Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story A beauty editor’s favorite way to start every shower is by lathering up with one of the best body washes. These formulas cleanse away dirt and debris, tackle body acne and bumps , draw moisture into the skin, and often have an absolutely delightful scent. And because skin care doesn’t end at your décolletage, you’ll find tons of familiar ingredients in these bottles—we’re talking niacinamide , hyaluronic acid , antioxidants, and more. We tested dozens of body washes, ranging from drugstore buys to luxe splurges, to find the products that deliver on all fronts. We also spoke with board-certified dermatologists to get the scoop on what exactly you should be looking for while you shop. Find your new “ everything shower ” staple below.
Can you use body wash on your face? How should I choose a body wash? What's the best way to use body wash? How do I know if I'm allergic to my body wash? Does body wash expire? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Best Overall: Salt & Stone Bergamot & Hinoki Body Wash Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Salt & Stone
Why it’s worth it: You might already know Salt & Stone for their deodorants , but its body washes deserve just as much hype. The Bergamot & Hinoki Body Wash, a 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner, makes your everyday shower feel like an open-air rinse in the middle of a forest (as one does), thanks to its refreshing blend of crisp bergamot orange and earthy, woodsy hinoki. The gel quickly transforms into a rich, frothy lather that washes away sweat and buildup, while glycerin , aloe vera , and hyaluronic acid keep skin soft and hydrated. There are more skin-care perks hiding in the formula, too: Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier, vitamin C provides antioxidant protection, and fermented ingredients like Lactobacillus /punica granatum fruit ferment extract (from pomegranate) condition skin.
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
"Salt & Stone's Bergamot & Hinoki Body Wash has been one of my favorite body washes in my rotation for a couple of years now. More than the decadent scent, I'm most impressed by the amount of product you get per bottle. As a tester in this category, I'm still using this year's sample—but only a third of it is left! My boyfriend refuses to use less than five pumps per shower, which says a lot. I'm definitely going to need a refill!" —Bianca Richards, social media manager
Key ingredients: glycerin, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, fermented pomegranate extract Skin type it’s best for: everyone, especially for dry or dull skin Sizes: 15.2 oz, 32 oz. Scent: fresh and citrusy with notes of bergamot, orange blossom, hinoki Best for Dry Skin: Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dove
Why it’s worth it : Dove’s Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash combines the nourishing feel of a body oil with the cleansing power of a traditional body wash, giving dry or mature skin a much-needed moisture boost before you even reach for the body lotion . “The skin on our body tends to get drier as we age, so I like that this is a more moisturizing body wash,” Dara Spearman , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure . The 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner pairs glycerin, a humectant that attracts and holds o…