The 9 Best Moisturizing Body Washes, Tested & Reviewed

Whether you like to take an “everything shower” or, like me, are out in eight minutes flat, we all need one thing: soap. And there are plenty to choose from. However, if you’re like me, your post-shower routine also involves slathering yourself with lotion. As someone who is admittedly quite lazy when it comes to personal care, I am on a perpetual quest for products that make my life easier and more efficient. (So, in this case, eliminating the lotion altogether.) Enter the best moisturizing body washes. From CeraVe to Naturium to Olay, Dove and Kosas, these are nine that I, along with PureWow editors and testers, have vetted and confirmed leave your skin soft, smooth and hydrated.

Want more beauty tips sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here.

Dr. Purvisha Patel is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in Memphis, Tennessee. She is the founder and owner of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates. Additionally, Dr. Patel is the founder of Visha Skincare, a brand that provides simple, effective solutions for various skin concerns. Her patented US-made products address issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, cellulite, stretch marks and more.

To compile this list of the best moisturizing body washes, I consulted Dr. Patel on her preferred brands. I also combed through data and reviews on platforms like Google Trends and Reddit to ascertain the most popular and best-performing products. Ultimately, I considered nearly 20 brands and, along with a testing team, tried about 15 formulas before narrowing it down to the nine below. When evaluating the body washes, we considered how well they hydrated our skin, scent and ease of use.

Want more beauty tips sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here.

When shopping for a moisturizing body wash, Dr. Patel advises prioritizing ingredients that will trap moisture, therefore hydrating and nourishing your skin. “Hydrating ingredients include shea butter, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and natural oils like coconut oil or argan oil,” she tells me, adding that fragrance-free is preferred. Additionally, look for mild surfactants (surface-active agents that are the key cleansers) that won’t strip away as much oil from your skin. According to Dr. Patel, “Mildness is determined by the chemical structure and interaction with the skin.” She cites cocamidopropyl betaine as a mild surfactant, which derives from coconut oil.

Another thing to keep in mind is packaging. While pumps are one of the least-recyclable aspects of beauty packaging, they can be crucial to accessibility. As I was researching products, I noticed that some buyers mentioned that because they have arthritis, the condition makes it incredibly difficult to hold and squeeze a bottle. If you or the person you’re shopping for experience mobility issues, a pump will make the process more convenient. (But if you can squeeze, avoiding pumps is more eco-friendly!)