Dry skin may be itchy, flaky, and just plain uncomfortable particularly during the winter months or after hot showers. But a tweak can do the trick: employing the correct body wash. According to dermatologists choosing a soothing, moisturizing body wash can be a real game-changer.
Here are the 10 best body washes for dry skin, as recommended by skin experts to keep your skin clean, soft, and moisturized.
1. Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash
It’s a dermatologist’s favorite for good reason. It’s soap-free, fragrance-free, and formulated for sensitive skin. It cleans without drying out your skin.
Good for: Very dry and sensitive skin
2. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, this body wash calms dry, itchy skin and holds moisture in place. It’s gentle enough to use every day and leaves skin feeling soft.
Good for: Irritated or itchy skin
3. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
Formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this body wash reconstitutes the skin’s natural barrier. It’s non-stripping and maintains moisture throughout the day.
Good for: Extremely dry or rough skin
4. Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
This fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser is suitable for those with eczema or dry skin. It is gentle yet effective and may be applied to the face and body.
Good for: Eczema skin
5. Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
While it has a light scent, it’s still very gentle. It softens and conditions the skin without leaving it dry or tight after showering.
Good for: Normal to dry skin with a fresh scent
6. Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
This popular body wash contains nutrium moisture and mild cleansers. It’s creamy, rich, and leaves the skin super soft — even in winter.
Good for: Everyday use and dry winter skin
7. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+
A dermatologist-recommended wash for extremely dry, sensitive, or allergic skin, this wash is soothing, gentle, and prevents moisture loss.
Suitable for: Sensitive or allergic skin
8. Olay Ultra Moisture Shea Butter Body Wash
Shea butter-enriched, this wash is moisturizing and rich. It improves the moisture content of the skin in the long run and is a pleasant-smelling wash.
Good for: Dry skin that requires additional softness
9. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
This gentle body wash is dye-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and other irritant-free. It’s perfect for individuals with sensitive, allergy-prone skin or skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Good for: Sensitive or reactive skin
10. Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil
Even though it’s an oil, it functions like a body wash. It has skin-healing ingredients and is best suited for extremely dry and flaky skin.
Good for: Harsh dryness or prickly skin
What to Look for in a Body Wash for Dry Skin
- Unscented or lightly fragranced
– - Has moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid
- Creamy or oily texture
- Dermatologist-tested or designed for sensitive skin
- Harsh soap-free or alcohol-free
Final Thoughts
Dry skin requires a little extra TLC, and selecting the correct body wash is an easy way to do it. These 10 dermatologist-recommended body washes are gentle, moisturizing, and safe to use every day. Choose one that works with your skin type and have smooth, soft, happy skin all day long!
