Aging skin types will benefit most from body washes that can help firm, plump and hydrate the skin for a smoother, more youthful appearance. This cleansing oil can help you get there due to its ultra moisturizing formula and silky texture that coats skin in a veil of hydration, even long after your wash. It has a blend of prebiotics (to help balance the skin’s pH), nutrivia seed oil (to hydrate) and bacuri butter (to strengthen an aging skin barrier). After you cleanse, you’ll notice that your skin feels firmer and more supple. The smell is heavenly, too, and creates a spa-like experience in your shower.
Testing notes from Glamour contributor Allie Follino
“The Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench line is a game changer that’ll leave your skin glowing and your spirits lifted. Trust me—your skin and your senses will thank you,” says Glamour contributor, Allie Follino.
- Key ingredients: Prebiotics, nuritiva seed oil, bacuri butter
- Scent: Violet, orchid, amber, sandalwood, vetiver
- Size: 13 fl. oz.
Best Scent: Native Body Wash
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Native Body Wash
- Pros: Powerful lather; non-stripping; free of parabens and sulfates
- Cons: Bottle may to leak
“Washing always removes some of our natural oils, and using a well-made body wash can preserve our skin and minimize inflammatory conditions, especially in the cooler winter months, when the environment naturally pulls hydration out of our skin,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. This soothing formula does just this with the inclusion of coconut oil to moisturize the skin, and citric acid to help balance pH and keep skin resilient against pollutants and free radicals which can weaken it and make it feel drier. It cleanses without stripping and comes in a wide range of scents that you can catch a whiff of hours after your shower.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“The Native body wash has remained a staple in my shower routine for over three years now because it has a soothing gel consistency that creates the perfect amount of lather, it doesn’t feel drying post-wash, and it always comes in fun fragrances that will surely put a smile on your face every time you shower,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
- Key ingredients: Plant oils, citric acid
- Scent: 26 options
- Size: 18 fl. oz.
Best for Body Odor: Saltair Body Wash
Original video of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Saltair Body Wash
- Pros: Long-lasting scent; very moisturizing
- Cons: The pump may clog over time
This body wash is packed with hydrating ingredients, too, including monoi oil to improve skin roughness, and cupuaçu butter, which deeply hydrates. It lathers into a creamy, thick foam that spreads easily to areas that harbor smell due to bacteria the most (like under the arms, in skin folds and around the groin). The scent is perfumed and heavy, and sticks to skin post-shower (especially when paired with the brand’s matching body lotion). It’s so good that you won’t feel the need to reach for an extra spritz of perfume after you shower.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“Pairing this body wash with the brand’s scented body lotion is simply chef’s kiss. It will keep you smelling good for hours, and make your skin extremely soft and velvety, too. You can’t go wrong with any of the scented body washes in Saltair’s repertoire—but the Salt Water Vanilla is my fave,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
- Key Ingredients: Monoi oil, cupuaçu butter
- Scent: Eight, options, including Salt Water Vanilla and Santal Bloom
- Size: 17.0 fl oz
Frequently asked questions
How to choose the best body wash for your skin type
Choosing the right body wash depends on your skin’s needs.
For dry skin, opt for gentle cleansers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, in a cream or lotion texture. “Cream cleansers gently cleanse using natural oils, making them ideal for sensitive or dry skin,” says Dr. Rambhia.
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 your skin is rough or bumpy, 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 adds. “Avoid harsh soaps or anything that leaves your skin feeling tight or squeaky-clean,” says Dr. Garshick.
When and how often should you apply body wash?
Some dermatologists suggest shampooing and conditioning before cleansing your body, so your hair product can sit on your scalp while you rinse 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.
Is body wash better than bar soap?
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. Bar soap should not be shared to avoid bacteria transfer., says Dr. Greenfield.
Is there a difference between body wash and shower gel?
“Although used interchangeably, body wash and shower gel are different skin care products,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Both clean 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.
Is it better to wash your body with your hands, a washcloth, or loofah?
“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 adds.
Dr. Marmur recommends staying away from loofahs. “They can scratch the skin, creating micro-tears that will ultimately itch, plus they can harbor bacteria buildup. If you do use one, it should be replaced every 3-4 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 adds.
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.
- 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 NYC-based dermatologist
- Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, board-certified dermatologist
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
- Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California
- Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare
Read the full article here
