Byrdie / Kristin Kempa
To bathe or not to bathe. That should never be the question!
And yet, for some, getting clean is a perfunctory act performed at warp speed only to mitigate stink. That’s a pretty low bar. And then there are those who want to elevate their shower routine, knowing that bathing is about much more than smelling fresh. “We wash our bodies to remove accumulated dirt, sweat, oils, sunscreen, allergens, bacteria, fungi, and viruses that accumulate on our skin,” says New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose. “In addition to getting rid of body odor, washing the skin daily reduces the risk of developing skin infections.”
So, if you must shower regularly, you might as well do it right—and even make it enjoyable. But how to select the right products for your needs and fragrance preferences? What if your skin is dry, oily, or even reactive? If you're more accustomed to bar soap, you can start by switching to gel—a recommendation from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman: “I personally prefer body washes because you can easily tailor your wash to your specific skin needs.”
In order to choose the best product for you, you’ll want to weigh many of the factors we considered when evaluating our list, including efficacy for skin types from dry to oily to sensitive, gentle versus harsh ingredients, value and accessibility, fragrance appeal and intensity, texture and feel, social responsibility, packaging, and even aesthetics. (You want that shower to look good too!) Indeed, we uncovered a ton of effective body wash options for your bathing pleasure, incorporating active ingredients from aloe and charcoal to rosemary and coconut oil to keep your skin balanced, moisturized, and clear from head to toe.
Best Overall
Bathing Culture Mind + Body Wash
Amazon
Certified organic and biodegradable
Concentrated formula means less is more (up to 80 showers from 8 oz)
Aloe, shea butter, and olive oil leave your skin feeling smooth but residue-free
Two scent options
As an “all-purpose” soap, it’s less ideal for people with specific skincare needs or concerns
True to its name, Bathing Culture’s Body Wash is an experience for the mind and body. The combination of certified organic ingredients, including aloe, shea, and guar, creates a rich lather (sometimes lacking in other natural products) that leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated while inhaling the woodsy scent transports you to a serene headspace.
And, if you happen to be using it outdoors, this body wash is 100% biodegradable, making it safe to use in a mountain stream or elsewhere. The formula is also seriously concentrated, which means that you can use less product to get more washes, further decreasing your impact on the planet. If you’re looking for a body wash that calms your skin, relaxes your mind, and clears your conscience, this is the bottle to grab.
Who It’s For
The nature-lover who appreciates a one-stop-shop for his mind and body and uses his shower to decompress.
Key Ingredients: Aloe, shea, guar | Skin Types: Normal, combination | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Acne
Murad Acne Control Body Wash
Ulta
Salicylic acid helps treat and prevent acne breakouts all over your body
Exfoliating date seed powder helps ensure pores stay clear
Works quickly to eliminate breakouts
Some reviewers noted it can be drying and irritating to some
Men’s skin tends to be oilier than women’s, which means you’re even more likely to need a body wash that actively combats acne. When it comes to battling body blemishes, Dr. Hartman’s favorite is Murad’s Acne Control Body Wash. The active ingredient, salicylic acid, is able to penetrate your pores for a deep clean and assists in reducing reservoirs of surface oil that can lead to breakouts.
Who It’s For
Men with breakout-prone skin who want to maintain clearer, smoother skin.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Skin Types: Oily | Size: 8.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Athletes
Off Court Deep Cleansing Body Wash
OffCourt
Comes in two sizes, “at-home” and “on-the-go,” so you can take it on the road
Sulfate-free, so maintains natural oils
Includes glycolic and lactic acids for gentle exfoliation, which leaves skin smooth
Fragrances may be strong for some noses
Off Court’s Deep Cleansing Body Wash leaves it all on the court. Self-described as the "Swiss Army of body washes,” this product is meant to perform beyond the average soap. It’s geared toward a results-oriented customer, from its tennis ball container-inspired packaging to the sulfate-free formula, which incorporates lactic and glycolic acids to slough off dead skin. This product is designed to leave your skin feeling fresh, clean, and extra smooth, even after multiple workouts. If you prefer a lighter fragrance, we recommend the coconut water and sandalwood scent.
Who It’s For
Sporty dudes (or anyone really!) who prize convenience, efficacy, and a layered, musky scent.
Key Ingredients: Lactic and glycolic acids | Skin Types: Oily and combination | Size: 14 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dry Skin
Dial Men Advanced Hydration Body Wash
Walmart
Accessible and affordable by comparison to some of the others on our list. You can find this in almost any drugstore
Glycerin provides intense hydration and doesn't leave residue
Invigorating, clean scent
The product is free of parabens, phthalates and silicones, but still includes sulfates, which can strip natural oils
If the skin on your body tends toward dryness, look no further than Dial Men Advanced Hydration Body Wash. A favorite of Dr. Hartman’s for its glycerin-rich, hydrating, no-frills formula, this body wash has the benefit of feeling as if it has rinsed fully away, making you feel truly clean.
Who It’s For
A no muss, no fuss, no nonsense type who needs extra moisturizing (perhaps because of frequent showers).
Key Ingredients: Glycerin | Skin Types: Dry | Size: 16 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Walmart
Gentle formula is hypoallergenic and safe for even the most sensitive skin
This creamy wash can be used without water to double as a moisturizer and is built for continuous hydration
As effective for the face as for the body
A pump dispenser can sometimes be unwieldy in the shower
Can be a bit heavy for more oily skin types
If you're trying to steer clear of stripping formulas that can aggravate the skin on your body, creating discomfort and unsightly reactions, reach for this classic Cetaphil cleanser, a gentle favorite of Dr. Murphy-Rose’s. It’s designed to defend against “five signs of skin sensitivity”—that’s dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier. Not only does it feel creamy to the touch, but it’s formulated with Micellar Technology, which is meant to remove impurities but also reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier with vitamins B3 and B5, plus glycerin.
Who It’s For
Men attuned to their sensitive sides. If your skin can be reactive, this is the product for you.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamins B3 and B5 | Skin Types: Sensitive | Size: 20 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Botanical Wash
Aurelia Restorative Cream Body Wash
Aurelia
Dermatologically tested and made for all skin types, including sensitive, with ethically sourced, BioOrganic, cruelty-free, and vegan ingredients
Can even help soothe rashes and gentle enough to treat razor burn
All products adhere to a strict “Free From” policy: no sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, MI (a common preservative that can trigger allergies), and many more
Cream texture may be thicker than some users expect from a body wash and may leave moisture behind
Cheers to Aurelia London’s Restorative Cream Body Wash, which includes a botanical blend of antioxidant- and omega-rich sweet almond, baobab, Kigali africana, and hibiscus in a base of aloe vera and coconut oil. You’ll be drawn in by the intoxicating scent, but stay for the nourishing, moisturizing, therapeutic effects (sometimes even used on the face to calm irritation). Designed to combat pollution and impurities with a gentle touch, this aromatic product is also created with moments of mindfulness and a conscious approach at its core.
Who It’s For
An anglophile who respects Mother Nature and his own body, and prefers a richer, more moisturizing wash.
Key Ingredients: Baobab, Kigali africana, hibiscus | Skin Types: Sensitive, irritated | Size: 8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Charcoal Wash
Art of Sport Activated Charcoal Body Wash
Amazon
Activated charcoal has long been used to draw out toxins and can be effective for removing excess oil, while remaining gentle on the skin
Hydrating ingredients—like aloe vera—are moisturizing
Charcoal and tea tree oil can target grime, helping wash it away
This product is heavily focused on efficiency and less on the formulation process and user experience
If you’re looking for an alternative to salicylic acid (which can be a bit harsh for some) to mop up excess sweat and dirt because you’d prefer something gentler, charcoal body washes are a great way to go, and, chief among them, is the wash from Art of Sport.
Featuring activated charcoal to help absorb unwanted oil and harmful bacteria from the skin, this dermatologist-tested blend of aloe, tea tree oil, and glycerin leaves your skin feeling both clean and deeply hydrated while remaining free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
Who It’s For
With scents called “Victory” and “Compete,” this product is for the high achiever who wants to skip the relaxation and go straight for a quick, detoxifying shower experience.
Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal, glycerin | Skin Types: Normal, combination, oily | Size: 16 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Fragrance
Aesop Coriander Seed Body Cleanser
Amazon
Spicy, long-lasting scent like its own cologne
Attractive packaging looks nice in the shower
All ingredients are vegan, with a proven record of safety, efficacy, and sustainability
Less lather than some of its competitors
If you’ve been to any trendy restaurants or hotel rooms recently, chances are you’ve encountered the intoxicating scent of Aesop’s varied offerings. But don’t be turned off by this brand’s ubiquitous presence in bourgeois locations. Their fragrances are layered and complex, and the Coriander Seed Body Cleanser is no exception. Warming, peppery, and presented in a graphic, minimalist glass bottle, this body wash feels indulgent but utilitarian at the same time. Its aromatic essence makes a shower feel like an act of self-care, keeping you lingering for longer than planned.
Who It’s For
The guy who believes his body wash should be an experience, stimulating and pleasing to the senses.
Active Ingredients: Coriander seed, black pepper, patchouli | Skin Types: Normal, combination | Size: 16.9 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Fragrance, Runner-Up
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Body Gel
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Amazon
Leaves skin feeling smooth and residue free
Distinctive, spa-like scent
Luxurious lather
Affordable compared to some of the other washes here with lovely scents
Not cruelty-free
Contains parabens
If you’re looking for a spa-scented experience on a daily basis, look no further than Neutrogena’s best-selling Rainbath Shower and Body Gel. The rich lather leaves skin feeling supple, while the beloved fragrance combines notes of spices, citrus, and other herbs to promote relaxation. Unlike our other fragrance pick, the availability of a large format container (32 oz.) presents an excellent value and offers accessibility, as well.
Who It’s For
If you love a citrusy scent, appreciate fluffy lather, and feel comforted by a time-tested brand, this product is for you.
Key Ingredients: Citric acid | Skin Types: Normal, combination | Size: 16 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Exfoliating
Bevel Men’s Natural Exfoliating Body Wash
Target
Combines charcoal for cleansing with omega fatty acid-rich argan oil for moisturizing
Effectively exfoliates away dead skin, leaving the body feeling and looking smoother
Gluten-free
There were originally three fragrances and now only two: Supreme Oak and Dark Cassis
Exfoliating body washes cleanse the skin and remove dead cells at the same time, promising to help reduce the risk of congestion and acne. The active ingredients of Bevel Men’s Natural Exfoliating Body Wash deliver on this promise and then some.
Hydrating silica, jojoba esters, and charcoal help to pull dirt away from pores, while argan oil works with the skin’s natural oils to soften and hydrate. And, because the product was created with diverse skin tones in mind, it’s meant to hydrate without stripping the skin. We're also big fans of the scents: Dark Cassis (with notes of dark berries and botanical blooms) and Supreme Oak (which features sweet almond layered with bourbon and birch).
Who It’s For
This pick is best for people ranging in skin colors and tones who want a pleasant and effective way to exfoliate the skin.
Key Ingredients: Hydrated silica, jojoba esters, charcoal, argan oil | Skin Types: Normal, combination, oily | Size: 16 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Eco Conscious Wash
Bravo Sierra Sulfate-Free Body Wash
Target
Recyclable aluminum packaging and refills
Unique gel-to-foam formula is rich in aloe vera to combat dryness
Coconut-based and sulfate-free
Donates 5% of sales to military families and veterans
Only available online
Active guys who shower more than once a day may run out of body wash faster than most. This presents two problems: first, ironically, frequent showering tends to cause dry skin and, second, that means creating extra waste in the form of discarded bottles. Luckily, Bravo Sierra’s Body Wash solves both of those problems. It’s formulated to keep the skin from drying out and comes in 16 oz aluminum refill cans, bringing a whole new meaning to crushing “shower beers.”
Who It’s For
Men who shower more than once a day, care about the planet, and want to support the troops.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, coconut | Skin Types: Normal, combination, dry | Size: 18 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Irritated Skin
Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel
Soft Services
Water-gel formula is specifically designed to pull grime from the skin without scrubbing, leaving you feeling extra clean
Fragrance-free and certified safe for sensitive skin
Great for creating a pre-shaving glide, for men who may shave body hair
The unscented formula is great for irritated or sensitive skin, but may not feel as secure for people with stronger body odor
It’s all in the name of Soft Service’s Ultra Soothing Shower Gel. This product will be a great relief to men who have struggled with skin irritation, reactiveness, and discomfort. It’s specifically safe for intimate areas, as well as being packed with glycerin for hydration that remains as the day goes on.
Who It’s For
Guys with irritated, itchy, dry, or sensitive skin who shower frequently and/or shave their bodies.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, water, citric acid | Skin Types: Combination, normal, sensitive | Size: 10 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Clean Wash
California Naturals Body Wash
Target
90% naturally derived
Socially conscious: recycled plastic packaging, vegan, gluten-free, and ocean- and reef-safe
The fragrance–with dreamwood, bergamot, eucalyptus, and orange blossom–adds some extra joy to the experience and lingers in a nice way
Not the best lather
California Naturals is aptly named, as the company is all about respecting the planet, using clean ingredients, and infusing their products with that West Coast chill. The Body Wash is focused largely on hydration, incorporating anti-inflammatory saw palmetto and blue lotus flower (which even sounds cool), along with their signature “Golden Hour Nutri-Glow Blend” of coconut oil, avocado oil, vitamin E, and sunflower extract.
The soap is meant to “froth” not lather, so expect fewer bubbles, but still a satisfying clean.
Who It’s For
The surfer, the vacationer, the man who wants to be transported to mellow vibes—while also moisturizing his skin.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, saw palmetto, blue lotus flower | Skin Types: All | Size: 12 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Restorative Wash
Vavica Único Hand + Body Wash
Vavica
The brand’s ethos is inclusive, all about kindness and inviting all types of people into the “familia”
Employs hyaluronic acid to work with your body’s natural oils to strengthen the skin barrier
The cedar, rosemary, and lavender scent is nice, but not overpowering or overtly gendered
Currently only available on their site
Vavica was founded by three Latina sisters, but it’s designed to be unisex. Incorporating hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and kelp extract (an antioxidant), its primary goal is to work with your body to bring vibrance back to your skin’s lipid layer. It’s super gentle, super moisturizing, and has all-around good feels.
Who It’s For
Everyone! That’s the whole ethos of the brand. Vavica products are all about inclusivity.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, kelp extract | Skin Types: Normal, dry | Size: 7.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Anti-Aging Wash
Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel
Sephora
Incorporates the scent of eucalyptus to awaken the senses
Fueled by the brand’s signature Trigger Factor Complex, a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides inspired by 30+ years of research and clinical studies
In addition to bioengineered clean active ingredients and botanicals, uses pure coconut oil as a hydrating base to improve skin texture and plump
It’s brand new, so, while we liked it and it’s been thoroughly tested, it’s not yet available everywhere
Like all products from Augustinus Bader, this brand-new, lightweight body gel, which lathers nicely, has been developed around the company’s TFC8 blend, meant to combat everything from wrinkles and redness to hyperpigmentation and stretchmarks. Basically, the company—which also relies on sustainably sourced ingredients and avoids irritants like sulfates, mineral oils, and heavy metals—believes you should treat the skin on your body as well as you would your face.
Makes sense—but does it work? According to the brand itself, clinical results found that the product improved hydration by 128% and texture by 100%. Those seem like pretty decent odds to us.
Who It’s For
The science and stats guy, who appreciates thorough clinicals, and who wants to target fine lines, wrinkles, and overall texture and tone.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, eucalyptus, TFC8 blend | Skin Types: Normal, sensitive, dry | Size: 6.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Our overall pick for best body washes for men is the Bathing Culture Mind + Body Wash, as it’s a certified organic, all-purpose soap that plays well with all skin types, including dry, sensitive, blemish-prone, and normal. Its skin-soothing formula is packed with hydrating ingredients, including aloe vera and rosemary leaf extract, plus coconut, sunflower seed, and olive oils, so it feels great on skin. On a budget? Dial's Men Body Wash Advanced Hydration comes in a pack of six for just about $30. Plus, it's a great option for dry skin.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a designation to each of the included body washes.
Key features we evaluated include:
- Ingredients
- Efficacy
- Fragrance
- Aesthetic
- Overall feel
- Price
- Reviews
- Brand mission
What to Look for in a Men's Body Wash
- Hydrating ingredients: Men’s skin tends to be thicker and oilier than our female counterparts and needs to be kept moisturized to maintain that, according to Dr. Hartman. “What that means,” he explains, “is that men should look for body washes with lots of hydrating ingredients—what dermatologists call humectants.” Humectant ingredients attract water from the air and pull it deeper into the skin to provide enhanced moisture. According to Dr. Hartman, glycerin (which can be found in Dial's Men Body Wash Advanced Hydration) is one of the most common humectant ingredients found in many of these body washes and also one of the best. Additionally, Dr. Murphy-Rose reminds us that in order to avoid the drying-out cycle, we should seek out products that are not only rich in hydration but are also pH-balanced, as they will “help repair the skin barrier rather than further stripping it.”
- Oil and acne-fighting ingredients: Since men have oilier skin, they’re more susceptible to developing body acne. Salicylic acid, one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids, can be a lifesaver on that front, according to both experts. (It's an ingredient in Murad’s Acne Control Body Wash.) “Salicylic acid can help reduce inflammation and even prevent acne by helping the skin to naturally break down dead cells and clear oil,” says Dr. Hartman. Adds Dr. Murphy-Rose: “The best OTC cleansers for oily and acne-prone skin all contain salicylic acid [as it can] travel down inside pores to keep them clean and reduce oil.”
- Gentle ingredients: If you have sensitive skin, the last thing you need is a harsh body wash that strips away your protective oils, leaving the texture rough, dry, and irritated. When it comes to choosing the right product for sensitive skin, Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends opting for products that are free of harsh detergents and are fragrance-free. “Products like the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser are good go-to cleansers for sensitive skin,” she says. “They are generally well-tolerated by most skin types and effectively replenish the skin barrier with a low risk of irritation.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Peter Tittiger is a freelance writer and content strategist. As an avid runner and swimmer, he finds himself in the shower often. From washing away sweat and odor after a long distance run to combating the skin-drying effects of chlorine exposure in the pool, there aren’t many skin scenarios he hasn’t put to the test.
Nora Zelevansky has a supersonic sense of smell and, so, a deep appreciation for body washes the world over. She has covered lifestyle—particularly beauty and wellness—for publications including The New York Times, Vanity Fair, ELLE, Town & Country, the LA Times, Allure, and many more. She is also the author of three novels and one nonfiction book. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two kids, and enormous cat, Waldo.
Two experts were consulted for this story:
- Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a New York City- and Hamptons-based board-certified dermatologist with Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, specializing in cosmetic, medical, and surgical leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, the founder, medical director, and a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. He is the assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough body washes from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
