Ever since I wrote an article on cleansers that don’t dry out my face last fall, I’ve been on the hunt for moisturizing body washes that similarly deliver. My skin often feels itchy and tight shortly after I get out of the shower—especially during the winter—and while I’ve discovered a couple of formulas that helped with this issue over the years, I knew there had to be othersmore out there. Also, I wanted more information about what to look for when reading labels. Why not use the same products on the rest of my skin?
Syril Que, MD assistant professor of dermatology at Indiana University told SELF that in my quest to quench the thirst I had for knowledge, and to hydrate my dry skin, cream-based cleansers are the best option. Dr. Que also said that oil-based cleansers are unlikely to give you a feeling of being stripped.
You also want to look for humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), which attract water to your skin, as well as words like “gentle,” “creamy,” and “moisturizing” on the label—all dermatologist-recommended qualities if you’re dealing with dryness. On the flip side, gel-based or “foaming” washes can have the opposite effect because they often contain sulfates, cleansing agents known to cause dehydration or irritation, per Dr. Que, especially in people who are already on the dry or sensitive side.
With these tips in mind, I set out to find a reliable group of body washes that leave my skin feeling comfortable and hydrated, and even allow me to occasionally skip post-shower moisturizer without issue—a skin care step that I really, truly loathe. These are my current top picks.
Cerave
It’s extremely creamy and my go-to in the winter when my skin is extra parched. It doesn’t dry me out All the best (I probably have ceramides and hyaluronic acid to thank for that) and I reach for it when I don’t have time for moisturizer after my shower.
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This oil-based cleanser contains glycerin and hydrating vitamin E, and while it doesn’t have any added fragrance, the mild, herbal scent is delightful. It has a luxurious texture, and a silky feel.
Necessaire
Another oil-based option with glycerin (as well as soothing niacinamide), this formula is so gentle—and while I usually go for fragrance-free products, I’ve also tried the eucalyptus-scented version and it doesn’t seem to bother my skin (or my nose).
La Roche-Posay
Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Body & Face Wash
As a fangirl of the brand’s TOLERIANE HYDRATING GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER, I wasn’t surprised that this body wash delivered. It, too, contains glycerin and niacinamide, you can find it at most drugstores, and it’s just an all-around reliable choice. Five stars.
Aveeno
This one calmed down my skin when I felt particularly itchy. Along with glycerin, it’s also formulated with colloidal oatmeal, a known itch reliever.
Iota
Supervitamin body wash + Soothing
This brand is new to me but I’m so glad I discovered this hydrating, fragrance-free body wash. It also has glycerin—and calming aloe—and strikes a nice balance of deeply cleansing my skin without stripping it. It’s not the most moisturizing of the bunch, but I love it for spring through fall.
Seen
Similar to the Iota wash, this one does a thorough cleansing job but doesn’t totally dry me out in the process. The fragranced version is lovely (it has a subtle, fresh scent). But it also comes in an unscented formula.
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