The 20 Best Body Washes to Level Up Your Shower Experience

Body wash should be a relatively simple thing to shop for. You should be able to just go to the store, choose your favorite scent, and call it a day. But what is actually inside that bottle? The newest body washes feature gentler formulas, luxurious fragrances (or none at all), and all kinds of skin care benefits. To help break down what body wash is right for you, we tap Jenny Liu, a board-certified dermatologist based in Minneapolis, for her expert insights.

Which ingredients should you look for?

“A gentle formulation, with mild surfactants that cleanse without over-stripping skin's oil, with added ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, et cetera, that help to add moisture back into skin,” Liu recommends. “For specific concerns like acne, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be helpful.” Common ingredients may look familiar if you’re big into skincare. “Similar hydrating and nourishing ingredients in moisturizers and serums like glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid,” she says.

Which ingredients should you avoid?

The issue of surfactants—that is, the agents that create the lathering, foaming action—is one that comes up often. “Cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium laureth sulfate are all mild surfactants,” Liu explains. But sensitive skin types, she says, may want to avoid sodium laureth sulfate, a.k.a. SLS, as well as some other common ingredients. “It depends on one's skin type, but for sensitive skin, steer clear of SLS that may be just too harsh on skin, fragrance, and true soaps.”

Does the type of formula matter?

In short, yes. “Creams and unscented are less irritating and more suitable for sensitive skin,” Liu explains. Meanwhile, “gel cleansers foam more effectively and are better at removing impurities, bacteria, dirt, and sebum from skin. For someone with body acne, the latter may be a more suitable option.”

No matter which type of body wash you’re looking for, we’ve rounded up 20 of the very best—some fragrant, some unscented, some exfoliating, and then some more. Whichever you choose, you’re in store for your best shower yet.