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If you're dealing with dry skin this season (or any time of year), then using a moisturizing body wash can help soothe that itchiness, flakiness or even eczema. Not all body washes are created equally: "Body wash formulated specifically for dry skin typically has more hydrating ingredients to combat dehydration," explains Kim Nichols, M.D., a Greenwich, Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD. The milder, more emollient formulas help "replenish the oils that are washed away," adds Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has a century-long history of testing products, including body washes. In the Lab's most recent body wash test, our scientists spent more than 90 hours completing in-Lab testing and evaluated 520 consumer surveys to find the best picks available. This list includes top-performing products from in-Lab testing, as well as editor-loved and dermatologist-approved additions. Ahead, the 10 best body washes that'll turn dry skin into glowing skin, including natural, organic and drugstore cleansers.
Looking for more ways to quench your dry skin? Check out our guides to the best face moisturizers for dry skin and the best body lotions for your money.
Pros
- Measurably moisturizes skin
- Great price
Cons
- Scent is polarizing
Like a body wash and moisturizer in one, this nourishing pick from Dove softens dry skin after just one wash, according to GH Beauty Lab testing. This body wash increased skin's moisturization for four hours in Lab testing using the Corneometer device, which measures skin hydration levels, with no additional lotion required.
"My skin was as smooth as if I'd applied a moisturizer," a tester raves. "I used it at night, and my skin still felt moisturized in the morning," another says. Note that the scent of this wash is polarizing to some reviewers.
Key ingredients | Jojoba oil, prebiotic blend |
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Size | 22 fl oz |
Pros
- Provides a great lather
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- May leave residue on skin
GH Lab testing found that Aveeno's creamy body wash is one of the most hydrating, in addition to coming out on top for best lather. It features a light scent that testers enjoy. "I loved the smell," a tester raves. "I am very sensitive to strong florals and fruits — this wash was light, fresh, clean and very pleasant. The lather was creamy without being too heavy." Some reviewers report that the wash leaves a residue on their skin, so watch out for that.
Key ingredients | Prebiotic oats, glycerin |
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Size | 18 fl oz |
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3
Best Drugstore
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Pros
- Extremely gentle
- Can be used on face and body
Cons
- Pump design isn't ideal
This cleanser is the ultimate gentle choice: it's safe for body and face on babies and adults. Dr. Nichols recommends this soothing body wash as its ingredients help reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin. "As a rule of thumb, any time a cleanser is suitable for both the face and the body, it is a good indicator that the product is formulated to be sensitive enough for dry skin," she advises. Many reviewers find the pump to be finicky, making it difficult to dispense product.
Key ingredients | Shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin |
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Size | 13.52 fl oz |
4
Best for Dry, Itchy Skin
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser
Pros
- Great scent
- Cleanses well without causing dryness
Cons
- Pricey
If you have dry skin that's also itchy, try an oil-based cleanser. This silky, vanilla and almond-scented wash from Kiehl's is a favorite of GH Beauty Director April Franzino. "True to its name, it slightly foams on skin in contact with water and cleanses well yet feels coddling and luxurious, with no parched skin left behind," she says. Take note that this body wash is on the pricier side.
Key ingredients | Plant oils (avocado, coconut, grape seed, rice bran, sunflower seed) |
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Size | 8.4 fl oz |
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Pros
- Made with a blend of natural oils
- Doesn't leave skin tight, dry or itchy
Cons
- Pricey
L'Occitane's luxurious shower oil turns to a light milky wash upon contact with water. A blend of natural oils gently cleanses skin without leaving it tight, dry or itchy, Franzino reports. "It feels so pampering when applied and smells lightly sweet thanks to sweet almond extract," she says. This shower oil is pricey, but as one of the brand's bestsellers, many believe the price is worth it.
Key ingredients | Grape seed oil, sweet almond oil with omega-9 fatty acids |
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Size | 16.9 fl oz |
6
Best Exfoliating
CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Pros
- Exfoliates skin while replenishing the skin barrier
- Works quickly
Cons
- May not be effective on extremely bumpy skin
Even dry skin needs to be exfoliated. As with any CeraVe formula, this body wash features ceramides, so you can get that exfoliation without stripping the skin. Highly rated on Amazon, reviewers like using it on keratosis pilaris, body acne and other sensitive skin conditions. "I saw improvement in my bumpy skin within just two uses," a reviewer raves. However, not all users have found it to be effective on their skin. If you like a ceramide-filled body wash sans exfoliation, Dr. Nichols recommends the CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash.
Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, ceramides |
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Size | 10 fl oz |
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Pros
- Soap-, dye- and fragrance-free
- Calming formula
- Bargain price
Cons
- Doesn't smell great
Eucerin's calming body wash is simply formulated to minimize itchiness and irritation. Dr. Nichols likes this gentle cleanser for its skin softening and smoothing abilities, thanks to nourishing seed oils. "This wash is soap-, fragrance- and dye-free to help minimize the chance of further irritation to the skin," she explains. Franzino also likes how calming the formula is. Because the wash is fragrance-free, it doesn't have anything added to make it smell more pleasant; many reviewers don't love the scent.
Key ingredients | Omega oils, lipids |
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Size | 16.9 fl oz |
Pros
- Comes in eco-friendly packaging
- Great scent
Cons
- Pricey
For the eco-conscious consumer, this great-smelling body wash from MyKirei by Kao comes in first-of-its-kind air-inflated packaging to reduce waste. But the 2022 GH Beauty Award winner isn't just eco-friendly — in a clinical study, the cleanser didn’t irritate even sensitive skin, and testers found that it lathered well and rinsed clean without overdrying skin. GH Beauty Lab assessment also confirmed that the packaging has up to 47% less plastic than that of similar size products. "The light and foamy lather feels soft," a tester reports. Some reviewers feel the price is a little too high.
Key ingredients | Rice water, yuzu extract |
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Size | 16.9 fl oz |
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9
Best for Dry Skin and Eczema
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash (Pack of 3)
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Great for extra sensitive skin
Cons
- Bottle shape and size could be improved
A fragrance-free body wash is key for dry skin, especially for those with eczema. Cetaphil's super gentle cleanser is GH's former commerce editor's favorite choice for her eczema. "It's the only formula I've found that's safe for my sensitive skin," she revealed. "Though you miss out on the lather, its creamy gel formula cleanses without stripping my skin of moisture." Some reviewers find the bottle shape and size isn't very user-friendly.
Key ingredients | Aloe vera, vitamin B5 |
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Size | 16.9 fl oz |
10
Best Natural
Raw Sugar Moisture Loving Watermelon + Fresh Mint Body Wash
Now 13% Off
Pros
- Great scent
- Well-priced
- Made with organic and cold-pressed ingredients
Cons
- Not ideal for those with extremely dry or sensitive skin
Made with organic and cold-pressed ingredients including shea butter extract, aloe vera and various other oils and extracts, this moisturizing, natural body wash also smells amazing. "The fresh watermelon scent is a great pick-me-up no matter the time of day," GH's former Beauty Assistant said. "It cleanses well and rinses off easily without leaving my skin feeling tight." Though it doesn't leave her skin dry or itchy, this pick may not be the best for those with extra dry or sensitive skin.
Key ingredients | Shea butter extract, aloe vera |
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Size | 25 fl oz |
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How we test body washes
Our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists constantly evaluate body skincare products, including body washes formulated for all skin types. In the Lab's most recent test to identify the best body washes, our scientists evaluated in-Lab testing and work with consumer testers.
The testing in our Lab includes measuring skin moisturization levels utilizing the Corneometer machine, as well as distributing the products to consumer testers, who use them in their routines and provide feedback on factors such as ease of application, lather, scent and the feel and appearance of skin after use. The picks on this list are a combination of GH Beauty Lab test winners, GH Beauty Award winners, editor favorites and dermatologist recommendations.
What to look for in the best body washes for dry skin
If you have dry, itchy or flaky skin, here are some things to take note of when purchasing a body wash:
✔️ Look for moisturizing ingredients: If you have dry skin, "your body needs added hydration to replenish and repair the skin's barrier," says Dr. Nichols. Look for nourishing, hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and natural oils and shea butters, she recommends. Butler also advises looking for emollients and occlusives in the ingredient list, including petrolatum, oils like soybean oil and sunflower seed oil and butters like cocoa or shea butter.
✔️ Avoid potential irritants: Dry skin can be prone to irritation more easily, so Dr. Nichols suggests avoiding added fragrance, alcohols, dyes and any common foaming agents.
✔️ Read the label: This may seem obvious, but while shopping, remember to look for key words like "moisturizing" and "dry skin" on the label, notes Butler.
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How often should you use a body wash for dry skin?
Listen to your skin. While both Butler and Dr. Nichols agree that using a body wash for dry skin should be fine to use every day, it also depends on your skin type and the conditions that contribute to dryness.
If you find yourself still experiencing dryness with everyday use, "reducing shower frequency to every other day can be helpful for dry skin, because it reduces disruption to the oils that create the skin's barrier function," says Butler. She also recommends avoiding hot water in the shower to prevent stripping the protective oils from your skin.
Dr. Nichols recommends visiting a board-certified dermatologist for product recommendations based specifically on your skin.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Former GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn wrote this article; she works closely with the Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of moisturizing skincare products including cleansing balms, face washes for dry skin, lotions, body washes, moisturizers, serums, oils, professional treatments and more.
GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler does hands-on testing and analysis of beauty and health products for the GH Institute. She formerly worked as a cosmetic chemist scrutinizing product claims and evaluating ingredient efficacy. She provided expert insight for this article.
Catharine Malzahn
Beauty Assistant
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.