Say Goodbye to Dry: 15 of The Body Washes for Dry Skin - 2021

Curated by Claudia Shannon / Research Scientist / ishonest

Your body wash just might be your ultimate beauty weapon to fight off dry skin. Nourishing and luxurious, the right body wash for your skin type can help you deal with some of the trickiest symptoms of dry skin.

We explored the internet and dug into scientific studies to come up with a roundup of body washes for dry skin that suit every skin type and price point.

What to look for when buying body wash for dry skin

Recommended
No.141 - Humectant

According to experts, when shopping for a product that will hydrate your skin, you should consider a formula that has natural oils, like vitamin E. These oils can help protect your skin from damage and can even help it heal.

If you have eczema or your skin is particularly sensitive, you already know the drill: No fragrances allowed. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if you have atopic dermatitis it’s best to choose a body wash that’s not just “unscented” but “fragrance-free.”

Pro tip: If you have dry skin, try using your body wash for shorter showers with lukewarm water and slathering on the moisturizer afterward.

How we chose the best body wash for dry skin

We chose the best body washes by checking out customer reviews and vetting the effective ingredients in the products to make sure they’re the right fit for dry skin.

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We’ve also included many options that are free of parabens, perfumes, and animal products. While the prices vary, most of the body washes on this list are under $10.

15 of the best body washes for dry skin

Dear skin, say goodbye to dry! These products all passed our test to join this list of the best body wash for dry skin.

1. Curél Skincare Itch Defense Body Wash

Best body wash for dry, itchy skin

Price: $

Recommended
No.142 - Humectant

This calming cleanser is ideal if you have dry skin that’s itching to be hydrated. It’s fragrance- and soap-free and contains jojoba and olive oils that keep your skin moisturized.

Another plus: It’s safe to use on babies older than 6 months, as well as on eczema-prone skin.

Buy Curél Skincare Itch Defense Body Wash.

2. Gillette Hydra Aloe Body Wash

Best body wash for men with dry skin

A newcomer in the LAB range

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Price: $

This refreshing body wash contains aloe vera extract that both soothes your skin and keeps it hydrated. Customers emphasize how versatile this product is, saying it leaves their skin feeling fresh.

It does contain petroleum jelly, though, so it isn’t the best option if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Buy Gillette Hydra Aloe Body Wash.

3. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Yogurt Body Wash

Recommended
No.201 - Prevent Elasticity Damage

Best body wash for moisturizing

Price: $

As the name suggests, this body wash contains yogurt powder, which makes it one of the creamiest products on this list and perfect for moisturizing. It also has soothing oats to help soften your skin.

The drawbacks: It’s a bit on the pricey side, and it contains glycerin and sulfates.

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Buy Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Yogurt Body Wash.

4. Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Fragrance Free Body Wash

Best perfume-free body wash for dry skin

Price: $S

This dermatologist-tested body wash is perfume-free and hypoallergenic, so it’s a perfect choice if you have dry, sensitive skin. It also contains aloe vera and vitamin B5, both of which help keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

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Reviewers love how gentle this body wash is, but it does contain sulfates, so it may not be the best fit if your skin is extra sensitive.

Buy Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Fragrance Free Body Wash.

5. Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter

Best body wash for extremely dry skin

Price: $

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If you have extremely dry skin, this body wash may be able to help. It contains shea butter and vitamin B3, which help soften and hydrate your skin. It’s also suitable for very dry areas like your elbows and knees.

It is scented, and some reviewers note that it has a particularly strong smell, so it may not be the best option if you have eczema or very sensitive skin.

Buy Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter.

6. Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash

Best body wash for sensitive dry skin

Recommended
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Price: $

This Dove body wash is a mild cleanser ideal for sensitive, dry skin. It contains soybean oil, which is rich in vitamin E and can help improve your skin’s appearance, making it look smooth and nourished. It’s also cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and unscented.

Buy Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash.

7. Wildly Natural Seaweed Body Wash

Best vegan body wash for dry skin

Use concentrated in active ingredients to help reduce redness associated with breakouts while cleansing the skin of impurities.

Learn more

Price: $$$

The star ingredient of this body wash is — you guessed it — seaweed, which is said to have anti-inflammatory effects.

This body wash is vegan, cruelty-free, and loaded with vitamins and minerals that keep your dry skin hydrated and nourished. Plus, all products from Seaweed Bath Co. are sulfate- and paraben-free.

Buy Wildly Natural Seaweed Body Wash.

8. Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser

Recommended
No.501 - Frizzy Hair

Best body wash for dry, eczema-prone skin

Price: $$

This soap-free body wash can help maintain your skin’s optimal pH level, so it’s the ideal product for dry, eczema-prone skin. As the name suggests, it’s also safe to use on your face thanks to its gentle yet hydrating formula.

Buy Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser.

9. Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash

Sunshine under your eyes

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Best body wash for dry, flaky skin

Price: $$

We recommend this body wash for those with flaky, dry skin. It will cleanse your skin without dehydrating it and without leaving a residue. It contains natural lipids to help keep your skin moisturized and smooth. This product does contain sulfates but is soap- and perfume-free.

Buy Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash.

10. Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

Cleanse in all simplicity

Learn more

Best drugstore body wash for dry skin

Price: $$

If you’re on a budget, this Dove body wash for dry skin is a good go-to. It’s not only an affordable option but also has a pH-balancing, hydrating formula that keeps your skin smooth and nourished.

Though this one is a best seller, some customers aren’t fans of the strong smell — that’s important to keep in mind if you have scent-related allergies or sensitive skin.

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Buy Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash.

11. OGX Extra Creamy Coconut Miracle Oil Body Wash

Best body wash for winter dry skin

Price: $

We recommend this one for a good dose of hydration during the winter months. This body wash contains coconut, vanilla bean, and safflower seed oils to moisturize your skin. Reviewers rave that it can soften even the driest winter skin.

Recommended
No.111 - Purge Impurities

Buy OGX Extra Creamy Coconut Miracle Oil Body Wash.

12. CeraVe Body Wash for Rough and Bumpy Skin

Best exfoliating body wash for dry skin

Price: $$

This is our top pick for an exfoliating body wash. It contains ceramides, which help repair your skin’s protective barrier, as well as salicylic acid that helps exfoliate and soften your skin. Plus, CeraVe products are fragrance- and paraben-free.

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Buy CeraVe Body Wash for Rough and Bumpy Skin.

13. ATTITUDE Natural Moisturizing Body Wash

Best natural body wash for dry skin

Price: $$

This body wash is EWG-verified, which means a third party has certified that it’s free of many potentially harmful chemicals. Its nontoxic formula has orange leaves and moringa seed extract to help detoxify and nourish your skin.

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This natural body wash is also hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, PETA-approved, and vegan. It’s a safe choice for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Buy ATTITUDE Natural Moisturizing Body Wash.

14. Dove Deep Moisture Instant Foaming Body Wash

Best foaming body wash for dry skin

Price: $

Recommended
No.401 - Dark Circles

If you’re looking for a light and bubbly option, we recommend this one from Dove. This self-foaming body wash has mild cleansers to clean your skin without leaving residue.

It’s one of the most affordable options out there, but reviewers say it has a strong smell, so avoid it if you’re sensitive to fragrances.

Buy Dove Deep Moisture Instant Foaming Body Wash.

15. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

Best body wash for acne-prone skin

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Price: $$

This body wash is designed specifically for acne treatment, so it’s a great choice for acne-prone skin. It contains salicylic acid, which can help prevent breakouts while it cleanses your skin without leaving residue.

But it might not be the best option for sensitive skin — some reviewers say it has dried out their skin even more.

Buy Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash.

The bottom line

It might take some time to find the right body wash for your dry skin, but don’t worry! By being aware of your skin type and knowing what ingredients are most likely to harm your skin, you’ll be more informed when shopping for your next body wash.

If you’ve tried a lot of body washes and still can’t get rid of that dry skin, it’s a good idea to check in with a dermatologist who can develop a personalized treatment plan for your symptoms.

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