We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Beauty Skincare Body Care The 16 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin No Matter the Season, Tested & Reviewed Dry skin isn’t just a problem in winter. By Emily Orofino Emily Orofino Emily Orofino has over a decade of experience working in beauty. You can find her work on sites such as Harper’s Bazaar, Byrdie, Editorialist, POPSUGAR, & RealSelf. She has also lent her expertise to marketing departments & product development teams of some of the industry’s most prestigious brands. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on June 14, 2024 @ 10:19AM In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Keep in Mind Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us Photo: InStyle / Abby Milligan That “squeaky clean” feeling after using body wash or bar soap isn’t the sign of a thorough cleanse—it’s a cry for help. Your skin is trying to let you know that you inadvertently decimated your moisture barrier, stripped your natural oils, and left your skin dry, dehydrated, and (in the worst cases) irritated and itchy. This can happen to anyone, but it’s an especially common experience for those who have dry skin. And while you can add some moisture back in with a good body lotion, the best way to combat dryness—before you even step out of the shower!—is by using a body wash that will simultaneously nourish and cleanse your skin. The good news? We’ve found them for you. We tested 19 body washes for dry skin for nearly 800 hours over six weeks, assessing them on their consistency, ability to hydrate and cleanse skin, and their efficacy. Ultimately, 16 formulas made the cut. “Keep in mind body washes are wash-offs,” says Victoria Fu, cosmetic chemist and host of the podcast, Chemist Confessions. “That means these ingredients wouldn’t have the same long-lasting hydration benefit as a leave-on moisturizer, but can at least leave skin with a more hydrated feel immediately post-shower.” While we recommend pairing one of these formulas with one of our favorite body lotions, we’ll add that if you skip a day, you might not notice—some of these body washes are just that moisturizing. Our Top Picks Best Overall: ALO Mega-C Skin-Soothing + Hydrating Body Wash with Vitamin C & Magnesium at Nordstrom $24 Jump to Review Best Budget: Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best for Summer: Bathing Culture Mind + Body Wash at Credo Beauty Jump to Review Best With Shea Butter: 54 Thrones Moisturizing Butter Cream Body Wash at Sephora $18 Jump to Review Best for Dry, Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best for Extremely Dry Skin: Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash at Amazon $29 Jump to Review Best for Dry, Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best Everyday: Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Moisturizing: Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best Dermatologist-Recommended: SALE Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash at Amazon $10 $6 Jump to Review Best Overall ALO Mega-C Skin-Soothing + Hydrating Body Wash with Vitamin C & Magnesium PHOTO: Sephora $24 at Nordstrom $24 at Sephora $24 at Aloyoga.com Why We Love It: The unique texture of this body wash is rich like a cream, but bouncy like a gel, combining the best qualities of both types of formulas. Like a gel, it created a luxurious lather, with a little bit of product going a long way, that left our skin feeling fresh and clean. However, like a cream wash, it also left our skin touchably soft and comfortable; our skin can often feel itchy and irritated after cleansing, but not while we tested this product. We also liked the gender-neutral scent, an herbaceous citrus aroma that didn’t linger. Who It's For: We think this body wash is best for someone with normal to dry skin. We use pretty hot water when showering, which can strip our skin, but using this moisturizing body wash in our routine staved off our usual sensitivity post-cleanse. Our skin never felt tight after showering, nor did the formula leave a residue. However, we think that those with extremely dry skin may need a more nourishing product to stave off itchiness or flakiness throughout the day. Editor Tip: We loved using this formula to shave. The lather produced by this body wash made a great substitute for shaving foam, and our legs felt fantastic afterwards—noticeably more hydrated than usual. Formula: Creamy gel｜Key Ingredients: Amla fruit extract, magnesium, marula oil｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 6.8 oz InStyle / Abby Milligan InStyle / Abby Milligan Best Budget Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $10 at Target Why We Love It: It’s rare to find a body wash in this category that’s simultaneously luxurious and affordable, but this Olay product fits the bill on both fronts. The creamy formula lathered very, very well and rinsed off perfectly, leaving our skin feeling soft and smooth without any tightness, irritation, or residue. At the end of the testing period, our skin was noticeably more hydrated. Who It's For: If you’re on a tight budget, this product is hard to beat. It combines shea butter and niacinamide for soothing hydration and nourishment, making it ideal for someone with dry, itchy skin (though those sensitive to fragrance might want to sit this one out). The bottle is also massive, so it’ll last a long time in your shower. Editor Tip: We definitely enjoyed the experience of testing this creamy, indulgent-feeling body wash (we especially liked the scent). However, this formula alone was not enough to keep our skin moisturized throughout an entire day. We suggest pairing it with a shea butter body lotion for lasting hydration. Formula: Cream｜Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 22 oz InStyle / Irianna Mendoza Best for Summer Bathing Culture Mind + Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon View on Credo Beauty View on Bathingculture.com Why We Love It: Senior beauty commerce editor, Kaitlin Clark, has been lathering up Bathing Culture’s Mind and Body Wash on her sensitive, dry skin for the last four years and counting. “What drew me in at first was how cool and clean the glass bottle looked with just a swoopy, rainbow design and no text-filled label,” she says. “Gels can be stripping on my already hopelessly dry skin, but this is so highly concentrated, I only need a few pumps to get a foamy lather that easily slides all over and leaves me feeling refreshed, squeaky clean, and a lot more hydrated than any other gel formula I’ve used.” Developed with only 11 ingredients total, it's a minimal, but powerful, formula filled with natural surfactants and hydrators with gentle, soothing properties to lavish skin with all the high-quality nourishment and none of the nonsense. Who It’s For: “When you have dry skin, it can be tricky to find something moisturizing, but still sufficiently cleansing, so you feel cleaner after using it,” says Clark. “So many of the creamy body washes I’ve used don’t actually make me feel any cleaner, and in sweaty summers, that’s a problem for me, but this wash makes my skin feel incredibly clean and by some stroke of magic, soft, too. And the invigorating mountain forest scent is just the cherry on top for me.” Editor Tip: Each bottle is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials and is intended to be reused and refilled. You can refill your glass bottle yourself with a one-gallon jug or you can swing by one of Bathing Culture’s 400 refill stations across the country when you’re running low. Formula: Gel｜Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, olive oil, glycerin, shea butter｜Scent: Cathedral Grove (a zen-like forest), Meadow Vision (light herbs and florals)｜Size: 8.4 oz Best With Shea Butter 54 Thrones Moisturizing Butter Cream Body Wash PHOTO: Sephora $18 at Sephora View on 54thrones.com View on Credo Beauty Why We Love It: This body wash is intensely nourishing; we saw a difference in our skin’s moisture levels right away. The formula actually left our skin feeling hydrated the entire day. It also imbued it with a subtle and pleasant vanilla-honey scent that we looked forward to during the testing period. Who It's For: This formula is so thick and creamy that it was occasionally a challenge to dispense it from the tube—that’s due to the high concentration of shea butter (the first ingredient listed on the packaging). This makes this body wash best for those with very dry skin. Editor Tip: Because this body wash is so thick, we had trouble getting it to form a lather. Massaging it in with our hands was not always enough—try using a loofah to get more suds! Formula: Cream｜Key Ingredients: Shea butter, moringa oil, ceramides｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 8.4 oz InStyle / Sharon Budhai Best for Dry, Sensitive Skin Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon $11 at Walmart View on Vitacost Why We Love It: Our dry skin is admittedly exacerbated by the bar soap we usually use; this body wash dramatically improved our skin’s texture and hydration levels, to the point that we didn’t need to use lotion after cleansing. The itchiness associated with our dry skin went away quickly, as did any redness. At the end of the testing period, our skin was much smoother and less flaky. Who It's For: This is a great choice for those with dry skin prone to sensitivity, including those with eczema and psoriasis, because of the oat extracts in the formula. Oats are naturally soothing (that’s why you’ll find them in bath formulas made for those suffering from chicken pox!) as well as offering humectant properties, so they’ll draw hydration into the skin as they soothe. It’s also a nice choice for those who aren’t great about remembering to use body lotion—this left our skin hydrated enough to go without. Editor Tip: A little of this formula went a long way to cleanse our body, and the fact that it lathered well also helped it spread quite nicely. We got even more foam thanks to the help of a loofah. Formula: Gel｜Key Ingredients: Glycerin, prebiotic oat extract｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 18 oz InStyle / Chrissy Tassin Best for Extremely Dry Skin Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash PHOTO: Nordstrom $29 at Amazon $29 at Nordstrom $29 at Ulta Why We Love It: We only needed one pump to fully cleanse our entire body with this body wash, which has a creamy consistency and a lovely fragrance with notes of rose, musk, and vanilla that garnered us frequent compliments from our spouse when we stepped out of the shower. Our skin is extremely dry, especially during the winter, and we could see how this formula improved the texture of our skin, even giving it a glow with regular use. Though creamy formulas don’t always rinse off clean, this one does without leaving any residue behind—just soft, comfy skin. Who It's For: This formula blends both cocoa and shea butters—both ultra-nourishing ingredients—with soothing purslane extract and hydrating marshmallow root extract, making it a good choice for someone with exceptionally dry skin. It also does a great job at washing away body odor, so those with dry skin leading very active lifestyles will appreciate this product. You’ll also like this body wash if you appreciate fragrance. Editor Tip: If you’re prone to scaly, ashy skin, give this one a try. Our skin was much, much smoother and even in texture and tone after testing this formula. In fact, it was so effective, we didn’t have to use body lotion afterwards—even in winter! Formula: Cream｜Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, marshmallow root extract｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 10 oz InStyle / Amandeep Singh Best for Dry, Acne-Prone Skin CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $12 at Walgreens Why We Love It: Before even toweling off after the initial cleanse, we could see a clear difference between the skin that we washed with this CeraVe and the skin we didn’t. It was softer and smoother, without any type of film (even though the formula was creamy without much lather, it rinsed off nicely). It left our skin feeling clean and comfortable, and didn’t clog our pores. Who It's For: It can be a challenge to find a formula that suits both dry and acne-prone skin, as many of the most effective moisturizers can weigh down or congest the skin. This formula uses ceramides, a lipid naturally found in our skin, to keep it nourished and is noncomedogenic. It’s also a nice pick for those who have eczema—this formula has a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Editor Tip: Don’t expect a highly luxurious, spa-like experience from this product. It contains no fragrances, nor does it lather much. However, it will definitely leave your skin feeling nourished without irritation or the risk of pore congestion, so we think that’s a worthy trade-off. Formula: Cream｜Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 10 oz Best Everyday Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $13 at Walgreens Why We Love It: You get a lot of product from the bottle of this milky body wash, which—while it doesn’t lather—delivered an effective and thorough clean that simultaneously banished body odor and smoothed our flaky skin. Though we often find creamier formulas don’t always cleanse that well, this one stood up easily to the sweat and grime left behind by intense workouts, but didn’t leave our skin feeling stripped (and our itchiness went away). We also greatly appreciated the convenience of the pump packaging, Who It's For: This formula offers a 24-hour dryness relief claim that makes this a nice option for someone that has normal to dry skin. We wouldn’t say it was intensely nourishing, but it offers enough hydration and moisture (courtesy of glycerin, shea, and avocado) to make a difference, especially if you pair it with a solid body lotion. It’s also a good pick for someone on a budget, considering how much product you get for the price. Editor Tip: While we didn’t find that we could skip body lotion entirely after using this formula, we did notice that we only needed to apply body lotion once post-shower (rather than several more times) to maintain soft, comfortable skin until the next day—or even beyond. We also tend to take really hot showers, which strips the moisture from the skin. That said, the nourishment from this body wash stood up well to our hot showers, and we suspect that we’d have had better results if we used lukewarm water instead. Formula: Milk｜Key Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, avocado oil｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 20 oz InStyle / Lauren Pardee Best Moisturizing Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon $36 at Ulta $36 at Dermstore Why We Love It: As soon as we started using this body wash, we noticed a clear difference between it and the drugstore body washes we usually use. This one felt very luxurious and lathered really nicely as we massaged it into our skin; as we rinsed off, our skin was instantly left softer, smoother, and more hydrated. The natural fragrance is strong, but we liked it—the herbaceous aroma made us feel like we were in a spa. Who It's For: The scent of this body wash is gender-neutral but strong, so you should definitely be a fan of fragranced products if you try this one. The essential oils not only add an aroma, but offer functional benefits. Lavender works to soothe, eucalyptus helps clarify, and orange peel improves skin texture. We’d recommend it to someone with dry, but otherwise normal skin, or who loves a zen-like scent while luxuriating in the tub. Editor Tip: We wouldn’t say that this formula could replace body lotion, but it made for a nice addition to a comprehensive moisturizing routine. It also was a nice shaving cream substitute! A little went a long way (you’ll only need about a dime-sized amount of product), but we found ourselves using more because we enjoyed the formula so much. Formula: Gel｜Key Ingredients: Lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, orange peel oil｜Fragrance-Free: Naturally fragranced｜Size: 10 oz InStyle / MK Hoban Best Dermatologist-Recommended Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash PHOTO: Dove $6 at Amazon $7 at Walgreens $7 at Target Why We Love It: Derms frequently rave about Dove products, and after testing this one for ourselves, we could see why—it made our skin feel the best it ever has during the winter. We needed very little of the thick, creamy formula to fully cleanse our body; we will note that while it washed away body odor, this product made it feel like there was a layer left behind on our skin. However, we didn’t mind, as this was likely why we only needed to apply body lotion once a day while testing—usually we’d apply twice. Our normally dull, irritated, and red skin was transformed by this body wash, and we’ll continue to use it now that the test is over. Who It's For: We’d recommend this to anyone with dry skin, especially if they’re prone to itchiness or redness, including in winter. The stearic acid in the formula contributes to the “film” left behind on the skin, which isn’t greasy or anything when touching your skin—you only sense that it’s there; stearic acid is a fatty acid that helps replenish the moisture barrier. With a stronger moisture barrier, your skin will stay nourished for longer. Also, this product offers great bang for the buck, considering how little of the product you need to cleanse and how big the bottle is! Editor Tip: As mentioned, we’ll continue to use this formula even though we’re done testing, though there’s just one thing we wish was different about the product: The scent is not very strong. This will likely be appreciated by most, especially those who are sensitive to fragrance, but we personally felt that we feel cleaner when using a body wash with a stronger scent. Still, we’ll keep using it. Formula: Cream｜Key Ingredients: Glycerin, soybean oil, stearic acid｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 20 oz InStyle / Kelly Morse Best for Eczema Eczema Honey Soothing Body Wash PHOTO: Ulta $14 at Ulta $15 at Target View on Vitacost Why We Love It: Despite the very lightweight, milky texture and feel of this body wash, we found it to be surprisingly nourishing. Even if we missed lotion for a day or two, this formula helped keep our skin feeling smooth and soft. While testing this product, we also noticed our skin was less flaky than usual (fewer dead skin cells left behind on our black leggings). Who It's For: This body wash is remarkably mild and gentle—we knew that whenever our skin was irritated, this formula would help calm it down (and it always did). If you have eczema or other skin issues that result in redness, irritation, and sensitivity, give this product a shot. Aloe, oat, and honey are three of the star ingredients and they’re all known for their skin-soothing and hydrating properties. Editor Tip: Because this is a very mild cleansing formula with little-to-no scent (by design), you may not feel like it’s providing a very thorough clean. We suggest reserving your use of this product to days where you don’t need to scrub away serious layers of dirt, sweat, and grime, or just need to soothe inflammation and itchiness. Formula: Milky｜Key Ingredients: Aloe juice, oat kernel flour, honey｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 13 oz InStyle / Courtney Kassel Best for Dry, Itchy Skin Elemis Skin Nourishing Shower Cream PHOTO: Elemis $44 at Amazon View on Elemis.com View on Beautifiedyou.com Why We Love It: This indulgent, splurge-worthy formula from Elemis truly transformed our itchy, painfully dry, and cracking skin to the point that we wanted to use it as a hand soap in addition to a body wash! Our skin was genuinely rejuvenated throughout the testing period—cracks and flakes faded away, our skin became silky smooth, and that one itchy patch on our back that had bothered us for ages actually disappeared. Though it didn’t lather much, it rinsed off well without stripping our skin or leaving a residue. We also loved the floral and almost nutty scent—it reminded us of a Hawaiian spa. Who It's For: The ingredients in this body wash are perfect for those with dry skin. Soothing and hydrating oat are blended with moisturizing milk and jojoba oil, the latter of which mimics our skin’s natural oils to leave it feeling nourished rather than greasy. This one is on the pricier side, so it’s also a good pick for someone who wants to pamper themselves. Editor Tip: We used our hands to apply this and struggled to get much of a lather out of the formula. As a result, we used more than we probably needed to—by the end of the six-week testing period, the bottle was more than half empty. It’d likely have lasted longer if we paired the product with a shower pouf. Formula: Cream｜Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, milk protein, oat kernel extract｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 10 oz InStyle / Stella Yu Best for Dry, Flaky Skin Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash PHOTO: Walmart $23 at Amazon $14 at Walgreens $14 at Target Why We Love It: Our skin gets flaky easily and usually craves a generous application of body lotion immediately after a shower, but that all changed when we started using this body wash. We didn’t have that strong urge to moisturize post-cleanse—our skin felt soft, smooth, and hydrated, and above all, clean. While not all gentle body washes will make you feel like you’ve gotten a thorough cleanse, this fragrance-free Eucerin formula excelled both at daily washing as well as cutting through sweat and sunscreen after playing sports outdoors, dirt after yard work, and even chlorine after swimming. Who It's For: This is a great mild cleanser for anyone prone to irritation, flakiness, or dryness. The formula is very simple; the moisturizing properties come courtesy of fatty acids found in soybean and castor oils. Because there’s no scent whatsoever, it’s an ideal option for those who can’t tolerate fragrance in skin products. Editor Tip: Ahead of testing this product, we found our skin getting flakier and drier from time spent at the pool—we’re frequent swimmers and also tested the body wash during winter. We loved that this product combatted both the scent and drying effects of chlorine. After using it regularly, our skin wasn’t nearly as flaky and dry as it once was; other swimmers should definitely give this product a go! Formula: Gel｜Key Ingredients: Soybean oil, castor oil｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 16.9 oz InStyle / Lu Han Best Cream Wash fresh Milk Body Cleanser PHOTO: Ulta $15 at Nordstrom $35 at Sephora $35 at Ulta Why We Love It: Not only was this the most hydrating and moisturizing body wash we’d ever tried, but it also soothed our easily irritated skin, which was major for us. While our dry patches still needed extra support from lotion after cleansing, our skin was far softer and smoother than it had been for a long time throughout the testing period. We were also pleased to find that this formula could stand up to B.O., despite the mild lather and very subtle scent. Who It's For: Beyond being a nice choice for someone who prefers a mild scent, this is a great formula for someone dealing with a lot of dryness and irritation. Two of the ingredients you’ll find in this body wash are niacinamide and centella asiatica, both of which are known for their skin-soothing properties. The product also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps draw water to the skin, and shea butter, which’ll seal in moisture. Editor Tip: If you or your spouse have little to no hair, don’t hesitate to use this product on your scalp, as we did. We’d been dealing with some significant dry patches on the top of our head before using this product, so we decided to try the body wash from head to toe (literally). Our skin felt more hydrated and calmed by the formula—we were thrilled. Formula: Cream｜Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, shea butter｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 8.7 oz InStyle / Elena Garcia InStyle / Elena Garcia Best Foaming La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $18 at Target Why We Love It: A little of this mild body wash went quite a long way—and seriously delivered on lather, which we greatly appreciated. While many creamier formulas have left our skin feeling weighed down and irritated in the past, this lighter texture was very gentle on our skin and washed away clean. While it didn’t leave our skin feeling fully moisturized all day, we did notice that using it made an immediate difference in how our drier rough patches looked and felt. It also didn’t exacerbate any body breakouts. Who It's For: In addition to someone looking for major suds (which can be hard to come by when seeking out a body wash for dry skin), this formula is great for someone with easily irritated or sensitive skin. Like most of our favorite La Roche Posay products, this body wash is completely fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, contains soothing niacinamide, has been tested by derms on sensitive and allergy-prone skin, and is approved by the National Eczema Association. Editor Tip: If you appreciate a two-in-one formula, know that this product can actually be used on your face in addition to your body. It’s also a good one if you share your shower with your whole family. It’s so mild that it can be used on infants. Formula: Milky｜Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 13.5 oz InStyle / Rachel Thalhuber InStyle / Rachel Thalhuber InStyle / Rachel Thalhuber Best Oil-Based L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon $29 at Ulta $12 at Sephora Why We Love It: This syrupy, oil-based body wash made for a very luxurious shower, from the delectable almond fragrance to the silky feel it gave our skin. It is not at all stripping and was very gentle as a daily wash on our sensitivity-prone skin. Though we didn’t find that it left our skin extra nourished, the formula did help it stay balanced and comfortable throughout the winter months. Who It's For: This body cleansing oil is similar to a traditional, post-shower body oil you’d use to douse skin with intensely hydrating ingredients, so those looking to pamper themselves every time they hop in the shower (or reserve it for cleansing ahead of special occasions) should add this one to their shopping cart. The oil texture could be divisive—some people may prefer to use this as part of a “double cleansing” body routine—but it does make for an indulgent experience. And, if you’re sensitive to scent, be aware that this formula contains added fragrance. While it didn’t bother our sensitive skin (nor our noses—it’s a mildly sweet (not sickly) gourmand—it could bother others. Editor Tip: This formula lathers very, very minimally, which won’t be for everyone. Instead of frothy bubbles, it creates a subtle, milky foam. We suggest applying it with your hands as this will give you the best experience (we felt we squandered too much formula when using it with a loofah). Formula: Oil｜Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 8.4 oz InStyle / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac What to Keep in Mind Consistency: You’ll notice that there are many different consistencies to choose from among body washes; texture can be a helpful indication of what will be best for your skin. If you have normal, oily, or combination skin, consider looking for gels and foams, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis, M.D. “Gel body washes tend to be lighter and can help remove excess oil without leaving a residue,” she says. Gels tend to feel the most refreshing of all body washes. “Foam body washes are light and airy, providing a gentle cleanse that is less likely to strip the skin of natural oils,” adds Dr. Lolis.The heavier textures, like creams and oils, are best for those with dry or sensitive skin. Creams are thick and moisturizing, and tend to contain ingredients that can soothe and nourish dry skin. But if your skin is seriously dry or prone to eczema, reach for an oil-based body wash, as they help replenish the skin’s lipid barrier, says Dr. Lolis. “They are excellent for very dry skin as they provide intense hydration and protection against moisture loss.”Texture matters more than you think—it is possible to use the “wrong” body wash, especially if your skin is prone to dryness. “More drying body washes can strip skin of its natural lipids, making skin feel dry and tight after use,” warns Fu. However, it’s not the end of the world if you wash with the wrong formula. “This can definitely be remedied by simply applying body lotion after,” says Fu. Hydrating Ingredients: If skin is dry, it needs hydration and moisture—and yes, there’s a difference. Hydration adds water to the skin, and to do that, you’ll want to use a formula with humectants, which act like magnets to draw water into your skin. ”The most important ingredient when it comes to hydration is hyaluronic acid,” says Manhattan-based board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Howard Sobel, M.D. Glycerin, aloe vera, and niacinamide are other great humectants; the latter two offer the added benefit of soothing irritated skin. Emollients: “Emollients are ingredients that protect and hydrate the top layer of the skin to keep it from getting dehydrated,” says Dr. Sobel. “They smooth, soften and deliver moisture to the skin by replenishing the skin barrier.” Emollients are usually some type of lipid (a.k.a. fat), like shea butter and other plant-derived oils, squalane, and ceramides. Though those with skin that is both dry and acne-prone might be wary of the idea of adding lipids to their skin, they’re actually crucial for healthy and balanced skin—you just need to pick the right ones. Dr. Lolis recommends noncomedogenic ingredients such as ceramides and squalane (in fact, your skin naturally produces the former!).For mega moisture, look for occlusives, too, which act like a topcoat to trap in both the hydration and moisture to leave lasting softness behind. You’ve heard of slugging with petrolatum; it’s that combo of an occlusive and emollients that leave skin nourished with a more moisturized finish, explains Fu. But don’t expect miracles of your body wash—after all, you are rinsing it off! Gentle Surfactants: “They’re like a detergent—they help to remove dirt and oil from the skin by allowing water to mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away,” says Dr. Lolis. There are many different types, but the most common surfactant you’ll find in a moisturizing body wash is cocamidopropyl betaine, says Fu. You’ve also likely heard of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is effective, but can be harsh and drying, says Dr. Lolis.While it’s never a bad thing to keep an eye on the ingredient list of a product, the surfactant used shouldn’t be the determining factor when selecting a body wash. “This is the type of product that depends heavily on the formula as a whole,” Fu explains, who says that most body washes feature a blend of multiple surfactants. “Moreover, the types of surfactants, the concentration of these surfactants, and supporting ingredients like humectants and emollients all impact the wash-off experience,” she adds. Scent: If your skin is just truly dry, fragrance shouldn’t be an issue—pick something you like and will look forward to using, as a solid scent in a moisturizing body wash can really enhance your everyday shower ritual. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid moisturizing body wash with added fragrance. “Fragrances can be irritating, especially if you already have a weakened skin barrier,” says Dr. Lolis. However, that won’t be true for everyone with reactive skin, as skin sensitivities are incredibly personal, says Fu. “What might be a trigger for your friend’s skin won’t necessarily be a trigger for your skin,” she adds. The best way to find out if you and a body wash are compatible is by patch testing—simply apply a little bit to your inner forearm and see if a reaction develops. Your Questions, Answered Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize and drink water? This is often a case of doing the right thing the wrong way—using moisturizing formulas is great, but if they’re not actually sealing hydration into your skin, you’re not going to get the desired results. Similarly, even if you drink plenty of water, your lifestyle habits may be leaving you dehydrated, says Dr. Sobel, who points to drinking too much alcohol and deficient sleep as major culprits. There are also environmental factors, like hot, dry air and extreme weather conditions (think harsh winter winds), Dr. Lolis points out. “Other causes include over-washing, which can strip the skin, or using the wrong products,” she says. Do moisturizing body washes actually clean your body smell? Generally speaking, yes, though not all moisturizing body washes are as effective at cleansing than others. “There are some ultra gentle cleansers that will use significantly lower amounts of surfactant and the cleansing power can be lower than the average body wash,” says Fu. However, she says that if you lather thoroughly and take your time to give your body a full rub down, the majority of body washes will still leave you feeling and smelling and clean. How can I hydrate my skin fast? “The quickest way to hydrate skin is by applying a body lotion with occlusives like mineral oil or even petrolatum right after showering,” says Dr. Lolis. To go the extra mile, Dr. Sobel advises applying a hydrating formula while your skin is still damp—this will give any humectants in your body lotion some water to grab on to as soon as you slick it on. Why Shop With Us Emily Orofino is a beauty writer, editor, and consultant with more than a decade of experience in the industry. She has dry skin and is always looking for a body wash that strikes the perfect balance of luxurious, moisturizing, and multitasking. For this piece, she interviewed board-certified dermatologists Dr. Margarita Lolis and Dr. Howard Sobel, as well as Victoria Fu, cosmetic chemist and cofounder of Chemist Confessions.