The hot and humid weather makes daily showers a necessity. After all, who would want to feel sticky instead of looking and smelling fantastic throughout the day? Thus, it's important to get the right body wash to make your daily shower experience something to look forward to.
In this guide, we'll run through the things you should look for in a body wash and give you our top recommendations for different body wash brands that can instantly make your morning - or night - routine better! We even asked for comments and opinions from an expert on the topic, dermatologist Dr. Mara Padilla Evangelista-Huber, FPDS, FDSP, MClinRes.
Quick List - Top Body Washes
Olay
Brighten, Hydrate, and Nourish Your Skin With Every Wash
Dr. Mara Padilla Evangelista-Huber is a board-certified dermatologist, a dermatopathologist (a specialist who diagnoses skin under a microscope) trained in the University of California San Francisco, with a Masters in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She is particularly interested in skincare because, other than being a dermatologist, her research background encourages her to filter through the skincare hype. She enjoys looking through available medical evidence to provide evidence-based recommendations and loves busting common skincare myths in her social medial profiles. Dr. Huber practices at Levana Dermatology Clinic, Eastwood Avenue, Quezon City. She offers teleconsultation services as well.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
When choosing a body wash, consider your skin type and preferred formula type (foam, gel, or scrub). Also, take into account your unique skin needs, such as dryness, acne, or eczema, along with your personal preferences for scent and packaging. For more information, please read our detailed buying guide below.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, or sensitive, there are body washes that cater to your specific needs. Doing proper research beforehand will enable you to give your skin the right nourishment and care while helping to soothe irritation.
If your skin is on the oily side, skip the microbeads and choose a lighter body wash with natural exfoliants such as brown sugar or oatmeal. A gentle exfoliating wash can help unclog your pores, eliminate dirt, and slough off dead skin cells.
Using a body wash with acne-fighting ingredients can also do wonders. Salicylic acid and tea tree, for example, are proven to reduce breakouts and keep oil at bay. Just make sure not to over-cleanse your skin since this can backfire and trigger excessive sebum production!
Those with oily skin (notably those with acne) may benefit from exfoliation, whether from chemical or physical exfoliants. Chemical exfoliants break down the upper layers of the skin so they can shed off more easily. These include hydroxy acids like alpha (glycolic, lactic, mandelic), beta (salicylic acid), and poly (gluconolactone, lactobionic acid), and enzymes like papain and bromelain.
Physical exfoliants buff away dead cells mechanically. These include scrubs, cloths, sponges, and other cleansing tools. Be careful when mixing different exfoliants (e.g., mixing physical with chemical), as this increases the risk for irritation. Some tolerate both in their routine, while others can tolerate only one. It’s best to start exfoliating once a week and to increase as tolerated. While the skin of the body is thicker than on the face, it can still be damaged by over-exfoliation.
When it comes to dry skin, moisture is key. Look for a body wash with deeply hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and shea butter. You can also keep an eye on common emollients such as lanolin and plant oils, which effectively provide relief from itchy and flaky skin.
Instead of using a loofah or shower sponge, dermatologists recommend washing only with one's fingertips to ensure gentle cleansing. Afterward, it's best to immediately apply a lotion to damp skin to lock in moisture.
For those with dry skin, look for body washes with moisturizing ingredients (e.g., aloe vera, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, dimethicone, fatty acids like linoleic acid, glycerin, plant oils, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid).
The act of cleansing may remove the skin's natural oils, so looking for a cleanser that also moisturizes is beneficial in dry skin. Soap-free liquid cleansers, cleansing milk, and cream cleansers may be better options than other body washes for this skin type. Moisturize your skin immediately after cleansing.
Those with sensitive skin need to take extra care to choose a body wash that's free from irritants. A safe option would be fragrance-free and low-foaming body washes without any humectants or emollients.
Since itchiness, redness, and irritation can wreak havoc on the skin, picking a body wash with healthy fatty acids and antioxidants such as avocado or vitamin C is ideal. Remember to stick to body washes that are creamier in texture as they tend to be gentler on the skin and packed with nourishing ingredients.
Individuals with sensitive skin, particularly those with underlying skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and other forms of eczema may react to common allergens (e.g. fragrance and certain preservatives) and irritants such as soap, alcohol, and sulfates.
Body washes are a quick, fuss-free option for cleansing your skin. Each type is uniquely formulated to address specific skin concerns, but all aim to keep you clean and smelling fresh all day.
A typical foaming body wash contains higher levels of oils and provides added hydration. These formulas have a thicker and frothier consistency and are often labeled moisturizing and nourishing. Body washes of this type lather easily and sticks to the skin longer after cleansing, thus leaving you with a slick and moisturizing feeling.
Sulfates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium Laureth sulfate) are some of the agents responsible for foaming in cleansers. Body washes with these ingredients produce a great lather, making it very easy to distribute over the skin and rinse off. These also have a very good cleansing power.
This high cleansing ability also makes them potentially irritating, and sulfates may cause reactions in those with impaired skin barriers. However, the majority tolerate this fine, and many foaming body washes are formulated with moisturizing ingredients, decreasing the risk for irritation.
On the other hand, shower gels are clear or colored liquids that are comparable to shampoos. Its primary purpose is to cleanse the skin, which means it's composed of mostly water and other gentle cleansing agents that keep away oil and dirt.
Most shower gel formulas are also designed with different fragrances, making for a relaxing and refreshing shower.
While this is not the case for all shower gels, many are soap-free. Soap can be irritating to the skin because it has a strong anionic charge and high pH. Instead, soap-free shower gels use synthetic detergents (syndets) that have a pH closer to the skin and are less strongly charged, decreasing the risk of damage to the skin barrier.
Dead skin can accumulate on our bodies as much as they do on our faces. This is why you also need to include exfoliation in your shower routine.
Body scrubs are made up of tiny beads or granules that remove dead skin cells as well as dirt and grime buildup. They have a similar consistency as face scrubs and leaves your skin clean, fresh, and radiant.
Body scrubs are considered physical exfoliants, and these can produce immediate results. Because these only work on the outermost layers of the skin, they have a low potential to cause irritations or allergic reactions (if used correctly). These agents can make it easy for you to scrub too hard, leading to damaged, over-exfoliated skin. It would be best to lightly apply these products in small circles for a long period, rather than scrubbing too hard quickly.
There are gentle and harsh physical exfoliants, so it’s important to know which ones suit your skin best. Apricot kernel is very harsh is not recommended for the face, while jojoba beads and bamboo beads are gentler and can be tolerated on both facial and body areas.
Aside from buying a body wash that matches your skin type, it's essential to know and understand what your skin truly needs. If you have certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, then it's good to talk to your dermatologist first to make sure you're getting a brand of body wash that best fits your skin.
Remember, no matter your skin type, picking a body wash is simply a process of finding something that works to rid your skin of dirt and keep it as healthy and vibrant as possible.
The skin of the body needs as much care as the skin of the face. When selecting body products, it's always helpful to determine your skin concerns in that area and select products that target these to be able to achieve your goals.
Skin conditions also appear on the body i.e., acne, dark spots, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other forms of eczema - and an appropriate cleanser may help manage the condition. A board-certified dermatologist can help you find the best cleanser for you.
Most body washes come in capped bottles or airless pumps, effectively preserving chemicals and cleansing ingredients. They're also compact and easy to dispense, particularly for those who want a generous amount of product with every use.
On the other hand, body washes that are creamier in texture tend to come in tubes where only a small amount is dispensed with each squeeze of the product. This helps avoid exposure or contamination of the ingredients while ensuring the packaging retains its form throughout continuous use.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | Formula | Key Ingredients | Packaging | Size | |||||
1 | Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash | ![]() | Provides Intense Moisture for Soft, Smooth Skin Every Day | Dry | Foam | NutriumMoisture™ (Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Rice Bran Oil) | Pump | 550 mL | |
2 | Olay Body Science Cleansing & Brightening Crème Body Wash | ![]() | Brighten, Hydrate, and Nourish Your Skin With Every Wash | All Skin Types | Foam | Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 | Pump | 500 mL | |
3 | Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash | ![]() | Revitalizes Dry and Itchy Skin With Colloidal Oatmeal | Dry, Sensitive | Foam | Triple Oat Complex (Oat Flour, Oat Oil, Whole Oat Extract) | Bottle | 354 mL | |
4 | Safeguard Pure White Body Wash | ![]() | Offers Gentle Germ-Fighting Protection for Your Family | All Skin Types | Foam | Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin | Pump | 720 mL | |
5 | Cetaphil Pro Ad Derma Skin Restoring Wash | ![]() | An Ultra-Gentle Formula That’s Even Safe for Newborns | Sensitive, Dry, Eczema-Prone | Foam | Niacinamide, Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil | Bottle | 145 mL | |
6 | St. Ives Exfoliating Body Wash Sea Salt & Pacific Kelp | ![]() | Cleanses and Exfoliates With 100% Sea Salt and Pacific Kelp | All Skin Types | Scrub | Sea Salt, Pacific Sea Kelp Extract | Bottle | 473 mL | |
7 | Yves Rocher Olive Petitgrain Relaxing Shower Gel | ![]() | An Eco-Friendly Shower Gel With a Relaxing Tropical Scent | All Skin Types | Gel | Aloe Vera Gel, Petitgrain Essential Oil, Olive Extract | Bottle | 200 mL | |
8 | Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash | ![]() | Contains Salicylic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin | Acne-Prone | Gel | Salicylic Acid | Bottle | 250 mL | |
9 | CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough and Bumpy Skin | ![]() | Gently Exfoliates Rough and Bumpy Skin With Salicylic Acid | Dry, Rough, Bumpy | unknown | Salicylic Acid, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide | Bottle | 296 mL | |
10 | The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash | ![]() | A Tea Tree-Infused Shower Gel to Combat Acne-Causing Bacteria | Oily, Blemish-Prone | Gel-to-Foam | Tea Tree Oil, Sodium Laureth Sulfate | Bottle | 250 mL |
This classic Dove body wash is highly recommended by dermatologists for its rich blend of ¼ moisturizing cream and mild cleansers. It imparts a high level of moisture and hydration that penetrates deep into the skin's surface layers, leaving it clean, healthy, and radiant.
It is a gentle and effective way to cleanse your skin, making it perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Additionally, it gives your skin the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and hydrated. Users even rave about its ability to nourish skin, leaving it softer, smoother, and bouncier with every use!
Skin Type | Dry |
---|---|
Formula | Foam |
Key Ingredients | NutriumMoisture™ (Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Rice Bran Oil) |
Packaging | Pump |
Size | 550 mL |
This Olay body wash is perfect for achieving glowing, radiant skin from head to toe. Infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, it nourishes deeply and brightens the skin. With consistent use, it evens out skin tone, fades age spots, reduces dullness, and repairs signs of damage for a noticeably brighter complexion in just 28 days!
The body wash not only pampers your skin but also delights your senses with its refreshing fragrance notes of honeydew melon, apple blossom, and green bamboo. Buyers love how it leaves their skin soft, smooth, and refreshed after every shower. Overall, it enhances the skin's natural glow while keeping it hydrated and comfortable.
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Formula | Foam |
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 |
Packaging | Pump |
Size | 500 mL |
If you suffer from dry and itchy skin, Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash can be your lifesaver. This hypoallergenic body wash is made with a blend of natural oatmeal, rich emollients, and gentle cleansers. As a result, it locks in moisture after washing to relieve dryness all day long.
It's suitable for those with skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, and allergies due to its natural ingredients and formula, free from soaps, dyes, and added fragrances. Reviews say that this product is effective at getting rid of itchiness. It also visibly improves skin health and hydration, even for people with sensitive skin.
Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive |
---|---|
Formula | Foam |
Key Ingredients | Triple Oat Complex (Oat Flour, Oat Oil, Whole Oat Extract) |
Packaging | Bottle |
Size | 354 mL |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Formula | Foam |
Key Ingredients | Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin |
Packaging | Pump |
Size | 720 mL |
Cetaphil Pro AD Derma Skin Restoring Wash is a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser formulated specifically for eczema-prone skin. It contains patented Miracare and Filaggrin technology to restore the skin barrier and improve moisture retention. Its formula is also infused with a moisturizing complex and vitamins B5 and B3 to soothe dry and itchy skin.
Safe for all ages, including newborns, this body wash comes highly recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians. According to users, it is a fantastic choice for individuals with easily inflamed skin. Reviews highlight it to be a gentle and effective cleanser that can contribute to improving overall skin health.
Skin Type | Sensitive, Dry, Eczema-Prone |
---|---|
Formula | Foam |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil |
Packaging | Bottle |
Size | 145 mL |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Formula | Scrub |
Key Ingredients | Sea Salt, Pacific Sea Kelp Extract |
Packaging | Bottle |
Size | 473 mL |
This shower gel from Yves Rocher is the perfect way to start or end your day. It has a mild tropical fragrance that will comfort your senses, while the aloe vera extract helps moisturize and soothe the skin. Its unique formula is composed of more than 98% natural ingredients with a botanical cleansing base to safely and gently purify the skin.
According to reviews, this shower gel is refreshing and gentle, making it safe for all skin types. It also comes in an entirely recyclable plastic bottle, ensuring an eco-friendly choice for your skincare routine. With its relaxing scent and gentle cleansing formula, this shower gel will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed!
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Formula | Gel |
Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera Gel, Petitgrain Essential Oil, Olive Extract |
Packaging | Bottle |
Size | 200 mL |
Skin Type | Acne-Prone |
---|---|
Formula | Gel |
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid |
Packaging | Bottle |
Size | 250 mL |
Skin Type | Dry, Rough, Bumpy |
---|---|
Formula | unknown |
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide |
Packaging | Bottle |
Size | 296 mL |
Looking for a gentle yet effective solution for acne-prone skin? The Body Shop Tea Tree Body Wash is for you! Made with natural ingredients like tea tree oil and lemon tea tree oil, it helps cleanse your skin and fight acne-causing bacteria. It’s gentle on the skin, with 93% of its ingredients being naturally sourced.
This gel-to-foam body wash is also dermatologically tested and certified by The Vegan Society. It helps calm redness and prevent breakouts, making it ideal for sensitive and blemished skin. Plus, reviews highlight how it reduces blemish marks and dark spots while leaving skin feeling fresh and clean.
Skin Type | Oily, Blemish-Prone |
---|---|
Formula | Gel-to-Foam |
Key Ingredients | Tea Tree Oil, Sodium Laureth Sulfate |
Packaging | Bottle |
Size | 250 mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Mara.
Yes, the ingredients and their concentration matter more than the labeled site of use. Generally speaking, facial products are safe to use in the body because these are formulated with the thinner, more sensitive skin of the face in mind.
One concern in using a body wash as shampoo is if it has too many strong surfactants and few or no moisturizing ingredients. This can strip the hair of its natural oils and make it dry and unruly. On the flip side, you may have a body wash that has very mild surfactants and a lot of conditioning agents. This may not clean the hair well and leave it oily.
There is no need for the body wash to soak. Simply massage onto the body and rinse. However, for active-containing cleansers (e.g., benzoyl peroxide), it is best to leave the cleanser on the skin for about 15 minutes before washing off.
Looking and smelling clean should begin in your bathroom, and for a truly pampering bath experience, here are other options that can gently cleanse your skin while uplifting your mood!
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Re-editor: Danielle Trinidad
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Dove|Deeply Nourishing Body Wash
No. 2: Olay|Body Science Cleansing & Brightening Crème Body Wash
No. 3: Aveeno|Skin Relief Body Wash
No. 4: Safeguard|Pure White Body Wash
No. 5: Cetaphil|Pro Ad Derma Skin Restoring Wash
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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