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Best Body Wash Options for Men
In search of the best body wash for men? Trying to determine which product works best for your skincare needs? Hoping to find something that cleans and moisturizes effectively?
If the answer is yes, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s be real — a lot of the information appearing online related to men’s grooming products stinks.
What annoys me most is how so many websites make you read through a bunch of hypermasculine bravado because they operate under the assumption that guys need “manning up” before buying something (Douglas, K, McNeil, L, 2011).
What a bunch of nonsense. The hard truth is the men’s personal care market is a multibillion-dollar industry and has been for some time. Quality grooming gear is highly sought after by men because — as it turns out — we give a crap about how we look.
On this page, I’m going to give you the real deal on men’s body washes, just like I have in the past with this post on men’s face moisturizers.
Moreover, I’ll break it all down according to your skin, meaning suggestions for normal, dry, combo, oily, and sensitive types. Believe it or not, the kind of body wash you use has an enormous impact on how your skin looks and feels.
There are even anti-aging benefits to be gained, provided you use the right product.
As a matter of full disclosure, all of the suggestions offered below are linked to Amazon, an organization of which I am affiliated. But that doesn’t mean you must buy these online. Some are available at your local drugstore.
Body Moisturizer Personal Story
Several years ago, I went to the dermatologist to seek his guidance on a problem I was having. The long and short of it is I had flakey skin.
It wasn’t super obvious, but it was something I noticed. The main problem was drying around my legs and particularly my ankles. Obviously, the cold winters of the Midwest didn’t help, but this issue also popped up during summer.
At any rate, after the doctor checked me out, he asked me a question. “Do you use bar soap to wash yourself up?” he asked.
Indeed, that is exactly what I was using. As I write this out now, I don’t recall the brand, but I do know it was marketed to men.
“Yep — I do,” I replied.
His response was immediate. “You don’t want to put anything like that on your skin. It will dry you up and cause damage. Do yourself a favor and pick up a high-quality body wash,” he said.
And that’s exactly what I did. After the appointment, I headed over to the drugstore to get something. In my case, I ended up buying Cetaphil Gentle Body Wash (see Amazon).
It’s not like I just decided on this one by happenstance. Instead, I did it because my doc suggested it to me just as I was leaving his office.
And the result? Well, after using the Cetaphil for a week, plus moisturizing after each shower, the dryness went away. Gone were the scaly, unsightly patchy areas that were causing the occasional itch.
And it has mostly been this way ever since. I still get dry skin in the dead of winter. I think that’s normal. But it’s nowhere near what it was like prior to switching from a soap to a body wash.
The purpose of sharing this story is to point out the obvious: when men make changes to their skin care routine, there can be very real benefits.
That’s the inspiration for this post — to help guys identify the best body cleansers for their grooming needs.
With the help of consumer reviews and customer feedback, I examined scores of different products to identify the top picks.
The process wasn’t easy. There are more body washes on the market than you can imagine. But I was determined. After months of research, I’m ready to share my findings.
We’re going to cover a lot of ground in what follows. I highly encourage you to read this entire page so you can make the best choice for your unique situation. After all, this is your skin we’re talking about.
In this article you will learn:
- The unique features of men’s skin
- The role of collagen
- Which ingredients to look for — and which to avoid
- Five common men’s skin types
- Designer body washes vs. niche products
- Why price isn’t always an indicator of quality
- How to pick a men’s body wash based on your actual routine
I recognize there’s a lot to go over, and I’ve tried hard to stick to the essentials. Let’s start off with your skin, because that’s where everything starts.
Unique Features of Men’s Skin
Many guys think “skin is skin” and there’s not much difference between a man’s dermal layer and a woman’s. As a result, they reach for something their girlfriend uses, or copy something a buddy uses.
But here’s the thing — men have vastly different skin than their female counterparts. While we may share some attributes, men typically have thicker, oilier, and more porous skin than women.
In the end, this means guys are more prone to developing body acne. Additionally, we tend to develop more pronounced lines, also known as wrinkles.
Here’s the deal — once you move into your 30s, the physiological process of protein synthesis starts to slow down. In turn, collagen production decreases (Zivkovic, 2011).
Collagen is an important substance for skin. It’s the very thing that gives your face and body their youthful look.
You may be wondering how this relates to men’s body washes. It’s simple — the type of product you use needs to match your “type.”
If you want to learn more about this topic, I encourage you to read this comprehensive post on men’s moisturizers.
The windup is this: don’t assume all body washes are the same or hold the same benefits. The reality is some can cause skin problems, including drying, cracking, and skin damage.
Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)
Before you get to the list of 26 products below, it’s worth knowing what you’re actually reading on the bottle. A handful of ingredients make the difference between a product that helps your skin and one that quietly wrecks it.
Look For These
- Glycerin — pulls moisture into the skin and helps prevent tightness after rinsing.
- Ceramides — rebuild the skin’s natural barrier, which matters a lot if your skin runs dry or sensitive.
- Aloe vera — calms irritation and works well for guys prone to razor burn or shaving-related redness.
- Shea butter or coconut oil — heavier moisturizers that suit dry or combination skin especially well.
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) — supports the skin’s moisture retention and helps with recovery after sun or wind exposure.
- Salicylic acid — worth seeking out specifically if you deal with body acne or bacne, since it helps clear clogged pores.
Think Twice About These
- Sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate) — create that big foamy lather guys associate with “really cleaning,” but they strip natural oils and are a common cause of dryness and irritation.
- Parabens — used as preservatives in a lot of mass-market products; many guys prefer to avoid them given the ongoing debate around hormone disruption.
- Synthetic dyes — add zero cleaning benefit and are a fairly common irritant for sensitive skin.
- Heavy synthetic fragrance — smells great on the shelf, but can be one of the biggest triggers for guys with reactive or sensitive skin.
If you can’t pronounce most of what’s on the ingredient list, that’s usually a decent signal to keep looking.
Designer vs. Niche Body Washes
You may be wondering if price is indicative of quality. The simple answer is no. Designer body washes are usually made by a company as part of co-branding another product.
An example of this can be found in Eternity for Men Body Wash (see Amazon).
While there’s nothing wrong with a designer product, they tend to be more expensive than niche products. Designer products are trying to sell you an image — a lifestyle.
The main point is to stress that price has absolutely zero to do with quality. Many niche washes fall on the lower end of the money spectrum and do a phenomenal job.
An example of a niche pick can be found in Huron’s hydrating product (visit Amazon for price).
Body Wash vs. Bar Soap: What’s Actually Different
My own story above is a pretty good case study for this, but it’s worth spelling out directly: bar soap and body wash aren’t interchangeable, even though they look similar sitting on a shower shelf.
Traditional bar soap tends to run more alkaline, throwing off your skin’s natural pH balance, and often relies on harsher surfactants to get that “squeaky clean” feeling — which is usually a sign your skin’s oil barrier just got stripped away, not a sign of a great clean.
Body wash, by comparison, is formulated to clean while also depositing moisturizing ingredients back onto the skin. That’s why a decent body wash can leave you feeling clean and comfortable, while a bar of soap can leave you feeling tight and dry twenty minutes later.
This doesn’t mean every bar soap is bad. But if you’re dealing with ongoing dryness or irritation and haven’t made the switch yet, it’s one of the simplest changes you can make.
Men’s Skin Types Explained
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to know your skin type. I’ve kept things simple by using bullet points below for each typology.
Which of these most closely matches you?
1) Normal skin
Men in the normal skin type category typically have the following characteristics:
- Some imperfections
- Skin that’s not super sensitive
- Pores not visible to the naked eye
- Even tone with radiant features
2) Combo skin
Guys who have a combo skin type will usually:
- Have some blackheads/whiteheads
- Have dry and oily areas
- Some shine on cheeks, nose, and/or forehead
- Dry, “patchy” skin areas
- Somewhat uneven skin tone
3) Oily skin
A lot of guys have this skin type. Genetics, environmental issues, and daily stress can all influence oily skin problems. Some men experience acne as a result (see this post on stress and acne to learn more). Signs of oily skin include:
- History of whiteheads
- History of blackheads
- Sebaceous hyperplasia (oily glands causing bumps)
- Visible shine on cheeks, forehead, and nose
- History of acne
A Word on Body Acne
If you deal with breakouts on your chest, back, or shoulders — commonly called “bacne” — look specifically for a body wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients help clear clogged pores and reduce bacteria without over-drying the skin the way a generic scented wash will. Give a new product a few weeks before judging it; skin needs time to adjust, and switching products too fast can actually make breakouts worse.
4) Dry skin
Men who have dry skin can easily identify this as a problem because it’s so noticeable:
- Areas that are reddish and patchy
- Rough skin, sometimes cracked
- Visible lines
- A dull complexion
- Pores that are nearly invisible
5) Sensitive skin
Males who have sensitive skin will often notice:
- Areas of redness
- Blotches on face, back, or chest
- Very sensitive to touch
- Areas of dryness
- Some itchiness
- Bumps due to irritation
Before moving on, I want to say that if you don’t know your skin type or are concerned about the cause of your skin problems, see a dermatologist.
If that’s not something you want to do right now, you can always opt for a natural product that’s good for all skin types. More on that in a bit.
Let’s move on to the different body washes for men. I’ve broken it all down according to skin type.
26 Body Wash Options for Men
Here are the 26 best body washes for men based on skin typology. Because grooming products for guys are always changing, the suggestions below are updated from time to time.
Check it out.
NORMAL SKIN
1. Olivina Men All in One
If you’re looking for a product that does a great job cleaning while offering a manly scent, Olivina’s product is a good one. This guy gives off a cedar and smoky vanilla vibe, which is awesome.
2. Every Man Jack Body Wash
Great product that does an amazing job cleaning your skin, leaving it fresh and supple. Comes in a variety of scents, but cedarwood is probably the most popular.
3. No. 63 Shower Gel
Want something that cleans, moisturizes, and vibes out masculine? Then you’ll love No. 63. Think warm and woody when you apply this product. I’ve personally used it and think it’s awesome.
4. Cremo Body Wash
If you like the old-school smell of bourbon and oak, Cremo body wash is a terrific choice. Many guys going for a rugged vibe opt for this one. Great cleanser, and it’s got the kind of scent that gets noticed.
5. Rugged and Dapper Body Wash + Shampoo
Made from natural ingredients, this product is great for men who want to hit their skin and hair in one fell swoop. Has a fresh, masculine scent. Some guys use it as a facial cleanser as well.
COMBO SKIN
6. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
If you have combo skin with dry areas, CeraVe makes a lot of good products. Their body wash is terrific for men who aren’t sure what to buy. Also approved by the National Eczema Foundation.
See Amazon for price
7. Jack Black Turbo Wash
Made from natural ingredients, this one can be used on your body and hair. I like that it has a vegan vibe and uses eucalyptus to help relax tired, cramped muscles. Doesn’t strip your skin of moisture.
8. Dr. Wood’s Raw Black Liquid
Terrific product if you’re looking for a cleanser for your entire body. Can even be used on your face and for your hair. Helps exfoliate and remove dead skin, leaving your dermal layer feeling soft. Uses skin-nourishing nutrients A, E, and iron. Organic.
9. Avalon Organics All Natural Body Wash
Using all-natural ingredients, this is an excellent choice for combination skin types. Lather up with an amazing trio of cedarwood, pine, and lavender. Contains antioxidants, which help your skin fight off free radicals that can contribute to premature aging.
10. Brickell Men’s Rapid Wash
Need something that cleans, hydrates, and invigorates? Would you like an all-in-one product for body, face, and hair? Then you might want to try this product. Uses natural and certified organic ingredients, plus nutrients that keep your skin looking its best.
OILY SKIN
11. Bath and Body Works Signature Collection
I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from guys who say this is a very good product for oily skin types. Contains an exotic blend of black cardamom, smoky vanilla, and a hint of musk.
12. FLOWHYET Body Wash
Elevate your daily shower routine with this Men’s Natural Tobacco Vanilla Castile Soap, a plant-based liquid body wash crafted to deeply hydrate and refresh. Formulated with a nourishing blend of organic olive, coconut, and jojoba oils, it thoroughly cleanses without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture. Complete with a subtle peppermint cooling sensation and a rich, masculine tobacco vanilla scent, it’s the perfect addition to any modern grooming routine.
13. Huron
Cleanse and revitalize your skin with Huron’s Daily Body Wash, a hydrating cleanser perfect for both men and women. This non-toxic, moisturizing shower gel creates a rich lather that washes away the day while locking in vital moisture. Infused with a crisp, invigorating blend of citrus and eucalyptus, it leaves you feeling deeply refreshed and energized from head to toe.
14. Rocky Mountain Barber Company
If you’re hoping to get a manly-smelling body wash that does an amazing job on your hair, face, and beard, you’ll want to check this product out. Light citrus scent with cedarwood. Good for men on the move.
15. Manscaped All in One Body Wash
Upgrade your shower routine with the MANSCAPED® UltraPremium Body Wash, a luxurious daily cleanser designed to keep your skin deeply hydrated and nourished. Formulated with soothing aloe vera and exfoliating sea salt, this refreshing gel effortlessly washes away sweat and dirt while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance. Featuring their signature Persevere scent, it leaves you smelling clean, crisp, and confident all day long.
16. Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh
Experience a deep, refreshing clean with Dove Men + Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Wash, specifically engineered to kickstart your morning. Powered by 24-hour nourishing Micromoisture technology, this dual-action formula actively rebuilds and strengthens your skin while washing away bacteria and dirt. It delivers a crisp, cooling sensation that leaves your face and body feeling completely revitalized, smooth, and protected against dryness all day.
DRY SKIN
17. Dove Men+Care
Indulge in a premium, ultra-moisturizing shower experience with the Dove Men + Care Blackcurrant and Cedarwood Body Wash. As the number one dermatologist-recommended body wash for men, this sulfate-, paraben-, and dye-free formula provides a deep, healthy clean without harsh additives. The unique blend combines the rich, grounding aroma of cedarwood with a vibrant splash of blackcurrant, leaving your skin intensely hydrated, smooth, and smelling sophisticated.
18. ArtNaturals Natural Body Wash
Infused with aloe vera and cocoa butter, this one is great for men who want to smell good and have smooth, clean-feeling skin. No greasy residue. Great if you have itchy skin.
19. Cetaphil Ultra Gentle
Want something fragrance-free that’s designed for dry skin? Hoping for a product recommended by dermatologists? Want something hypoallergenic? Then you’ll want to consider this one. I’ve used it for years and have been very happy with the results.
20. Old Spice Velvet Sage
Step into a premium grooming experience with the Old Spice “The Spice Alchemist Collection” Body Wash, designed to deliver 24/7 cologne-infused hydration. Featuring a sophisticated Velvet Sage and Driftwood scent, this “No Trade Off” formula ensures you get a powerful, long-lasting aroma without sacrificing deep skin moisture. Free of phthalates, silicones, and dyes, it offers a clean, elevated shower experience that leaves you smelling like a high-end cologne all day long.
21. Irish Spring Moisture Blast
I’ve used this product in the past and really liked it. Great choice for guys who want a fresh, clean smell and need a little extra moisture. The liquid in the bottle is a cool-looking blue.
SENSITIVE SKIN
22. Aveno Body Wash
Nourish and soothe your skin with the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, a gentle, dermatologist-tested formula designed for normal to dry, sensitive skin. Enriched with prebiotic oat, this lightly scented shower gel actively locks in moisture while it cleanses, helping to replenish the skin’s natural barrier. Perfect for both men and women, it leaves your skin feeling noticeably softer, smoother, and healthier long after you step out of the shower.
23. Ivory Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Keep it simple and pure with Ivory Sensitive Body Wash, a gentle, fragrance-free formula specifically designed to care for the whole family’s skin. Tailored to match your skin’s natural pH, this dermatologist-tested cleanser washes away impurities without causing irritation. Free of dyes, heavy perfumes, parabens, phthalates, and silicones, it delivers a clean, honest wash that leaves even the most sensitive skin feeling soft and protected.
24. The Seaweed Bath Co. Body Wash
A calming body wash that cleanses and moisturizes. Uses organic harvested seaweed and contains over 65 vitamins. Repairs the dermal layer. Many guys with sensitive skin say this product works well. Hard to find in stores.
25. Ivory Mild
Strip away the complexity and get back to basics with the classic, reliable clean of Ivory Mild Body Wash. Designed for men who value simplicity, this gentle formula effectively washes away dirt without any harsh additives or overpowering scents. It’s the quintessential no-nonsense shower essential that leaves your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and ready for whatever the day holds.
26. Puracy Body Wash
Refresh and replenish your skin with Puracy Natural Body Wash, a pure, plant-powered formula designed for the entire family. Perfect for dry, sensitive skin, this moisturizing shower gel leverages high-quality, plant-based ingredients to gently cleanse without causing irritation or dryness. Infused with a crisp, uplifting Citrus and Sea Salt scent, it delivers a deeply hydrating, salon-quality clean that leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft and balanced.
How To Apply Men’s Body Wash
All body washes come with a set of instructions, usually printed on the back of the bottle. You may be thinking to yourself, “What is there to know? You just start using it.”
Well, on some level, sure — there’s an intuitive aspect to application. But if you want to get the most out of your product and let it do its job, here are some tips.
- Consider using a loofah sponge. Not only does this help with even distribution, it also helps with exfoliation. You can get these online at Amazon or at many pharmacies.
- Use warm water, but not hot. If you’re using a product to lock in moisture, warmish water will help open your pores. Hot water will too, but it can also cause drying and scaling.
- Remember to use your body wash on all of your man areas — this means your genitals and butt too.
- If you’re manscaping, opt for a product that has some kind of antibacterial ingredient.
Choosing a Body Wash for Your Actual Routine
Ingredients matter, but so does matching a product to how you actually live. Here’s a quick way to think about it beyond just skin type.
- Gym or heavy sweat most days? Look for something with a genuine antibacterial or deodorizing ingredient rather than just a strong scent covering up the problem.
- Traveling a lot? An all-in-one hair-and-body formula saves space in a carry-on and cuts your shower routine down to one bottle.
- Shaving regularly? Pair your body wash with an antibacterial ingredient if you’re also manscaping, since freshly shaved skin is more vulnerable to irritation.
- Trying to simplify your routine? A fragrance-light, all-skin-type formula lets you use one product instead of juggling several.
- Wearing cologne daily? Go fragrance-free or very light in the shower so your body wash doesn’t compete with — or clash against — your cologne.
How Often Should I Use?
A lot of guys ask: “How often should I use a body wash?” You’ll read lots of different opinions on this topic, so for what it’s worth, here are my two cents.
Most men shower at least once a day. Ideally, this is when you’ll use your product. That said, during warm-weather months when temps are high, you may want to shower more frequently.
So, what’s the answer?
Here’s the deal — I’m not a fan of applying lots of chemicals to skin. Once a day should be sufficient unless there’s a reason you need to do it more.
I guess what you’re hearing me say is that if you’re simply rinsing off to cool down, why apply a product at all?
Can I Put It on My Face?
You may be tempted to use a body wash on your face. I don’t blame you — why not knock everything out at once? But I encourage you to carefully read the directions before making this choice.
Here’s why: not all body washes are designed for the face. If you have sensitive skin, for example, your product may cause irritation.
Depending on the ingredients, some can even contribute to lines and wrinkles. Be sure to read this facial care guide for men to learn more.
Should I Use a Fragrance?
Many body washes have a manly fragrance. The question becomes: should you use it? Well, all I can tell you is that it’s a personal choice.
One thing to consider: if you’re going to apply cologne, it may be best to use a body wash without a scent. See my men’s cologne post to learn more.
Should I Moisturize After?
The quick answer is yes. Even if your product of choice says it “moisturizes skin,” the reality is that once you rinse off and dry yourself with a towel, many of the benefits evaporate.
That’s why you’ll want to follow up with a moisturizer that hydrates. The goal is to lock in water and seal the dermal layer.
The best way to do this is to apply a body lotion right after showering, while your skin is still slightly damp.
Body Wash for Men by Season
If you live somewhere that experiences all four seasons, it makes sense to use different products throughout the year. For example, you may not want to apply a heavy, hydrating body wash during summer.
On the flip side, wintertime may mean picking something that hydrates more aggressively.
If you aren’t sure what to buy or don’t want to purchase multiple products, consider something that’s good for all skin types and designed for year-round use.
Men’s Body Wash Myths
There are more myths about men’s body washes than I can shake a stick at. Many are the direct result of clever marketing campaigns designed to get you to buy something super expensive.
Below, I’ve tried to cover the “biggies.”
- All body washes are the same
- Soaps and body washes are identical
- A woman’s body wash is the same as a man’s
- Scented body washes for men don’t clean well
- The more expensive a wash, the better the product
- Inexpensive body washes are low in quality
- Celebrity endorsements mean high quality
- Body washes dry your skin out
[poll id=”26″]
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best body wash for men with dry skin?
Look for a fragrance-free or lightly scented formula built around ceramides, glycerin, or shea butter, like Dove Men+Care or Cetaphil Ultra Gentle. Avoid anything with sulfates, which will make dryness worse.
Is body wash better than bar soap for men?
For most guys, yes. Body wash is formulated to clean while depositing moisturizing ingredients back onto the skin, while traditional bar soap tends to strip natural oils and disrupt your skin’s pH balance.
Can men use the same body wash on their face?
Only if the product specifically says it’s safe for facial use. Facial skin is thinner and more reactive than body skin, and some body washes can cause irritation or contribute to lines if used on the face regularly.
What ingredients should men avoid in body wash?
Sulfates, parabens, synthetic dyes, and heavy synthetic fragrance are the main offenders. They’re common causes of dryness and irritation, especially for guys with sensitive or already-dry skin.
How often should men use body wash?
Once a day is plenty for most guys, ideally during your regular shower. Showering more often in hot weather or after heavy sweating is fine, but there’s no need to over-apply product every time you rinse off.
What’s the best body wash for body acne or bacne?
Look for a formula with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, like Murad Acne Body Wash. Give it a few weeks of consistent use before judging results, and avoid switching products too frequently.
Should men moisturize after using body wash?
Yes. Applying a body lotion right after showering, while skin is still slightly damp, helps lock in moisture that would otherwise evaporate once you towel off.
Wrap Up
As a guy, you should take pride in your self-care routine. This means focusing on grooming and wanting to look as attractive as possible.
If you have time, check out this post on how to look more handsome for men.
Thanks for stopping by Guy Counseling!
References:
Douglas, K. McNeil, L. (2011). Retailing masculinity: Gender expectations and social image of male grooming products in New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969698911000634
Zivkovic, B. (2011, August 20). BIO101 – Protein Synthesis: Transcription and Translation. Retrieved from Scientific American: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/a-blog-around-the-clock/bio101-protein-synthesis-transcription-and-translation/
