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Treating dry skin requires more than just slathering on body lotion and barrier creams. It starts with the right body wash in the shower. Not all body washes are created equal, especially for those with dry skin. To help you find the perfect match, we spoke to board-certified dermatologists about the ingredients to look for and how seasonal changes can impact your skin’s texture and appearance.
How We Chose the Best Body Washes for Dry Skin
When selecting a body wash to soothe or prevent dry skin, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Ingredients: Look for body washes that contain hydrating ingredients like natural butters, glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Aloe and niacinamide are also soothing ingredients to watch out for.
- Consistency: Foaming body washes can exacerbate dryness, so opt for lotion cleansers instead. They are practical, non-drying, and not overly sticky like other gel and cream alternatives.
- Price: Body washes tend to be more affordable compared to other skincare products. All the options in our list are under $30.
The Best Body Washes for Dry Skin
Each of the following body washes comes highly recommended by our experts and contains hydrating ingredients to soothe and prevent dry skin. We’ve also included highly rated options based on their guidance.
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
This hydrating body wash, recommended by Dr. Ellen Marmur, helps maintain the skin barrier and brings moisture back to the skin. With hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, it keeps the skin hydrated without drying it out. The creamy wash has a nice foaming action and leaves your skin feeling refreshed.
Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
For a gentle and sulfate-free option, try Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash. It’s suitable for all skin types, including dry skin. This body wash nourishes your skin without causing irritation and contains hydrating ingredients like plant-based moisturizers and glycerin.
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash is an ultra-creamy option infused with nourishing oat ingredients. It provides lasting hydration, making it ideal for dry skin. This body wash is also free from fragrances, dyes, and soap, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Despite the recommendation to avoid foaming washes, La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash is formulated specifically for very dry and sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses while keeping the skin hydrated and soft. With shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide, this gentle body wash can also be used as a facial cleanser.
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser is free of common irritants like fragrances and soaps. This body wash effectively cleanses your skin without drying it out and helps maintain your skin’s barrier. Its noncomedogenic formula is suitable for both the face and body, making it a versatile option.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash
For a rich and creamy option, try Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash. This fragrance-free body wash is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. With hydrating ingredients like avocado oil, almond oil, and shea butter, it helps combat dryness, roughness, tightness, and irritation.
Buttah Skin Egyptian CocoShea Body Wash
Buttah Skin Egyptian CocoShea Body Wash offers a subtle fragrance option for those who prefer it. This creamy wash contains marshmallow root, cocoa butter, shea butter, and glycerin to moisturize and nourish your skin. Though experts recommend fragrance-free options, this body wash leaves a lingering scent of white lily, rose, white musk, and vanilla.
How to Shop for Body Wash if You Have Dry Skin
Not all body washes are created equal, so it’s essential to find one that cleans and hydrates your skin effectively. Here’s what our dermatologists recommend:
Ingredients
Look for body washes with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, shea butter, soybean oil, and avocado oil. These ingredients help maintain and repair your skin barrier, drawing moisture back into your skin. Choose body washes with soothing ingredients like aloe, algae extract, lipids, natural oils, and niacinamide to reduce redness, flaky skin, and irritation.
Avoid drying and irritating ingredients like fragrances, dyes, alcohol, parabens, and formaldehyde. Exfoliants, both physical and chemical, can also strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness over time.
Formulation
Liquid body washes are generally better for dry skin compared to traditional bar soaps. Some bar soaps can strip away the natural oils necessary for maintaining your skin barrier. Liquid washes, particularly thick and creamy ones, are gentler on your skin and contain a higher concentration of moisturizing ingredients.
Dry skin is a common issue that can be managed with the right body wash. By choosing a hydrating option with suitable ingredients and formulation, you can effectively soothe and prevent dryness, leaving your skin feeling clean and moisturized.
Meet Our Experts
Dr. William Huang is a board-certified dermatologist and professor specializing in complex medical dermatology. Dr. Ellen Marmur is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City and the founder of MMSkincare. Both experts provided their knowledge and recommendations for this article.
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At F5 Magazine, we prioritize expertise, credibility, and trustworthiness. Our articles are thoroughly researched and vetted by professionals. We ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are unbiased and free from undisclosed conflicts of interest.
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