For many, choosing a body wash involves little more than smelling a bunch of different cleansers and picking which one you like the scent of best. But if you ask us, you should take as much care choosing a body wash as you do your facial cleanser—it’s what you use on most of your skin, after all. Some body washes solely remove dirt and oil, others help moisturize your skin, and still, others leave skin delightfully scented. Choosing the best body wash for your skin entails determining what your skin needs and identifying a body wash that can address your skin concerns.
Here, we’ll help you narrow down the best formula for your needs. Whether you’re looking for the best moisturizing body wash to nourish your skin or are in search of an ultra-indulgent cleansing oil to upgrade your shower routine, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover Kiehl’s best body wash for your skin type.
Best Body Wash For All Skin Types:
“Made for All” Gentle Body Cleanser
All skin types can benefit from the gentle yet thorough clean that our “Made for All” Gentle Body Cleanser provides. Formulated with 95% naturally-derived ingredients, including aloe vera and soap tree extract, this fragrance-free shower gel cleanses the skin for a head-to-toe fresh feel.* It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is gentle enough for ages three and older. Plus, the unique formula is 100% biodegradable, making it a great option for those looking to make their shower routine a bit more sustainable.
*We consider ingredients to be naturally-derived if they retain more than 50% of their molecular structure after being processed from a natural source.
Best Body Wash For Normal Skin:
Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser
At Kiehl’s, we define “normal skin” as skin that doesn’t exhibit any major concerns like dryness or sensitivity. To keep this skin type looking and feeling its best, we recommend reaching for a gentle body wash that cleanses without over-drying, like our classic Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser. The foaming body wash provides a thorough clean and helps maintain the skin’s moisture. It’s available in a variety of refreshing scents and can be used as a standard body wash or poured into the bathtub to create an indulgent foamy bath (perfect for unwinding at the end of a long week).
Best Body Wash For Dry Skin:
Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser
If you have a drier skin type, we suggest reaching for a nourishing cleansing oil, such as Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser. The luxurious formula, which contains grapeseed oil, castor oil, and avocado oil, emulsifies with water to create a light, fine foam. It gently cleanses the body and rinses clean, leaving your skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple. Use it daily as your go-to cleanser for dry skin or reach for it on days when you feel like infusing a bit of self-care into your shower routine.
Best Body Wash For Sensitive Skin:
Gentle Hair & Body Wash
Those with sensitive skin should make finding a gentle, non-irritating cleanser a priority. We suggest Gentle Hair & Body Wash, which is designed specifically for delicate skin (it’s a baby wash first and foremost, though it works beautifully for adults as well). The pH-balanced cleanser with shea butter and vitamin E is pediatrician and dermatologist-tested for safety and gentleness. Massage the moisture-rich formula over your skin with your hands or a washcloth for a fresh, clean feel.
Best Scented Body Wash:
Original Musk Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser
If you want a great-smelling body wash to kick off your body care routine, you can’t go wrong with Original Musk Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser. The liquid body wash is infused with Kiehl’s classic Original Musk fragrance blend, which boasts notes of bergamot, orange nectar, and, of course, musk. The unisex formula lathers up to a rich foam that gently yet effectively cleanses the skin, leaving it soft and lightly fragranced. Pair the cleanser with our Original Musk Body Lotion or Original Musk Oil for a truly aromatic body care routine.
Best Body Wash For Men:
Body Fuel Wash
For guys, we have Body Fuel Wash. Suitable for all skin types and made for use from head to toe, this multitasking men’s body wash gently removes excess oil, sweat, and other impurities, leaving the skin feeling refreshed. The invigorating formula contains caffeine and menthol as well as vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc, and it boasts an uplifting aroma that makes it an ideal start to your men’s body care routine.
Next: Now that you know how to find the best body wash for your skin, check out our article What’s The Difference Between Body Butter and Body Lotion?