The 10 Best Men’s Body Washes of 2025, According to Experts

Posted by

August 1, 2025

On August 1, 2025

Showers—we all take them! Whether you enjoy scrubbing the day away with an everything shower or you’re under the shower head just to get clean, this bathing ritual is built into our daily routines. “We wash our bodies to remove accumulated dirt, sweat, oils, sunscreen, allergens, bacteria, fungi, and viruses that accumulate on our skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D. “In addition to getting rid of body odor, washing the skin daily reduces the risk of developing skin infections.”

We weighed many factors to determine the best men’s body wash, including value, fragrance appeal and intensity, texture, social responsibility, packaging, and even aesthetics. After chatting with Dr. Murphy-Rose and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, M.D., we uncovered 10 effective body wash options to keep your skin balanced, moisturized, and clear.

Credit: Amazon

Key Ingredients: Proteins, vitamins, amino acids | Skin Types: All | Size: 26 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If there’s one guarantee with Dove, it’s that they get body care. And with their Men+Care line, they’re always looking out for the guys. This body wash is our top pick because it is affordable and effective. Made with proteins, vitamins, and amino acids, this body wash is here to soothe and strengthen your skin as you wash. It also comes in two scents: Relax is made with eucalyptus and cedar oil, and Restore is made with sandalwood and cardamom oil. Plus, this body wash is made in 100% recycled plastic bottles to minimize waste. It’s easy to see why this one gets top marks in our book.

Method Menâs Glacier + Granite Body Wash

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

Made with long-lasting fragrance
Lathers quickly and rinses easily
Plant-based, biodegradable formula

Key Ingredients: Citric acid, water, fragrance | Skin Types: All | Size: 28 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s one thing to feel super clean when you first step out of the shower—it’s another thing to have that feeling last all day. That’s where Method’s Glacier + Granite Body Wash comes in. Not only do customers love the smell, but they say that it truly does last long after they hang up their towels. This formula is also plant-based and biodegradable and the bottle is created with 80% PCR recycled plastic. Some reviewers did mention it felt a bit drying, but if you’re after that squeaky clean and fresh feeling, a little post-shower moisturizer might just give you the best of all worlds.

Credit: Ulta

What We Like

Salicylic acid helps treat and prevent acne breakouts all over your body
Exfoliating date seed powder helps ensure pores stay clear
Works quickly to eliminate breakouts

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Skin Types: Oily | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A recent study shows that men’s skin tends to be oilier than women’s, which means you’re even more likely to need a body wash that actively combats acne. When it comes to battling body blemishes, Dr. Hartman’s favorite is Murad’s Acne Control Body Wash. The active ingredient, salicylic acid, is able to penetrate your pores for a deep clean and assists in reducing reservoirs of surface oil that can lead to breakouts leaving behind clearer, smoother skin.

Credit: OffCourt

What We Like

Comes in two sizes, including a travel size so you can take it on the road
Sulfate-free, so maintains natural oils
Includes glycolic and lactic acids for gentle exfoliation, which leaves skin smooth

Key Ingredients: Lactic and glycolic acids | Skin Types: Oily and combination | Size: 14 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Self-described as the “Swiss Army of body washes,” this product is meant to perform beyond the average soap. It’s geared toward a results-oriented customer, from its tennis ball container-inspired packaging to the sulfate-free formula, which incorporates lactic and glycolic acids to slough off dead skin. This product is designed to leave your skin feeling fresh, clean, and extra smooth, even after multiple workouts. The scent is more layered and musky, so if you prefer a lighter fragrance, we recommend the coconut water and sandalwood scent.

Credit: Walmart

What We Like

Gentle formula is hypoallergenic and safe for even the most sensitive skin
This creamy wash can be used without water to double as a moisturizer and is built for continuous hydration
As effective for the face as for the body

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamins B3 and B5 | Skin Types: Sensitive | Size: 20 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Overly stripping formulas can aggravate sensitive skin, creating discomfort and unsightly reactions. Instead, reach for this classic Cetaphil cleanser, a gentle favorite of Dr. Murphy-Rose’s. She explains that it’s designed to defend against five signs of skin sensitivity—that’s dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier. Not only does it feel creamy to the touch, but it’s formulated with Micellar Technology, which is meant to remove impurities but also reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier with vitamins plus glycerin.

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

Spicy, long-lasting scent like its own cologne
Attractive packaging looks nice in the shower
Vegan formula

Key Ingredients: Coriander seed, black pepper, patchouli | Skin Types: Normal, combination | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’ve been to any trendy restaurants or hotels recently, chances are you’ve encountered the intoxicating scent of Aesop’s varied offerings. Their products often contain layered fragrances, and the Coriander Seed Body Cleanser is no exception. Warming, peppery, and presented in a graphic, minimalist glass bottle, this body wash feels indulgent but utilitarian at the same time. Its aromatic essence makes a shower feel like an act of self-care, keeping you lingering for longer than planned.

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

Certified organic and biodegradable
Concentrated formula means less is more (up to 80 showers from 8 oz)
Aloe, shea butter, and olive oil leave your skin feeling smooth but residue-free

Key Ingredients: Aloe, shea, guar | Skin Types: Normal, combination | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

True to its name, Bathing Culture’s Body Wash is an experience for the mind and body. The combination of certified organic ingredients, including aloe, shea, and guar, creates a rich lather (sometimes lacking in other natural products) that leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated while inhaling the lovely, woodsy scent. And, if you happen to be using it outdoors, this body wash is 100% biodegradable, making it safe to use in a mountain stream or elsewhere. The formula is also seriously concentrated, which means that you can use less product, further decreasing your impact on the planet. If you’re looking for a body wash that calms your skin, relaxes your mind, and clears your conscience, this is the bottle to grab.

Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel

Credit: Soft Services

What We Like

Water-gel formula removes grime from the skin without overdrying
Fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin
Great for creating a pre-shaving glide

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, water, citric acid | Skin Types: Combination, normal, sensitive | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s all in the name of the Soft Services Ultra Soothing Shower Gel. This product will be a great relief to men who have struggled with skin irritation, reactiveness, and discomfort. It’s specifically safe for intimate areas, as well as being packed with glycerin for hydration that remains as the day goes on. If you’re a frequent shower-er and shaver, this one is a no-brainer.

Credit: Vavica

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, kelp extract | Skin Types: Normal, dry | Size: 7.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Vavica was founded by three Latina sisters, but it’s designed to be unisex. Incorporating hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and kelp extract (an antioxidant), its primary goal is to work with your body to bring vibrance back to your skin’s lipid layer. It’s super gentle and highly moisturizing.

Credit: Amazon

Key Ingredients: Menthol, zinc, caffeine | Skin Types: All | Size: 8.4, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We all know there’s nothing quite like that first sip of coffee in the morning—but if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine or need to shower the moment you wake up, you can experience that same sensation with this Kiehl’s body wash. Made with caffeine and menthol, it will awaken your senses from the moment you step under the showerhead. It’s also formulated with vitamins and zinc, known for its purifying properties. Plus, if you do prefer multiuse products, this wash also works for your face and hair.

What to Look for in a Men’s Body Wash

Hydrating Ingredients: Men’s skin tends to be thicker and oilier than women’s. As a result, explains Dr. Hartman, men should look for body washes with lots of hydrating ingredients—what dermatologists call humectants. Humectant ingredients attract water from the air and pull it deeper into the skin to provide enhanced moisture. According to Dr. Hartman, glycerin is one of the most common humectant ingredients found in many of these body washes and is also one of the best. Additionally, Dr. Murphy-Rose reminds us that to avoid the drying-out cycle, we should seek out products that are not only rich in hydration but are also pH-balanced, as they will “help repair the skin barrier rather than further stripping it.”
Oil and Acne-Fighting Ingredients: Since men have oilier skin, they’re more susceptible to developing body acne. Salicylic acid, one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids, can be a lifesaver on that front, according to both experts. “Salicylic acid can help reduce inflammation and even prevent acne by helping the skin to naturally break down dead cells and clear oil,” says Dr. Hartman. Adds Dr. Murphy-Rose: “The best OTC cleansers for oily and acne-prone skin all contain salicylic acid as it can travel down inside pores to keep them clean and reduce oil.”
Gentle Ingredients: If you have sensitive skin, the last thing you need is a harsh body wash that strips away your protective oils, leaving the texture rough, dry, and irritated. When it comes to choosing the right product for sensitive skin, Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends opting for products that are free of harsh detergents and are fragrance-free. “They are generally well-tolerated by most skin types and effectively replenish the skin barrier with a low risk of irritation.”

FAQ

Dr. Hartman prefers body washes over bar soap. “Body washes are more hygienic compared to bar soaps as they are stored in a bottle,” he says. “They won’t harbor bacteria that might be in your bathroom like a bar soap can.”

For most of us, scrubbing up daily is the best bet, but Dr. Murphy-Rose warns that those with dry skin may want to curtail their bathing habits a bit. “If you are one of many with dry skin, daily cleansing of just the areas that tend to develop more bacteria and odor (underarms, groin area, bottom, and feet) can suffice,” she says. “Rinsing the rest of your skin every day with water alone should be enough for those with dry skin.

There’s no wrong way to apply body wash. But, according to Dr. Hartman, you should integrate an accessory—like a washcloth or loofah—into your routine if you also want to exfoliate. “The trick in using something like a sponge or washcloth to apply body wash is to make sure that you are cleaning it after each use,” he says. “Otherwise, the next time you use that accessory, you’ll actually be rubbing old dirt and bacteria onto your clean skin.”

Meet Our Experts

To write this story, team Byrdie consulted the following experts for more information.

Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., is a New York City- and Hamptons-based board-certified dermatologist with Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, specializing in cosmetic, medical, and surgical leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques.
Dr. Corey L. Hartman, M.D., is the founder, medical director, and board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. He is the assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine.

Why Trust Byrdie

Peter Tittiger is a writer and content strategist. As an avid runner and swimmer, he finds himself in the shower often. From washing away sweat and odor after a long-distance run to combating the skin-drying effects of chlorine exposure in the pool, there aren’t many skin scenarios he hasn’t put to the test.

Austen Tosone is a beauty writer and content creator based in NYC who has been on a seven-year personal mission to ensure that her husband’s shower care is more than just 3-in-1 products. For this reason, she has worked to help curate this list so that men everywhere can take better showers one product at a time.