Key Ingredients: Marshmallow root, cocoa butter, shea butter | Who It’s For: Everyone, but especially those with medium to dark skin
Best 2-in-1: Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Hand + Body Wash
Why It’s Worth It: A rare 2-in-1 that doesn’t shirk either of its roles, the Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Hand + Body Wash is ready to cleanse every bit of your bod. Especially good for sensitive skin types, this wash is formulated with eucalyptus and amino acids to purify and hydrate, while surfactants erase the day’s grime. It leaves your skin smooth, clean, and smelling fresh as hell.
Editor Tip: This product is a notably non-drying hand wash, meaning you have nothing standing between you and your hand hygiene.
Key Ingredients: Amino acids, glycerin, eucalyptus | Who It’s For: Sensitive skin
Best for the Whole Family: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Why It’s Worth It: The fragrance-free, non-comedogenic La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash has our backs—and our necks, and torsos, and arms, and legs. Philadelphia-based, board-certified dermatologist Michele Farber, MD previously told Allure that the product is formulated with “shea butter to hydrate, glycerin as a humectant, and niacinamide to soothe.” It’s also approved by the National Eczema Association, and you can use it on your face.
Editor Tip: Suitable babies 2 weeks and up, so if you have a little one, feel free to spread the wealth.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, niaminicide, glycerin, probiotic thermal water | Who It’s For: Everyone, people with eczema
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I choose a body wash?
When choosing a body wash, consider your general preferences as well as your skin care goals and concerns. Keep in mind that, unlike your average bar soap, body washes can include active ingredients to target acne, eczema, and dryness. “Patients who have acne can use products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide,” says Dr. Bunimovich. “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.”
Dr. Piliang steering clear of washes with fragrance, as these can potentially irritate the skin. “They do not enhance the cleansing ability of the body wash, so it is best to avoid fragrance,” she explains. However, if you know you tolerate fragrance in body care well, go for it.
What’s the best way to use body wash?
While it’s tempting to cloak yourself in that delicious, delicious soap, Dr. Piliang warns against overdoing the body wash. Overuse can lead to dry, irritated skin, especially during the winter months when the 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.
