26 best body washes for dry skin in 2022

Dry skin is a common phenomenon that can be caused by a number of reasons. It could be due to your family history, those steamy hot showers you enjoy, or harsh, chemical-containing products that cause your skin to dry out. Dehydrated skin not only causes redness, itching, and an unpleasant feeling, but it can also lead to the appearance of acne.

A few changes to your current lifestyle will help to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized at all times. Drink plenty of water, take lukewarm showers, and wash your body with a moisturizing and soothing body wash designed for dry skin.

It can be tough to select the best body wash for dry skin. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the following list of products to consider, which range from low-cost drugstore solutions to a few luxurious options if you really want to treat yourself.

1. Blu Atlas | Body Wash

Blu Atlas’ signature body wash is hands down one of the best moisturizing and hydrating body care products available.

This body wash delivers quick and efficient results by providing a thorough cleanse and deep nourishment to the skin’s deepest layers. All components of this Blu Atlas product are natural, chemical-free, and work harmoniously to achieve the best results. Anti-inflammatory green tea extract immediately calms skin irritation and evens out natural color. Sugar cane extract gently exfoliates, increases cell turnover, prevents clogged pores, and leaves your body as smooth as butter. Finally, this top formula contains aloe vera, which restores a healthy natural skin barrier.

So, if you’re seeking a magnificent spa-scented cleaning and moisturizing body wash, Blu Atlas is the way to go.

2. CeraVe | Hydrating Body Wash

When it comes to skincare products that live up to their promises, the first brand that comes to mind is CeraVe. This entry represents a safe and never-failing option for anyone who is looking for a fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and non-comedogenic body wash.

The expertly-designed gentle formula is ideal for all skin types, particularly dry ones, as it does not irritate delicate or sensitive skin. It is rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamins, and minerals, which together help to soothe, hydrate, and moisturize dry skin.

Try out this body wash and you will confidently say goodbye to itchy, dry, and irritated skin.

3. Aesop | Coriander Seed Body Cleanser

The Aesop brand is well-known for producing high-quality products with lovely scents and a silky-soft texture—and this cleanser is no exception. Its low-foaming formula feels great on the skin and gives an instant moisture boost.

The combination of sea salt, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns creates a lightly spiced, woody scent that makes the cleanser enjoyable for both men and women to use. Although the product bottle seems small, it will last you a long time, with one pump being more than enough for one shower.

Needless to say, this body wash will elevate your shower experience to a whole new level of luxury, leaving you daydreaming about your next shower.

4. Kiehl’s | Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser

What started as a small apothecary in New York has grown into one of the most recognizable skincare companies in the world. Kiehl’s chemists are true experts when it comes to addressing problematic skin. They have created this nature-inspired body cleanser with underrated nutrients such as grape seed extract, rosemary extract and castor oil. This moisturizing combination nourishes your skin and cleanses it without overdrying.

As an extra bonus, the product is enjoyable to use. Gently massage it into your skin to witness how the silky cleansing oil transforms into a light foam.

Get this body cleanser and you’ll save money on post-bath body lotion. What’s more, the brand promises a full refund if the product does not meet your expectations.

5. Dove | Cool Moisture Body Wash

The perfect product for lovers of quick yet energizing morning showers. The refreshing cucumber and green tea scent instantly helps you get ready for the day ahead.

The creamy texture combines natural skin lipids, glycerin, and gentle cleansing ingredients, making it excellent for daily use. It not only washes away dirt and harmful bacteria but also deeply penetrates into the skin’s surface, making it softer and smoother.

You can keep trying new things, but this shower gel is sure to become your favorite and one you will always come back to.

6. SheaMoisture | Replenishing Bubble Bath and Body Wash

Who doesn’t like products that kill two birds with one stone? They help you save time, effort, and money. Look no further, since this inexpensive miraculous body wash doubles as bubble bath foam.

Free of harsh chemicals, this natural shower gel contains vitamin-rich olive, coconut, and avocado oils to hydrate, nourish and soften skin. It also contains shea butter, which has a soothing and rejuvenating effect. In addition, green tea antioxidants will reduce redness and protect your skin.

It is a versatile product that can be your go-to for a quick morning shower or perfect bubbly bath material after a tiresome day. Try it and you’ll be hooked.

7. Puracy | Natural Body Wash

This product is a wonderful choice if you’re seeking a soft body wash that the whole family can enjoy. This pH-balanced solution is hypoallergenic and suited for all skin types. It is free of harsh parabens, drying alcohols, petroleum chemicals, and synthetic perfumes.

This straightforward body wash leaves skin smooth, clean, and smelling like fresh citrus. The ingredient list includes coconut and pink grapefruit essential oils, Himalayan pink salt, and vegetable glycerin to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize dry skin without leaving sticky residues. You will no longer have the “need to put lotion on now” feeling.

This product is a great investment as its developers state that one bottle will last over sixty bathing sessions. Now that’s value!

8. Olay | Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter

It’s time to
unveil that baby soft skin you didn’t realize you had beneath all those harsh and dry layers. With its innovative Lock-in-Moisture technology, this ground-breaking body wash absorbs moisture ten layers deep into the skin’s surface without leaving a greasy residue. It’s an affordable, high-reward hydrator packed with shea butter, a rich vitamin complex, and glycerin for immediate and long-lasting hydration.

A rare treat that doesn’t over-moisturize or add extra oil to the skin, it’s perfect for extremely dry skin, and especially rough knees and elbows.

Trust your gut and go with this body wash, and don’t forget to thank us later.

9. L’Occitane | Almond Shower Oil

Often referred to as “liquid gold in a bottle” this shower oil proudly takes its rightful place on our list of the best body washes for dry skin. The elegant package design, magnificent amber color, and honey texture give it a luxury feel. Shea butter, almond, and apricot oils are among the important ingredients that soften and enhance the skin’s natural, healthy glow.

When you massage this shower oil into your skin, it changes into a milky emulsion that cleanses without stripping skin of its natural moisture. Another spa-like feature of this oil is the lovely scent of warm almonds and vanilla, slightly lingering on the skin after you rinse the oil off.

To sum it up, this divine shower oil by L’Occitane is simply out of this world.

10. Mrs. Meyer’s | Clean Day Body Wash

14 years after its release, the Mrs. Meyer’s brand is still on-trend and constantly gaining new fans all around the world. Their moisturizing body wash has gained trust by dermatologists for its natural ingredients and eco-friendly formula.

It’s an excellent body cleanser for anyone who appreciates feeling clean, fresh, and hydrated at the same time. The formula includes aloe vera gel, essential oils, flaxseed oil, and other skin-loving ingredients.

Moreover, this body wash’s fragrance variety is just what you need for a perfect escape from reality. It’s available in a variety of scents including lavender, basil, honeysuckle, and lemon verbena—allowing just about anyone to discover something they can enjoy.

11. Eucerin | Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser

This multipurpose cleanser is another powerful solution that addresses two issues in one shot: it cleanses the face and gently moisturizes the body. It’s soap-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, which makes it a game-changer for people with sensitive skin or those who are sensitive to strong scents.

This gentle product softens, hydrates, and protects the skin’s natural barrier. It also absorbs well without leaving any residue or grease marks on the skin.

As a two-in-one cleanser, this Eucerin product will save you money and the trouble of having to use multiple disposable bottles.

12. Bliss | Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash

Washing your body doesn’t have to be a monotonous necessity. Bliss transforms it into a joyous and unapologetically fun experience.

The vegan, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free formula proves that natural products don’t have to be expensive, as this Bliss body wash is only $10. The main ingredients include aloe vera leaf extract and glycerin. They draw moisture back to the surface of the skin, keeping you hydrated throughout the day.

Best of all, this body wash has a refreshing citrus scent that will enliven you with an immediate positive effect on your mood. There’s no better way to start your day than with this foaming body wash.

13. OGX | Ultra Moisture Body Wash

Recreate your own tropical island getaway with this incredibly hydrating body wash by OGX. It’s an ultra-rich product with a creamy, velvety texture and a white iridescent tint. After use, your skin will become dewy and plump, with a luminous shine.

The formula features powerful hydrators like coconut oil, vanilla bean, and tiare flower extract. This body wash will help you retain moisture for a longer period of time, which is especially beneficial during the colder winter months.

Get ready to feel relaxed, moisturized, and revitalized with this top-rated pick from OGX.

14. Aveeno | Skin Relief Body Wash

The drugstore brand Aveeno is not wildly popular and in-demand for nothing. For the past 65 years, their legendary oatmeal formulas have reliably helped customers get rid of dry skin problems.

This body wash is gentle enough for those with dry or itchy skin, helping to exfoliate and lock in moisture. It’s also soap-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic, and odorless, meaning it’s free of toxic artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.

If you’re feeling hopeless in your endless battle with dry skin, run to the store and grab this life-saving product.

15. The Seaweed Bath Co. | Body Wash

This Seawood Bath Co. product is another fantastic example of an organic and natural remedy for dry skin without toxic additives. We bet that you have never seen a mixture of such powerful ingredients in one product. It includes bladderwrack seaweed, aloe vera, a variety of moisturizing oils (coconut, neem, and olive), and 65 vitamins.

It also contains a number of antioxidant-rich sources, such as blue-green algae, which aid tremendously in washing and purifying the skin. On top of that, this body wash restores normal skin cell growth and regeneration. All of the components work together to strengthen and hydrate the skin. Essentially, it’s a win-win product for everyone.

16. Nécessaire | The Body Wash

This high-end, sophisticated body wash has won a few skincare awards in recent years, quickly becoming internet famous. While this upscale product is expensive, it has proven to be worth the hype.

The refined natural formula contains no sulfates, parabens, or synthetic dyes. Instead, you’ll find vitamins and pure essential oils (like sandalwood), and plenty of niacinamide to smooth the skin’s surface. The subtle eucalyptus scent definitely adds to the spa-like vibes. This product provides an aesthetically pleasing self-care experience like no other.

17. Sol de Janeiro | Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel

Make your bathroom feel like Rio de Janeiro carnival with this energizing body wash. If you want velvety soft and youthful skin, you will fall in love with this product.

Nourishing and smoothing ingredients include Brazilian cupuaçu oil, coconut oil, and acai oil. Not only do they moisturize and protect your skin from environmental toxins, but they also keep your youthful skin supple.

This tropical beach scent with notes of pistachio and salted caramel will take you right to Copacabana Beach! Now who wouldn’t want to take a dip?

18. St. Ives | Soothing Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash

St. Ives strives to bring you the best of nature by using authentic oatmeal and shea butter extracts. This body wash leaves a rich lather on the skin until it is washed away. Its powerful formula strips and removes all dirt like a gentle sugar scrub—great for both cleansing and moisturizing the skin. It is also ideal for sensitive skin due to its excellent ability to soothe irritated dry skin.

It comes in a soft and rich caramel aroma that will keep you calm and relaxed throughout the day. Some consumers claim that they have been using this product for years and intend to continue using it. That tells us something: it’s a fantastic product!

19. Jo Malone | London Pomegranate Noir Body Wash

Jo Malone products are always timeless and exquisite, with a delightful nod to English royal culture. And this body wash is perfect for everyday pampering. Its nutrient-rich jojoba oil and meadowsweet seeds will keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from drying out.

But it’s not just about how it looks and feels on the skin; a blend of fresh and juicy pomegranate, raspberry, and plum with spicy wood overtones gives this unisex product its unique magnetic allure.

It would also make an excellent gift for anyone because of its beautiful and sophisticated packaging. Embrace yourself in head-to-toe pleasure with this body wash.

20. Murad | Acne Body Wash

Acne can make anyone feel insecure, frustrated, and upset. But this acne body wash will help you get rid of all blemishes from your back, chest and other places. The well-thought-out recipe combines glycolic acid and salicylic acid. These ingredients gently exfoliate the skin, remove dirt from clogged pores, eliminate harmful bacteria, and prevent the appearance of new breakouts.

This calming formula also contains green tea and licorice root extract to help fight irritation and soothe your skin. It does take some time to work, so don’t give up if you don’t see improvements after the first use.

21. Native | Natural Body Wash

This all-in-one body wash uses only natural ingredients to soothe, maintain, and cleanse your skin. The combination of salt, citric acid, and coconut oil not only screams summer vibes but also intensively nourishes your skin.

It’s hydrating enough for you to skip the lotion after a shower as it keeps your skin plump and moisturized.

You can choose between scents like coconut and vanilla (our favorite), eucalyptus and mint, lavender and rose, lilac and white tea, and others. Pick your favorite one and turn the routine task of showering or bathing into a delightful experience.

22. Rituals | The Ritual of Jing Foaming Shower Gel

Rituals’ brand concept is straightforward: find joy in the smallest things. That is why they design beautiful yet affordable home and body products with care.

Even the driest skin will find it impossible to resist the calming and soothing components in this shower gel. Sandalwood essential oil, jujube fruit extract, lotus flower extract, and castor oil deeply nourish and soften the skin. It is also infused with lavender’s calming smell, which provides ultimate relaxation.

It is a genuine multi-tasker that makes you feel refreshed and moisturized. Transform your bathroom into a peaceful Japanese garden with this shower gel.

23. Maude | Wash No. 0

Whether you want to take a shower or a bath, or both, this one product will meet all your requirements. Panthenol, niacinamide, jojoba, aloe, argan oil, meadowfoam seed oil, camellia sinensis leaf extract, and olive leaf extract are the ingredients responsible for providing soft, nourished skin. This delicate recipe can be used on a regular basis and is suitable for all skin types.

Hydrate your skin to leave it feeling smoother than before and free of sticky residue. This unscented unisex body wash is an all-in-one solution for velvety skin.

24. Nivea | Nourishing Care Body Wash

Your bad skincare practices will catch up with you one day—especially if you enjoy taking extended hot showers. Such a habit may result in skin dryness and inflammation. If you are unwilling to change your habits, at the very least, consider using this body wash.

Sunflower seed oil and sweet almond oil work together to lock in moisture and envelop your skin in a protective, nourishing cocoon all day long.

Aside from its low price, this product also serves as a shaving cream. As they say, invest in your skin because it will represent you for a long time!

25. BIODERMA | Atoderm Ultra-Gentle Shower Gel

Looking for a body wash without a strong floral or tropical fiesta scent? Check out this ultra-gentle shower gel with a subtle marine smell.

It’s an excellent body wash that nourishes your skin while removing dirt and sweat, leaving you feeling fresh and clean. High quality, non-comedogenic, and free of harsh chemicals and parabens, it is ideal for dry and sensitive skin. It is also gentle enough to be used from head to toe.

The container is a clear plastic bottle with an easy-to-use pump dispenser that keeps germs out and is easy to use with wet hands. Get this product to save time, money, and space in the shower.

26. True Botanicals | Nourishing Wash

The True Botanicals story started when its founder Hillary Peterson was diagnosed with cancer. She was unable to find non-toxic skin care products that were gentle enough for her skin. Takin matters into her own hands, she decided to show the world that natural and organic ingredients are equally as effective as traditional ones.

Green and white teas, moisturizing glycerin, and calming aloe
vera leaf extracts are included in this hypoallergenic body wash base. It not only refreshes your skin, but also increases suppleness, and collagen levels, resulting in firmer skin.

Essential oils of orange, patchouli, and sandalwood create a natural and earthy scent. This spa-quality product will be your “wake-up call” to switch to organic products going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to use body wash or bar soap on dry skin?

While all soaps have the sole objective of removing dirt from the skin, body washes not only cleanse but also help alleviate a number of skin problems. A body wash helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier, moisturize, and calm the irritated surface.

Therefore, using a moisturizing body wash is much better than using harsh bar soap. Just remember to look for products containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.

Can I use body wash daily?

Yes, a pH-balanced, moisturizing shower gel or body wash is perfect for daily use. There is a wide range of hydrating body washes available in a number of forms, including lotion, cream, and oil. Body washes like those mentioned in this article will not only clean the skin but will also hydrate and moisturize it.

If you believe that a shower gel is insufficient for your skin and it still feels tight after you get out of the shower, use a body moisturizer. This will help seal hydration.

How do I properly use a body wash?

Now that you’ve read this article and have made a selection among the best body washes for dry skin, you’re ready to put to start using. First, remember to shower in lukewarm water. Hot showers will dehydrate and remove natural oils from your skin.

Apply one pump of body wash on a wet washcloth or just directly onto your skin. Gently massage the product on without any harsh scrubbing, allowing the product to sit on the skin for a few minutes and then rinsing it off.

After you’re done showering, gently pat your skin dry. If you rub it too hard, you risk further aggravating your dry skin.

Can I use body wash on my face?

A body wash and face wash have different formulations and components, and the skin on our faces is more sensitive than the skin on the rest of our bodies.

There are a variety of body washes that can clean both the body and face. However, if the label of your shower gel does not mention its versatility, it is best to stick to a facial cleanser for cleaning your face.