10 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin: Reviews and Guide

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Do you fear age? Or worst, aging sooner because of genetic inheritance, you got dry skin? Does that make you feel insecure that you might get wrinkles as you age? If so. It is time to take care of your skin routine or get one if you do not have any yet.
First and foremost, keep it hydrated. Long hot showers and non-moisturizing soaps only leave your skin more ragged and parched. And when the winter arrives, your skin tends to become more desiccated.
You need a perpetuating skincare cascade routine that starts primarily with drinking water, ends with applying oils and lotions, and on the way, entangles with using a good hydrating body wash, daily.
With dynamic ingredients, the body wash formulas bring a noticeable difference to your skin and are very effective in getting rid of dry skin.
After thorough research, I have prepared a list of the 10 best body washes for dry skin to make your task of choosing the one that best fits your needs, easier.
10 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin
1. Dove Body Wash for Dry Skin
PETA-Certified Product
How often do we come across a perfect product with a refreshing warm smell of vanilla, smooth texture of Shea butter, rehydrating properties of glycerin, and emollient characteristics of palmitic or tallow acid?
Dove Body Wash for Dry Skin with Shea butter and vanilla extract is a rich blend of these essential ingredients that help you hydrate and moisturize your skin.
The nourishing ability of phytochemicals absorbs into the cuticles of the skin and provides skin-deep nourishment.
Dermatologists recommend this creamy formulation for smooth, soft, and hydrated skin. The composition is mindful, cruelty-free, PETA-certified, and ensures the use of the recycled bottle. So switching to this gives you the satisfaction of choosing an environmentally friendly option.
It maintains the pH of your skin while retaining the essential bacterial flora on your skin. The plant-derived nutrients replenish your dry skin cells and leave them soft and hydrated. It’s an all-in-one product for your everyday bathing, as well as washing your hands.
Pros
- Mild pH
- Nourishing
- Vanilla scent
- PETA-certified
- Cruelty-free
- Travel amiable
- Affordable
- Enriched with Shea butter
Cons
- Not useful for people with oily skin
2. CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin
For Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin revives and retains the moisture in your skin through the special formula that contains three essential restorative ceramides.
Ceramides protect the skin by adding a protective layer, which locks the moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and barricades against rotting environmental pollution. It’s the best option for eczema and sensitive skin.
National Eczema Association (NEA) has approved CeraVe for parched and cracked skin that could lead to blisters. The product is sulfate and paraben-free, implying that it doesn’t cause skin irritation or dermatitis.
According to dermatologists, this is the go-to solution for dry skin issues. Rich in hyaluronic acid, it binds the moisture to the skin and provides you relief from dryness. Its smooth froth keeps the skin clean.
This fragrance-free solution loaded with vital ingredients is creamy and rich. It prevents any kind of pore-clogging (non-comedogenic) and is perfect for sensitive and dry skin.
Pros
- No sulfate
- No parabens
- Non-comedogenic
- No soap
- No smell
- NEA-approved
- Ideal of sensitive skin
Cons
- Slightly pricey
3. Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash
Enriched With Omega Oils
Do you need an all-in-one product that can take care of your dry skin, rashes, and irritation? Eucerin skin calming body wash enriched with omega oils, Propylene Glycol, castor oil (Ricinus communis oil), and Butylated Hydroxytoluene works miracles for the face and body.
It softly suds your skin in a non-soapy way without a mark of remnants. It leaves your skin hydrated without a shred of clogged pores that can lead to blackheads.
Dermatologists recommend it because of its non-comedogenic properties.
The pH-balanced formula protects the skin-residing biota. The disturbance in this biome can lead to serious skin issues. The ingredients are also best suited for red spots and itchy skin.
Pros
- High conditioning formula
- Enriched with omega oils
- Moderate lather
- Non-soapy
- Non-comedogenic
- Suited for sensitive and itchy skin
- pH-balanced formula
Cons
- Fish oil smell
4. Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash
Best Soothing Solution
If you want smooth and soothing skin, Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash is a great choice. Its Enriched formula consists of glycerin that restores the moisture, Calendula officinalis flower extract which gives you agile and soft skin, and Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate which meticulously cleanses your skin.
The soothing fragrance gives a refreshing sensation to your mind and body. Aloe Vera and Marigold extract nourish dry skin.
Dermatologists have tested the product and recommended it for dry and sensitive skin. Its gentle texture nourishes the skin, leaving it smooth and cleansed.
The ingredients formulate the best soothing solution. Only a small amount once a day provides sufficient hydration.
According to the people who have used this product, it is one of the best moisturizing body wash for dry skin, and they had an amazing hydrating feeling after using it.
Also, if you believe you are prone to getting some kind of infection, like yeast, Cetaphil Body Wash can serve as protection.
Pros
- Enriched with Aloe Vera
- Soothing scent
- Appropriate for dry and sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Not suitable for eczema
- Not for sensitive skin
5. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
Nourishing Formula
Sometimes, soap or body wash is great while you are still in the shower. But once you’re out of the shower, your skin tends to become scorched again. This is a common problem faced by many people with moisture-drained skin.
The ideal solution to this problem is the Vanicream gentle body wash. The moisture lock ability of glycine and viscosity retaining ability of the coco-glucoside protects your skin’s essential oils.
Non-scented and paraben-free, this tender body wash gives a sleek and smooth touch to your body.
It is non-soapy, non-oily, and scent-free. It is also devoid of skin irritants and allergens, like Cocamidopropyl Betaine and sulfate. This gentle formula protects, revives, and restores the microbial biome of the skin.
The delicate formula is free of dyes and parabens. It is recommended for people who are suffering from the arid texture of their skin.
Pros
- Dye-free
- Scent-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No cocamidopropyl betaine
- Nourishing formula
- Tested and approved by dermatologists
Cons
- No particular component to reduce acne
- Bit pricey
6. The Seaweed Bath Co. Hydrating Body Wash
Sulfate Free Organic Formula
The Seaweed Bath Co. Hydrating Body Wash is the infusion of castor, coconut, and olive extracts that moisturizes your skin and keep it smooth and glowing.
The decoction from Chlorella Vulgaris has a reforming ability for the skin to protect against damage, and the extracts from Fucus vesiculosus, rich in minerals and vitamins, bestows the smooth skin. It works well on sensitive skin.
The non-scented body wash attends to your skin, leaving it fresh and hydrated. It is choked with phytochemicals, which do not have any side effects. For instance, the fatty acids in neem oil and antioxidants in spirulina cleanse and purify the skin.
This product is for everyone, including those who avoid animal-related products. It is Leaping Bunny Certified (LBC) for its plant-based components. Moreover, it is paraben and sulfate-free and does not cause you any irritation.
Pros
- No parabens
- No sulfate
- Rich in oils and extracts
- No gluten
- LBC certified
- Organic formula
Cons
- Patch test required
- Non-bubbly
7. Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser
Provides Advanced Cleansing
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser is an efficient and multitasking body wash that will leave you in awe after you use it. Its magical formula contains Glycerin, Hydrogenated PEG-4- Castor oil, and Glycol Distearate. It locks the moisture in your skin, keeping it hydrated and free of arid patches.
The composition is soap-free, and it revives the skin and freshens it up. It does not disrupt the biota inhibiting your skin, which acts as additional coverage to protect it.
It performs its function without leaving any remnants. It is found to be suitable for normal to dry and sensitive skin.
It is non-comedogenic, helps in maintaining the pH level, does not cause any clogging and black pore formation. With the use of even less than 10 minutes in your shower, it gives you remarkable results.
There is no addition of any kind of scents or dyes. This is the best product for advanced cleansing.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- No dyes
- pH-balanced formula
- No soap
- No scent
- Provides advanced cleansing
Cons
- Patch test for acne is advised
- May cause burning sensation on thin skin
8. OGX Hydrating Moisture + Shea Soft & Smooth Body Wash
Enriched With Shea Butter
Is your skin problem genetic? Or is it a victim of dry soap bars? Whatever the reason may be, you may have now found a solution.
Agave, coconut oil, and Shea butter, present in OGX Hydrating Moisture + Shea Soft & Smooth Body Wash are super effective for smoothening, rehydrating, and softening your dry and sensitive skin.
You may try this product for feeling amazingly hydrated. It’s a nature-driven product that will make you love your skin even more. OGX provides a variety of products for skin care involving lotions, body washes, and body butter.
All OGX products aim to make your skin healthier and prettier. This is a real quality product inspired and designed for originality. This moisturizing body wash and its amazing ingredients replenish your skin. It’s the best product in terms of its smell.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Nourishing
- Real quality
- Nature-inspired
- Smoothening
- Fragrant
- Shea butter composition
Cons
- Pricey
9. ecoLove Moisturizing Body Wash
Vegan Product
Augmented with lavender and organic blueberry grape, ecoLove Moisturizing Body Wash is just amazing. A peculiar fusion of organic compounds, essential oils and herbs, unique 26 dead cell minerals, and plant-extracts hydrates and refreshes your skin.
This product is free of parabens, petrochemicals, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) that can sensitize your skin. With mesmerizing lavender scent, it takes care of your rashed and itchy skin. It’s the best vegan product on this list.
It is a versatile product concerning the users, equally effective for men, women, and children. Its natural cleansing formula does not let your skin dry out, making your skin feel beautiful, soft, and smooth. Even a small amount is sufficient for the whole body.
It is a vegan product known to be environmentally friendly and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- No SLS
- Vegan formula
- No parabens
- No petro-chemicals
- Cruelty-free product
- Non-drying components
Cons
- Strong lavender smell
- The smell also lingers; some may find it annoying
10. Dove Refreshing Body Wash
Contains Plant-Based Nutrients
It can be hard to find a body wash that cleanses well and is mild enough for daily use.
Many soaps leave your skin dry or itchy. And some even contain harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
Dove Refreshing Body wash contains a moisturizing blend including skin-natural nutrients that absorb deep into the layers of the skin leaving it softer than a shower gel can. This formula also includes naturally derived cleansers which help keep your skin looking healthy, smooth, and radiant all day long. And with its refreshing scent, you will be left feeling invigorated every time you wash!
You can also use this for cleaning hands.
This body wash is a great way to refresh your skin after summer days or if you need an extra pick-me-up in the winter!
Pros
- Gentle and pH-balanced
- You can use this as Hand wash as well
- Dermatologist recommended
- Cruelty-free
- Natural nutrients and moisturizers for your skin
- Leaves your’s skin soft and refreshed
Cons
- Some People feel it has a strong smell
How To Choose the Best Body Wash for Dry Skin?
Body washes are a state-of-art way to moisturize and cleanse your skin. The hydrating and cleansing body washes are different from the regular body washing gel. The difference reflects in the results and consistency of the product.
The formulation of the shower gels is smoothly clear and may resemble the shampoo. Their sole purpose is cleaning. To prevent the skin from drying out, experts advise adding conditioners for a smooth effect.
These gels come in different aromas and flavors and are usually effervescent. Additionally, they are inexpensive and work just fine for normal to oily skin. These gels contain surfactants that are prone to cause itchiness.
Body gels are soapy, which means they form a thick lather that washes away essential oils and leaves your skin dry. This gets alarming in the winter when your skin starts to crack up.
Moisturizing body washes are, however, a different story. Their formulation is creamy, and along with cleansing, they moisturize the skin as well. This is what people with dry and sensitive skin should choose.
Their formulation ensures the addition of essential oils and other plant extracts. Their exfoliating and emollient nature locks the moisture and keeps the skin fresh. They tend to be less fragrant than gels, but results are highly appraisable.
Before choosing a body wash, consider your skin type. Get know-how about different effective body washes by using the list mentioned above and select one that suits your needs. It is important to choose the right formula.
So along with a healthy diet, you need a body wash for a skincare routine to fight the signs of aging, which dry skin brings brutally upon you.
Benefits of Using Body Wash on Dry Skin?
It is advisable for people with dry and sensitive skin to prefer body washes over dry bar soaps. Using bar soap might take you to a nostalgic wonderland of your childhood, but it is time to change the priorities as an adult.
Following are some of the reasons for switching to a nourishing body wash at once:
More Hydrating
Bar soaps can leave your skin all flakey and wizened with time. With high pH and SLS, it can drain the oil out of your skin. This causes a significant change in skin texture. Liquid body washes maintain the pH of your skin, and their oily components hydrate your skin like no bar soap can.
Gentle
Use a body wash with a loofa. The feeling is relaxing and gentle. This will help to exfoliate the dirt from your skin and leave it gentle and smooth.
Higher Hygiene Compared To Bar Soap
Soap, although considered self-cleansing, still gives a nauseous feeling if you know someone else used it. Body washes don’t have this problem and provide you with higher hygiene.
Composition
The composition of the body wash is more organic and right for dry skin. The natural extracts, essential oils, and antioxidants not only protect the natural oil in your skin but also give extra nourishment.
Travel-Friendly
A feather in the cap! Do you have dry skin and have to travel somewhere far-off? You can carry the nourishing body wash in your travel kit. You can keep your skin fresh by taking it with you.
Easy To Rinse
For dry skin, it is not ideal to have it covered with soap for a long time. It can crackle your skin. Body washes are easy to rinse off as compared to dry bar soaps. And due to their enriched composition, they are less damaging.
Should You Use Body Wash on a Daily Basis?
Showering daily with your bar soap can dry your skin out, make it all itchy and cracked.
This can also transit your essential microbial flora that guards your skin. Any damage to this microbiome can give away opportunistic pathogens that can enter the cracks of your skin and cause infection.
But the right body washes with the right components in a small quantity go a long way if you already have dry skin. So you may add a body wash to your daily bathing routine to avoid parched skin that peels off.
It will not only hydrate your skin but also keep the microbial flora intact.
Also, pH plays an important role. A very high or very low pH will only aggravate the condition. A pH-balanced body wash takes care of this for you.
You can use a body wash every day but only in the right quantity and for a short period. The recommended time does not exceed 10 minutes. However, if you consult your dermatologist beforehand, it will eliminate your insecurities.
Ingredients To Look For in Dry Skin Body Wash?
Dry skin should not be exposed to the detergent compounds that are part of common gels and soaps. So your needs revolve around hydrating boosts that will give a shine, softness, and a smooth look to your skin.
Following are some ingredients to look for in a good body wash:
Exfoliants
You need exfoliants in your hydrating body wash. These chemicals have anti-aging properties. Adding these to your skincare routine helps you get rid of the peeled-off skin and flakes that make you vulnerable to bad looks and infections.
Glycinate or Glycine
These components provide smooth and deep nourishment to your skin. The creamy lather formed by glycinate helps to retain the lipids and fatty acids already present in your skin. Glycerin works like magic by binding water to the cuticles of the skin and avoids dehydration.
Essential Oils
Plant-derived essential oils are what your skin needs. Ensure the presence of these oils like castor, soybean, and coconut in your body wash. They give extra smoothness and moisture to your skin.
Natural Extracts
Extracts from plants like lavender, Fucus vesiculosus, and vanilla give not only a pleasant scent but also additional organic compounds to nourish your skin. Their non-comedogenic attributes keep the skin good-looking by avoiding the pores getting clogged.
Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate
As compared to other salts being used in the bar soaps and gel, the detergent properties of this salt provide a soothing effect as it is less of an irritant and produces smooth lather. This ingredient prevents your skin from drying out further.
Amino Acid
Dry skin is prone to peeling off. To replenish it with exuberant cells, your skin needs amino acids. Amino acids make up the proteins like keratin that make up your skin. Hence, I advise you to buy a body wash that is rich in amino acids.
Ingredients To Avoid
It is safe to know what kind of ingredients should not be a part of your body wash. Because whatever goes on your skin eventually penetrates your epidermis and causes long-lasting effects. It is advised to avoid products that consist of the following components.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is an irritant and can break your skin. Sodium Laureth sulfate allows deep penetration of harmful chemicals in the skin, making it susceptible to damage. Triclosan can result in skin toxicity.
Conclusion
Aging is inevitable, but that does not mean you cannot delay it. Without a doubt, dry skin is more prone to aging than oily and normal skin. So, a health care routine is important to keep wrinkles and cracks at bay. The above-mentioned body washes are some of the best in the world with minimal or no side effects.
Dermatologists recommend, to use products enriched with plant nutrients for your skin. Avoid exposing your skin to a ridiculous amount of chemicals and detergents.
If the dry skin results from the over-utilization of dry soaps and gels, then quit them right away. Replenish and restore your looks today with tender products.
Moisturizing body washes are costly compared to regular gels and bar soaps, but saving a little money on the expense of dehydrated skin is just not worth it.
The body washes mentioned above are tested and approved by experts and skin- specialists. I prefer something with a lot of natural oils and less to no fragrance. This gives me a broader choice of whatever aroma I might want to wear.
My favorite product amongst all of these is the Dove Body Wash. It has amazing hydrating properties and a refreshing smell, making it close to perfection.
Two other products I highly recommend are the CeraVe Body Wash and the Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash.
A small quantity of body wash and 8 to 10 minutes in a shower daily keeps the skin healthy, hydrated, and soft. Get a good body wash to moisturize and hydrate and keep the aging stress off your table!
