10 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
With the dry winter months comes dry winter skin, and for those who already have this type of skin, it can sometimes feel unbearable. While lotions do help, they won’t work their best if your soap is leaving your skin drier than before you showered. That’s why it’s important to use a moisturizing body wash that hydrates your skin and can help soothe other issues that can irritate dry skin even further.
We've researched the best body washes for dry skin available and chose Hydrating Body Wash by The Seaweed Bath Co. as our favorite. It's suitable for all skin types, rejuvenates your skin, and is free of any harsh chemicals. We've also chosen our best 10 body washes for dry skin and have a buying guide to help you make your choice.
Quick List - Top Body Washes For Dry Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Body Washes For Dry Skin Ranking
- No. 1The Seaweed Bath Co. | Body Wash
- No. 2Alba Botanica | Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash
- No. 3Tree to Tub | Moisturizing Body Wash for Dry Skin
- No. 4L’Occitane | Cleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil
- No. 5Botanic Hearth | Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Ultra Moisture Body Wash
- 5 more products
- Refrain From Using Loofahs to Cleanse Dry Skin
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does body wash dry out your skin?
- What is the best way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
- Dr. Levy's Scented Body Wash Recommendation for Sensitive Skin
- Other Products to Hydrate Your Dry Skin
- Amazon's Best Selling Bath and Shower Gels
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy
How to Choose Body Washes For Dry Skin
When choosing a body wash for dry skin, you should take note of some specific ingredients that can do wonders for your skin. It's important to make sure that the product works for your skin type, too.
Familiarize Yourself With Hydrating and Moisturizing Ingredients
An effective moisturizing body wash should be formulated with ingredients that can retain moisture within your skin and minimize moisture loss. In this section, we'll list out some great ingredients that can keep your skin hydrated for a long time.
Humectants Like Glycerin Can Increase the Water Content in Your Skin
A good moisturizing body wash should contain a lot of humectants. Technically, they are moisturizing agents that can draw moisture into the top layer of the skin, whether through the air or the lower layers of your skin.
Some humectants that you're likely to encounter include hyaluronic acid and glycerin. They help increase your skin's moisture level directly and make your skin look supple and healthy. Aloe vera is another great humectant that can give you a boost in moisture. Plus, it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe your itchy, inflamed skin.
Hyaluronic acid washes are very versatile. They can be tolerated by all skin types and provide the perfect level of hydration. Since they draw water out the top layer of skin, they give a hydrated and glowing look.
I recommend using an additional moisturizer with this kind of humectant-based wash to prevent paradoxical drying that may occur with the use of humectants.
Emollients Like Shea Butter Help Soften Your Skin
Besides humectants, emollients are great for dry skin as well. They repair the skin's protective barrier to prevent moisture from evaporating from your skin. They are well-known for their healing properties as well and can help soothe irritation and calm itching. So if you have irritated or itchy skin, definitely search for emollients.
Most emollients come from oils and plant-based butter like coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil, and shea butter. They are also full of fatty acids and vitamins to keep dryness at bay and leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
Occlusives Like Beeswax Can Prevent Moisture Loss
Occlusives can also do wonders to your skin as they help form a barrier on top of your skin's layer to prevent moisture loss, keeping your skin hydrated for a long time. Common occlusives include waxes, such as beeswax and carnauba, and most butters, such as shea butter. Yes, shea butter is both a humectant and an occlusive! You can also look for oils like castor oil in the ingredients list.
However, keep in mind that some synthetic occlusives such as petrolatum and mineral oil might trigger allergic reactions to those with sensitive skin. So opt for natural occlusives such as jojoba oil, safflower oil, and argan oil instead.
Occlusive washes are best to use in the winter or when the skin is very dry. Be cautious if you have a history of acne since these ingredients can clog the pores. Occlusive body washes are great to use as a maintenance treatment for skin prone to eczema since it helps keep moisture in the skin and prevents drying.
Look for Ingredients to Address Certain Skin Conditions
Different ingredients are better suited to specific skin concerns and types than others. If you can identify the best ingredients for your skin condition, then you can find the best body wash for you.
For Irritated and Itchy Skin, Search for Soothing Ingredients
Excessive dryness might cause skin issues like inflammation, redness, and flaking. It might lead to inflammatory-related skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, so look for soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, rose water, and chamomile extract to help alleviate those problems.
Ingredients with powerful anti-inflammatory properties such as rosemary essential oil, tea tree oil, or lemon essential oil are some other wonderful ingredients that can reduce your pain and accelerate your skin's natural healing process. Of course, ask your dermatologist or doctor beforehand to make sure that those ingredients work for your skin's condition.
Find a Combination of Exfoliators and Moisturizers for Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common genetic skin condition that causes rough and bumpy skin on various parts of your body. It's also commonly known as chicken skin. It can be difficult to treat but there are some body washes that can help soothe the condition and prevent your skin from becoming too dry.
The best body washes to choose are those with mild exfoliation properties that can also cleanse your skin. Ingredients to look for include salicylic acid and lactic acid, which can both gently exfoliate your skin. Good moisturizing ingredients for keratosis pilaris are niacinamide, glycerin, and aloe juice.
Another key ingredient to look out for is urea. This acts as both an exfoliant and a moisturizer, making it perfect for inclusion in body washes for keratosis pilaris. We would also recommend choosing fragrance-free products to avoid further irritation.
Make Sure the Body Wash Works for Your Skin Type
For Sensitive Skin, Try to Stay Away From Fragrances and Sulfates
You should also try to stay away from potential irritants like sulfates. They are surfactants, which strip oil and dirt from your skin and create that foamy lather that you associate with soap. However, they are pretty potent and can cause skin irritation and over-drying, which is something you don’t want if you already have dry skin.
To give yourself peace of mind, we recommend using a product that has been tested by dermatologists. After purchasing a product, you should do a patch test to make sure it's truly compatible with your skin.
Scented body washes and those with essential oils can be very irritating to those with dry skin or eczema. All-natural does not necessarily mean that it will not cause a rash or exacerbate eczema.
For Acne-Prone Skin, Look for Exfoliating Soap That Isn’t Drying
A good solution is to look for an exfoliating soap that helps wash away dead skin and clear out clogged pores without making your skin shrivel up with it. This means skipping the microbeads for more gentle exfoliants, like brown sugar, charcoal, and other natural or sweet ingredients.
There are also scrubs packed with aloe vera, as well as light oils and butters, so keep an eye out for those. They can effectively hydrate your skin without clogging the pores or triggering breakouts.
Many acne medicated washes, like ones with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can be very drying. This means it can be hard for those with dry skin to use these products. Try a product that is clay or charcoal-based for dry skin that is acne-prone. Kaolin can help with acne but is also not drying.
Additionally, you may need to use a stronger medicated wash for inflammatory or cystic acne, but try using them only a few times a week and alternating with a hydrating wash.
10 Best Body Washes For Dry Skin Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Seaweed Bath Co. Body Wash | | Best for All Skin-Types | |
2 | Alba Botanica Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash | | Best for Very Dry Skin | |
3 | Tree to Tub Moisturizing Body Wash for Dry Skin | | Best for Sensitive Skin | |
4 | L’Occitane Cleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil | | Best for Soothing Itchy Skin | |
5 | Botanic Hearth Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Ultra Moisture Body Wash | | Best for Soothing a Variety of Conditions | |
6 | OGX Everyday Shea Body Wash | | Best for Daily Exfoliation | |
7 | Proactiv Detox Body Wash | | Best for Acne-Prone Skin | |
8 | CeraVe Organic All Natural Moisturizing Body Wash | | Best for Eczema | |
9 | Touch Natural Body Wash | | Best for Keratosis Pilaris | |
10 | Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo & Body Wash for Children | | Best for Children With Dry and Problem Skin |
Best for All Skin-Types
- Contains sustainably-harvested bladderwrack seaweed
- Leaping Bunny Certified (cruelty-free)
- Sulfate, paraben, gluten-free
- Recycled plastic bottle
Cons:
- Scent isn't for everyone
This body wash is made with sustainably harvested seaweed extract full of antioxidants to help rejuvenate the skin. It is also packed with hydrating ingredients such as neem oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, and Hawaiian kukui oil to nourish and improve your skin's condition.
A few buyers had allergic reactions after using the product so remember to do a patch test beforehand and check the ingredient list for ingredients that are irritating to you. Overall, many reviewers with different skin types recommend this body wash and say it helped to moisturize their skin.
Alba BotanicaLemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash
Best for Very Dry Skin
Pros:
- Cleanses, soothes, and moisturizes
- Parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance-free
- Vegetarian formula and hypo-allergenic
- Available in different scents and formulas
Cons:
- Scent can smell artificial
This body wash focuses on cleansing while leaving your skin smooth and moisturized. There are several different formulas available, but this one uses unrefined coconut oil and milk to hydrate and soothe.
Some reviewers loved the scent of this body wash, but others found that it smelled too artificial. There are also a few comments that recent batches feel watered down and difficult to lather. However, most reviewers praise its moisturizing properties, even on very dry skin.
Tree to TubMoisturizing Body Wash for Dry Skin
Best for Sensitive Skin
- Relaxing scent
- pH balanced
- Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, sulfate-free
- Recycled packaging
Cons:
- Didn't lather for some reviewers
This body wash is made from sustainably harvested soapberries along with aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile, to deliver needed moisture to your skin. Plus, the pH-balanced formula of this body wash ensures an effective clean while being kind to your sensitive skin.
Although some people complained that the soap didn't foam up, most buyers still highly recommended this product for its ultra-hydrating formula that cleaned well and softened their skin tremendously. Those with sensitive skin also vouched for the gentleness of the formula.
L’OccitaneCleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil
Best for Soothing Itchy Skin
- Cleanses and moisturizers
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Paraben, silicone, alcohol-free
- Can be used for shaving
Cons:
- Not vegan
- Can be greasy
This body wash comes out as an oil and lathers up to rich, creamy suds. It has a blend of nourishing oils such as grape seed oil and sunflower seed oil to provide your skin with extra moisture. Also, the infusion of ingredients with strong anti-inflammatory properties such as rosemary extract and bergamot oil helps soothe the skin and relieve itching.
Some reviewers did find this wash to be too oily and greasy for their preferences. However, the majority of buyers, particularly those with dry skin, noticed that their skin looked smooth and silky after each application. The formula was also gentle on their sensitive skin and soothed itching.
Botanic HearthExtra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Ultra Moisture Body Wash
Best for Soothing a Variety of Conditions
Pros:
- Made with 100 percent pure tea tree oil
- Cleanses impurities that cause several irritating skin conditions
- Helps with body odor
- Paraben-free, no harmful chemicals
Cons:
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
This body wash is formulated with pure tea tree oil, which acts to calm redness, inflammation, and swelling. It can be used to soothe a variety of conditions, such as acne, athlete's foot, and body odor, without drying out your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, this might not be the best choice for you. Some reviewers didn't like the scent, but many say it helped soothe a variety of body rashes. They also confirm that it didn't dry out their skin.
Best for Daily Exfoliation
Pros:
- Exfoliation is gentle enough to be used daily
- Rosewater soothes
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Sulfate, paraben-free
Cons:
- Scent isn't for everyone
If exfoliation is a key concern, then this body wash by OGX may suit your needs. The exfoliation properties are provided by pink sea salt granules and rosewater will then soothe your skin, ensuring you can use this body wash daily.
The scent is disliked by some reviewers and for some, the exfoliation was a little too gentle. However, many other reviewers like how this body wash leaves their skin feeling fresh and clean. They say the exfoliant leaves their skin feeling soft and the body wash doesn't dry out their skin.
ProactivDetox Body Wash
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Pros:
- Formulated specifically for acne
- Exfoliates and cleanses
- Reduces oiliness without drying out skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Lack of a pump makes it difficult to get out of the bottle
Proactiv is a well-known name when it comes to treating acne so it's no surprise that they have a body wash that will not only treat acne but won't dry out your skin. The body wash exfoliates your skin and the two percent hyaluronic acid lifts impurities out of your pores.
The main complaint from reviewers regards the lack of a pump on the bottle. Due to the thickness of the body wash, this makes it very difficult to pour the product out of the bottle once it starts emptying. There aren't many concerns about the quality of the body wash, however, as users confirm that it helped with their acne and didn't dry out their skin.
CeraVeOrganic All Natural Moisturizing Body Wash
Best for Eczema
Pros:
- Attracts and retains moisture
- Cleanses without drying out the skin
- Fragrance, paraben, sulfate, soap-free
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Cons:
- Difficult to get product out of the bottle
- Doesn't lather easily
If you suffer from dry skin and eczema, this body wash is a good choice for you as it fits the criteria set out by the National Eczema Association. The body wash works to repair and maintain your skin's natural moisture barrier to prevent your skin from drying out.
According to reviewers, the consistency of the body wash makes it difficult to squeeze the product out of the bottle. There are also a few reports that the body wash doesn't lather very easily. However, many reviewers confirm that the body wash is moisturizing and can help with several skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
TouchNatural Body Wash
Best for Keratosis Pilaris
Pros:
- Cleanses without drying out your skin
- Contains vitamin E to protect your skin
- Gentle exfoliation reduces skin bumps
- Paraben, sulfate, phthalates-free
Cons:
- Can cause breakouts in some users
This body wash is formulated for those who suffer from keratosis pilaris or acne. It contains exfoliants to help reduce surface skin bumps while cleansing your pores to tackle the conditions at their source.
Although the majority of reviewers report improvements in their keratosis pilaris, this body wash didn't work in every case and caused breakouts. As recommended by the manufacturer, make sure you do a skin test before use. Most users recommend this body wash though and say it has helped their skin greatly.
Happy CappyDaily Shampoo & Body Wash for Children
Best for Children With Dry and Problem Skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin and eczema
- Unscented
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Complies with pediatric dermatologist recommendations for eczema
- Winner of a National Parenting Product Award
Cons:
- Further irritated the skin of some children
Young children have super sensitive skin, making them more vulnerable to harsh chemicals and dry skin. This combined shampoo and body wash has many natural ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and oatmeal extract. and is formulated to not only hydrate but also soothe conditions like eczema.
Refrain From Using Loofahs to Cleanse Dry Skin
So especially if you have dry, sensitive skin, it may just be better to use your hands. They’re more gentle for your everyday shower routine—and if you need to, you can throw in a scrub or exfoliator every once in a while for a good cleansing.
I do not recommend loofahs for those with dry skin. They can cause an irritant dermatitis and further dry out the skin. Some people with dry or sensitive skin may have a condition called keratosis pilaris (also known as "chicken skin"). It is not recommended to rub or loofah these bumps since it can make the condition worse and further irritate the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about body wash and dry skin.
Does body wash dry out your skin?
The answer to this question is that it depends. There are some body washes that can dry out your skin, but this isn't the case for all of them. To prevent drying out your skin, you should avoid any harsh chemicals and look for those that are pH neutral.
Some body washes that are labeled as moisturizing may actually have the opposite effect. Many moisturize your skin by pulling moisture out from the deeper layers of your skin, which in the long term may only make your skin even dryer.
If a body wash says it is moisturizing, make sure it contains ingredients that can produce moisture or prevent it from escaping. These are typically emollients and occlusives such as beeswax and shea butter.
What is the best way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
Although there are is no known cure for keratosis pilaris, there are some measures you can take to reduce the condition. When taking a bath or shower, you should keep them short and use warm water instead of hot. Exfoliation can also help and you should do this gently with a loofah or pumice stone every day.
One of the easiest and most important steps you can take at home is to moisturize your skin regularly. Dry skin can make keratosis pilaris much worse so keeping your skin hydrated is very important. Use a moisturizer that contains urea or lactic acid and apply it to damp skin after bathing.
There are further changes you can make to improve the condition, too. A humidifier at home can help put moisture back into the air when it becomes too dry and you should avoid wearing tight clothes as these can irritate your skin.
Dr. Levy's Scented Body Wash Recommendation for Sensitive Skin
Moisturizing body washes aren't always great for sensitive skin - especially if they're scented - but here's a dermatologist-recommended wash that won't exacerbate your irritation.
Other Products to Hydrate Your Dry Skin
Besides moisturizing body washes, there are many products that can help supply the needed moisture to your dry skin. Check out our articles for some of our favorites!
Buying Guide Reviewed by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Body Washes For Dry Skin
No. 1: The Seaweed Bath Co. ｜Body Wash
No. 2: Alba Botanica｜Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash
No. 3: Tree to Tub｜Moisturizing Body Wash for Dry Skin
No. 4: L’Occitane｜Cleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil
No. 5: Botanic Hearth｜Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Ultra Moisture Body Wash
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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