Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use body wash on your face?
Generally, no—it's better to stick to a dedicated face wash. “Facial skin is thinner, has more oil glands, and reacts more easily than the skin on your body,” says Dr. Han. Since body washes often contain stronger cleansing agents and more fragrance, they can be too harsh for the face, especially if you're prone to dryness or irritation. Even medicated formulas, like 10% benzoyl peroxide body washes for acne, can be too intense for facial skin. But there is an exception: “A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser labeled for both face and body” is perfectly fine to use from head to toe, says Dr. Han.
How should I choose a body wash?
Shop with your preferences and your skin-care goals and concerns in mind. FYI: Unlike your average bar soap, body washes often contain active ingredients that target acne, eczema, and dry skin. "Patients who have acne can use products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide," says Olga Bunimovich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh. "Patients with eczema should avoid those same ingredients, due to their irritating effect, and instead look for moisturizing ingredients, such as natural oils, ceramides, and glycerin." Melissa Piliang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cleveland, recommends steering clear of washes with fragrance, as they can cause irritation. However, if you know your skin tolerates fragrance in body care well, go for it.
What's the best way to use body wash?
While it may be tempting to constantly cloak yourself in soap, Dr. Piliang warns against overdoing the body wash. Overuse can lead to dry, irritated skin—especially during the winter months, when your skin is already stripped of moisture. "Taking hot showers and baths can magnify the problem, as the hot water removes even more of the skin's natural oils," she explains. Dr. Bunimovich recommends that you stick to once-daily showers with lukewarm water and use a moisturizer after cleansing to avoid overdrying your skin. Also, pay special attention to washing the folds of your skin, as bacteria likes to hang out there. We don’t recommend using body wash as a face wash, though, as it can clog pores and worsen any existing acne.
How do I know if I'm allergic to my body wash?
An allergic reaction to a body wash can look different than an allergic reaction to a beauty product, Daniel Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously explained. "Usually, allergic contact dermatitis [caused by a beauty product] will present as a red, itchy rash at the site of exposure, but an allergy to body wash is an exception because body wash is used all over and washed off," Dr. Belkin said. "It will present as a patchy and diffused rash, probably sparing the face because most body wash is used from the neck down."
Still, just because you're noticing redness on your body doesn't always mean you're allergic to a new product. "Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis are different but can look the same," says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut, explains. "Irritant contact dermatitis is not allergic in nature. [It] can come from soap-based surfactants that have a higher pH than skin and create irritation to the barrier." In any case, if you notice persistent redness or irritation after applying your body wash, stop using it immediately and consider calling your dermatologist to discuss what might be causing your skin to react.
Does body wash expire?
Yes: Like most skin-care products, body wash expires eventually. "In general, it's best to discard products that are past their expiration date," Massachusetts-based cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer previously told Allure. Signs your body wash is past its prime? “They may develop an off color, may not smell as nice, and may not be as pleasant to use,” he said.
Meet the experts
- Daniel Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut
- Anne Han, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology based in San Francisco
- Melissa Piliang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cleveland
- Olga Bunimovich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh
- Jim Hammer, a cosmetic chemist and the founder of Mix Solutions based in Somerville, Massachusetts
- Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology based in Austin
- Dara Spearman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of best body washes, we considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, fragrance, texture, and skin concerns. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.