11 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin in Any Season
Soothe dry, itchy skin with super hydrating formulas.
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FYI: You don't have to accept your dry, itchy skin — no matter the season. In fact, the solution actually starts in the shower; it's as simple as using the right body wash for your skin type. In this case, that means cleansing skin with a moisturizing body wash to soothe itchiness, flakiness or even eczema. "Body wash formulated specifically for dry skin typically has more hydrating ingredients to combat dehydration," explains Kim Nichols, M.D., a Greenwich, Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD. The milder, more emollient formulas help "replenish the oils that are washed away," adds Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.
In the Beauty Lab's most recent body wash test, our scientists spent more than 90 hours completing in-Lab testing and evaluated 520 consumer surveys to find the best picks available. This list includes top-performing products from Lab testing, as well as editor-loved and dermatologist-approved additions. Keep reading for the 12 best body washes that'll turn dry skin into glowing skin.
Looking for more ways to quench your dry skin? Check out our guides to the best face moisturizers for dry skin and the best body lotions for your money.
Pros
- Measurably moisturizes skin
- Great price
Cons
- Scent is polarizing
What made it a winner: Like a body wash and moisturizer in one, this nourishing pick from Dove softens dry skin after just one wash, according to GH Beauty Lab testing. This body wash increased skin's moisturization for four hours in Lab testing using the Corneometer device, which measures skin hydration levels, with no additional lotion required. It also is popular pick on Reddit, along with other Dove formulas.
Testers say: "My skin was as smooth as if I'd applied a moisturizer," a tester raves. "I used it at night, and my skin still felt moisturized in the morning," another says. Note that the clean, musky scent of this wash is polarizing to some reviewers.
| Key ingredients | Jojoba oil, prebiotic blend |
| Size | 22 fl oz |
| Formula | Cream |
| Fragrance | Musky, clean |
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
Pros
- Provides a great lather
- Pleasant light scent
Cons
- May leave residue on skin
What made it a winner: GH Lab testing found that Aveeno's creamy body wash is one of the most hydrating, in addition to coming out on top for best lather. The included prebiotic oat extract is very soothing for sensitive skin. Plus it has a light scent that testers enjoy and is highly recommended on Reddit as well for both the moisturizing effect and fragrance.
Testers say: "I loved the smell," a tester raves. "I am very sensitive to strong florals and fruits — this wash was light, fresh, clean and very pleasant. The lather was creamy without being too heavy." Some reviewers report that the wash leaves a residue on their skin, so watch out for that.
| Key ingredients | Prebiotic oats, glycerin |
| Size | 18 fl oz |
| Formula | Cream |
| Fragrance | Fresh, clean |
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Pros
- Extremely gentle
- Can be used on face and body
Cons
- Pump design isn't ideal
What made it a winner: This cleanser is the ultimate gentle choice: it's safe for body and face on babies and adults. Dr. Nichols recommends this soothing body wash because its ingredients help reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin. Some of these nourishing ingredients include shea butter, niacinamide and glycerin.
Expert says: "As a rule of thumb, any time a cleanser is suitable for both the face and the body, it is a good indicator that the product is formulated to be sensitive enough for dry skin," she advises. Many reviewers find the pump to be finicky, making it difficult to dispense product.
RELATED: Best Face Moisturizers
| Key ingredients | Shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin |
| Size | 13.52 fl oz |
| Formula | Foam |
| Fragrance | None |
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser
Pros
- Great scent
- Cleanses well without causing dryness
Cons
- Pricey
What made it a winner: An oil-based cleanser is ideal for dry skin that's also itchy. This silky, vanilla and almond-scented wash from Kiehl's is both recommended on Reddit and a favorite of GH Beauty Director April Franzino.
Expert says: "True to its name, it slightly foams on skin in contact with water and cleanses well yet feels coddling and luxurious, with no parched skin left behind," she says. Take note that this body wash is on the pricier side.
RELATED: Best Body Oils
| Key ingredients | Plant oils (avocado, coconut, grape seed, rice bran, sunflower seed) |
| Size | 8.4 fl oz |
| Formula | Oil-to-foam |
| Fragrance | Sweet |
L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil
Pros
- Made with a blend of natural oils
- Doesn't leave skin tight, dry or itchy
Cons
- Pricey
What made it a winner: L'Occitane's luxurious shower oil turns to a light milky wash upon contact with water. Reddit reviewers like the luxurious lather and yummy scent. Franzino loves that the blend of natural oils gently cleanses skin without leaving it tight, dry or itchy. This shower oil is pricey, but as one of the brand's bestsellers, many believe the price is worth it.
Expert says: "It feels so pampering when applied and smells lightly sweet thanks to sweet almond extract," Franzino says.
| Key ingredients | Grape seed oil, sweet almond oil with omega-9 fatty acids |
| Size | 16.9 fl oz |
| Formula | Oil |
| Fragrance | Sweet |
CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Pros
- Exfoliates skin while replenishing the skin barrier
- Works quickly
Cons
- May not be effective on extremely bumpy skin
What made it a winner: CeraVe's gentle formula exfoliates dry skin without irritating or stripping it, thanks to the included ceramides, which are a mainstay in every CeraVe formula. Highly rated on Amazon, reviewers like using it on keratosis pilaris, body acne and other sensitive skin conditions.
Reviewer says: "I saw improvement in my bumpy skin within just two uses," one raves. However, not all users have found it to be effective on their skin. If you like a ceramide-filled body wash sans exfoliation, Dr. Nichols recommends the CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash.
RELATED: Best Body Scrubs
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, ceramides |
| Size | 10 fl oz |
| Formula | Foaming gel |
| Fragrance | None |
MyKirei by Kao Yuzu & Rice Water Nourishing Body Wash
Pros
- Comes in eco-friendly packaging
- Great scent
Cons
- Some found it pricey
What made it a winner: For the eco-conscious consumer, this great-smelling body wash from MyKirei by Kao comes in first-of-its-kind air-inflated packaging to reduce waste. But the GH Beauty Award winner isn't just eco-friendly — in a clinical study, the cleanser didn’t irritate even sensitive skin, and testers found that it lathered well and rinsed clean without overdrying skin. GH Beauty Lab assessment also confirmed that the packaging has up to 47% less plastic than that of similar size products.
Tester says: "The light and foamy lather feels soft," a tester reports. Some reviewers feel the price is a little too high.
| Key ingredients | Rice water, yuzu extract |
| Size | 16.9 fl oz |
| Formula | Gel |
| Fragrance | Citrus |
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash
Pros
- Fragrance free
- Great for extra sensitive skin
Cons
- Bottle shape and size could be improved
What made it a winner: A fragrance-free body wash is key for dry skin, especially for those with eczema. Cetaphil's super gentle cleanser is GH's former commerce editor's favorite choice for her eczema.
Expert says: "It's the only formula I've found that's safe for my sensitive skin," she revealed. "Though you miss out on the lather, its creamy gel formula cleanses without stripping my skin of moisture." Some reviewers find the bottle shape and size isn't very user-friendly.
RELATED: Best Lotions for Eczema
| Key Ingredients | Aloe vera, vitamin B5 |
| Size | 16.9 fl oz |
| Formula | Creamy gel |
| Fragrance | None |
Raw Sugar Moisture Loving Watermelon + Fresh Mint Body Wash
Pros
- Great scent
- Well-priced
- Made with organic and cold-pressed ingredients
Cons
- Not ideal for those with extremely dry or sensitive skin
What made it a winner: Made with organic and cold-pressed ingredients including shea butter extract, aloe vera and various other oils and extracts, this moisturizing, natural body wash also smells amazing.
Expert says: "The fresh watermelon scent is a great pick-me-up no matter the time of day," GH's former Beauty Assistant said. "It cleanses well and rinses off easily without leaving my skin feeling tight." Though it doesn't leave her skin dry or itchy, this pick may not be the best for those with extra dry or sensitive skin.
| Key ingredients | Shea butter extract, aloe vera |
| Size | 25 fl oz |
| Formula | Gel |
| Fragrance | Fruity |
Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash
Pros
- Contains top hydrating ingredients
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Good value
Cons
- Some find the scent overpowering
What made it a winner: A top-rated wash on Reddit, Olay's hydrating formula helps strengthens the skin barrier while nourishing and softening skin. It's a wallet-friendly find that still feels luxurious. While most raved about the floral scent, some reviewers found it overpowering.
Expert Says: "I'm a huge fan of this body wash from Olay, as it contains hyaluronic acid, which acts as a humectant to draw moisture back to the skin, as well as vitamin B3, which works to seriously hydrate and nourish," says Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., FAAD, a dermatologist in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid |
| Size | 20 fl oz |
| Formula | Foam |
| Fragrance | Floral |
Saltair Santal Bloom Serum Body Wash
What made it a winner: A GH Beauty Award winner, Saltair’s gel cleanser wowed testers with its exotic woodsy floral scent and nourishing capabilities. One-hundred percent of testers felt that it fully cleansed skin, and it also scored the highest for making the body feel soft and smooth. Multiple users commented on the convenient and easy-to-use pump dispenser and luxurious lather, although a few testers felt it was hard to rinse off completely.
Testers say: "I was blown away by this body wash," raved one. "It felt great while I was using it, and my skin was softer after the first use and even better after the second use." Another "loved the scent, cool minimalist packaging and nice thick lather."
| Key Ingredients | Monoi oil, cupuaçu butter, kukui oil, ascorbyl glucoside, niacinamide |
| Size | 17 fl oz |
| Formula | Gel |
| Fragrance | Woodsy floral |
How we test body washes
Our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists constantly evaluate body skincare products, including body washes formulated for all skin types. In the Lab's most recent test to identify the best body washes, our scientists spent over 90 hours completing in-Lab testing and evaluated 520 consumer surveys to find the best formulas.
The testing in our Lab may include measurement of skin Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) utilizing the Tewameter machine, as well as distributing the products to consumer testers, who use them in their routines and provide feedback on factors such as ease of application, lather, scent and the feel and appearance of skin after use. The picks on this list are a combination of GH Beauty Lab test winners, GH Beauty Award winners, editor favorites and dermatologist recommendations.
What to look for when shopping for the best body washes for dry skin
If you have dry, itchy or flaky skin, here are some things to take note of when purchasing a body wash:
✔️ Look for moisturizing ingredients: If you have dry skin, "your body needs added hydration to replenish and repair the skin's barrier," says Dr. Nichols. Look for nourishing, hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and natural oils and shea butters, she recommends. Butler also advises looking for emollients and occlusives in the ingredient list, including petrolatum, oils like soybean oil and sunflower seed oil and butters like cocoa or shea butter.
✔️ Avoid potential irritants: Dry skin can be prone to irritation more easily, so Dr. Nichols suggests avoiding added fragrance, alcohols, dyes and any common foaming agents.
✔️ Read the label: This may seem obvious, but while shopping, remember to look for key words like "moisturizing" and "dry skin" on the label, notes Butler.
✔️ Skip aggressive physical or even chemical exfoliators: "Physical exfoliators are harsh and can strip away the skin barrier, leading to the worsening of dryness," says Dr. Zubritsky. "Chemical exfoliators may be safe in moderation but overdoing it can lead to more irritation and sensitivity."
How often should you use a body wash for dry skin?
Listen to your skin. While both Butler and Dr. Nichols agree that using a body wash for dry skin should be fine to use every day, it also depends on your skin type and the conditions that contribute to dryness.
If you find yourself still experiencing dryness with everyday use, "reducing shower frequency to every other day can be helpful for dry skin, because it reduces disruption to the oils that create the skin's barrier function," says Butler. She also recommends avoiding hot water in the shower to prevent stripping the protective oils from your skin.
Dr. Nichols recommends visiting a board-certified dermatologist for product recommendations based specifically on your skin.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Former GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn wrote this article, working closely with the Beauty Lab. Over the years, she interviewed experts and wrote product roundups.
GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price updated this article, adding new tested product picks and more details about existing ones. She has over 17 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories, and is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories.
GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler provided expert insight for this article. She does hands-on testing and analysis of beauty and health products for the GH Institute.
GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann worked with Dori on her recent article update, sharing her expertise on the topic and new Lab-tested picks. Since joining Good Housekeeping, Sabina has carried out various studies from sunscreens (including formulas for sensitive and oily skin and mineral types), night creams, eye creams, makeup cleansers and more. She also helps out with explaining skincare ingredients, like occlusives, and verifies product claims.
Catharine (she/her) is the former beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
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