While treating your dry skin often involves layers of body lotion and barrier creams, your first step toward hydrated skin begins in the shower with your body wash. However, not all body washes are the same, and those who suffer from dry skin may need to consider specific ingredients and consistencies to relieve dryness and discomfort, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. William Huang.
To help you determine which body wash is best for your dry skin, we spoke to board-certified dermatologists about what ingredients to look for. We also spoke to them about what causes dry skin and how seasonal changes may impact texture and appearance.
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How I picked the best body washes for dry skin
When shopping for a body wash to soothe or prevent dry skin, our experts recommend keeping in mind the following factors:
- Ingredients: To prevent and combat dryness, consider a body wash with hydrating ingredients like natural butters, glycerin, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, says Huang. Since other dry skin symptoms include itchiness and redness, it’s also important to find soothing ingredients like aloe and niacinamide.
- Consistency: Finding the right consistency is key to combating dryness. Foaming body washes usually have ingredients that exacerbate the issue. Lotion cleansers are the most practical because they’re not drying or overtly sticky like other gel and cream alternatives, according to Dr. Ellen Marmur, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Price: In comparison to other skin care products, body washes tend to be more affordable. All of the options on my list fall under $30 with the exception of two.
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Best body washes for dry skin
Each of the following body washes are recommended by our experts and contain hydrating ingredients to soothe and prevent dry skin. I also included highly rated options based on our experts’ guidance.
Best overall: CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
This hydrating body wash comes recommended by Marmur because it helps maintain the skin barrier and bring moisture back to the skin, she says. The soap-free cleanser has hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides, which help keep the skin hydrated, says Huang. Soap-free washes don’t have the drying ingredients most normal soaps have, so they cleanse your skin without stripping it of its necessary moisture, experts told us in our guide to sensitive skin body washes. Although it applies as a thick, creamy wash, it has a nice foaming action once you work it into your skin, according to Marmur.
Best for all skin types: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
This gentle, sulfate-free body wash is great for all skin types, including those with dry skin because it leaves the skin nourishes and doesn’t lead to irritation, according to Marmur. “It leaves your skin nourished and doesn’t have a fragrance that could lead to irritation,” she says. The wash has hydrating ingredients like plant-based moisturizers and glycerin, according to the brand.
Most soothing: Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
If you’re looking for an ultra-creamy body wash, consider this option from Aveeno. “This formulation is infused with nourishing oat ingredients that are great for lasting hydration especially for dry skin,” says Marmur. This body wash is also free from common irritants, including fragrances, dyes and soap.
Best for all ages: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Although dermatologists recommend steering clear of drying foaming washes, this cream-to-foam body wash is formulated for those with very dry and sensitive skin. It has shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide and thermal spring water to clean the skin while leaving it hydrated and soft, according to the brand. The soothing body wash is suitable for babies as young as 2 weeks old and is great for patients undergoing chemotherapy since it’s gentle and moisturizing, according to La Roche-Posay.
Best for face and body: Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
Free of common irritants including fragrances and soaps, this body wash helps cleanse your skin without drying it out and keeps your skin barrier intact, experts told us. The wash is suitable for both the face and body because its noncomedogenic formula won’t clog pores, according to the brand.
Most creamy: Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash
This rich and creamy wash combines hydrating ingredients like avocado oil, almond oil and shea butter to help your skin combat dryness, roughness, tightness and irritation, according to the brand. This fragrance-free body wash, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 3,300 reviews on Amazon, is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, according to Cetaphil.
Best for skin barrier health: Naturium The Booster Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash
Naturium makes some of my favorite body washes, including this one which I typically use when my skin is feeling both dry and irritated. It uses hyaluronic acid (to hydrate the skin), glycerin (to hydrate and retain moisture) and panthenol (to soothe the skin), in combination with other hydrating ingredients, to improve the skin barrier, soften the skin and create a protective layer on the skin, according to the brand.
I love how my skin looks less dull and feels less tight after using it, but most importantly, I love that it lasts such a long time. Adding a few pumps to my loofah alternative makes it the perfect lather. Since I only need a little, I can get away with using one bottle for roughly two months.
Best splurge: Evolvetogether Nutrient Rich Body Cleanser
“This soap feels and looks exactly like body lotion,” says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. “It’s rich and creamy, so it hydrates and softens my skin, and while it doesn’t get sudsy, it leaves behind that fresh, clean feeling.” This non-stripping body cleanser uses oils and butters to soften, cleanse and hydrate the skin while soothing, firming and smoothing it.
This body wash is available in two scents — Havana (notes of cardamom, vetiver and cedarwood) and Monaco (notes of rose, mandarin, oud and patchouli.) “The scent is present but not overwhelming, which I look for because I always find the overly-fragranced soaps dry out my already dry skin,” she says.
Best budget pick: Dove Hydration Boost Body Wash
My entire family deals with dry skin, and one body wash that has the approval of everyone as old as my grandparents and as young as my little brothers (ages 8 and 10) is this Dove Hydration Boost because it actually feels as hydrating as it says. The moisturizing body wash, which uses hyaluronic acid and squalane, creates a bubbly and foamy lather that leaves our skin soft and silky even after showering. This cleanser has a floral scent, which my family doesn’t mind (because it’s subtle,) and I don’t experience any irritation or eczema flare-ups when using it.
Best for sensitive skin: Prequel Gleanser Non-Drying Glycerin Cleanser
This multitasking cleanser uses glycerin (to repair the skin barrier, improve hydration and elasticity), arginine (to hydrate and reduce dryness) and aloe vera (to moisture, soothe and improve elasticity) in its formula to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its moisture, according to the brand. Reviewers say this jelly-like body wash makes their skin feel moisturized even after showering and love that it helps with their sensitive skin since it’s gentle, non-irritating and helps combat symptoms of skin conditions — reduces redness, itchiness, breakouts and flare-ups. This option, which has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance and the National Rosacea Society’s Seal of Acceptance, has a 4.5-star average rating from over 800 reviews at Target
Best scented: Buttah Skin Egyptian CocoShea Body Wash
For those who want a body wash with a subtle fragrance (although experts recommend fragrance-free options), consider this Buttah Skin option. With ingredients like marshmallow root, cocoa butter, shea butter and glycerin, the creamy wash won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture, according to the brand. It has a 4.4-star average rating from over 360 reviews at Nordstrom, and will leave your skin with lingering notes of white lily, rose, white musk and vanilla, according to Buttah Skin.
Most nourishing: Method Simply Nourish Body Wash
“This is one of my go-to body soaps because it’s super gentle and non-irritating,” says Malin. “I only need a little to spread across my body, and I can quickly work it into a light lather. It’s very moisturizing and effectively soothes dry spots.” The body wash has shea butter, coconut and rice milk (along with plant-based ingredients) to leave the skin moisturized, soft and smelling good post-shower, according to the brand.
Most versatile: Soft Services Comfort Cleanse
Suitable for all skin types, including chronically dry, itchy and sensitive skin, this body wash moisturizes and comforts your skin during a shower/bath and post-cleansing, according to the brand. Its ingredients allow it to bind to grime, giving your skin a deep clean without scrubbing harshly.
Reviewers also love that this body wash, which has a 4.7-star average rating from over 40 reviews at Sephora, doubles as a shaving cream alternative since it creates a layer that allows the razor to glide easily and comfortably, and reduces the need to purchase additional body care products.
How to shop for body wash if you have dry skin
All body washes are not created equally, so it’s important to find an option that leaves your skin feeling both clean and hydrated. Below, our dermatologists share what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a body wash that’s suitable for dry skin.
Ingredients
To help combat dryness, you’ll want to consider a body wash with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, shea butter, soybean oil and avocado oil, says Huang. These ingredients can help maintain and repair your natural skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated by drawing moisture back into it. You’ll also want to consider body washes with soothing ingredients that’ll help tame redness, flaky skin and irritation, including aloe, algae extract, lipids, natural oils and niacinamide, says Marmur.
To prevent your skin from drying out, you’ll also want to steer clear of a few key ingredients when possible. Some examples of drying and irritating ingredients to avoid include fragrances, dyes, alcohol, parabens and formaldehyde, says Huang. You should also avoid exfoliants, both physical and chemical, because they can further damage and irritate your skin.
“It’s important to remember that our skin produces natural oils, which are good for our skin barrier,” says Marmur. When you exfoliate, you can strip your skin of these oils and, without them, your skin will feel drier over time, she says.
Formulation
Body washes can come in the form of a gel, cream, oil or solid bar. However, when it comes to dry skin, a liquid wash may be better than a traditional bar of soap, according to Marmur. Some bar soaps can strip the natural oil glands that are crucial for maintaining your skin barrier, she says. Meanwhile, a thick or creamy body wash, in general, will be much gentler on your skin and have a higher concentration of ingredients that can help your skin maintain its moisture, says Huang.
Frequently asked questions
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is caused by the epidermis layer of skin (the layer most prone to drying out) losing necessary water and oils, according to Marmur. Dry skin is usually more common during specific times of the year (like the winter season) and can feel and look different depending on its severity and where dry patches appear on your body. Some indicators of dry skin include “fish-like” scales, flakey patches, cracks or fissures (which commonly appear on your hands and feet). The skin itself can feel rough, tight, red or itchy, says Huang.
What causes dry skin?
There may be several factors that contribute to dry skin, including daily lifestyle factors like your diet and medication. Below, our experts explain three common reasons why you may notice dryness.
- Genetics. Some people may suffer from dry skin all year round, especially if they have conditions like ichthyosis or atopic dermatitis ( eczema ), says Huang.
- Overwashing: Cleansing your skin too often (for example, washing your hands more frequently during the winter) or using harsh soaps during each wash can dry out your skin, according to Huang. Prolonged hot showers can also further affect dry skin, says Marmur
- Seasonal changes. For most individuals, dry skin can be very seasonal and is especially noticeable during the colder months of the year, Huang says. When the temperatures drop, the humidity outside is typically much lower. Also, using heaters in your home makes the air around you drier, which in turn can contribute to dry skin, says Huang.
What happens if you don’t treat dry skin?
It’s crucial to find a suitable body wash that doesn’t dry out your skin or cause irritation, especially if you have very sensitive skin or are heading into the winter, says Huang. If you don’t take the necessary steps to address dry skin, it can lead to itching, cracks, fissures and breaks in your skin. These breaks and cracks can sometimes result in skin infections, according to Huang.
To prevent this from occurring, you’ll want to keep your showers short and sweet. Although long and hot showers can be relaxing, they may directly cause dryness, according to Marmur. You’ll also want to apply lotion to the skin immediately after stepping out of the shower and continuously reapply it throughout the day, says Marmur. If you find that your skin is still dry with a normal moisturizing routine, it might be worth it to contact your dermatologist to see if you suffer from other underlying skin issues, says Marmur.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. William Huang is a board-certified dermatologist and professor.
- Dr. Ellen Marmur is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City and is the founder of MMSkincare.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate reporter covering new product launches and beauty and wellness topics, including recent stories on the best lip masks and the best eye creams. For this piece, I interviewed dermatologists about dry skin, how to combat it and how to determine its cause. I compiled their recommendations, NBC Select-staff favorites and highly rated options that align with expert guidance.
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