12 Best Body Washes for Men [2023]

Men’s body wash is a phrase that might have confused your dad’s generation. Long ago, there was a time when body wash was a verb and soap was soap. But it’s 2023, and if you’re still using that weird green bar that promises to kill 99.9% of bacteria, we urge you to stop reading, head to the bathroom, and toss that weird-smelling soap bar in the trash.

Look, your skin doesn’t need to be sterile upon exiting the shower. It needs to be clean, of course. But your skin should feel nourished. Moisturized. Blemish-free. And, of course, your bathroom should be filled with the pleasant aroma that only a high-quality, well-formulated men’s body wash can provide.

But if you’re unsure how to transition from cheap soap bars and drugstore body washes to quality men’s body washes, we’ve got you. Derm for Dudes has done the research and put together this handy guide to help you make an informed purchase. We’ll cover everything you need to know when it comes to full-body skincare—which ingredients to look for, which to avoid, and how to choose the right body wash for your skin type. Then, you can look over our curated list of the top men’s body washes on the market.

Below, you’ll find the Derm for Dudes shortlist of the best Men’s Body Washes on the market in 2023. We’ve curated, researched, and vetted each of these products with the goal of bringing you top-tier products, no matter your skincare needs or budget.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for the right body wash. Everyone’s skin is different, and no two body washes are formulated quite the same. It’s all about matching your needs and preferences with what’s available—and, of course, weeding out the junk products. Here’s what to consider as you shop around:

Skin Type

When choosing a body wash, it can be easy to make a purchase based on the price or the scent. But first and foremost, make sure you check that it’s compatible with your skin type. This is especially true for guys with sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin. The wrong product can cause flare-ups or worsen your skin concerns. If in doubt, check the ingredients list for any problematic ingredients.

Ingredients

Not all body washes are created equal. Cheap products often contain harsh chemicals and other irritants. Some problem ingredients may include: -Parabens -Sulfates -Phthalates -Synthetic fragrances

Instead, look for body washes formulated with natural, high-quality ingredients.

Scent

Scent is often the number one consideration for many guys, and is mostly a matter of personal preferences. However, guys with sensitive skin may want to avoid strong fragrances or opt for unscented products.

Price

While you might want to be wary of cheap body washes, you don’t necessarily need to shell out big bucks for quality body wash. In fact, some of our favorite products at Derm For Dudes are more on the economical side. At the same time, don’t write off the more expensive products: often, you don’t need a ton of product to get a good lather. And higher-quality body washes typically lather quite well, meaning one bottle could last several months.

If you have specific skincare concerns, it’s crucial to read the label carefully. Here’s what you need to know as you shop for body wash:

Dry Skin

Dry skin is one of the most common skin concerns, particularly in cold winter months or dry climates. In addition to checking the label for harsh chemicals and drying ingredients, guys with dry skin should look for moisturizing ingredients such as:

• Aloe
• Shea butter
• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Vitamin E
• Ceramides
• Niacinamide

Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, watch out for harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Additionally, be wary of highly-scented body washes—especially those with synthetic fragrances. Finally, some body washes marketed as “muscle relief” or “invigorating” contain ingredients that can irritate skin, such as menthol.

Look for unscented or lightly scented products and those labeled “for sensitive skin.” You may also benefit from all-natural products as they tend not to be formulated with problematic ingredients.

Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is the worst—and body acne can be particularly annoying for the simple fact that there are fewer skincare products available to combat it. Fortunately, a good body wash can go a long way in helping you combat pesky body acne. Here are a few ingredients to look for if you struggle with body acne:

• Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties, meaning it can help fight acne-causing bacteria.
• Jojoba oil has antibacterial properties and can help balance oil production.
• Aloe vera contains acne-fighting salicylic acid and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

You might not classify body wash as a skincare product. But it’s not just your face that needs skincare attention—the rest of your body is prone to all kinds of problems, from dryness to premature aging. Here’s how you can up your skincare game for healthier, younger skin all over.

1. Exfoliate

Exfoliation is crucial for smooth, healthy-looking skin because it removes dead skin, unclogs pores, and promotes cell turnover. Invest in a quality loofah or body scrubber to exfoliate your body, but avoid harsh body scrubs as they can damage or irritate skin. Guys with acne-prone skin should use a fresh washcloth to exfoliate as it will help keep blemish-causing bacteria at bay.

2. Cleanse

Be honest: when you shower, do you focus on the “pits and bits” and let the sudsy water do the rest of the work? Or do you thoroughly scrub each part of your body? We get it—you’re busy. But all that grime—sweat, oil, sunscreen, and dead skin cells—is a lot more stubborn than you give it credit for. Take the time to clean each part of your body, even if you’re in a rush. You’ll no doubt notice how much softer and healthier-looking your skin is.

3. Moisturize

Moisturizing isn’t just for dudes with dry skin. Moisturizing keeps skin hydrated, nourished, and healthy looking. Regular hydration can help prevent wrinkles and fine lines so you can enjoy youthful skin well into middle age and beyond. Invest in a quality body lotion and apply it after your shower. This is especially important during cold winter months or if you live in a dry climate. Sure, it takes a couple extra minutes, but you’ll love the feeling of soft, moisturized skin.

4. Protect

The absolute most important step of your full body skincare routine is SPF. Not only do UV rays cause premature aging, sun damage can cause skin cancer. Invest in a quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Even small amounts of daily sun exposure from sitting in the car or near a window can cause sun damage. Be sure to apply your SPF generously each morning, and if you plan to spend time outdoors, cover up well.

With these tips, tricks, and product recommendations, you can be sure you’re choosing the body wash that best suits your skincare needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. No matter which body wash you choose, remember to follow up with a quality moisturizer and—most importantly—plenty of SPF. If you still have questions about products or ingredients, Derm for Dudes is here to help—drop us a line and we’ll help how we can! As you build your skincare regimen, be sure to check out our product reviews for top-of-the-line, dude-approved products.