These Expert-Approved Body Washes Will Quench Your Dry Skin

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Dry, flaky skin requires a lot of extra care to maintain its moisture and healthy glow, and while thick creams, beautifully smelling lotions, and other hydrating treatments might be the first solutions that come to mind, it's your "soap" that's the true first step to softer skin. Many people use soap and body wash or body cleanser interchangeably, but they're not the same things.

"Most of the cleansers made for dry skin are actually not soap," explains board-certified dermatologist Jessica Dowling, MD. "Soap is alkaline, so its pH is higher than our natural skin pH, which can be very drying." She adds that non-soap cleansers are better since they're more acidic and don't disrupt the skin barrier. Plus, if your skin dries out from long, hot showers, these nourishing washes can be a game-changer.

Whether you're looking for a soothing body oil (like the XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil) or something for sensitive skin (like the Moisturizing Relief Body Wash), there are plenty of options on the market. Below, check out the 8 best body washes for dry skin, according to Dr. Dowling and board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD.

Shop the best body washes for dry skin below:

What should I look for in a body wash for dry skin?

With all the body washes on the market, it can be challenging to figure out what's worth your buck. Here are a few tips on what to keep in mind while you shop.

Ingredients

Some of the best ingredients in a moisturizing body wash include glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, shea butter, and natural oils, says Dr. Dowling.

You should also look for labels that state if the product is meant to balance your pH. "Healthy skin has a pH of five and a half to 5.9," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "The cleansers you want to look for are between five to six and a half to help support your skin barrier.

"That said, there are also a few ingredients you'll want to avoid. Dr. Dowling recommends avoiding dyes, exfoliation beads, and other physical exfoliators. As for fragrances, it's important to remember that "unscented" is not the same as fragrance-free. "You always want to look for something that's fragrance-free rather than unscented," explains Dr. Dowling. "Even if something says it's unscented, it could still have masking fragrances."

Formula

Bar soaps no longer have the bad rap they used to have. "Bar soaps were not good for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin because they contained sodium lauryl sulfate, which was known to be drying and irritating" says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "Now, those are usually soap-free bars—so those are fine."

She adds that bar soaps can be beneficial since they don't require as many preservatives and are less likely to cause a reaction. However, it's important to note that once a bar gets wet, it's prone to contamination. On the other hand, liquid and oil washes stay contained in plastic bottles that can be closed and properly stored while providing the hydration your skin needs.

Why trust us?

The Women's Health beauty team, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert and senior editor Danielle Jackson, polled top experts to get their recommendations for the best body washes for dry skin. Once our experts submitted their recommendations, we narrowed their picks down by price, formulation, technology, and innovation to zero in on the best of the best.

Meet our experts

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. Jessica Dowling, MD, is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at the Skin Institute of New York.

Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser

This advanced body cleanser from Eucerin checks all the boxes. The gel-like formula was made for sensitive, dry, and normal skin types. Plus, it can be used on the face and body. "This is a pH-balanced cleanser," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "It's also rich in ceramides and hypoallergenic."

Swapping out expensive soaps for this budget-friendly option was a game changer for several testers. "This body wash is fantastic!" says one user. "It effectively cleanses while leaving your skin feeling clean, soft, and moisturized." Others call out that it works perfectly on their sensitive skin.

Cleansing Bar

This cleansing bar from Vanicream is free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens. "It's a soap-free bar designed for sensitive skin," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "It's perfect for dry skin and not going to strip or irritate either.

"Those who have been using this bar for years say it's the go-to for their dry skin. Users with psoriasis say that this isn't the sole solution to the condition, but it helps alleviate some symptoms. Still, a few people call out the grainy texture of the soap and believe the previous formula may have been more worth it.

Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

This thermal water foaming moisturizer promotes hydrated skin without clogging your pores. It can be used on the face, and body and it's gentle enough for babies, children, and adults. "This is formulated with shea butter, which is highly moisturizing, as well as niacinamide, which has many skin benefits," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "It's another one that protects the skin barrier while cleansing."

Testers say this wash leaves their skin clean, minus the stripping feeling. Some even say it reduces the appearance of blemishes. "I have extremely dry, sensitive skin, and this has been one of the best products I have found for this," says one user. "I also like that I don’t have to use a separate product for my face."

XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

This cleansing oil is perfect for those with itchy skin. The formula was made to seal in moisture while balancing the skin's microbiome and restoring the skin barrier. "Shower oils are great for most dry skin that can't tolerate many cleansers at all," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. She adds that she's a big fan of this oil because the foam lifts dirt and debris from the skin without stripping it. It also has the National Eczema Association seal of approval.

This oil is a great option for colder months when your skin needs more moisture, according to testers. Many agree that a little bit of product goes a long way, making it worth the price. One person calls out that it helps fade discoloration and scars as well.

Hydrating Body Wash

"I like that it has hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum (an emollient)," says Dr. Dowling. "It has soybean oil and three different kinds of ceramides in it as well." She explains that ceramides are the natural moisturizing ingredient in our skin, which means this product will replenish the skin barrier.

"My skin was itching to the point where I would scratch myself until I bled. This literally took that away in just two showers," says one reviewer. Others say this wash makes their skin feel baby-soft. However, some note that it's hard to get the product out of the bottle, but storing it upside down can help.

Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash

Alleviate your dry, itchy skin with this oat-based body wash from Aveeno. "Oat has been shown to be really soothing and hydrating to the skin," says Dr. Dowling. "[The wash] also has moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, dimethicone, and shea butter in it." If you want to go all in with their oat line, you can also shop the Skin Relief Lotion and intensive repair cream.

When paired with a moisturizing lotion, users say this wash works wonders on dry skin. Those who tend to have allergic reactions after using other brands say this formula feels great on their sensitive skin.

Gentle Body Wash

This gentle Vanicream body wash is ideal for those with sensitive skin. "This is my favorite for patients with dry skin who are also very allergy-prone," says Dr. Dowling. "This one has all the moisturizing ingredients we look for (like glycerin), but it's also free of fragrance."

The wash lathers up just enough to cover the whole body without using a lot of product, according to testers. Plus, this product has a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. One user says that while their skin feels amazing after showering, sealing everything in with a good cream makes a huge difference.

Moisturizing Relief Body Wash

Cetaphil is another well-known and trustworthy brand to consider for your dry skin. The Moisturizing Relief Body Wash goes above and beyond to smooth and soften sensitive skin. Dr. Dowling loves this one for it's nourishing ingredients, such as glycerin, soybean oil, and shea butter. She also notes that it's fragrance, paraben, and sulfate-free.

One tester says she uses this wash after getting tattoos, and it prevents her skin from getting irritated. Another user in her 60s says that this product combined with a Cetaphil cream leaves her skin hydrated all day long.

Should I always use lotion or moisturizer after a shower?

If you ever get out of the shower and skip moisturizing, you may notice your skin feeling a little tight once you've had a moment to dry off. You can avoid this by using hydrating body washes and moisturizing after showering. "The best time to moisturize is right when you get out of the shower," says Dr. Dowling. She suggests lightly patting yourself dry with a towel and applying a cream while your skin is still damp.

Another pro tip from Dr. Dowling: opt for a cream instead of a lotion since thicker creams have less water in them than lotion.

Plus, dry skin needs extra TLC since it "doesn't have the same capacity to retain water," as skin that's typically less dry explains Dr. Murphy-Rose. "For that reason, you want to support the skin by putting back that protective layer that's going to help to lock moisture in so that it's not evaporating as easily."

Shop other skincare products

Body Washes for Women | Acne Body Washes | Exfoliating Body Washes | Moisturizing Bar Soaps | Salicylic Acid Cleansers

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