A good body wash should contain moisturizers (glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera) and gentle cleansers, while avoiding harsh chemicals like sulfates (SLS/SLES) and synthetic fragrances, especially for sensitive skin; ingredients vary by skin type, with oily skin benefiting from salicylic acid and dry skin needing extra hydration, all while maintaining a balanced pH.
A rich and nourishing body wash doesn't merely remove dirt and impurities; it also replenishes moisture and nurtures the skin with beneficial ingredients. Key components like coconut oil, argan oil, and oatmeal contribute essential nutrients and fatty acids that help maintain the skin's natural barriers.
The Best Body Wash for Skin
Dermatologists recommend using gentle, pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleansers or mild bar soaps (like those with glycerin) and washing primarily with your bare hands to protect your skin's barrier, avoiding harsh scrubbing with loofahs or washcloths that harbor bacteria and damage skin. Focus on cleaning armpits, groin, and feet with cleanser, while arms and legs get passively cleaned, and always moisturize immediately after a short, warm shower to lock in hydration.
The healthiest body washes are typically natural, fragrance-free, and free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, focusing on ingredients like glycerin, plant oils (jojoba, coconut), niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for hydration and skin barrier support, with top dermatologist-recommended brands often including Nécessaire, Aveeno, OSEA, Cetaphil, and Dr. Bronner's, depending on your skin's needs (dry, sensitive, acne-prone).
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Best Overall: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
Board-certified dermatologists Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, and Marisa Garshick, MD, both highly recommend Dove's nourishing formula. “It's simple, has a great ingredient profile, and is tolerated by all skin types,” says Dr. Bhanusali.
The 4-2-4 rule is a Korean-inspired deep cleansing method: massage an oil cleanser for 4 minutes to break down makeup/SPF, follow with a water-based cleanser for 2 minutes to remove residue, then rinse with 2 minutes of warm water and 2 minutes of cold water to open and close pores, leaving skin deeply clean but can be irritating for sensitive types, so it's best for deep cleaning or heavy makeup days, not daily.
While it varies by product type and region, La Roche-Posay is frequently cited as the #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand overall for its gentle, effective, and fuss-free formulas for sensitive and problematic skin, closely followed by brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil, which are also top contenders known for barrier support and affordability.
“I recommend using a washcloth because it can be easily laundered for improved hygiene,” Dr. Engelman says. “A high-quality washcloth is typically made from softer, gentler materials that are less abrasive and better for the skin.” You can't go wrong with bamboo or cotton.
Skin cleansing remains Dove's largest category and in the US, Dove's Deep Moisture Body Wash isn't just the No. 1 selling body wash, it's also the one most recommended by dermatologists (Opens in a pop-up window ).
The best body wash brands vary by need, with top-rated options including Nécessaire (overall/luxe), Dove (budget/sensitive skin), Sol de Janeiro (moisturizing/scent), Aveeno (sensitive skin), and CeraVe (dermatologist-recommended/barrier repair), offering solutions for dryness, sensitivity, and premium experiences, often featuring hydrating ingredients like oils, niacinamide, and plant-based cleansers for gentle yet effective cleansing.
Some of the best ingredients to look for in a body wash include shea butter, aloe vera extract, glycerin, coconut oil, argan oil, and avocado oil that help protect, nourish, and soften the skin, leaving it to feel refreshed, silky smooth, and hydrated.
Ivory gentle bar soap
I love that it's 99% pure and free from dyes or harsh ingredients, which makes it perfect for sensitive skin and safe for the whole family.
CeraVe is the first and only brand to offer a unique blend of three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) in all of their skincare products that are skin-identical and carefully selected by dermatologists to lock in moisture and help restore your skin's protective barrier.
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THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT SKINCARE STAPLES
The "1 rule" in skincare often refers to the "1% line" on ingredient lists, meaning anything listed after it is used at 1% or less (like preservatives or fragrances). However, the most crucial skincare practice is daily sunscreen, while the best routine principle is applying products from thinnest to thickest consistency (like cleanser > serum > moisturizer > SPF) for proper absorption, with consistency and a simple, solid base being more important than complex products.
For her, your routine should have at least three things: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer (lightweight if you have oily skin, thicker if you have dry skin), and and sunscreen (ideally mineral, using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, with an SPF of at least 30).
The 3-second rule in skincare is a recommendation that suggests you should apply your skincare products immediately after cleansing, within 3 seconds.
Scrubbing with any tool can exacerbate conditions like psoriasis,eczema, and acne, so using just your hands is best in these cases. The next-best hygienic shower tool? A bar of soap. “Cleansing bars, like the Dove Beauty Bar ($4) or anything like that, can also be used,” says Dr.
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a cleaning product that kills germs. Daily baths with CHG reduce the spread of infections in hospitals. CHG baths are especially helpful in intensive care units (ICUs). For several reasons, patients staying in the ICU have a high risk of getting a new infection.
Look out for ingredients such as: