the outer skin layer,” he says. “It helps seal the skin barrier and when applied topically to the skin, it also acts as an emollient to soften rough cells on the skin's surface.” Similarly, ceramides are a lipid that keeps the skin barrier intact, which is especially useful for dry skin or eczema.
Scent
How a body wash smells obviously plays a big part in the experience of using it—and is, of course, a personal choice. But whether you like lots of fragrance or not, where the scent comes from should also play a factor in how you choose a body wash. Many washes will list “fragrance” on the ingredients list, which can mean that the added fragrance is chemical-based. Others may list essential oils or other ingredients that give the formula its scent. Neither of these is inherently better than the other, but if you’re sensitive to fragrance, it’s worth noting that both could possibly irritate your skin depending on how concentrated they are.
How We Selected
Aside from consulting our expert dermatologists Joshua Zeichner, MD and Corey L. Hartman, MD, our panel of editors tried over 75 different body washes and judged them based on efficacy, cleansing power, ease of use, scent and more. It was a hard job to narrow it down to the 12 best, but we’re confident these are the very best out there.
Pros
- Deeply cleans skin without overly drying it
Cons
- Not ideal for guys who want a strong scent soap
In our rigorous testing process for our annual Grooming Awards, seven of our testers unanimously voted Nivea's Sensitive 3-in-1 body wash as the best in its class. One tester said, "[It's] a creamy body wash that keeps your skin clean and deeply moisturized. It’s lightly fragranced, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin or compete with your cologne."
Our editors with sensitive skin also found that Nivea's was the rare body wash that didn't cause breakouts or redness after using it consistently. That's thanks to its star ingredients: almond oil and bamboo extract, which provide added moisture while soothing skin. But even with its gentle formula, we found that Nivea still cleaned our skin effectively. We found that it wiped away grime and sunscreen as strongly as any soaps we've tried.
What makes this the very best overall is that you don’t have to have sensitive skin to reap the benefits of this wash. If you do, you’re going to love the creamy texture and gentle lather. But if you don’t, you’ll still love how well this wash cleans your body while still leaving your skin soft and moisturized, never dry or tight-feeling.
Read more: Best Bar Soaps for Men
Skin type | All skin types |
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Key ingredients | Almond oil, bamboo extract |
Scent | Citrus |
Best Smelling Body Wash
Oribe Côte d'Azur Replenishing Body Wash
Pros
- It smells like a five-star luxury spa
Cons
- It's very expensive
I first learned about this paradise-in-a-bottle soap when I was testing body washes for our 2022 Men's Health Grooming Awards, and I've been restocking it in my shower caddy ever since. First, it dispenses a pearly, rich gel that just looks super luxurious. Inside is a beautiful blend of starflower oils, meadowfoam, and sweet almond that cleans, hydrates, calms, and leaves your skin with a tropical, fruity aroma that smells like a five-star resort, and the scent stays on your skin for hours after you've used it.
For most days I use Oribe's body wash in lieu of a cologne, since it stays on my skin so long after showering. I've received tons of compliments on my "perfume," which is why I've been an Oribe fan ever since. No wonder Barry's Bootcamp stocks Oribe's Côte d'Azur in all of its locker rooms.
Skin type | Rice oil, passionflower oil |
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Suitable for | All skin types |
Scent | Sandalwood, jasmine, bergamot |
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Pros
- It has a bright, invigorating scent that makes showering fun
Cons
- It's not idea for guys who prefer a muskier scent
As if you couldn’t tell by the name, this scent from Harry’s was inspired by coastal woodlands and comes to life through notes of cypress, sandalwood and driftwood (with a dash of citrus). Harry's body washes have been a standby favorite amongst Men's Health editors for a few years now. One tester noted, "The scents of the shoulder gel fade quickly, especially when competing with the strong smells of deodorant and cologne."
But even though this body wash isn't all overpowering, it has lasting power. One tester received more compliments using this body wash than any other fragrance he's used. "It feels luxurious and feels my skin soft," he said. "It feels like a good spa day than a necessary bathing ritual. I don't mind the cycle of lather, rinse and repeat when the repetition feels fun and indulgent."
Read more: Harry's Body Wash Review
Skin type | All skin types |
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Key Ingredients | Lauric Acid, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Citric Acid |
Scent | Redwood |
Pros
- It has a deep-cleaning, but moisturizing formula
Cons
- Not great for guys who want a fragrance-free soap
Old Spice has been around for decades now, and for good reason. We love that the cleaning power of this body wash is top-notch. It contains twice the amount of moisturizer as comparable soaps, leaving skin cleansed without feeling tight and over-stripped. “It’s preventing moisture loss, but also adding more to help the barrier trap hydration even better," said dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. Plus, it has no irritating parabens or dyes and our testers with sensitive skin conditions like eczema found that it didn't irritate their skin, which is rare for a lot of drugstore body washes we've tried.
Beyond its cleaning capabilities, Old Spice's Gentlemen's Blend smells amazing, too. Its new lavender formula gives it a fresh scent and our testers found the smell especially relaxing. "The scent is fresh when using it, but doesn't linger on skin, which is ideal for irritation-prone types," one tester said.
Read more: Old Spice Gentleman's Blend Body Wash Review
Skin type | All skin types |
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Key ingredients | Petrolatum, Sodium Citrate |
Scent | Lavender, mint |
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Best Strong Fragrance Body Wash
Jack Black Black Reserve Body and Hair Cleanser
Pros
- It has a cologne-like scent that smells luxurious
Cons
- Formula might be too strong to on hair
Our testers noted that two-in-one body and hair cleanse has a strong cardamom and cedarwood (read: really woodsy) scent that lasts for hours after hopping out of the shower. That's great if you want a multi-purpose body wash that also functions as your cologne.
"It leaves your skin smelling expensive, but not overpowering," said one tester. "At the same time, it makes your skin feel clean without making it too dry." That's thanks to its sulfate-free formula. Plus, its pump dispenser makes for easy application. And while it's marketed as a shampoo as well, we recommend using a separate hair wash. Some testers said the formula didn't play nice with their mane.
Skin type | All skin types |
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Key Ingredients | Jojoba protein, aloe vera, panthenol |
Scent | Lavender, bergamot |
Pros
- Ingredient list is easy to understand
Cons
- More expensive than other on this list
If there is such a thing as status body wash, this would be it. Aesop, the purveyor of uber-luxe hand soaps dispensed at five-star hotels, also makes some premium cleansers for the rest of your body. Take this Coriander Seed wash, which our editors report has a rich, earthy scent, which one editor says, "smells like money."
"Keep this in your shower to impress anyone who might see it," says another tester, "Even if it's just you." Plus while our other fragrance-heavy body washes irritated some of our testers with sensitive skin, this one did not. That's because it's sourced from natural ingredients like coriander seed oil, glycerin, and castor oil, so you can feel good about putting it on your body.
Read more: Best Deodorants
Skin type | All |
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Key Ingredients | Coriander Seed, Black Pepper, Patchouli |
Scent | Coriander |
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Pros
- It features quality ingredients for the price point
Cons
- Fragrance can be too strong for some
If you want a low-cost body wash that you can restock over and over again without breaking the bank, then Method's classic body wash is your guy. Our testers found that the Cedar + Cypress soap offered a lot of value for the price point. It contains naturally derived ingredients (sodium lauryl sulfate, citric acid, etc), which provide the thorough clean that we want from an everyday wash.
One tester found that the soap's outdoorsy scent "made me feel like I just came back from a hike, even though all I did was wake up and stumble to the shower." Though other testers noted that its Pacific Northwest fragrance was too strong and woodsy for them, and competed with their colognes. Still, Method's body wash is hard to beat in terms of value.
Read more: Best Dopp Kits for Traveling
Skin type | All skin types |
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Key ingredients | Citric acid, aloe extract, coconut oils |
Scent | Cedar, cypress |
Best Post-Workout Body Wash
Huron Invigorating Daily Body Wash
If you look for a tingly, fresh feel in your body wash, this cleansing gel contains menthol and eucalyptus to deliver it. The lather is rich and conditioning, but still effective at stripping away excess oil. It’s perfect for after a long run or a day out in the sun.
The ingredients in this formula are more like something you’d find in body washes twice the price if not more. There’s the aforementioned menthol and eucalyptus, of course, but also ultra-moisturizing coconut oil, vitamins E and B5 to help strengthen and protect your skin, witch hazel to help naturally deodorize and also clarify skin and ginseng to give it an invigorating effect (beyond the minty tingle). Compare it to other luxury washes you’ve tried and we found that it stands up and sometimes even exceeds it.
Read more: Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Skin type | All skin types |
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Key Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Ginseng, and Vitamin E |
Scent | Citrus, eucalyptus |
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Use this body wash to soothe super dry skin—even eczema. It works because it contains a combination of the specific ceramides that are predominant in the skin and replenishes them to build up your skin barrier, according to Dr. Zeichner.
Honestly, skin barrier support is important for everyone, not just those with dry skin. Using this wash, even if you don’t have chronic dry skin, is a great way to bolster your skin’s protective barrier, which is why our testers loved this creamy, ultra-soothing wash even if they didn’t have dry skin. There’s also niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in the formula to aid in calming and hydration, respectively. If you do suffer from chronic dry skin, however, this wash is a must. Our testers noticed a near-immediate improvement in their dryness and inflammation, with a compounded effect the longer they used it.
Skin type | All skin types |
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Key Ingredients | Ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, Omega Oils, Hydraulic Acid |
Scent | Fragrance free |
Pros
- Incredible scent
- Rich leather that feels amazing
Cons
- Not for everyday use
The BW1 body wash is void of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates and creates a rich foam that soothes the skin. As for the scent, we'd be hard-pressed to find anything more pleasant at the moment. It's the perfect amount of sophistication without being too overbearing, which means you'll smell amazing only to those who come within close contact.
Look, we understand that it can be hard to justify such a high price for a body wash, but if you’ve ever used a luxury body wash, you probably know what a difference it makes. With washes like this one, the lather is richer and the formula doesn’t strip your skin and make it feel dry or tight after you use it, which is a sign that it’s stripped away all the natural oils on your body. That sort of clean takes time and care (and money) to formulate, which is why you typically get that feeling with cheaper body washes that use harsher cleansing agents. If it’s any consolation, we suggest saving this body wash for extra special occasions (the cologne-like smell is perfect for date night prep).
Skin type | All skin types |
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Key ingredients | Green Tea Extract, Coconut Oil, Salicylic Acid, Blueberry Fruit Extract |
Scent | Amber, cognac, bergamot |
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Pros
- Dermatologist-Tested
- Best for dry and sensitive skin types
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Not ideal if you prefer a scent
For those a part of the sensitive skin tribe, Necessaire has you covered with this perfect fragrance-free body wash. The brand's offering is designed to clean without any of the overpowering scents or irritants that can cause flare-ups or discomfort. Instead, it's formulated with gentle, soothing ingredients that clean without stripping away your skin or leaving it feeling bone-dry.
Our editors who can't handle strong scents found this one to be the most straightforward, yet effective option for them. They didn't experience any breakouts or redness like with others tested. Instead, it has a luxurious lather that glides smoothly on. Plus, the nozzle that pops up lets you easily control the amount dispensed into your hand or washcloth.
Skin Types | Dry, Sensitive |
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Key Ingredients | Lipid-rich Marula / Cacay oils, Niacinamide |
Scent | Fragrance free |
Pros
- Rich lather
- Non-irritating to dry skin
Cons
- Some testers found the bottle prone to leakage
Body scrubs can be helpful for smoother skin, but too harsh for sensitive skin or daily use. This new body wash is the best of both worlds. It has silica and jojoba beads to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells, charcoal for a deep clean, and argan oil to leave your skin moisturized. And it's all in a smooth formula that won’t upset sensitive skin.
There’s no shortage of exfoliating body washes out there, which come in handy to not only treat rough, dry patches on your body but can also help control ingrown hairs and other bumps, but the reason our testers love this one so much is the combination of physical exfoliating power from the jojoba beads and the deep moisturization that comes from the argan oil in the formula. Exfoliating can potentially lead to irritation, but since this one also moisturizes, we never felt any. Instead, our skin felt incredibly smooth—not to mention very, very clean.
Skin type | Sensitive to normal |
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Key ingredients | Hydrated Silica, Jojoba Esters, Charcoal, Argan Oil |
Scent | Coconut |
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Is It Ok to Use More Than One Body Wash?
The short answer: yes! Having a few different body washes in your rotation can be beneficial based on when and why you would use them. Many washes that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, for instance, shouldn’t be used every day because they can be harsh on skin. Other reasons you might want to change up your body wash include the weather outside, how dry or sweaty your skin is, whether you just worked out, whether you’re showering in the morning or at night, or just what scent you’re in the mood for.
Shop More of the Best Ways to Stay Clean and Smell Great
Bar Soaps | Natural Soaps | Biodegradable Soaps | Face Wash | Moisturizing Body Washes | Deodorants | Ball Deodorant | Deodorants That Don't Stain Clothes | Natural Deodorants | Body Sprays
Expert consulted:Joshua Zeichner, M.D.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an associate professor and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.He is one of the country's key opinion leaders in treating acne and rosacea and is an expert in cosmeceuticals and skincare.
As an educator, Dr. Zeichner trains residents and medical students and regularly lectures to international audiences at the major dermatology meetings. His work has been published in top peer-reviewed dermatology journals and he has consistently been voted by his peers to New York Magazine’s Best Doctors and New York City Super Doctors in the New York Times Magazine.