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JOE LINGEMAN

The 9 Best Body Washes for Men in 2026, Tested by Grooming Editors

Ultra-moisturizing options from Nivea Men and Oribe landed atop our rankings.

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VerifiedReviewed by Style and Reviews Director

AMONG US MEN, there has long been one lingering conundrum when it comes to bathing—bar soap vs body wash. But just like shampoos, conditioners, or beard products, whatever product you ultimately choose to go with should come down to your own personal needs and preferences. If added moisturization and a great scent are what you're after, the best body washes for men have plenty to offer.

Best Body Washes for Men

    The conversation around bar soaps and body washes is a lot like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. It's a never-ending debate with no definitive answer that generally comes down to your own personal opinion—or what coast you grew up on. As an East Coast guy, I'm always going to lean Bird—just like anyone with dry or sensitive skin should lean body wash.

    Unlike your typical bar soaps, a quality body wash rinses your skin without stripping it of its natural oils, so you leave the shower squeaky clean, but not ashy. You can consider that Bird's jumpshot, but there's a bit more to keep in mind when searching for the right body wash for you.

    What to Consider

    Skin Type

    Like most grooming products, body washes are generally formulated for certain skin types. For example, if you have dry skin, a harsher wash might dry your skin out even more, leading to itchiness and irritation. In this case, look for a body wash that’s specifically formulated for dry skin. They’re often creamier and contain ingredients meant to moisturize skin and bolster the skin’s protective barrier. It may seem like marketing mumbo jumbo, but I assure you, it’s not. Choose a body wash designed for your needs, and your skin will thank you.

    Active Ingredients

    Similarly, different body washes will contain different active ingredients based on the skin type they are designed for. All body washes will contain surfactants, which are the ingredients that actually cleanse your skin, but even then, what kind of surfactants they contain depends on the skin type they are targeting (harsher surfactants can irritate dry or sensitive skin, for instance). Beyond that, most body washes will contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or plant-derived oils, which help to keep skin moisturized after it’s been cleansed.

    Dermatologist, Dr. Joshua Zeicher, MD, confirms the importance of looking for stearic acid and ceramides in a body wash. He says that stearic acid is a fatty acid found naturally in the outer skin layer, which helps seal the skin barrier. When applied topically to the skin, it also acts as an emollient to soften rough cells on the skin's surface. Similarly, ceramides are a lipid that keeps the skin barrier intact, which is especially useful for dry skin or eczema.

    Scent

    How a body wash smells obviously plays a big part in the experience of using it—and is, of course, a personal choice. But whether you like heavy fragrance or not, where the scent comes from should also play a factor in how you choose a body wash. Many will list "fragrance" on the ingredients list, which can mean that the added fragrance is chemical-based. Others may list essential oils or other ingredients that give the formula its scent. Neither of these is inherently better than the other, but if you’re sensitive to fragrance, it’s worth noting that both could possibly irritate your skin depending on how concentrated they are.

    If you're somebody who likes to be ahead of the trends, young people—especially younger men—will be pining for premium yet adventurous scents in 2026, according to Ann Gottlieb, who helped create AXE's Fine Fragrance Collection. This includes fragrances that use fruity, floral, and elegant woods, she adds.

    How We Selected

    With so many body washes available across every price range, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choices. Thankfully, here at Men’s Health, we’ve been testing body washes since 2018, so there was plenty of firsthand experience to pull from. During the past year and a half, I’ve retested old favorites from the better part of the last decade based on this intel, evaluating how well they cleansed, smelled, and felt.

    I also leaned on the counsel of board-certified dermatologists for which products they recommend, and what ingredients to look for. This was in addition to trialing the latest and greatest offerings, especially those which made their way into my bi-monthly best new releases in grooming column. After testing dozens of body washes over these past 18 months, these are the nine that performed the best.

    Sensitive 3-in-1 Body Wash (3-Pack)
    Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

    Pros

    • Deeply cleans skin without overly drying it
    • Made with 92 percent natural ingredients
    • Bottle made of 98 percent recycled materials
    • Suitable for sensitive skin without being unscented

    Cons

    • Scent might not be strong enough for some who prefer a heavy fragrance

    This creamy body wash left my skin feeling truly clean and deeply moisturized. The light fragrance never irritated my sensitive skin or clashed with cologne. Nivea was one of the only body washes I tested that didn’t cause breakouts or redness, even with regular use. That performance comes down to its star ingredients, almond oil and bamboo extract, which soothe skin while delivering extra moisture.

    And despite the gentle formula, it still cleans like a champ, easily cutting through grime and sunscreen just as well as any bar soap I’ve tried. What really makes this body wash stand out is that you don’t need sensitive skin to love it. If you have it, you’ll appreciate the creamy texture and soft, gentle lather. If you don’t, you’ll still be impressed by how thoroughly it cleans while leaving your skin soft, moisturized, and never dry or tight.

    Read More: Best Bar Soaps for Men

    Skin TypeAll, including sensitive skin
    Key IngredientsAlmond oil, bamboo extract
    ScentCitrus
    Côte d'Azur Replenishing Body Wash
    Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

    Pros

    • It smells like a five-star luxury spa
    • Incredibly strong lather
    • Long-lasting scent

    Cons

    • More expensive than other options on this list

    This paradise-in-a-bottle body wash has been a Men’s Health favorite since winning a Grooming Award all the way back in 2022. It dispenses a pearly, rich gel that instantly feels luxurious. The formula blends starflower oil, meadowfoam, and sweet almond to cleanse, hydrate, and calm my skin, all while leaving behind a tropical, fruity scent that smells straight out of a five-star resort—and lingers for hours after you step out of the shower. You could even skip cologne altogether and let Oribe’s body wash do the work, since the scent stays on my skin so long. Whenever I use it, people ask me what cologne I’m wearing.

    Read More: Best Colognes

    Skin TypeRice oil, passionflower oil
    Key IngredientsAll
    ScentSandalwood, jasmine, bergamot
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    Body and Hair Cleanser
    Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

    Pros

    • It has a cologne-like scent that smells luxurious
    • Can be used as a hair cleanser, as well
    • Long-lasting scent

    Cons

    • Formula might be too strong to on some hair, especially easily dried hair

    This two-in-one body and hair cleanser has a strong cardamom and cedarwood (read: really woodsy) scent that lasts for hours after hopping out of the shower. That's great if you want a multi-purpose body wash that also functions as your cologne. It leaves your skin smelling expensive, but not overpowering.

    At the same time, it makes your skin feel clean without making it too dry or tight. That's thanks to its sulfate-free formula. And while it can be effective as a shampoo as well, I recommend using a separate hair wash in the long-term— the formula didn't play nice with my mane on a regular basis and dried out my scalp. But for a week or so, when I was traveling, it cleaned my hair without issue or reaction.

      Skin TypeAll
      Key IngredientsJojoba protein, aloe vera, panthenol
      ScentLavender, bergamot
      Body Wash, Cedar and Cypress (3-Pack)
      Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

      Pros

      • It features quality ingredients for the price point
      • Less than $10 per bottle
      • One of the larger bottles on this list at 18 oz

      Cons

      • Fragrance can be too strong for those sensitive

      If you want a low-cost body wash that you can restock over and over again without breaking the bank, then Method's classic body wash is your guy. The Cedar and Cypress soap offers plenty of value for the price point. It contains naturally derived ingredients (sodium lauryl sulfate, citric acid, etc), which provide the thorough clean that you want from an everyday wash. The soap's outdoorsy scent will also make you feel like you just came back from a hike, even though all you did was wake up and stumble to the shower.

      Read more: Best Toiletry Bags for Men

      Skin TypeAll
      Key IngredientsCitric acid, aloe extract, coconut oils
      ScentCedar, cypress
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      Best Moisturizing Body Wash

      Bevel Moisturizing Body Wash for Men

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      Moisturizing Body Wash for Men
      Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

      Pros

      • Rich lather
      • Non-irritating to dry skin
      • Large bottle, 16 oz

      Cons

      • The bottle can be prone to leakage

      There are plenty of moisturizing body washes out there; some feature coconut oil, while others prioritize shea butter for their skin-soothing abilities. But this affordable (under $10!) option from Bevel contains both these hero moisturizing agents. Plus, it sprinkles in some vitamin B for added hydration. Not to mention, it's all wrapped in a smooth formula that won’t upset sensitive skin.

      I loved how moisturizing this wash was, and as someone with easily aggravated skin, I especially appreciated how soothing and non-irritating it felt. Then there's the scent—a rich, woodsy oak and bourbon-backed fragrance that smells about as soothing as its lather feels.

      Skin TypeSensitive to normal
      Key IngredientsCoconut oil, shea butter, vitamin B3
      ScentOak, bourbon
      Best Body Wash with the Longest Lasting Scent

      Cremo Body Wash

      Body Wash
      Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

      Pros

      • Under $9
      • Long-lasting luxurious scent, especially considering the price point
      • Strong lather

      Cons

      • Fragrance may be too strong for those sensitive

      Sure, Cremo’s body wash packs loads of moisturizing ingredients, including classics like aloe vera and glycerin, but what really stands out about this option is the cologne-like fragrance. And at under ten bucks, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better collection of luxurious body wash scents at a better price. My favorites are the Palo Alto, with hints of bright cardamom and dry papyrus, and the Italian bergamot with notes of neroli blossom and vetiver.

      I found these scents to be refreshing, masculine, and impressively long-lasting (I could still smell them on my skin hours into the day). Despite their longevity, the scents are also not overpowering enough to intrude on cologne or other fragrances. Not to mention, it’s one of the strongest lathers on this list, with an elastic and soothing soapy spread that leaves skin feeling soft and fresh.

      Skin TypeAll
      Key IngredientsAloe vera, glycerin
      ScentItalian bergamot
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      Best Post-Gym Body Wash

      Oars and Alps Body and Face Wash

      Body and Face Wash
      Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

      Pros

      • Gentle enough to be used on the face
      • Large bottle, 13.5 oz
      • Strong lather helps the bottle last
      • Alcohol-, paraben-, and sulfate-free

      Cons

      • Scent fades quicker than others on this list
      • Includes fragrance for those sensitive

      Thanks to its reliance on clean, oft-natural ingredients, Oars and Alps regularly turns out stellar products that are as refreshing and soothing as they are effective. The brand’s line of body washes is no different. Led by vitamin E, aloe vera, and a series of antioxidants, this body wash equally moisturizes and cleans, leaving skin with that ever-so-sought-after rejuvenated feeling. While I wouldn’t recommend ditching your daily cleanser for good, this Oars and Alps is also gentle enough to double as a face wash.

      This proved clutch after long sessions at the gym when I wasn’t willing to sacrifice some time in the shower for more time on the couch. Not to mention, its strong and expansive lather handled the sweatiest of sweats with ease. It’s even free of any alcohol, parabens, or sulfates, so my sensitive skin was never irritated. Plus, the bottle is one of the larger options on this list (over 13 oz) and lasts, genuinely, forever.

      Read More: Skincare Benefits of a Post-Workout Shower

      Skin TypeAll
      Key IngredientsAloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin
      ScentCedarwood, lime
      BW1 Multi-Action Body Wash
      Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

      Pros

      • Incredible cologne-like scent
      • Rich lather that feels amazing
      • Long-lasting scent

      Cons

      • Not ideal for everyday use
      • One of the more expensive options available

      The BW1 body wash is void of parabens, phthalates, or sulfates and creates a rich foam that soothes the skin. As for the scent, I’d be hard-pressed to find anything more pleasant at the moment. It's the perfect amount of sophistication without being too overbearing, which means you'll smell amazing only to those who come within close contact. Look, I understand that it can be hard to justify such a high price for a body wash, but if you’ve ever used a luxury body wash, you probably know what a difference it makes.

      With washes like this one, the lather is richer, and the formula doesn’t strip your skin and make it feel dry or tight after you use it, which is a sign that it’s stripped away all the natural oils on your body. That sort of clean takes time and care (and money) to formulate, which is why you typically get that feeling with cheaper body washes that use harsher cleansing agents. If it’s any consolation, I suggest saving this body wash for extra special occasions (the cologne-like smell is perfect for date night prep).

      Read More: Grooming Tips for a Date

      Skin TypeAll
      Key IngredientsGreen tea extract, coconut oil, salicylic acid, blueberry fruit extract
      ScentAmber, cognac, bergamot
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      Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin

      Nécessaire The Body Wash

      The Body Wash
      Credit: JOE LINGEMAN

      Pros

      • Dermatologist tested
      • Non-irritating for dry and sensitive skin types
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Fragrance free for those sensitive

      Cons

      • Not ideal if you prefer a scent

      For those who are a part of the sensitive skin tribe, Nécessaire has you covered with this perfect fragrance-free body wash. The brand's offering is designed to clean without any of the overpowering scents or irritants that can cause flare-ups or discomfort. Instead, it's formulated with gentle, soothing ingredients that clean without stripping away your skin or leaving it feeling bone-dry.

      I struggle with stronger scents and found this one to be the most straightforward, yet effective option. I didn't experience any breakouts or redness when using it. Instead, it has a luxurious lather that glides smoothly on. Plus, the nozzle that pops up lets you easily control the amount dispensed into your hand or washcloth.

      Skin TypesDry, sensitive
      Key IngredientsLipid-rich marula and cacay oils, niacinamide
      ScentFragrance free
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      Is It Ok to Use More Than One Body Wash?

      The short answer: yes! Having a few different body washes in your rotation can be beneficial based on when and why you would use them. Many washes that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, for instance, shouldn’t be used every day because they can be harsh on skin. Other reasons you might want to change up your body wash include the weather outside, how dry or sweaty your skin is, whether you just worked out, whether you’re showering in the morning or at night, or just what scent you’re in the mood for.

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      Meet the Experts

      • Ann Gottlieb, a renowned fragrance developer currently working with Unilever brands like Axe and Dove.
      • Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. He is the associate professor and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
      • Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.
      Headshot of Sean Zucker
      Sean Zucker
      Grooming and Commerce Editor

      Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck. 

      Headshot of Christian Gollayan
      Reviewed byChristian Gollayan
      Style and Reviews Director

      Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.

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