The 9 Best Body Washes of 2026, According to 1 Year of Expert Testing

This body wash only costs $8, but it smells like it costs $50. I gave my parents several body washes for the holidays, and my dad assumed this affordable find was one of the bougie gifts because the blend of coconut and macadamia nut smells expensive AF. Think tropical beach vacation from the comfort of your home.

Despite the affordable price tag, it performs just as well as recommendations that cost three times the amount. And thanks to plant-based cleansers and moisturizers, Method is super hydrating for dry skin. I notice my skin is more supple before I even slather on body lotion. It has glycerin to help add moisture and is free of parabens and phthalates, which can irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin like mine. Plus, the thick, creamy consistency is fantastic for dry skin types that could use extra TLC.

Honestly, the only downside with this body wash is that the container is made with only 80% post-consumer recycled material. While not quite 100%, it’s a small step toward a more eco-conscious direction which I always appreciate.

METHOD BODY WASH REVIEW

I’ve been using this body wash since high school because it’s reliable, affordable, and effective. Dial has a few body washes, but my parents and I are all fans of the Healthy Hydration version because it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, which is basically like a tall glass of water for thirsty skin. I like the Hyaluronic Acid version, but if you like tropical scents opt for Coconut Milk or reach for Shea Butter to enjoy the warm aroma.

What I love most about this body wash is how cost effective it is, which is especially appreciated since I’d rather put my funds toward a new red light therapy tool. You could just buy a single body wash for around $8, but I suggest getting this multipack for just $20 instead. It includes four bottles, meaning a family of four can each receive their own bottle. (This body wash is so good you wouldn’t want to share.) And if you live solo (lucky you!), then you’ll have enough body washes to last you at least four months, though each bottle tends to last me closer to 6 to 8 weeks. A total steal!

Need more reasons to stock up on this body wash? I have sensitive, eczema-prone skin and this body wash hasn’t caused any irritation. Plus, I love the gel consistency that lathers easily and leaves my skin soft and supple. And while derms advocate using shower cream when shaving, sometimes I run out and need to get creative. This thick Dial cleanser has come in handy as a shaving cream substitute that offers some extra lubrication between my skin and razor. I haven’t experienced any accidental cuts since using this method.

Caring for sensitive skin doesn't have to be complicated. If you want a simple place to start caring for your delicate skin, try Aveeno’s body wash, says Dr. Rambhia. This is my go-to body wash after I experiment a little too much with testing skincare products for work. This milky, low foam consistency softens and calms my dry, sensitive skin without any harsh stinging or smells.

Even better? It's made with hydrating and soothing oat extract that’s perfect for fragile skin. "The beta-glucans in oats form a light protective film on the skin that prevents moisture loss while drawing additional hydration from the environment," says Dr. Rambhia.

Her patients with eczema or dermatitis have experienced positive results since incorporating this cleanser into their routine. "This gentle formula reduces the tight, irritated feeling that typically follows cleansing, breaking the inflammation cycle that leads to further dryness and barrier damage," she says.

It’s also fragrance-free, meaning it won’t irritate your sensitive skin or nose. That said, if you have sensitive skin but still want to enjoy an enticing fragrance opt for my best overall pick from Nécessaire.

I'm a massive fan of Athena razors and shaving cream, and I just had to get my hands on the brand's latest drop—and it didn't disappoint. Athena contains plenty of the good stuff, including avocado oil, glycerin, oat extract, and shea butter for moisturization. A nourishing combination of niacinamide and panthenol further soothes my easily irritated skin.

It has a lightweight, creamy texture that lathers up beautifully into my damp skin and rinses off easily, leaving behind softer skin. I can use the pH-balanced cleanser during every shower without worrying about the formula throwing my natural oils out of whack.

Also major snaps have to be given to the array of delicious scents. I'm keen on Sea Splash, which smells like fresh water, cut stems, and citrus to help energize me yet calm for the day ahead. In the evenings, I'll opt for the Lavender Latte, which combines French lavender (naturally!) with warm amber and tonka bean, which I consider vanilla's more interesting cousin.

Body acne and clogged pores can be a real drag, but Neutrogena's solution is cheap and effective. This classic Body Clear Acne Wash contains a 2 percent salicylic acid, the highest concentration available in over-the-counter products, says Dr. Rambhia. The lightweight gel texture offers a moderate foam that's tough on chest and back acne without the drying effect of harsher alternatives, she says. It's also made with hydrating glycerin to prevent overstripping your skin.

Most ideal for oilier skin types, treating and preventing body acne after exercising, and for summer use, you simply can't go wrong with this dermatologist-approved pick. This golden body wash has a rather mild smell, but if you enjoy citrus aromas then opt for the energizing grapefruit body wash. It's also a must-have for Amazon shoppers who rave about the golden body gel unearthing their clogged pores to treat and prevent future breakouts. No wonder why this Amazon best seller boasts a casual 4.7-star average from more than 7,000 Amazon reviews.

Neutrogena is a newer inclusion to my routine, and I use it after exercising to prevent stubborn bacne during the brutal summer season. This golden body gel helps unearth clogged pores to treat and prevent breakouts. It can be a tad drying, which is why I only use it on my back, so if you have dry, acne-prone skin, you should use it as needed. That said, it’ll remain a part of my summer skincare routine, and based on my two-month testing period, I understand why it’s an Amazon best seller with thousands of 5-star reviews.

Prefer products developed by dermatologists? Same! Enter Joonbyrd, a line of body products developed by Dr. Alexis Granite, MD. It’s been my go-to for the past month, and Dr. Ruth is a fan. “The Moon Swim Body Wash feels more like facial skincare than a body wash, with ingredients focused on hydration, barrier support, and microbiome health rather than simply cleansing the skin,” she says.

It cleanses effectively without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight, which is especially important for me and Dr. Ruth’s patients with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin. It also combines moisturizing heavy hitters like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E with prebiotic inulin and ashwagandha to help support antioxidant protection and overall skin resilience, says Dr. Ruth. I notice my skin feels softer, smoother, and hydrated after showering.

We also enjoy the unique yet familiar warm caramel scent with notes of vanilla, coffee, maple that makes the shower experience feel calming and indulgent. Don’t worry: It smells sophisticated rather than cloying or like it belongs in a middle school locker room.

“I love Joonbyrd’s body wash for patients who are dry or simply want to elevate their daily body care routine into more of a ritual,” says Dr. Ruth. She adds that her patients notice their skin feels softer, smoother, and more hydrated after showering, while the scent adds a subtle mood-boosting aspect that makes the experience feel luxurious and relaxing.

The only downside to this body wash is the $48 price tag. However, the full-size bottle looks pretty and feels sturdy in my hands. The pink grip also helps prevent the bottle from slipping in my shower. And if pricing is still a concern opt for the travel-friendly Mini version which only costs $15.

JOONBYRD MOON RINSE REVIEW

OK, all of these body washes smell good, but dermatologist Nicole Ruth, DO, and I both agree Juara transforms our showers into an Indonesian spa. The secret behind its warm, slightly nutty aroma is candlenut, an ingredient used in traditional Jamu herbal medicine and ancestral beauty rituals. Or as Dr. Ruth describes it, “the smell literally transports you to the island of Bali.” Notes of rose, freesia, jasmine, and bergamot are also welcome treats.