Best Overall
Nivea Sensitive 3-in-1 Body Wash (Pack of 3)
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 tested 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.”
Indeed, after using it for two weeks, one tester found that he hardly noticed the scent at all. Our editors with sensitive skin found that Nivea’s was the rare body wash that didn’t cause breakouts our redness after using it consistently. That’s most likely 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. Editors found that it wiped away grime and sunscreen as strongly as most soaps that we 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. We will offer the disclaimer that if you’re especially dirty (like if you’ve been working in the yard all day), you may want something a bit more heavy duty, but for daily showering purposes, you’ll be hard pressed to find something better.
Read more: Best Bar Soaps for Men
Skin type All skin types Key ingredients Almond oil, bamboo extract
Best Smelling Body Wash
Oribe Côte d’Azur Replenishing Body Wash
Pros It smells like a five-star luxury spa
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 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 Suitable for All skin types
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Longest-lasting body wash
Harry’s Redwood Body Wash
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). It is a fan-favorite out of all the Harry’s body wash scents.
Harry’s body washes have been a standby favorite amongst Men’s Health editors. 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. Harry’s Redwood Body Wash goes easy on the musk, and go hard on bright and refreshing. 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 Key Ingredients Lauric Acid, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Citric Acid
Best Drugstore Body Wash
Old Spice Body Wash for Men, Gentlemen’s Blend
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 now for decades, and for good reason. Our testers love that the cleaning power of this body wash is top-notch,. In our extensive review of Old Spice’s Gentleman’s Blend, we found that it contains twice the amount of moisturizer as comparable soaps, and left our 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,” said. one tester.
Read more: Old Spice Gentleman’s Blend Body Wash Review
Skin type All skin types Key ingredients Petrolatum, Sodium Citrate
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Best Strong Fragrance Body Wash
Jack Black Black Reserve Body & Hair Cleanser with Cardamom & Cedarwood
Pros It has a cologne-like scent that smells luxurious Cons Formula might be too strong to on hair
Old standby Jack Black has been making fragrance-forward body washes. Take this two-in-one body and hair cleanser, which has a strong cedarmom and cedarwood (read: really woodsy) scent that lasts for hours after hopping out of the shower, our testers noted. 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 you 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 Key Ingredients Jojoba protein, aloe vera, panthenol
Best All-Natural Formula
Aesop Coriander Seed Body Cleanser
Pros Ingredient list is easy to understand
If there is such a thing as status body wash, this would be it. Aseop, the purveyor of ubder-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 probably since 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 Key Ingredients Coriander Seed, Black Pepper, Patchouli
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Best value body wash
Method Body Wash, Cedar + Cypress (Pack of 3)
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 i 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), that provided a 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 note that its Pacific Northwest fragrance was too strong and woodsy for 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 Key ingredients Citric acid, aloe extract, coconut oils
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 Key Ingredients Coconut Oil, Ginseng, and Vitamin E
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Best for Dry Skin
CeraVe Soothing Body Wash
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 Key Ingredients Ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, Omega Oils, Hydraulic Acid
Best Luxury Body Wash
Patricks BW1 Multi-Action Body Wash
Pros Incredible scent Rich leather that feels amazing
Patricks only continues to grow its loyal following thanks to high quality grooming products that are simple and effective. 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 (Bergamot, Cognac and Amber Cologne) 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 date night prep).
Read more: Best Face Scrubs
Skin type All skin types Key ingredients Green Tea Extract, Coconut Oil, Salicylic Acid, Blueberry Fruit Extract
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Best for Sensitive Skin
Necessaire The Body Wash
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 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 wash cloth.
Skin Types Dry, Sensitive Key Ingredients Lipid-rich Marula / Cacay oils, Niacinamide
Best Exfoliating Body Wash
Bevel Moisturizing Body Wash for Men
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 Normal Skin Key ingredients Hydrated Silica, Jojoba Esters, Charcoal, Argan Oil
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What Else to Consider
Hydration: One of the most important things a body was can have is hydration ingredients since many cleansers tend to strip the natural oils from your body in the cleansing process. Moisturizing ingredients such as natural oils like coconut oil and ingredients like glycerin that draw moisture from the air into your skin (called humectants) can help replenish moisture that’s lost in the cleansing process. They also help to avoid that dry, tight feeling that can come from traditional cleansers. On the ingredients list, make sure moisturizing ingredients like oils or glycerin are high up on the list—they higher they are, the more there is in the formula.
Fragrance (or Not): How a body wash smells obviously plays a big part in the experience of using it—and is, of course, a personal choice. Whether you like lots of fragrance or not, where the fragrance comes from should 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. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to choose unscented or lightly scented versions.
Acne Control: Guys tend to have oilier skin, both on their faces and bodies, which is why men tend to develop body acne more easily than women. There’s also the sweat component, which can clog pores and cause breakouts, so if you exercise or sweat a lot, choosing a body wash with acne fighting ingredients can help minimize the potential for breakouts. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, witch hazel (as natural astringent) or other hydroxy acids. Using a body wash with these types of ingredients after a workout or a few times a week can help to not only heal existing breakouts but control potential ones. Keep in mind that these ingredients can also be drying to your skin, so look for formulas that combine them with moisturizing ingredients or be prepared to use a non-comedogenic lotion after your shower.
Soothing: It can be difficult to clean dry skin or skin that’s prone to irritation with traditional cleansers (remember what we said about them stripping natural oils), but many body washes are specifically designed for dry skin. Look for lightly or non-foaming cleansers or creamy cleansers that contain a high amount of oils and ingredients like ceramides, peptides or oatmeal to help soothe irritation prone skin but also fortify the skin barrier to help increase skin’s natural protective ability and hold water inside better.
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.
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Why Trust Us
For the past five years, Men’s Health has dedicated itself to discovering and recommending the best grooming products for men via hands-on testing and in-depth research.Men’s Health grooming has been featured on national news outlets like The TODAY Show and Good Morning America , showcasing the latest new grooming products for men and presenting why we love the brands we select.
Aside from constantly updating and adding to our ever-growing grooming section, Men’s Health also dedicates an annual Grooming Awards package where we break down the best new products for men—ranging everywhere from skincare to shaving.
Our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, has been testing body washes for the past decade, and we’ve enlisted the help of top dermatologists for their recommendations, so we absolutely know what we’re talking about.
What to look for
Two ingredients to look for in a body wash, according to Joshua Zeicher, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City, are stearic acid and ceramides. “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. “In conditions like dry skin or eczema, where the skin barrier is not functioning properly,” adding in ceramides can help build it back up, says Dr. Zeichner.
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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.
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