6 Best Body Washes for Glowy, Hydrated Skin This Summer

Frequently asked questions

Choosing the right body wash depends on your skin’s needs.

For dry skin, a gentle cleanser with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides in a cream or lotion texture is ideal. “Cream cleansers gently cleanse using natural oils, making them great for sensitive or dry skin,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey.

The same goes for mature skin, though Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, also suggests ingredients that encourage cell turnover and improve the appearance of fine lines, such as lactic and glycolic acid.

If you have oily or acne prone-skin, look for salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help manage breakouts. “Foaming and gel formulations are effective for oily skin, as they work to dissolve excess oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.”

If you have rough or bumpy skin or you have keratosis pilaris, Dr. Rambhia recommends an exfoliating body wash with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to smooth texture.

For extremely sensitive skin, avoid fragrances and potential irritants, such as dyes, she says. And Dr. Garshick says, “Avoid harsh soaps or anything that leaves your skin feeling tight or squeaky-clean.”

Some dermatologists suggest shampooing and conditioning before cleansing your body, so your hair product can sit on your scalp before rinsing, while you wash your arms and legs. Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group recommends using gentle circular motions to avoid rubbing harshly or in any way that’s irritating to the skin.

“Use body wash daily, focusing on areas prone to sweat, odor, and buildup, like the underarms, feet, and groin,” says Dr. Garshick. Follow with body lotion to lock in moisture.

Not necessarily, says Dr. Rambhia. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it can help boost hydration. If sustainability is a concern, bar soaps have a longer shelf life than liquid soaps. However, bar soap should not be shared in order to avoid bacteria transfer, says Dr. Greenfield.

“Although used interchangeably, body wash and shower gel are different skin care products,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Both clean your skin in the shower, but their consistency is slightly different, which means they can be better or worse for certain skin types.” A shower gel is a gel consistency, and less lotion-y and hydrating. The gels are often combined with many scents and perfumes, and although newer versions are tolerated by sensitive skin, they wouldn’t be the best choice for someone with dry, irritated, or sensitive skin. “Body washes, on the other hand, are classically a softer, more lotion-y, creamy product, which has the job of cleansing the skin in the shower but also often leaves moisturizing ingredients on the skin,” says Dr. Nazarian.

“Contrary to popular belief, your hands are not too dirty to wash your body, and they won’t spread harmful contamination when you bathe,” says Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. Because skin is naturally self-cleaning, you don’t really need a washcloth to stay clean unless you prefer using one. Just keep in mind that after some time, “a washcloth may harbor bacteria or yeast after use, making it more likely to transfer microbes back to the skin if not washed regularly. Gentle hand-washing of the body is sufficient for hygiene in most cases,” she says.

Dr. Marmur recommends staying away from loofahs. “They can scratch the skin, creating microtears that will ultimately itch, plus they can harbor bacteria buildup. If you do use one, it should be replaced every three to four days and thoroughly washed out and dried between uses,” she says. If you want to use a rough cloth instead, she recommends using it only on certain areas, like the feet and ankles. “Rough tools only worsen dry skin, leading to chronic scratching,” she says.

Yes, body wash can be good for folliculitis if it features salicylic acid. “Salicylic acid cleansers, like the Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Wash, help calm and clear folliculitis-prone skin,” she says. It does this by reducing keratin plugs, which help take down inflammation. This exfoliating process will help lessen areas of ingrown hairs, inflammation, and acne.

Glamour editors tested body washes for over a month or until product ran out. Some picks include ones that our editors have used for years. During washing we evaluated how well each formula lathered, how our skin felt after rinsing, and whether it left skin feeling dry, stripped, or comfortably moisturized. Fragrance and how long the scent lingered post-shower were also considered.

• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California
• Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm
• Brendan Camp, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC
• Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
• Rachel Nazarian, MD, board-certified dermatologist in NYC
• Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, board-certified dermatologist
• Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist in NYC
• Ellen Marmur, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare
• Serena Mraz, MD, a double-board certified dermatologist of Solano Dermatology Associates in California