An effective body wash lathers up, smells wonderful, and helps your skin feel its best. It’s also often more moisturizing than a lot of bar soaps (unless you’re looking at one of the non-drying bar soaps we’ve rounded up!)
So, let’s go over 12 of the best body washes we’ve found for men, each categorized by its unique strength. By the way, these are all available on Amazon, to make your life easier!
Read on; you might find your next favorite body wash right here in this list!
Our 12 Favorite Body Washes and Shower Gels
By the way, if you’re more of a bar soap kinda guy, we have an article that lists a few of our favorite bar soaps for men. (Not sure what the differences are? Read our article on bar soap vs body wash.)
But for now, let’s get into these body washes. Here they are, starting with our overall top pick.
Best Overall
Thanks to the formula’s vitamin E and aloe, this shower gel from Neutrogena literally refreshes and invigorates on a chemical level. It also has a light, clean scent that’s perfect for wake-ups or post-workouts.
Rain bath Shower & Bath Gel cleans, softens and conditions skin without a heavy leave-behind residue
Several reviewers praise its lathering and soothing abilities too.
The extra gentle formula and subtle aroma also has a cooling effect, perfect for you guys who like taking hot showers even in the summer. Top that off with a reasonable price, and you’ve got a spa-level experience that you can find in most stores.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Very few breakout-focused cleansers take as comprehensive an approach as this body wash does. Its formula contains 2% salicylic acid to kill acne-causing bacteria and help treat breakouts.
Helps clear up acne blemishes and prevent future breakouts. Leaves skin feeling clean and residue-free.
Its formula contains 2% salicylic acid to kill acne-causing bacteria and help treat breakouts. To balance out this aggressive acne-fighting ingredient, added allantoin calms the skin, while the pro vitamin B maintains its moisture layer.
Users say they see an immediate improvement in breakouts, especially if you apply the wash directly to the breakout-prone areas.
Best for Oily Skin
Sandalwood essential oil is a natural treatment for oil-prone skin, and you’ll find it in this refreshing body wash by Every Man Jack.
OUTDOOR INSPIRED SCENTS: Inspired by nature; a favorite scent of amber, sandalwood, vetiver, and vanilla
The scent is brilliant, and the blend of oils and extracts help keep your skin hydrated all day while balancing the oil levels. Usually oil-fighting body washes just dry you out, and that causes its own problems.
The soap is sustainably made and manufactured in San Francisco. Also, the bottle is made from post-consumer recycled plastic.
Best for Sensitive Skin
This Dove body wash leaves your skin feeling soft and silky, without any irritation. The formula is fully hypoallergenic and the scent is mild and refreshing.
Its soap-free formula is unscented and contains extra mild cleansers so it won't irritate or dry skin like soap.
This makes this product a perfect choice for those with delicate and reactive skin, as well as those who are sensitive to fragrant soaps.
Several reviewers with extra-sensitive skin report that it’s the only non-prescription body wash that doesn’t irritate them.
Best for Dry Skin
The CeraVe hydrating body wash contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help retain moisture and protect the skin barrier. In doing this, they also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and often help soothe redness too.
Formula forms a gentle foaming lather to cleanse without stripping skin of its natural moisture. Skin is left feeling moisturized & smooth, never tight or dry.
On top of that, the fragrance-free formula is non-irritating, and users say it leaves their skin feeling noticeably softer after a warm or cool shower.
Best Natural
With 99% natural ingredients, this body wash from Burt’s Bees also includes honey and shea butter, which work together to provide nourishment on different levels.
Calm your senses and skin with Burt’s Bees lavender and honey body wash that leaves your skin feeling refreshed, nourished and ready to take on the day; Package may vary.
While both are moisturizing, shea butter boasts anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Honey is a natural pore cleanser, a gentle exfoliator, and even helps lighten scars.
The body wash is also sulfate-free and fragrance-free, making it another great option for those with sensitive skin.
Best Splurge Body Wash
This luxurious body cleanser from Aesop is worth the splurge. With a convenient pump design and stylish bottle, it also looks as good as it smells.
An invigorating gentle gel cleanser formulated with oils of Mandarin and Bergamot Rind to banish grime and thoroughly refresh the skin.
The gentle gel formula is made with mandarin and bergamot, which is known to relieve anxiety and for its antibacterial properties, for an invigorating citrus experience. Also, the product is vegan and cruelty-free.
Reviewers are impressed with how silky the lather is, which means a little goes a long way.
Good Value Pick
Made with Epsom salt and lavender oil, this bang-for-buck body wash deeply soothes muscles and relaxes the body overall.
Dr. Teal's ultra moisturizing body wash cleans, moisturizes the body.
The epsom salt also helps exfoliate your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Despite this sophisticated science-backed formula, this body wash is low-priced and easy to find at any drug store.
Best Designer Body Wash
Yes, this body wash from Dior Homme is a designer body wash, complete with a beautifully-designed geometric bottle (with a convenient snap-off lid!). Still, it’s a quality product that justifies that designer price.
Dior homme shower gel. Leaves a fresh and citrusy trail that lingers on the skin all day long. A choice fragrance experience for everyday use.
Glycerin leaves the skin soft and nourished. Notes of Italian orange, leather, and sandalwood give a strong, but fresh and citrusy aromatic experience. Layer it with complementary cologne for all-day fragrance.
Best Smelling Body Wash
This body wash from Molton Brown has a spicy, woodsy scent that’s perfect for those who love a nice strong fragrance. The black pepper and ginger oils invigorate the senses with its balance of piquant liveliness and subtle sweetness.
Nourishes with a rich blend and leaves skin fragrant with a spicy fragrance.
This wash also contains aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe the skin, and reign in the overall scent so it isn’t all over the place. The fact that these clashing flavors somehow come together sensibly makes this fragrance pretty distinct and exciting.
Best Body Wash for Glowing Skin
This body wash from Nécessaire is a great choice for those who want to get that post-facial glow at home. It’s made with niacinamide, which evens out skin tone and texture.
What it is: A daily gel-oil cleanser with a non-irritating formula containing niacinamide that helps promote skin health.
Then, the glycerin goes to work by hydrating your skin, relieving any dry places, and retaining the moisture that’s already there. Basically, it’s like every step of a spa session in one.
The gel formula is also sulfate-free and smells like calming and natural eucalyptus.
Best Moisturizing Body Wash
The combination of coconut oil and milk in this body wash moisturizes and softens your skin, while simultaneously providing antioxidants. Coconut oil is also a great base for exfoliants, so this wash would work well with a loofah.
Envelop your body in moisture with this creamy, ultra-hydrating blend. Massage generously all over body in the shower. For best results exfoliate with OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Polishing Body Scrub and follow with Miracle Oil Lotion.
Plus, the tropical scent makes your shower feel like a summer getaway. Many reviewers with chronic dry skin report that this body wash is surprisingly effective considering its affordability. This makes sense since coconut oil is known to absorb easily.
FAQs About Men’s Body Wash
It depends what you prefer, but if we’re judging on cleanliness alone, I wouldn’t say one is absolutely better than the other.
Body wash and shower gel are basically the same product, with a couple differences. Consistency is the most obvious difference. Gels are thicker and less runny than body washes; body washes tend to have the same consistency as liquid soap.
Some people prefer body wash because it’s often more moisturizing, while others prefer shower gel because it’s typically more refreshing. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual and the specific product.
Generally, liquid gels and body wash often contain many hydrating ingredients like glycerin, which can help to replenish the skin barrier. Still, it depends on the specific product. There are moisturizing soaps on the market too.
What’s Your Favorite Body Wash?
Whether you’re looking for a product that’s refreshing, moisturizing, or has a great scent, it’s important to pick the right body wash for your priorities and skin type.
Which one of these have you tried? Are you going to try something new from this list? Let us know your thoughts! Feel free to DM us on Instagram anytime!
