Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story If your skin feels tight, stripped, or otherwise uncomfortable after a shower, it’s a sign it needs a little extra TLC. Luckily, the best body washes for dry skin do more than just rinse away dirt and sweat—they leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and more hydrated before you even reach for body lotion .
The right formula is often packed with the kind of nourishing ingredients, like shea butter , ceramides , and glycerin , that attract and lock in moisture, so you get clean without the tight, squeaky aftermath (because that never really means your skin is truly clean). And for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, moisturizing cleansers that skip common irritants like dyes and fragrances, and even carry the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval, can offer a gentler cleanse and a little extra relief. A great moisturizing body wash saves you from that dry, itchy post-shower feeling, so you can trust these formulas aren’t your average suds.
What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizing body wash? What should I avoid in a body wash for dry skin? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers From oil-based cleansers that leave a post-shower glow to soothing formulas for itchy, eczema-prone skin, these body washes make all of the difference for dry skin. Here, we rounded up the editor-vetted and dermatologist-recommented cleansers that turn a simple shower into a moisturizing moment.
Why it’s worth it: If you’ve tried the Best of Beauty -winning OSEA Undaria Body Oil , you know just how lovely and delicious-smelling and skin-softening this formula is. Well, good news: The Undaria Body Wash smells just as good and offers the same level of luxurious formula, just in the form of a foaming cleanser. Like the body oil , this body wash is boosted with undaria seaweed, a natural moisturizer packed with amino acids and antioxidants that replenish the skin’s barrier. The formula also uses glycerin to draw water to the skin and lock it in, as well as plant-based surfactants to gently cleanse—creating a light foam that doesn’t strip the skin. Top it all off with nourishing jojoba and avocado oils, which leave skin feeling silky, hydrated, and supple post-shower.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I won't lie: The scent is the selling point for me. The grapefruit and lime notes feel like a gentle wake-up call and boost my mood every time I use it. The formula itself is so silky and has the perfect amount of slip, and of course, it's filled with moisturizing powerhouses, like the brand's signature undaria seaweed, aloe, glycerin, and jojoba oil that leave my skin feeling as soft as a baby's bum. Once I'm out of the shower and dried off, I follow up with the Hyaluronic Body Serum because it's one of the few nonsticky body-care products my impatient self tolerates. It's the perfect recipe for long-lasting hydration.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Key ingredients: seaweed, glycerin, jojoba oil, coconut oil, avocado oil Fragrance-free : no Scents: 1 Size: 8 oz. Best for Mature Skin: Dove Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dove
Why it’s worth it: Fine lines and wrinkles aren’t the only changes that come with age—our bodies can get a little thirstier, too. Enter the Best of Beauty -winning Dove Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash, w…