The Best Body Washes for Hydrating Dry Skin
A bottle of body wash is an essential part of a cleansing regimen, especially if you have dry skin. It is considered more moisturizing than bar soaps, which is great if you have sensitive skin and is generally a more hygienic option, especially if you’re sharing a bathroom with others.
“Body washes have moisturizing ingredients that keep the skin hydrated, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Tia Paul, board-certified dermatologist in Orange County, California. “They have specialized formulations to address specific skin concerns such as body acne, too. The packaging of body wash also makes it easier to share among family members rather than bar soap.”
In addition to Dr.Paul, we spoke to Dr. Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, for deeper insight on what ingredients you should look for and avoid when choosing a body wash for your skin type.
Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash at Amazon
$30
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It contains ceramides, which add moisture to the skin.
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You might find it hard to squeeze the body wash out of the bottle.
This CeraVe Body Wash is our top recommendation for anyone looking for all-day moisturization for dry skin. It’s also dermatologist-recommended and accepted by the National Eczema Association. What makes it so moisturizing is that it is formulated with three essential ceramides, which are lipids or fats naturally found in skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help trap moisture in the skin and won’t strip the skin of any natural oils. The body wash feels light and creamy, plus it foams up nicely in the shower.
People with sensitive skin will appreciate that it contains no parabens or sulfates and is unscented with a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores. Just note that the body wash is thick, so you might find it hard to squeeze out, especially if the bottle is almost empty.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented
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It features moisture-rich shea butter that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
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It doesn’t contain active ingredients to fight acne or eczema.
Made with shea butter and Vitamin B3 to gently cleanse and deeply moisturize, the Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash is one of our top choices for anyone shopping for a drugstore body wash. If your skin is dry, it is able to moisturize skin with regular use in as little as two weeks. The best part is that it’s inexpensive, costing just $9 for a 30-ounce bottle. While this would not be our first choice if we suffered from body acne or eczema, it’s enormous size provides a great value for the price. (Side note: This is a great option for family bathrooms, too.) The body wash is available in single and double packs and comes in a convenient pump bottle.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter | Size: 30 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Shea butter