The 17 Best Body Washes for Men to Smell Great All Day Long
COURTESY OF RETAILER
IF YOUR body wash is doing its job you'll hardly ever notice it at all. In the same way you thrown on your favorite pair of underwear post-shower, your best body wash is one of the first products you use when you step in the shower—it just works. For those who are on the fence about their current body wash and are looking to upgrade, or if you have yet to try body wash, you should think about the type of scent you like and consider your skin's particular needs. Body washes can treat everything from dry skin to blemishes, to irritation. But one of the most common body wash issues? Over-cleansing.
BEST CHARCOAL BODY WASHActivated Charcoal Body WashART OF SPORTRead More
$17 AT AMAZON
BEST TRAVEL BODY WASHCedar + Cypress Body Wash 3.4 OuncesMETHOD MENRead More
$6 AT AMAZON
BEST FRAGRANCEBody & Hair Cleanser with Cardamom & CedarwoodJACK BLACK BLACK RESERVERead More
$52 AT AMAZON
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKINUnscented Body WashNATIVERead More
$9 AT NATIVECOS.COM
BEST ALL-NATURAL FORMULACoriander Seed Body CleanserAESOPRead More
$47 AT AESOP
LOAD MORE
Old school body washes can give you a tight, squeaky-clean feeling after you use them—which is not great. That tight feeling is one step away from dry, meaning your skin barrier has been compromised by a harsh body wash. While cleaning away dirt and grime, harsh detergents and sulfates in traditional soaps can damage your skin barrier, making skin conditions like dry skin and irritation worse. If this sounds like you, it's time to embrace hydration with a body wash that won't suck your skin of moisture.
Read more: Best Grooming Products for Men
Switching to a new body wash could keep your skin healthier in the long run and help control uncomfortable dryness and more. That's why we reached out to Joshua Zeicher, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai in New York City to help us vet the best body washes for men.
Read more: Best Colognes
BEST CHARCOAL BODY WASH
ART OF SPORTActivated Charcoal Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$17 AT AMAZON
Energizing scent
Great for sweaty or oily skin
Charcoal isn’t for everyone, but if you are especially sweaty or oily, this deep-cleaning body wash could help keep you fresh after a tough workout. The formula also contains aloe vera to keep skin from drying out post-charcoal-assisted clean. Plus, the energizing citrus scent is good for a morning jolt.
Read more: Best Bar Soaps
Key Ingredients Glycerin, charcoal powder, tea tree oil
BEST TRAVEL BODY WASH
METHOD MENCedar + Cypress Body Wash 3.4 Ounces
COURTESY OF RETAILER
NOW 25% OFF
$6 AT AMAZON
Quality ingredients for the price point
Cleans without drying skin
TSA-friendly
Fragrance can be too strong for some
For the price, it’s hard to beat this body wash. It contains naturally derived ingredients that deliver the type of clean you want from an everyday wash. Plus, the outdoorsy scent makes you feel like you just came back from a hike even if all you did was wake up and stumble to the shower.
Read more: Best Dopp Kits for Traveling
Key Ingredients Citric acid, aloe extract, coconut oils
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
BEST FRAGRANCE
JACK BLACK BLACK RESERVEBody & Hair Cleanser with Cardamom & Cedarwood
$52 AT AMAZON$52 AT WALMART$52 AT NORDSTROM
Cologne-like scent
Dispenser makes application easy
Old standby Jack Black takes the body wash game to the next level with a more elevated scent that smells more like a fancy cologne than a body wash. It leaves your skin smelling expensive, but not overpowering, all while making your skin feel clean without making it too dry, thanks to the sulfate-free formula.
Read more: Best Shampoos
Key Ingredients Jojoba protein, aloe vera, panthenol
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
NATIVEUnscented Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$9 AT NATIVECOS.COM
You can choose a variety of scents for this sulfate-free body wash, but this unscented version won’t compete with the other fragrances you throw on later (and also makes it more suitable for sensitive skin). The coconut-derived cleansers in this formula clean without stripping oils, too.
Read more: Best Face Washes
Key Ingredients Citric acid, sodium benzoate, sodium cocoyl isethionate
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
BEST ALL-NATURAL FORMULA
AESOPCoriander Seed Body Cleanser
$47 AT AESOP
Soothing feel
Ingredient list is easy to understand
Expensive
If there is such a thing as status body wash, this would be it. Keep this in your shower to impress anyone who might see it—even if it’s just you. The scent is rich and earthy and the natural ingredients can make you feel good about putting it on your body.
Read more: Best Deodorants
Key Ingredients Coriander Seed, Black Pepper, Patchouli
BEST HIGH-END BODY WASH
PATRICKSBW1 Multi-Action Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$45 AT BLOOMINGDALE'S$45 AT NORDSTROM$45 AT DERMSTORE
Sophisticated scent
Feels sooth on skin
Long lasting
Sells out fast
Patricks only continues to grow its loyal following thanks to high quality grooming products that are simple and effective. The BW1 body wash is void of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates and creates a rich foam that soothes the skin. As for the scent, we'd be hard pressed to find anything more pleasant at the moment. It's the perfect amount of sophistication (Bergamot, Cognac and Amber Cologne) without being too overbearing. which means you'll smell amazing only to those who come within close contact.
Read more: Best Face Scrubs
Key Ingredients Green Tea Extract, Coconut Oil, Salicylic Acid, Blueberry Fruit Extract
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
BEST BODY WASH PUMP
MANSCAPEDUltraPremium Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$24 AT AMAZON
Pleasant scent
Canisters last a long time
Canisters is a bit heavy, so place them in your shower appropriately
From the brand that brought manscaping into the 21st century, Manscaped's body wash is incredibly effective and easy to use. The bottle is made of metal, so it stays put in your shower instead of sliding everywhere like plastic does. The pump is well-made too, which helps deploy appropriate amounts of wash without over-cleansing (remember what we said earlier!). And as for the scent, you get a nice refined fragrance that subtly stays on the skin for multiple hours after jumping out of the shower. Yeah, this wash is deceptively good.
Read more: Best Body Groomers
Key Ingredients Aloe Vera, Sea Salt
More Body Washes We Love
HURONInvigorating Daily Body Wash
$14 AT AMAZON
If you look for a tingly, fresh feel in your body wash, this cleansing gel contains menthol and eucalyptus to deliver it. The lather is rich and conditioning, but still effective at stripping away excess oil. It’s perfect for after a long run or a day out in the sun.
Read more: Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Key Ingredients Coconut Oil, Ginseng, and Vitamin E
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
KIEHL'S"Made for All” Gentle Body Cleanser
$30 AT KIEHL'S
This gentle cleanser contains 95% natural ingredients aloe vera and other botanicals, which are included to make this body wash suitable for all skin types. You won’t get the tingle you get from some other harsher soaps, but it still delivers a standout clean. Plus, it’s biodegradable.
Read more: Best Body Wash for Acne
Key Ingredients Aloe Vera, Soap Tree Extract
HARRY'SRedwood Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$7 AT BED BATH AND BEYOND$7 AT WALMART
As if you couldn’t tell by the name, this new scent from Harry’s was inspired by coastal woodlands and comes to life through notes of cypress, sandalwood, and driftwood (with a dash of citrus). It is a fan-favorite out of all the Harry’s body wash scents.
Read more: Harry's Body Wash Review
Key Ingredients Lauric Acid, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Citric Acid
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
BEVELNatural Exfoliating Dark Cassis Body Cleanser
$10 AT TARGET
Body scrubs can be helpful for smoother skin, but too harsh for sensitive skin or daily use. This new body wash is the best of both worlds. It has silica and jojoba beads to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells, charcoal for a deep clean, and argan oil to leave your skin moisturized. And it's all in a smooth formula that won’t upset sensitive skin.
Read more: Best Electric Razors
Key Ingredients Hydrated Silica, Jojoba Esters, Charcoal, Argan Oil
OLD SPICERelax Body Wash with Lavender
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RETAILERS
$6 AT WALMART
The cleaning power of this body wash is top-notch, and the addition of lavender gives it a fresh scent. Lavender has relaxation properties to help you unwind, too. Chill out, you ball of stress you.
Key Ingredients Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citric Acid
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
DOVEDeep Moisture Body Wash
NOW 18% OFF
$10 AT AMAZON$10 AT WALMART$11 AT FARMANDFLEET.COM
“This body wash contains the same types of ingredients found in traditional moisturizers, including stearic acid,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It also has ultra gentle cleansing ingredients that won’t disrupt the outer skin layer.”
Key Ingredients Microbiome Nutrient Serum, Glycerin, Citric Acid
ODELEUltra-Sensitive Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$9 AT TARGET
Fragrance free and accepted by the National Eczema Association, this body wash from Odele will work with some of the most sensitive skin types out there. The key ingredient in its formula is oats, which help provide a soothing feel those with dry and itchy skin.
Key Ingredients Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
CERAVESoothing Body Wash
$28 AT AMAZON$34 AT WALMART
Use this body wash to soothe super dry skin—even eczema. It works because it contains a combination of the specific ceramides that are predominant in the skin and replenishes them to build up your skin barrier, according to Dr. Zeichner.
Key Ingredients ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, Omega Oils, Hydraulic Acid
IRISH SPRINGRelaxing Scent Body Wash for Men Sandalwood Scent
$5 AT WALMART
Affordable and packaged in an easy-to-use pump, Irish Spring's new line of body washes pack a ton of value. We like the Relaxing Scent, as its sandalwood fragrance is rich and calming—without being too over-the-top.
Key Ingredients Hemp Seed Oil, Citric Acid
Ingredients
Two ingredients to look for in a body wash, according to Joshua Zeicher, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City, are stearic acid and ceramides. “Stearic acid is a fatty acid found naturally in the outer skin layer,” he says. “It helps seal the skin barrier and 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. “In conditions like dry skin or eczema, where the skin barrier is not functioning properly,” adding in ceramides can help build it back up, says Dr. Zeichner.
How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top body washes for men. Experts including Dr. Zeicher, Grooming Editor Garrett Munce and Deputy Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan have tried countless body washes and evaluated their effectiveness, scent, and value. We also considered price point, as some body washes provide a better overall value than others.
COURTESY OF RETAILER
IF YOUR body wash is doing its job you'll hardly ever notice it at all. In the same way you thrown on your favorite pair of underwear post-shower, your best body wash is one of the first products you use when you step in the shower—it just works. For those who are on the fence about their current body wash and are looking to upgrade, or if you have yet to try body wash, you should think about the type of scent you like and consider your skin's particular needs. Body washes can treat everything from dry skin to blemishes, to irritation. But one of the most common body wash issues? Over-cleansing.
BEST CHARCOAL BODY WASHActivated Charcoal Body WashART OF SPORTRead More
$17 AT AMAZON
BEST TRAVEL BODY WASHCedar + Cypress Body Wash 3.4 OuncesMETHOD MENRead More
$6 AT AMAZON
BEST FRAGRANCEBody & Hair Cleanser with Cardamom & CedarwoodJACK BLACK BLACK RESERVERead More
$52 AT AMAZON
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKINUnscented Body WashNATIVERead More
$9 AT NATIVECOS.COM
BEST ALL-NATURAL FORMULACoriander Seed Body CleanserAESOPRead More
$47 AT AESOP
LOAD MORE
Old school body washes can give you a tight, squeaky-clean feeling after you use them—which is not great. That tight feeling is one step away from dry, meaning your skin barrier has been compromised by a harsh body wash. While cleaning away dirt and grime, harsh detergents and sulfates in traditional soaps can damage your skin barrier, making skin conditions like dry skin and irritation worse. If this sounds like you, it's time to embrace hydration with a body wash that won't suck your skin of moisture.
Read more: Best Grooming Products for Men
Switching to a new body wash could keep your skin healthier in the long run and help control uncomfortable dryness and more. That's why we reached out to Joshua Zeicher, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai in New York City to help us vet the best body washes for men.
Read more: Best Colognes
BEST CHARCOAL BODY WASH
ART OF SPORTActivated Charcoal Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$17 AT AMAZON
Energizing scent
Great for sweaty or oily skin
Charcoal isn’t for everyone, but if you are especially sweaty or oily, this deep-cleaning body wash could help keep you fresh after a tough workout. The formula also contains aloe vera to keep skin from drying out post-charcoal-assisted clean. Plus, the energizing citrus scent is good for a morning jolt.
Read more: Best Bar Soaps
Key Ingredients Glycerin, charcoal powder, tea tree oil
BEST TRAVEL BODY WASH
METHOD MENCedar + Cypress Body Wash 3.4 Ounces
COURTESY OF RETAILER
NOW 25% OFF
$6 AT AMAZON
Quality ingredients for the price point
Cleans without drying skin
TSA-friendly
Fragrance can be too strong for some
For the price, it’s hard to beat this body wash. It contains naturally derived ingredients that deliver the type of clean you want from an everyday wash. Plus, the outdoorsy scent makes you feel like you just came back from a hike even if all you did was wake up and stumble to the shower.
Read more: Best Dopp Kits for Traveling
Key Ingredients Citric acid, aloe extract, coconut oils
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
BEST FRAGRANCE
JACK BLACK BLACK RESERVEBody & Hair Cleanser with Cardamom & Cedarwood
$52 AT AMAZON$52 AT WALMART$52 AT NORDSTROM
Cologne-like scent
Dispenser makes application easy
Old standby Jack Black takes the body wash game to the next level with a more elevated scent that smells more like a fancy cologne than a body wash. It leaves your skin smelling expensive, but not overpowering, all while making your skin feel clean without making it too dry, thanks to the sulfate-free formula.
Read more: Best Shampoos
Key Ingredients Jojoba protein, aloe vera, panthenol
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
NATIVEUnscented Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$9 AT NATIVECOS.COM
You can choose a variety of scents for this sulfate-free body wash, but this unscented version won’t compete with the other fragrances you throw on later (and also makes it more suitable for sensitive skin). The coconut-derived cleansers in this formula clean without stripping oils, too.
Read more: Best Face Washes
Key Ingredients Citric acid, sodium benzoate, sodium cocoyl isethionate
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
BEST ALL-NATURAL FORMULA
AESOPCoriander Seed Body Cleanser
$47 AT AESOP
Soothing feel
Ingredient list is easy to understand
Expensive
If there is such a thing as status body wash, this would be it. Keep this in your shower to impress anyone who might see it—even if it’s just you. The scent is rich and earthy and the natural ingredients can make you feel good about putting it on your body.
Read more: Best Deodorants
Key Ingredients Coriander Seed, Black Pepper, Patchouli
BEST HIGH-END BODY WASH
PATRICKSBW1 Multi-Action Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$45 AT BLOOMINGDALE'S$45 AT NORDSTROM$45 AT DERMSTORE
Sophisticated scent
Feels sooth on skin
Long lasting
Sells out fast
Patricks only continues to grow its loyal following thanks to high quality grooming products that are simple and effective. The BW1 body wash is void of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates and creates a rich foam that soothes the skin. As for the scent, we'd be hard pressed to find anything more pleasant at the moment. It's the perfect amount of sophistication (Bergamot, Cognac and Amber Cologne) without being too overbearing. which means you'll smell amazing only to those who come within close contact.
Read more: Best Face Scrubs
Key Ingredients Green Tea Extract, Coconut Oil, Salicylic Acid, Blueberry Fruit Extract
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
BEST BODY WASH PUMP
MANSCAPEDUltraPremium Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$24 AT AMAZON
Pleasant scent
Canisters last a long time
Canisters is a bit heavy, so place them in your shower appropriately
From the brand that brought manscaping into the 21st century, Manscaped's body wash is incredibly effective and easy to use. The bottle is made of metal, so it stays put in your shower instead of sliding everywhere like plastic does. The pump is well-made too, which helps deploy appropriate amounts of wash without over-cleansing (remember what we said earlier!). And as for the scent, you get a nice refined fragrance that subtly stays on the skin for multiple hours after jumping out of the shower. Yeah, this wash is deceptively good.
Read more: Best Body Groomers
Key Ingredients Aloe Vera, Sea Salt
More Body Washes We Love
HURONInvigorating Daily Body Wash
$14 AT AMAZON
If you look for a tingly, fresh feel in your body wash, this cleansing gel contains menthol and eucalyptus to deliver it. The lather is rich and conditioning, but still effective at stripping away excess oil. It’s perfect for after a long run or a day out in the sun.
Read more: Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Key Ingredients Coconut Oil, Ginseng, and Vitamin E
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
KIEHL'S"Made for All” Gentle Body Cleanser
$30 AT KIEHL'S
This gentle cleanser contains 95% natural ingredients aloe vera and other botanicals, which are included to make this body wash suitable for all skin types. You won’t get the tingle you get from some other harsher soaps, but it still delivers a standout clean. Plus, it’s biodegradable.
Read more: Best Body Wash for Acne
Key Ingredients Aloe Vera, Soap Tree Extract
HARRY'SRedwood Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$7 AT BED BATH AND BEYOND$7 AT WALMART
As if you couldn’t tell by the name, this new scent from Harry’s was inspired by coastal woodlands and comes to life through notes of cypress, sandalwood, and driftwood (with a dash of citrus). It is a fan-favorite out of all the Harry’s body wash scents.
Read more: Harry's Body Wash Review
Key Ingredients Lauric Acid, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Citric Acid
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
BEVELNatural Exfoliating Dark Cassis Body Cleanser
$10 AT TARGET
Body scrubs can be helpful for smoother skin, but too harsh for sensitive skin or daily use. This new body wash is the best of both worlds. It has silica and jojoba beads to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells, charcoal for a deep clean, and argan oil to leave your skin moisturized. And it's all in a smooth formula that won’t upset sensitive skin.
Read more: Best Electric Razors
Key Ingredients Hydrated Silica, Jojoba Esters, Charcoal, Argan Oil
OLD SPICERelax Body Wash with Lavender
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RETAILERS
$6 AT WALMART
The cleaning power of this body wash is top-notch, and the addition of lavender gives it a fresh scent. Lavender has relaxation properties to help you unwind, too. Chill out, you ball of stress you.
Key Ingredients Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citric Acid
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
DOVEDeep Moisture Body Wash
NOW 18% OFF
$10 AT AMAZON$10 AT WALMART$11 AT FARMANDFLEET.COM
“This body wash contains the same types of ingredients found in traditional moisturizers, including stearic acid,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It also has ultra gentle cleansing ingredients that won’t disrupt the outer skin layer.”
Key Ingredients Microbiome Nutrient Serum, Glycerin, Citric Acid
ODELEUltra-Sensitive Body Wash
COURTESY OF RETAILER
$9 AT TARGET
Fragrance free and accepted by the National Eczema Association, this body wash from Odele will work with some of the most sensitive skin types out there. The key ingredient in its formula is oats, which help provide a soothing feel those with dry and itchy skin.
Key Ingredients Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
CERAVESoothing Body Wash
$28 AT AMAZON$34 AT WALMART
Use this body wash to soothe super dry skin—even eczema. It works because it contains a combination of the specific ceramides that are predominant in the skin and replenishes them to build up your skin barrier, according to Dr. Zeichner.
Key Ingredients ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, Omega Oils, Hydraulic Acid
IRISH SPRINGRelaxing Scent Body Wash for Men Sandalwood Scent
$5 AT WALMART
Affordable and packaged in an easy-to-use pump, Irish Spring's new line of body washes pack a ton of value. We like the Relaxing Scent, as its sandalwood fragrance is rich and calming—without being too over-the-top.
Key Ingredients Hemp Seed Oil, Citric Acid
Ingredients
Two ingredients to look for in a body wash, according to Joshua Zeicher, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City, are stearic acid and ceramides. “Stearic acid is a fatty acid found naturally in the outer skin layer,” he says. “It helps seal the skin barrier and 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. “In conditions like dry skin or eczema, where the skin barrier is not functioning properly,” adding in ceramides can help build it back up, says Dr. Zeichner.
How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top body washes for men. Experts including Dr. Zeicher, Grooming Editor Garrett Munce and Deputy Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan have tried countless body washes and evaluated their effectiveness, scent, and value. We also considered price point, as some body washes provide a better overall value than others.
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