We know you enjoy your “everything shower,” but if you have dry, easily sensitive skin, there is a good and wrong method to get clean. According to Marina Peredo, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, regular bar soap, which typically contains sulfates and surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, “common foaming agents that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and irritation,” is one of the leading causes of parched, itchy skin. Our beauty experts scoured the shelves for body cleansers that won’t irritate your skin barrier and are so delicate and moisturizing that using a post-shower moisturizer or body lotion is completely unnecessary.
To assist determine the best options, we examined 29 body cleansers tailored for dry, sensitive skin. After evaluating each based on consistency, moisture level, and skin cleansing effectiveness, we felt that these body washes for dry skin deserved our recognition.
Why we love it: The ultra-creamy lotion felt delicious “start to finish” and left InStyle tester Jaclyn’s skin feeling clean, soft, and tranquil thanks to skin barrier-strengthening niacinamide and moisturizing shea butter. The thick, foaming soap left her skin feeling invigorated rather than tight, and we appreciated the delicate coconut and vanilla aroma, which reminded us of a spa. What is the best part? Her skin became noticeably smoother and less flaky over time, especially after hot showers following a workout.
Worth noting: This formula is made without phthalates and silicones and is intended for sensitive skin types, but it does contain scent, which may cause issues for some.
Jaclyn, a tester with eczema-prone skin (not shown): “It feels silky and indulgent, instantly elevating a regular shower routine to a spa-like experience.” It actually lives up to the serum moniker, leaving my skin feeling soft, invigorated, and pampered.
Why We Love It: InStyle tester Chrissy was immediately drawn to the intriguing gel-cream formula, but it was the way this body wash lathered up into a creamy foam and left her skin feeling fresh and clean that won her over. The hydrating ingredients soothed dry, itch-prone skin and maintained the texture soft and flake-free, removing Chrissy’s customary need for a moisturizer after cleansing, since her skin never felt tight after bathing and the solution left no residue.
Worth noting: Those with really dry skin may want a more nourishing lotion to prevent irritation or flakiness throughout the day.
Chrissy, a tester with dry skin (not shown): “This was a good cleanser.” It reduced the redness and irritation I was experiencing, as well as the flakiness on my skin.
Why We Love It: The smooth, gel-like texture is luxurious, but it’s the eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, and orange peel oils that can convert your entire bathroom into a stress-relieving haven—and made InStyle tester MK a lifelong devotee. After only one usage, her skin was gently cleansed, appeared smoother, and felt more hydrated and comfortable for the whole day.
Worth Noting: Although this premium body wash is not cheap, it is still a smart investment given how long one bottle lasts. It only takes one or two dime-sized pumps to clean your entire body.
MK, a tester with dry skin (not seen), said, “I adore how nice it felt when I used it. It exuded high-quality. It smells and feels like a spa lotion, and it left my skin feeling rejuvenated and smooth.
