Top 16 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin in 2025 – Prices from $5 to $25

Experiencing dry, itchy skin is common, especially in harsh weather or due to sensitive skin conditions. Fortunately, using the right body wash daily can significantly reduce dryness, itchiness, and flakiness.

With countless options available, selecting the ideal body wash for your dry skin can be daunting. That’s why we’ve done the research for you.

We analyzed expert recommendations, user feedback, and ingredient lists to compile a list of the 16 best body washes designed specifically for dry skin.

Selection Criteria

Our picks are based on multiple factors to ensure quality and effectiveness:

• Ingredient Quality: Focus on moisturizing agents like natural oils and hyaluronic acid, avoiding harsh chemicals and fragrances.
• Expert Endorsements: Products with National Eczema Association (NEA) seals and dermatologist recommendations were prioritized.
• User Reviews: Real customer experiences helped gauge product performance and satisfaction.

Choosing the Right Body Wash for Dry Skin

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Suzanne Friedler advises seeking formulas enriched with natural oils and hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture effectively. She also recommends showering with lukewarm water for under 10 minutes and applying rich moisturizers immediately after bathing.

For sensitive or eczema-prone skin, Dr. Charlotte Birnbaum emphasizes using fragrance-free, gentle cleansers to prevent irritation or allergic reactions.

How to Use Body Wash for Dry Skin

Dr. Birnbaum suggests limiting soap use to areas prone to sweat and dirt, such as underarms and groin, to protect your skin’s natural barrier. Using fingertips instead of abrasive washcloths or loofahs helps maintain skin softness. After washing, gently pat dry and apply moisturizer while skin is still damp to lock in hydration.

Price Guide

We selected products mostly in the mid-price range for accessibility:

• $ = Under $10
• $$ = $10–$15
• $$$ = Over $15

Best Moisturizing Body Wash – CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash ($12, 2024)

Recommended by dermatologists, this body wash features ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore the skin’s barrier and retain moisture. It’s fragrance-free, soap-free, paraben-free, and carries the NEA seal, making it ideal for eczema-prone dry skin. Some users note the thick consistency can be challenging to dispense.

Best for Dry, Eczema-Prone Skin – CeraVe Soothing Body Wash ($18, 2024)

Certified by NEA and packed with ceramides and omega oils, this gentle formula calms and cleanses eczema-prone skin daily. It’s free from parabens, soaps, fragrances, and sulfates. The thin texture and limited foaming may not appeal to everyone, and it’s priced higher than many alternatives.

Best Foaming Body Wash for Dry Skin – Dove Deep Moisture Instant Foaming Body Wash ($7, 2024)

Featuring NutriumMoisture technology, this self-foaming wash deeply cleanses without greasiness. It’s affordable, with an easy-to-use pump, but contains fragrance and requires multiple pumps for lather.

Best Fragrance-Free Body Wash – Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash ($8, 2024)

Ideal for sensitive skin, this hypoallergenic, fragrance-free wash includes aloe vera and vitamin B5 for softness. It cleans thoroughly without drying but contains sulfates that may irritate sensitive users.

Best for Dry Winter Skin – Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash ($13, 2024)

Formulated with colloidal oatmeal and emollients, this fragrance-free, soap-free wash soothes and replenishes moisture during harsh winters. Contains sulfates and may have scented variants—check packaging carefully.

Best Exfoliating Body Wash – Aveeno Positively Radiant Exfoliating Body Wash ($7, 2024)

This soap-free wash combines moisturizing soy complex with natural exfoliants like crushed walnut shells to remove dead skin gently. Sulfates are present, so sensitive skin users should exfoliate less frequently.

Best for Dry, Sensitive Skin – Vanicream Gentle Body Wash ($14, 2024)

Free from dyes, preservatives, lanolin, parabens, fragrances, soaps, and sulfates, this NEA-approved wash lathers well and is safe for eczema-prone skin and children. It’s pricier but highly effective for sensitive skin.

Best Natural Body Wash – Shea Moisture Olive and Green Tea Bubble Bath & Body Wash ($14, 2024)

Made with organic ingredients like green tea, olive, coconut, and avocado oils, this non-drying wash nourishes skin without parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances. Slightly scented and more costly than synthetic options.

Best for Dry, Flaky Skin – Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash ($7, 2024)

With omega oils and natural lipids, this fragrance-free, mild lather wash soothes flaky skin while cleansing gently. Contains sulfates and may require adjustment time for extra moisturizing effects.

Best Body Wash for Men – Nivea Men Maximum Hydration 3-in-1 Body Wash ($6, 2024)

Designed to remove sweat and dirt while hydrating with aloe vera, this rich lather wash avoids greasy residue. Contains sulfates and fragrance, so fragrance-sensitive users should exercise caution.

Best for Dry, Itchy Skin – Curél Skincare Itch Defense Body Wash ($9, 2024)

Fragrance and soap-free, this NEA-approved wash includes jojoba and olive oils to soothe and hydrate sensitive, itchy skin. Suitable for babies 6 months and older. Slight scent and higher price point may deter some.

Best Body Wash for Women – Puracy Natural Body Wash with Citrus and Sea Salt ($13, 2024)

Plant-based and hypoallergenic, this wash uses fruit-derived moisturizers and Himalayan sea salt to balance skin pH. Free from harsh chemicals and cruelty-free, it leaves a fresh citrus scent. Some users report pump issues.

Best Smelling Body Wash – Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Body Wash ($7, 2024)

Infused with aloe vera, essential oils, and flaxseed, this wash moisturizes dry skin while offering pleasant scents like lavender, basil, honeysuckle, and lemon verbena. Not fragrance-free.

Best Budget-Friendly Body Wash – Alba Botanica Very Emollient Bath and Shower Gel in French Lavender ($6, 2024)

Vegetarian and free of phthalates, parabens, and sulfates, this gentle wash hydrates with aloe, lavender, and chamomile. Available in multiple scents, it lathers less than some competitors.

Best All-Day Moisturizing Body Wash – Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter ($7, 2024)

Rich in shea butter and vitamin B3, this thicker wash locks in moisture for all-day hydration, especially on elbows and knees. Strong fragrance may not suit sensitive noses, and it’s not primarily natural-based.

Best Soothing Body Wash – Cetaphil Pro Soothing Wash ($12, 2024)

Paraben and fragrance-free, this NEA-approved wash calms dry, sensitive skin while providing lasting moisture. Higher cost compared to similar products but effective for eczema-prone skin.

Summary

Maintaining healthy skin requires a balance of cleansing and moisturizing. Choosing the right body wash tailored to your dry skin type can prevent worsening symptoms and improve comfort. Experiment with these top-rated options and consult a dermatologist if dryness persists despite proper care.

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