20 Best Body Wash for Men: Moisturizing, Cleansing, and Skin-Friendly

It goes without saying just how confusing it is to buy the best body wash for men. Comparing different brands and products requires patience and time. You might have the former but not the latter, or vice versa.

The good news here is that I’ve done the shortlisting part for you. In my reviews section, you’ll find body washes packed with ingredients that are natural and high-quality. And they offer the much-needed exfoliating and moisturizing action your skin demands.

I have also selected options that work well on sensitive, itchy, and dry skin. While making sure you smell your best throughout the day. So let’s begin?

Old Spice Body Wash Dry Skin Defense

The first one on the list is actually a combination of a skin hydrator and advanced cleanser. The Old Spice Dry Skin Defense makes your skin feel and look smooth and hydrated only after 5 applications. As for the cleanser part, it eliminates tough dirt. And this is what leaves the skin smelling fresh and feeling clean.

But the popularity of this body wash by Old Spice is hands down because of its Hydrating Current. When you can see visible improvements in only 5 days, you’re bound to keep using the skincare product.

The texture is luxuriously creamy. At the same time, it washes off easily. So you can use the body wash daily without worrying about a thing. No matter the weather!

Dove Men Plus Care Deep Clean Body Wash

Nothing works better on dry skin than this Plus Care Deep Clean Body Wash by Dove. The brand has evolved into a skincare entity we can trust and rely on completely to improve the overall health of the skin.

The current product under the spotlight smells great and is easy to apply and wash off. Dove claims that the body wash fights dryness of the skin better than any regular body wash for men. This particular claim is actually true.

The texture is thick enough to moisturize your skin thoroughly. And it doesn’t even leave the skin feeling dry after use, even if your skin type is already dry. And that’s the best part.

Brickell Men’s Invigorating Mint Body Wash

The ingredients are Certified Organic by the way. These include aloe vera, jojoba oil, and glycerin. Aloe restores moisture and vitamins. Jojoba eliminates bacteria and oil while also rebuilding natural protection. And glycerin makes way for all-day softness and hydration.

Expect this mint-scented body wash by Brickell to eliminate grime, sweat, and oil from the deeper layers of your skin. All this without destroying the essential moisture present within! And you don’t even have to belong to any particular skin-type category either. Meaning the body wash suits dry skin, itchy skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, etc.

It’s got natural, organic tea tree oil and coconut as well. On top of that, no harmful components like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or silicones are used. The body wash isn’t even tested on animals. So if you’re more inclined toward the cruelty-free organic path, you’re highly likely to rank this body wash as very appealing.

Every Man Jack Body Wash

Who says high-quality and effective skincare products cannot be affordable too? This one certainly is all the three things I’ve mentioned. The deep cleansing action it sets in motion is the best when it comes to preventing skin dryness post-shower.

Only plant-based and naturally-derived ingredients are packed in here. No GMOs, no dyes, no phthalates, and no parabens. Of the many natural ingredients, it’s the coconut-extracted surfactants that do all the cleansing.

Then there’s also sage and rosemary essential oils for a refreshing feel. And what works best as hydrator/moisturizer is glycerin.

All this sounds even more welcoming when you know the bottle is made using 50 percent recycled plastic. And not just that, every product the brand manufactures is cruelty-free. Including this one, obviously!

Nivea Men Sensitive 3-in-1 Body Wash

Let me introduce you to a product that competes head-to-head with the Dove body wash I’ve reviewed earlier. The Nivea Men Sensitive 3-in-1 Body Wash is specifically created for those with sensitive skin. As for Dove, it works better on dry skin. So that’s the difference between the two competitors.

The Nivea 3-in-1, even though suitable for sensitive skin, is strong enough for cleansing and refreshing your skin. It removes sweat, dirt, and oil without making the skin feel and look dry. It even lathers very well and then washes off easily.

Deep-clean body washes like these contain only natural ingredients, no doubt about that. But what’s even better here is the Active Comfort. This system soothes irritants instantly while also improving your skin’s defense layer over time. So you might end up subscribing for the body wash + shampoo forever.

18.21 Man Made 3-in-1 Body Wash

It’s also a shampoo and conditioner by the way. 18.21 Man Made 3-in-1 Body Wash is a multipurpose skincare product. And a very effective one at that, no matter your body and hair type!

This combination of luxurious conditioner, fortified shampoo, and great scented body wash is hard to find. The skincare product deeply cleanses without giving rise to any sort of harsh side effects.

The rich, moisture-binding lather provides strength and sheen for the skin as well as hair. There’s no doubt you’ll feel refreshed, clean, and your skin soft after every shower. You can even say goodbye to any flakiness or dryness that usually gets triggered post-wash.

If you think it’s multipurpose and so effective as a body wash, shampoo, and conditioner because of the inclusion of strong chemicals, you’re wrong. And I’m certain you’re a bit relieved to be wrong here. No sulfates, parabens, or any such thing are added. Instead, there’s jojoba, quinoa, and glycerin.

The formula is also pH-balanced for protection against potential free radicals. As for the scent, it’s characterized by subtle hints of exotic woods, dark vanilla, powdery musk, honey, and saffron. Both unique and mellow! But that’s just the cherry on the cake, isn’t it?

Burt’s Bees Natural Skin Care Men Body Wash

Are you someone who doesn’t mind buying simple, boring skincare products? Now there’s nothing wrong with that as long as those body washes are performing the cleansing and moisturizing action well enough. But if you’re a man who also wants to reek of delicious odor, then the Burt’s Bees Natural Skin Care Men Body Wash is for you.

The body wash is formulated with only natural ingredients. Well, the brand claims that 99.9 percent of it is all-natural. This I believe given the wide popularity and so many positive customer reviews of the product on its Amazon page.

It cleans away bad odor and dirt. But what matters the most is the bright and woodsy scent. It reminds you of fir, cypress, and citrus. There’s also coconut oil, which not only smells great but also cleanses and energizes your skin the most naturally.

Overall, it’s a gentle yet very effective body wash you’re good-smelling, manly side is bound to fall in love with.

JACK BLACK Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser Hair and Body

If there’s one thing this Turbo Hair and Body Wash does best, it’s eliminating sweat and dirt without over-drying. Needless to say, the formula is unique in the way it functions. There are zero sulfate cleansing agents. This means your hair and skin feel both clean and hydrated.

Ingredients included are Certified Organic. The first praiseworthy one is rosemary extract. What it does is calm your skin and even fight bacteria. Then there’s eucalyptus that decongests and invigorates. Even juniper berry is added for providing anti-inflammatory action.

The list goes on. Arnica extract minimizes swelling, pain, and bruising effects. And finally, the coconut-extracted surfactant, Cocamidopropyl betaine, does all the gentle cleansing. It’s what leaves your hair and skin soft and hydrated. Extra moisture and hydration are brought into the picture by none other than shea butter as well.

Just like every skincare product manufactured by Jack Black, this one too is cruelty-free. So you can choose to cleanse your body without feeling guilty.

Oleavine TheraTree Tea Tree Oil Soap with Neem Oil

On a personal note, I love skincare products with tea tree oil because of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. So if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to take into serious consideration this Theratree Soap.

The ingredients are natural and organic, no two ways about that. Unquestionably, harmful or chemical preservatives, detergents, dyes, and fragrances are not included. The rich foaming effect of this concentrated liquid formula takes the place of everything negative.

The body wash is gentle for daily use. Allow me to be more specific about the ingredients. Nourishing botanicals like omega fatty acids along with mint essential oil, tea tree oil, and neem oil are a part of the invigorating, spa-like experience.

The use of these various types of oils helps in getting rid of problems like bad odor, poor complexion, and skin discomfort. So if you’re dealing with any such issues, you might just be able to benefit the most from this Oleavine TheraTree Tea Tree Oil Soap.

Era Organic Men’s Face & Body Wash

You don’t necessarily need to have acne to use an organic face and body wash like this. Era Organics is one of Amazon’s top choices too. It’s a USDA Organic Certified skincare product suitable for the most sensitive skin type.

It produces the best results as far as revitalizing dull skin is concerned. So your complexion starts to look healthier in no time. The formula is cleansing and hydrating with soothing ingredients. These ingredients not only fight acne but also prevent ingrown hairs and inflammation.

The face/body wash offers powerful anti-aging properties. And, needless to say, it’s good for both the male and female species. So if you’re planning to buy it, even your wife or girlfriend can use the cleanser on a daily basis.

Suave Men Refresh Body Wash

If you live an active, hectic lifestyle, your body requires something incredibly refreshing and powerful. Such as the Suave Men Refresh Body Wash. It’s infused with subtle hints of spice and cedar. So there’s no overbearing fragrance you have to make do with just because the body wash is too effective to dismiss.

The creamy, rich lather takes care of the thorough cleansing and easy rinsing aspects. After every shower, you’ll notice how smooth and soft your skin feels. The body wash doesn’t dry out the surface either.

It’s a wonderful affordable skincare product that you can use on your hair too. The most enticing part is that it feels very cool against the skin. And not at all greasy. So you might just end up buying more bottles after exhausting this one.

Irish Spring Original Body Wash for Men

Irish Spring claims that the body wash keeps your skin fresh for as long as 24 hours. Now I won’t lie to you, no body wash in the world has the ability to do that. No matter how great, effective, or expensive.

So don’t expect that kind of an unrealistic advantage from any formula. But what the Irish Spring Original Body Wash for Men does instead is keep you feeling fresh for a pretty long time. That’s for sure. Thanks to its unique technology of Odor Neutralization.

The formula also contributes to retaining the natural moisture of your skin. It has a very refreshing scent and rich lather that you’re bound to appreciate. The clean and crisp aloe freshness prepares your body for the long, hectic day that awaits.

AXE Phoenix Body Wash for Men

Coming from one of the most famous male brands in the world, the AXE Phoenix ranks among the best body wash for men. You might think it has an overpowering scent. But that is not what the real picture looks like. I’ll tell you what it is instead.

The earthy scent of the AXE Phoenix is a wonderful combination of coumarone, citrus, geranium, and lavender. The cool, refreshing rush of such a sweet and earthy natural fragrance is definitely something you might get addicted to.

The level of viscosity of this body wash is generously high. In simple words, the gel stays on your body and doesn’t quickly stream down at the time of washing. And as an effective body wash, it cleans pretty well.

It’s the typical “dark temptation” kind of a skincare product that most men actually demand.

ManCave Natural Cedarwood Shower Gel

Allow me to get straight to the point here. The ManCave Natural Cedarwood Shower Gel is formulated using tea tree oil and L-arginine. Both have a natural capacity to cleanse your skin while also keeping the natural barriers of the oil intact.

What’s also added to the mix is black pepper and cedarwood oil. These two also contribute to moisturizing and hydrating your skin. The fragrance is very deep forest-like, which is just what you might require for rejuvenating your senses.

Important factors like cruelty-free and vegan-friendly are very much a part of the deal here. So no sulfates, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes, or parabens. But it’s the natural duality of a luxurious fragrance and plant-based ingredients that leads to the popularity of the body wash.

Rugged & Dapper Dual-Purpose Body Wash

The dual-purpose here is body wash and shampoo. In just a single step, this skincare regimen eliminates oil, odor, and grime from your head all the way down to your toes. The use of natural ingredients offers balanced moisture. They even restore essential nutrients into your hair, scalp, and skin.

You’ll be glad to know that the lather is rich enough to deeply cleanse, revitalize, and deodorize. So what’s included? Tea tree oil, rosehip oil, borage oil, and orange peel tincture.

The formula is perfect for most skin types and age groups. The former includes dry and oily. As for the hair, they can be color-treated or thin; it doesn’t matter.

The most surprising part is that you don’t have to wait for 1 week or even 5 washes to see visible improvements. This Dual-Purpose Body Wash gets the job done in only a single wash. So if you wish to buy just 1 product that serves 2 purposes most naturally, you know where to go.

American Crew Men’s 24 Hour Deodorant Body Wash

It feels as if this body wash by American Crew comes from a whole new world. It’s packed with essential ingredients and a fragrance that assures the most refreshing sensations.

The formula contains silver citrate for controlling body odor caused by potential microorganisms. The body wash also refreshes and soothes the skin like no other. It even works well on sensitive skin without triggering allergies.

As a body cleanser, the texture is not at all greasy. And it soaps up pretty quickly. The scent doesn’t last for 24 hours, no body wash in the world does that, but it definitely sticks to the body for most of your day. So it’s a great skincare product that isn’t full of harmful triclosan.

Eo Products Everyone Soap for Men

It’s quite a strange product name, no doubt. But the product itself is very effective. This body wash by EO is fragrant and gentle with only pure essential oils and other ingredients. The latter are all plant-derived for nurturing and soothing the skin the most naturally.

Paraben-free and cruelty-free; the two labels that actually matter if you’re skin and environment-friendly consumer. What I also like about this body wash is the creamier and thicker suds it produces. And to be honest, you don’t really have to be a fancy soap connoisseur to care about soap like this.

What’s even more enticing is the cedar and citrus scent of the body wash. It’s got a very natural fragrance that smells wonderful on your skin and even in your bathroom after the shower. It works as a shaving cream too. So if you wish to save money and smell good while doing so, don’t hesitate to buy this one.

Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Hair + Body Wash

If I were a salesperson, I would make my pitch by first praising the key scent notes of this Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Body Wash. There’s golden amber, bourbon vanilla, and fresh mahogany. Needless to say, the smell is nice but not in an overpowering manner. So nothing in here is going to trigger any sensitivity.

As for its performance as a body plus hair wash, the product is very effective. It washes off all grime and dirt. You can even use it after your heavy workout sessions. And you know what; not much is required for a shower. Meaning the body wash is concentrated, which means a little bit goes a long way.

As for the hair, it rinses off well without causing any dryness. You’d be quite surprised at how just 1 bottle has the ability to do so much.

Method Mens Sea + Surf Body Wash

If you have any dirty sides, then this body wash by Method can handle them all. All thanks to the natural ingredients present in the formula that lathers quickly. The body wash rinses clean while leaving your skin and body smelling fresh.

No parabens added, no phthalates added either. In short, harmful chemicals are not a part of the formula. On top of that, the bottle this Sea + Surf Body Wash comes in is constructed using 65 percent recycled plastic. So you get to care for the environment also while caring for your skin.

The fragrance is reminiscent of sage and juniper, which is very welcoming. So you’re bound to like more than just the quick-lathering and clean-rinsing action of the body wash.

Grooming Lounge Best Smeller Men’s Body Wash

Even though it’s the final pick on the list, do not dismiss it as any less competitive as the best body wash for men. It’s refreshing, moisturizing, and energizing without the shadow of a doubt. It leaves your skin clean and even bathes you in fragrant black pepper.

The formula contains plenty of moisturizing agents such as seaweed, aloe vera, and acai. All three stimulate and energize hydration and circulation. So your skin doesn’t get a chance to feel dry.

You don’t need too much of it for washing your body. But, more importantly, the body wash is suitable for a skin surface that tends to get irritated and dry. You can belong to the oily skin type category as well and make the most of this sweet-smelling body wash.

Why Should You Use Body Washes Specifically Created for Men

The thing about men’s skin is that it’s more porous and even oilier. When the skin is more porous, it allows more pollutants and other harmful particles to pass through. Air, in the case of men, enters the leaves the skin more easily in comparison to women’s skin.

Now, this would not be such a big problem if the air was 100% pure. And you obviously don’t live close to a Swiss mountain stream, do you? This means dirty air, grime, and fumes penetrate even the deeper layers of your skin. And since your skin is oilier than women’s, the unfortunate result is blocked pores and acne.

You might also find your skin aging faster and maybe even becomes excessively dry. So, at such times, the best men's body wash is designed to suit your particular skin type.

Men’s Body Wash Ingredients

It’s only common to want your body cleanser to remove dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells. I mean don’t all body washes do that, no matter what gender they’re designed for? Yes, obviously, they do. But the skin type also matters.

Men’s skin is thicker than the skin of women. And I mean literally thicker, which means the collagen layer within the skin dermis is fatter. On top of that, men’s skin contains more oil as a result of their hormones. When androgen is higher, it boosts sebum i.e. oil production.

If you choose just about any cleanser, the chances are it will get the job of cleaning done. However, when you pick a men-specific body wash, you’re cleansing your thick, tough, and oily skin with stronger ingredients.

The stronger ingredients I’m talking about here are benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both help in preventing breakouts on an oily skin surface without stripping off all the natural moisture and oil that are essential parts of your skin.

Even exfoliating ingredients benefit men’s skin. So body washes that are also scrubs with exfoliating particles should be taken into consideration as well. But only if these cleansers are not harsh on the skin. The best alternative to that takes the form of hydroxy acids. These exfoliate while also bringing in anti-aging properties.

Women’s Body Wash Ingredients

Women have different concerns regarding skin. For one thing, their skin isn’t as thick. The collagen within the skin dermis is naturally thinner. Around 25% smaller in comparison to men. But, just like men, even women’s hormones play a huge part here. So it’s only natural for the skin to become even thinner and also drier, since women have less oil than men, if not cared for properly.

The ingredients present in women-specific body washes are nearly similar to those added to the male version. Hydrating substances like glycerin and petroleum-derived ingredients are also included. They perform the same function as acne-fighting agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

As for exfoliating cleansers, these contain sodium tetraborate decahydrate granules or polyethylene beads. Both are gentle and effective on women’s skin, which is marked by rough edges.

So to sum it up, if the ingredients are suitable for providing the best outcome, it surely doesn’t matter whether the body is for women or men.

Finding the Best Body Wash Based On Your Skin Type

Oily Skin

Needless to say, oily skin generates a lot of sebum oil. And this ends up making your skin look shiny. Worst of all is when excess oil leads to body acne.

So the only thing that helps at such times is salicylic acid. A small amount of salicylic acid in your body wash helps in removing oil buildup the most naturally. And that too without drying the skin.

Acne-Prone Skin

Body acne is a common condition. But that doesn’t mean you should let it be. Body washes that contain benzoyl peroxide are very effective when it comes to reducing mild acne. Many dermatologist-recommended face cleansers too contain this particular ingredient to fight stubborn acne on the face.

Dry Skin

When dealing with dry skin, your body wash should offer moisturizing agents to hydrate from deep within. Natural oils and moisturizers pair up well with sebum oil to encourage the latter to produce just enough oil and moisture.

One of the most effective moisturizing ingredients in the best body wash for men is aloe vera. Others include jojoba oil, glycerin, coconut oil, etc.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is not friends with chemicals and artificial scent. Both of which cause irritation to a great extent. So it’s best to keep away from fancy body cleansers that smell like perfume. Look for body washes with only natural or Organic Certified ingredients instead.

What is the Best Way to Use a Body Wash?

You might be thinking, what’s there to know here? I mean you’ve been washing your body all these years so you know how to use a body wash, right? Read the instructions below to find out not only how to get the job done but to also do it properly.

Be Careful of Lather When Using the Best Men's Body Wash

Did you know that lather is bad for the skin? Let me elaborate.

Body washes that produce a lot of lather are packed with more chemicals and surfactants. These attract oil and water or both. When surfactants combine with water, they bind with the oil on your body to eliminate it from your skin. And this also ends up destroying the natural oils that provide moisture and hydration to prevent damage and dryness.

So if you have dry skin, it’s highly recommended to use body washes that create minimal lather. Go for ones that are not packed with too many surfactants. They should be gentle cleansers that protect your skin and don’t minimize natural oils.

Men's Body Wash FAQ

Q: What is Better for Men; Bar Soap or Body Wash?

How is a bar soap different from a body wash? The former is a solid cleanser while the latter comes in liquid form. But these are just superficial differences, to be honest. As a matter of fact, body wash and bar soap are very much similar. It all depends on your personal preferences.

However, for the sake of comparison, here’s what the deal is. Soaps tend to dry your skin while removing debris, oil, and dirt. They also eliminate lipids that actually provide skin protection. So it’s very important to use soap made of various moisturizing agents to keep your skin feeling hydrated after wash.

As for body washes, even they can dry out your skin if they contain zero or very little moisturizing substances. So if you have dry skin, it’s more important than ever to buy an all-natural moisturizing body wash or cleanser.

Along the same lines, make sure your soap or body wash is not a heavily scented product. It tends to trigger skin sensitivities since fragrances act as allergens or irritants.

And here’s one last thing to keep in mind. Excessive or hard scrubbing doesn’t do any good. Instead, it harms the skin further.

Q: What are the Different Types of Body Washes?

The 2 most common types of body washes are shower gels and moisturizing body washes.

Shower gels are thicker in comparison to body washes. They also produce a creamier, richer lather.

Moisturizing body washes have a more soapy and milky consistency. Plus, they’re equipped with more exfoliating and moisturizing properties.

In short, body washes are more effective than shower gels and even bar soaps when it comes to cleansing your body thoroughly.

Q: Are Organic Body Washes a Better Choice?

The thing about organic body washes is that they’re made using hand-crafted and locally sourced ingredients. They contain pure essential oils and natural extracts that do all the cleansing action. Even the scent is plant-based.

Needless to say, the organic version is not packed with phthalates, parabens, and other such harmful synthetic components. The only downside to organic body washes is the hefty price tag.

As for the non-organic options, it’s not like they’re not effective when it comes to cleansing your body. In fact, these body washes clean more thoroughly because of the presence of surfactants and chemicals. They eliminate grime and dirt way better in comparison to just organic or natural ingredients.

But if you decide to go the non-organic way, you have to accept the fact that those chemicals are going to remove excess skin oil unnecessarily. While also causing too much dryness and increasing toxin absorption.

Q: Can the Best Body Washes for Men Treat Jock Itch?

The condition is a common fungal infection. Body washes only target grime, oil, and dirt. They’re not medicinal in nature. Instead, what cures jock itch is Lotrimin.

The End

No matter what you choose, it’s important to think about long-term skin health. A body wash is something you use on a daily basis. So it better contain ingredients that not only cleanse but also moisturize and nourish your skin.

Proper skin care routine is important if you want your skin to age in a healthy manner, no matter the gender. So you can start by using the best body wash.