27 Body Wash for Dry Skin Recommended by Experts
Does your skin feel tight or itchy? Or do you have rough skin and notice scaling or flaking? Or does your foundation look cakey?
If the answer to either question was a yes, you may have dry skin.
Dry skin is a skin type where it finds it difficult to retain the moisture needed to keep the skin smooth and supple.
The skin has a protective layer, which allows it to retain moisture. But the protective layer is damaged by aging or environmental pollution, resulting in dry skin. In many cases, dry skin is a genetic condition.
If you don’t use the right product, you may further reap your skin or moisture and damage it.
So, which is a good body wash for dry skin? Which body wash ingredients are effective, and which are harmful?
The post discusses selecting a body wash for dry skin, and the best 27 body washes recommended by experts.
Factors To Consider Before Buying a Body Wash for Dry Skin
The first thing to look for in a body wash is its ingredients.
Some ingredients beneficial for dry skin are:
Vitamin E
A formula with natural oils such as vitamin E is an excellent option when looking for a product to hydrate your skin. Vitamin E supports the healing of your skin and protects it from damage.
Hyaluronic Acid
It’s a natural compound in your skin that helps hold moisture, making it plump and hydrated. It’s also a great ingredient to fight signs of aging, including fine lines.
Glycerin
Glycerin is also naturally present in your skin and draws moisture from the atmosphere and supplies it to the outer layer of skin. It also strengthens the skin's protective barrier, allowing it to retain moisture.
On the other hand, here are a few ingredients that may damage the skin, and it’s best to avoid or limit their use:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids
These acids are chemical exfoliants that make your skin drier. However, they help remove the outer layer of skin with dead cells and impurities. So, you can use them once a week and avoid using them regularly.
Retinol or Retinoids
Beloved as these ingredients may be, they can trigger irritation, itching, flaking, and redness.
If you select a body wash with retinoids or retinol to fight acne or signs of aging, follow it with a thick cream to counteract dryness.
Experts usually don’t prefer this ingredient unless you have acne.
Benzoyl peroxide and Alcohol
These ingredients can strip your skin of moisture and oil.
Fragrance
It’s best to avoid body wash with fragrance, especially if you have eczema. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, any skin care product should be not only unscented but also fragrance-free if you have eczema.
27 of the Best Body Wash Products for Dry Skin
We researched multiple body washes and selected the best 27 based on the following criteria:
- Ingredients
- Reviews
- Pros and cons
- Price
1. Aleavia Green Tea Honeysuckle Body Cleanser
Aleavia brand is well known for its all-natural formulations. This particular body wash includes honeysuckle essential oil, green tea extract, and organic raw honey.
The gentle, light lather draws toxins and dirt from your pores. At the same time, it releases nurturing prebiotics that is beneficial for your skin, giving a radiant complexion.
Organic coconut oil, aloe vera, Acadian sea kelp, and the Dead Sea salt infuses your skin with moisture.
Honeysuckle offers a subtle fragrance and is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and potassium. It also helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Pros
- 100% natural and organic
- Non-toxic and GMO-free
- Chemical-and paraben-free
- Environmentally-friendly
- Free of all fragrances and dyes
- Safe for babies
- Safe for people with eczema
Cons
- We’re obviously biased, but we think it’s pretty great. :)
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Yogurt Body Wash
Key ingredients include oat flour and glycerin.
As the body wash contains yogurt powder, it is creamy and offers moisture. Oat flour also soothes inflammation and moisturizes the skin.
The combination of yogurt and oat provides the probiotic effect and softens the skin.
However, it contains sulfates that are harmful to the skin, especially for those having sensitive skin. The vanilla fragrance may be irritating to people with eczema.
Pros
- Soothing ingredients
- Moisturizes the skin
- Good value
Cons
- Contains fragrance and sulfates
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Fragrance-Free Body Wash
It is a dermatologist-tested body wash suitable for dry and sensitive skin. The body wash is also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Key ingredients include glycerin, vitamin B5, and aloe vera. All these ingredients help in keeping your skin hydrated and smooth.
This gentle body wash is recommended for babies and adults with eczema. However, it has sulfates and is unsuitable for people with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Gentle body wash
- Safe for babies
- Safe for people with eczema
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Contains sulfates
- May not be safe for people with sensitive skin
Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter
This body wash includes vitamin B3, petrolatum, and shea butter.
Petrolatum strengthens your skin’s barrier, shea butter offers a moisturizing effect, and vitamin B3 hydrates the skin.
The major downside of the body wash can be its fragrance if you have eczema or are allergic to it.
Pros
- Hydrating and moisturizing ingredients
- Good value
Cons
- Contains sulfates
- Contains fragrance
- May not be safe for eczema and sensitive skin
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
This is one of the best body washes as it includes all ingredients beneficial for dry skin, including ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
And the best part…free of parabens, fragrances, and has the National Eczema Association seal of approval.
The major negative of the body wash is that it’s really thick, making it difficult to use.
Pros
- Contains the best hydrating ingredients
- Sulfate-free and paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Has the National Eczema Association seal of approval
Cons
- Thick formula
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
The body wash includes vitamin B5 and glycerin. After Aleavia, we found this body wash free of all harmful ingredients. Glycerin and B5 retain moisture and soothe any irritation. The body wash has a good smell even though it’s fragrance-free.
However, many users don’t like the fact that the wash doesn’t lather.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Doesn’t lather
LA ROCHE-POSAY LIPIKAR Wash
Key ingredients of this body wash are glycerin, vitamin B3, and niacinamide, which are remarkable for moisturizing and skin barrier strengthening properties. It is approved by the National Eczema Association.
The ingredients also help with acne and hyperpigmentation.
This can be an excellent pick for individuals who have sensitive skin and love foaming face wash. It’s free of parabens and fragrance and is safe for babies.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Safe for baby
Cons
- Contains sulfates
Frank Body Clean Body Wash: Unscented
This hydrating body wash includes aloe vera, glycerin, pomegranate extract, and coffee. These ingredients are vegan and safe to use in your nether regions. They neutralize the pH, making it an excellent option for use in intimate areas than other products with chemical ingredients.
According to the manufacturers, Kakadu plum extract, pomegranate extract, and coffee seed extract energize and soothe your skin.
Pros
- Safe to use in the intimate areas
- Natural ingredients
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- Not easily available
Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash
With ingredients such as glycerin, licorice root extract, zinc pyrithione, and panthenol, this body wash helps flaking skin.
The best part…it can also be used as a shampoo and is effective against intense dandruff.
Don’t be surprised if you see that it is marketed for children and is as effective for adults. According to experts, the body wash is effective against redness, flaking, scaling, itching, and scalp irritation.
Pros
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Safe for babies
Cons
- More expensive as compared to other products
Nécessaire Body Wash
The ingredients glycerin, green tea extract, and vitamin E make this body wash a great pick for people with dry skin suffering from acne. It’s also a good option for people with allergies and eczema.
Users feel this is a luxurious body wash for people with acne. However, make sure to select the fragrance-free version as it is also available with eucalyptus scent.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Parabens- and sulfate-free
Cons
- Pricey
Dove Deep Moisture Instant Foaming Body Wash
Love a body wash that foams and gives soft and smooth skin? Try Dove.
The ingredients sodium lauroyl glutamate, lauric acid, and glycerin are self-foaming and hydrating. It cleanses your skin and offers moisture without leaving a greasy layer. The pump is easy to use, and it’s affordable as compared to other products.
However, the body wash contains fragrance, and you should avoid it if you are sensitive to it.
Pros
- Good value
- Foaming and hydrating properties
Cons
- Contains fragrance
Shea Moisture Olive and Green Tea Bubble Bath and Body Wash
This body wash is an excellent option for anyone looking for a body wash with natural ingredients but packed with oils.
Organic oils in the body wash are olive oil, avocado oil, green tea, and more. It is free from sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals.
The body wash has a light natural scent, and you can avoid it if you don’t want any smell.
Pros
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- A mild natural scent
- Your body may take time to get used to the oils
Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash
The body wash is rich in natural oils and omega that help you get rid of dry and flaky skin. It offers a mild lather and is free from fragrance. The natural oils strengthen the skin barrier, making your skin healthy and radiant.
The downside of the body wash is its sulfate content, which may irritate sensitive skin.
Pros
- Excellent for dry and flaky skin
- Light lather
- Fragrance-free
- Parabens-free
Cons
- Contains sulfate
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
Benzoyl peroxide is the hero ingredient and an excellent pick for people with dry skin suffering from acne. It will fight the current pimples and prevent them from occurring. The moisturizing ingredients glycerin and lactic acid prevent your skin from drying.
Pros
- Good value
- Fights acne
Cons
- You may need to apply moisturizer after using this product
Skinfix Eczema+ Foaming Oil Body Wash
As the name suggests, the body wash is approved by the National Eczema Association. The ingredients aloe vera, jojoba seed oil, and chamomilla flower extract hydrate your skin. Moreover, oatmeal in the wash soothes irritated skin and maybe a blessing in disguise for people with eczema.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Safe for people with eczema
Cons
- Some users reported breakout after using the product
Hero Cosmetics Brave Body Power Wash
Again, an excellent option for people struggling with dry skin and acne. The primary ingredient is gluconolactone, a mild exfoliant suitable for sensitive skin. It also offers hydration and keeps your skin supple.
It also includes Colloidal Silver, which fights bacteria and other infections. However, this body wash may not be as gentle as the other body washes on the list.
Pros
- Foaming cleansers
- Fights bacteria
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
- Contains fragrance
- Contains sulfates
Boscia Papaya and Pomegranate Enzyme Exfoliating Body Cleanser
The ingredients papaya and pomegranate are rich in lactic acid that cleanses and hydrates your skin. The mandelic acid, a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), also has skin-brightening properties.
Citrus provides a mild natural fragrance and leaves your skin feeling rejuvenated. The body wash is cruelty-free and is suitable for all skin types. Fruit enzymes in the wash accelerate the skin renewal process.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfates- and paraben-free
- Vegan
- Safe for all skin types
Cons
- Pricey
Odele Ultra-Sensitive Body Wash
As you may have guessed, the body wash is suitable for ultra-sensitive skin. It is also approved by National Eczema Association.
Oat extract and glycerin soothe and moisturize the skin without causing any irritation. It provides foam and thoroughly cleanses your skin. And the best part…it is fragrance-free.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Safe for eczema
Cons
- Not all-natural ingredients
Nivea Pampering Coconut and Almond Milk Body Wash With Nourishing Serum
Users report that coconut and almond milk smells out of the world. So, it can be an excellent option for people with dry skin who are not sensitive or allergic to natural scents.
Glycerin and plant-derived oils, including sunflower seed, sweet almond, and soybean, hydrate your skin without leaving a greasy layer.
Your skin feels supple, soft, and refreshed with a subtle tropical scent.
Pros
- Safe for all skin types
- Paraben- and sulfate-free
Cons
- Many users don’t like the smell of the body wash
Murad Acne Body Wash
The body wash includes glycolic and salicylic acid that helps you get rid of breakouts. Date seeds in the wash allow removing the skin's dead layers without damaging it.
Allantoin and Blue Lotus Extract help soothe skin and reduce the appearance of acne-related redness.
The body wash is cruelty-free and safe for all skin types.
Pros
- Paraben- and sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Fights acne without drying your skin
Cons
- Doesn’t lather
- The spray doesn’t function well
Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser
This body cleanser contains natural oils such as sweet almonds, marula oil, and sacha inchi seed oils. It also includes a multi-amino-acid blend that offers hydration. The blend of ingredients makes it a great choice, even for sensitive skin.
The body wash offers a light lather and leaves your skin conditioned. It has a natural scent and is not a problem for individuals with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Safe for all skin types
- Mild cleanser
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Mild natural scent
Cons
- Pricey
Embryolisse Foaming Cream Milk
The wash is a hydrating formula containing prickly pear extract, fatty acids, and lipids. The foamy wash wraps your skin and leaves it supple after washing it off.
The natural cleanser nourishes your skin and restores its natural glow. It also prevents breakouts and is suitable to use on the face. However, many users report breakout after using the body wash.
Pros
- Mild cleanser
- Foams
- Safe to use on the face
- Good value
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- May cause breakout in certain people
Love Beauty and Planet Bountiful Moisture Body Wash
This plant-based body wash has the hero ingredient, organic murumuru butter, which is similar to coconut oil. It has a subtle scent and is silicone- and sulfate-free. As the name suggests, the body wash is skin and planet-friendly.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Cleanses skin without drying
Cons
- Comes in 400 mL, trial pack not available
Buttah Egyptian Cocoa Shea Body Wash
The body has a thick, lotion-like texture that is made up of shea butter, cocoa butter, and marshmallow root extract. It’s one of the best options for someone who has dry skin throughout the year.
The consistency of the wash makes your skin smooth and extra soft and fights any itching or redness.
Pros
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Lotion-like consistency
- Natural fragrance
Cons
- Expensive
Curél Itch Defense Body Wash
Does your dry skin itch a lot? Do you have to control the urge to itch your skin? If yes, this body wash is for you.
The blend of jojoba and olive oils soothes and calms your skin. It also helps with itching that’s associated with eczema.
The nourishing formula also fights itch-causing bacteria. All this makes this body wash one of the best washes for itchy skin.
Pros
- Parabens- and sulfate-free
- Safe for eczema
- Soothes itchy skin
Cons
- May leave your skin greasy
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel
The body wash that’s loved by families! Ingredients such as vitamin E and glycerin hydrate the skin. The wash has a moisturizing and creamy foam that instantly turns your dry skin into soft and smooth.
Pros
- Gentle cleanser
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Fragrant-free
Cons
- Expensive
- Contains sulfate
So, here you have the list of 27 body washes suitable for dry skin. We hope this post helped you find an appropriate option for your skin.
When you’re ready to start nourishing your skin from the inside out, shop our premium line of organic, prebiotic skincare products here.
Matt Kenyon
Matt Kenyon is a researcher, strategist, and writer for Aleavia. He enjoys studying natural lifestyle trends and their effect on wellness and longevity.