15 Best Body Washes for Women, According to Dermatologists 2025

Odds are you’ve been using the same soap for years. No shame in that, but have you ever stopped to think about trying the best body washes for women? Or if you already use one, have you wondered if there could possibly be a better one out there for you? They may be the most underrated product in your self-care routine; after all, it’s the first thing that touches your skin in your morning showers, and one of the few that you use every day. Plus, it basically functions as your signature scent. Don’t know where to start your search? We’ve got you covered (with suds). Ahead, see everything you need to know about choosing the best cleanser for your skin type, plus dermatologist-approved picks that our editors put to the test.

The best body washes for women, at a glanceBest Overall: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, $9Best Scent: Nécessaire The Body Wash, $25Best for Sensitive Skin: Odele Ultra Sensitive Body Wash, $12Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, $17Best for Acne: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, $14Best Cleansing Oil: Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash, $16Your body wash questions, answeredHow to choose the best body wash for your skin type

The best body wash for your skin type depends on your skin’s needs, says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm.

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,” she says. 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 like dyes, she adds.

When should you apply body wash?

While there’s no hard-and-fast rule on the order, some dermatologists suggest shampooing and conditioning before body washing, so the product can sit on your scalp while you clean the rest of your body.

Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, also recommends using gentle circular motions to avoid rubbing harshly or in any way that’s traumatizing to the skin.

Is body wash better than bar soap?

According to Dr. Rambhia, body wash isn’t necessarily better than bar soap, but if you have dry or sensitive skin it can help boost hydration. If sustainability is a concern, bar soaps have a longer shelf life. But keep in mind that they can harbor bacteria, so if you’re using a bar soap, make sure it is yours exclusively and not shared with other members of the household, 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 Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “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 generally combined with lots of scents, perfumes, and although newer versions exist that can be 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.

How we tested body washes

We tested body washes for a duration from one week up to six months, and even included picks that some of our editors have loved for years. We looked at how well the body washes lathered, how our skin felt after application (was it dry, or stripped, or did it feel fresh and moisturized?), and paid attention to the fragrance and long-lasting smell. We narrowed it down to the best body washes that lathered well, made us feel clean, and gave us smoother-looking skin.

Best Overall: Dove Deep Moisture Body WashDove Deep Moisture Body Wash