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Top 10 Best Moisturizing Body Washes in 2021 (Bliss, OGX, and More)

Top 10 Best Moisturizing Body Washes in 2021 (Bliss, OGX, and More)

With the dry winter months comes dry winter skin, and for those who already have this type of skin, it can sometimes feel unbearable. While lotions do help, they won’t work their best if your soap is leaving your skin drier than before you showered. That’s why it’s just as important to be using a moisturizing body wash. But there are hundreds of options out there all claiming to do the same thing.

In this guide, we’ll go over the things you should look for that make some body washes better than others. We also prepared a list of our 10 favorite moisturizing body washes for you to start your search. Our top pick is The Seaweed Bath Co.'s Body Wash. It harnesses the power of coconut oil, neem oil, and aloe vera to soften and deeply moisturize your skin. Curious about other products on our list? Keep reading!

Last updated: 02-05-2021
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Top 10 Best Moisturizing Body Washes

Here are some of our favorites for your consideration. We've chosen them based on their ingredients as well as reviewer satisfaction.

The Seaweed Bath Co. Body Wash

$12.49

View product on Amazon

Eco-Friendly and Great for All Skin Types

This body wash is made with sustainably harvested seaweed extract full of antioxidants to help rejuvenate the skin. It is also packed with hydrating ingredients such as neem oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, and Hawaiian kukui oil to nourish and improve your skin's condition.

What's more, it’s vegan and comes in a bottle made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. However, a few buyers had allergic reactions after using the product. So you should do a patch test beforehand or check the ingredient list for ingredients that are irritating to you.

On another note, a lot of buyers complimented that the body wash produced ample suds and didn't leave behind any oily residue. People further mentioned that the product didn't contain harsh chemicals and derived its light scent naturally from essential oils instead of artificial fragrances.

Amount	12 oz.
Formulated with	Coconut oil, Bladderwrack seaweed, aloe vera, neem oil, babasu seed oil
Skin type	All skin types

amazon.com

L’OccitaneCleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil

$25.00

Formulated With Nourishing Oils to Relieve Dry, Itchy Skin

This body wash comes out as an oil and lathers up to rich, creamy suds. It boasts a blend of nourishing oils such as grape seed oil, almond oil, and sunflower seed oil. They are packed with fatty acids to soften and provide your skin with extra moisture.

On the other hand, the infusion of ingredients with strong anti-inflammatory properties such as rosemary extract and bergamot fruit oil helps soothe the skin and relieve itching.

Some buyers doubted the authenticity of the product sold on Amazon, so we've included the link to the manufacturer's website for you! Nonetheless, the majority of buyers, particularly those with dry skin, noticed that their skin looked smooth and silky after each application. The formula was also gentle on their sensitive skin.

Amount	8.4 oz.
Formulated with	Almond oil, grapeseed oil, bergamot fruit oil, rosemary leaf extract, sunflower seed oil
Skin type	Dry

Kimura SoapOrganic All Natural Moisturizing Body Wash

$13.99

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A Hydrating Soap With Tea Tree Oil for Active Lifestyles

This invigorating body wash is made completely out of natural ingredients and is handmade in small batches in Vermont. Designed with those who live an active lifestyle in mind, this body wash contains tea tree oil, a natural anti-fungal and antiseptic that helps prevent issues like acne, ringworm, and nail fungus.

Enriched with coconut, olive, and jojoba oils, it does a great job in preventing your skin from getting dried out and helps keep it soft to the touch.

Although some people were disappointed with the lathering action of this body wash, various others complimented that the product left them with a clean and moisturizing feeling afterward. They further added that a small amount was enough to cleanse the body properly.

Amount	12 oz.
Formulated with	Coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil
Skin type	All skin types

amazon.com

BlissLemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash

$18.00

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Refreshingly Scented and Cruelty-Free

With a gentle citrus scent and a host of moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin, this soap can make you feel like you just stepped out of a spa. What further sets this product apart is the certified cruelty-free formula.

A few reviewers commented that the product had a light lemony scent with a hint of sage. One highlight for many buyers was the gentle formula that worked like a charm for their sensitive skin. On top of that, it cleaned well without stripping their skin of moisture.

The soap rinsed clean without leaving behind any oily residue as well. Many reviewers also appreciated the pump packaging that made dispensing the soap easy.

Amount	17 oz.
Formulated with	Glycerin, aloe vera
Skin type	Dry

OGXExtra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Ultra Moisture Body Wash

$6.99

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Coconut Oil for Butter Smooth Skin

One of the most notable ingredients of this body wash is coconut oil, a well-known moisturizer that can leave your skin feeling buttery soft. Plus, the scent features a tropical vibe with hints of coconut oil, tiare, and vanilla bean extract.

According to a few buyers, the scent was a bit overwhelming and might not be suitable for those with fragrance sensitivity. Some others weren't happy with the consistency, saying it wasn't as creamy as advertised.

Still, after using the product, many reviewers noticed a great improvement in their skin condition; they mentioned that their skin felt much softer and suppler. Besides having strong moisturizing properties, this product didn't irritate people's skin.

Amount	19.5 oz.
Formulated with	Coconut oil
Skin type	Dry, sensitive

amazon.com

Tree to TubMoisturizing Body Wash for Dry Skin

$17.88

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An All-Natural Body Wash Made With Soapberries

This body wash is made from sustainably harvested soapberries along with aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile, it delivers the needed moisture to your skin. Plus, the pH-balanced formula of this body wash ensures an effective clean while being kind to your sensitive skin.

Although some people complained that the soap didn't foam up, most buyers still highly recommended this product for its ultra-hydrating formula that cleaned well and soften their skin tremendously.

Those with sensitive skin also vouched for the gentleness of the formula. The natural scent derived from lavender essential oil was another huge plus point of this product.

Amount	8.5 oz.
Formulated with	Wild soapberry, aloe vera, shea butter, cucumber extract
Skin type	Acne-prone, dry, sensitive

Alaffia Everyday Shea Body Wash

$10.99

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Certified Fair-Trade Ingredients to Support the Community

This body wash touts a blend of effective moisturizers such as coconut oil, shea butter, and neem extract to revive dull, rough skin. On top of that, this product contains only certified fair trade ingredients, and a portion of every purchase goes towards supporting community empowerment in West Africa.

For a few reviewers, this product was mild and couldn't get rid of their body odor. Nonetheless, various others were sold on the ultra-moisturizing formula that didn't irritate or make their skin feel stiff. It also produced a rich lather and rinsed off easily. The delicate minty scent with a hint of vanilla was another great point for buyers.

Amount	32 oz.
Formulated with	Shea butter, coconut oil, neem extract, spearmint leaf oil
Skin type	Dry, sensitive

PuracyNatural Body Wash

2 pack

$22.99

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A Hydrating, Plant-Derived Mild Cleanser

This fresh, citrus-scented body wash is made from all natural ingredients and leaves you feeling silky smooth. It harnesses the power of coco glycinate, a coconut-based surfactant, to clear daily grime and keep your skin soft. The addition of vegetable glycerin and pink Himalayan salt further helps moisturize and smooth your skin.

A few buyers noted that this product didn't leave their skin with a squeaky feeling like other body washes. Some others weren't impressed with the subtle scent, saying it was barely noticeable.

Nevertheless, this body wash received various compliments from reviewers thanks to its moisturizing and gentle formula which didn't cause any irritation. Many others further mentioned that a little went a long way and added that the soap suds up nicely.

Amount	16 oz.
Formulated with	Pink grapefruit essential oil, vegetable glycerin, Himalayan pink sea salt
Skin type	All skin types

Happy CappyDaily Shampoo & Body Wash for Children

$9.99

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Gentle, Hydrating Soap for Children and Sensitive Skin

Young children have super sensitive skin and are thus more vulnerable to harsh chemicals and dry skin. Featuring a blend of natural ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and oatmeal extract, this head and body wash is specifically formulated to not only hydrate but also soothe.

A few buyers noted that the product didn't have a scent, which was a great point for those with fragrance sensitivity. However, if you prefer a scent, you might want to follow up with a fragranced lotion.

On another note, the majority of reviewers approved that the formula was gentle on their baby's skin. They were pleased that it helped clear up dandruff, treat eczema rash, and calm itchy skin. Many further added that it left the skin feeling soft and moisturized.

Amount	8 oz.
Formulated with	Oatmeal extract, licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, provitamin B5
Skin type	Sensitive

amazon.com

Chic Republic Detox Body Wash

$14.98

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Hemp Oil to Treat Acne and Moisturize the Skin

With activated charcoal to pull out impurities and coconut oil that exfoliates dead skin cells, this body wash clears the way for smoother skin. It's also infused with hemp seed oil which is chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids to keep your skin moisturized. This ingredient can regulate the skin's oil production and prevent breakouts as well.

A few buyers noted that the scent was a mix of lavender and eucalyptus and might feel overwhelming for those sensitive to fragrance.

On another note, various reviewers raved about this body wash's natural formula and shared that it left them feeling clean and refreshed. What further impressed reviewers was that this product helped treat their acne and soften their skin. They were also pleased with the thick gel formula that foamed up nicely.

Amount	8 oz.
Formulated with	Charcoal, coconut oil, eucalyptus, lavender essential oil, magnesium, hemp oil
Skin type	Dry, acne-prone

Compare the Best Moisturizing Body Washes

Image	1 The Seaweed Bath Co.	2 L’Occitane	3 Kimura Soap	4 Bliss	5 OGX	6 Tree to Tub	7 Alaffia	8 Puracy	9 Happy Cappy	10 Chic Republic
Name	Body Wash	Cleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil	Organic All Natural Moisturizing Body Wash	Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash	Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Ultra Moisture Body Wash	Moisturizing Body Wash for Dry Skin	Everyday Shea Body Wash	Natural Body Wash	Daily Shampoo & Body Wash for Children	Detox Body Wash
Features	Eco-Friendly and Great for All Skin Types	Formulated With Nourishing Oils to Relieve Dry, Itchy Skin	A Hydrating Soap With Tea Tree Oil for Active Lifestyles	Refreshingly Scented and Cruelty-Free	Coconut Oil for Butter Smooth Skin	An All-Natural Body Wash Made With Soapberries	Certified Fair-Trade Ingredients to Support the Community	A Hydrating, Plant-Derived Mild Cleanser	Gentle, Hydrating Soap for Children and Sensitive Skin	Hemp Oil to Treat Acne and Moisturize the Skin
Price	$12.49	$25.00	$13.99	$18.00	$6.99	$17.88	$10.99	$22.99	$9.99	$14.98
Amount	12 oz.	8.4 oz.	12 oz.	17 oz.	19.5 oz.	8.5 oz.	32 oz.	16 oz.	8 oz.	8 oz.
Formulated with	Coconut oil, Bladderwrack seaweed, aloe vera, neem oil, babasu seed oil	Almond oil, grapeseed oil, bergamot fruit oil, rosemary leaf extract, sunflower seed oil	Coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil	Glycerin, aloe vera	Coconut oil	Wild soapberry, aloe vera, shea butter, cucumber extract	Shea butter, coconut oil, neem extract, spearmint leaf oil	Pink grapefruit essential oil, vegetable glycerin, Himalayan pink sea salt	Oatmeal extract, licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, provitamin B5	Charcoal, coconut oil, eucalyptus, lavender essential oil, magnesium, hemp oil
Skin type	All skin types	Dry	All skin types	Dry	Dry, sensitive	Acne-prone, dry, sensitive	Dry, sensitive	All skin types	Sensitive	Dry, acne-prone
Link	View Amazon	View Amazon View L'Occitane	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon

How to Choose a Moisturizing Body Wash – Buying Guide

When choosing a moisturizing body wash, you should take note of some specific ingredients that can do wonders for your skin. It's important to make sure that the product works for your skin type, too.

Familiarize Yourself With Deeply Moisturizing Ingredients

An effective moisturizing body wash should be formulated with ingredients that can retain moisture within your skin and minimize moisture loss. In this section, we'll list out some great ingredients that can keep your skin hydrated for a long time.

Humectants Can Increase the Water Content in Your Skin

A good moisturizing body wash should contain a lot of humectants. Technically, they are moisturizing agents that can draw moisture into the top layer of the skin, whether through the air or the lower layers of your skin.

Some humectants that you're likely to encounter include hyaluronic acid and glycerin. They help increase your skin's moisture level directly and make your skin look supple and healthy.

Aloe vera is another great humectant that can give you a boost in moisture. Plus, it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe your itchy, inflamed skin.

Emollients Help Soften Your Skin

Besides humectants, emollients are great for dry skin as well. They repair the skin's protective barrier to prevent moisture from evaporating from your skin. They are well-known for their healing properties as well and can help soothe irritation and calm itching. So if you have irritated or itchy skin, definitely search for emollients.

Most emollients come from oils and plant-based butter like coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil, and shea butter. They are also chock-full of fatty acids and vitamins to keep dryness at bay and leave your skin feeling silky smooth.

Occlusives Can Prevent Moisture Loss

Occlusives can also do wonders to your skin as they help form a barrier on top of your skin's layer to prevent moisture loss. Therefore, they will keep your skin hydrated for a long time. Common occlusives include oils, waxes, and silicones.

Keep in mind that some synthetic occlusives such as petrolatum and mineral oil might trigger allergic reactions to those with sensitive skin. So opt for natural ones such as jojoba oil, safflower oil, and argan oil instead.

Search for Gentle Surfactants

Many body washes contain sulfate-based surfactants to help eliminate daily grime and give you a squeaky clean feeling. However, they can strip your skin of moisture and lead to redness or itching.

To avoid drying out your skin, choose a body wash with gentle surfactants such as charcoal. Charcoal functions as a magnet to pull out all the impurities. It also foams up nicely and doesn't irritate your skin.

Coconut-based surfactants are effective as well. They can eliminate dead skin cells and daily grime without irritating or taking away all the moisture from your skin.

Make Sure the Body Wash Works for Your Skin Type

Of course, everyone’s skin is a bit different. If your skin requires extra care or gives you problems, here are some things to think about.

For Sensitive Skin, Try to Stay Away From Fragrances and Sulfates

If you have sensitive skin, be wary of products that contain artificial fragrances. In fact, many dermatologists have mentioned that fragrances are one of the main causes of allergic contact dermatitis and might cause issues such as itching, rashes, redness, and flaking. So opt for a fragrance-free body wash if you have fragrance sensitivity.

You should also try to stay away from potential irritants like sulfates. They are surfactants, which strip oil and dirt from your skin and create that foamy lather that you associate with soap. However, they are pretty potent and can cause skin irritation and over-drying, which is something you don’t want if you already have dry skin.

To give yourself peace of mind, we recommend using a product that has been tested by dermatologists. After purchasing a product, you should do a patch test to make sure it's truly compatible with your skin.

For Acne-Prone Skin, Look for Exfoliating Soap That Isn’t Drying

If you have dry skin and body acne, finding the right products can be tough. Most acne-treating soaps dry your skin out too much, and many moisturizing soaps add too much oil and cause even more acne.

A good solution is to look for an exfoliating soap that helps wash away dead skin and clear out clogged pores without making your skin shrivel up with it. This means skipping the microbeads for more gentle exfoliants, like brown sugar, charcoal, and other natural or sweet ingredients.

There are also scrubs packed with aloe vera, as well as light oils and butters, so keep an eye out for those. They can effectively hydrate your skin without clogging the pores or triggering breakouts.

For Irritated and Itchy Skin, Search for Soothing Ingredients

Excessive dryness might cause skin issues like inflammation, redness, and flaking. It might lead to inflammatory-related skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

So look for soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, rose water, and chamomile extract to help alleviate those problems. Of course, ask your dermatologist or doctor beforehand to make sure that those ingredients work for your skin's condition.

Ingredients with powerful anti-inflammatory properties such as rosemary essential oil, tea tree oil, or lemon essential oil are some other wonderful ingredients that can reduce your pain and accelerate your skin's natural healing process.

Refrain From Using Loofahs to Cleanse

While loofahs and washcloths will rub you down thoroughly and give you good exfoliation, they can be rough on your skin. They can also strip your skin of moisturizing oils. Studies have shown that even from a cleanliness perspective there is no need for us to use such harsh scrubs on a daily basis.

So especially if you have dry, sensitive skin, it may just be better to use your hands. They’re more gentle for your everyday shower routine—and if you need to, you can throw in a scrub or exfoliator every once in a while for a good cleansing.

Other Products to Hydrate Your Dry Skin

Besides moisturizing body washes, there are many products that can help supply the needed moisture to your dry skin. Check out our articles for some of our favorites!

Top 10 Best Body Butters in 2021

Top 10 Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin in 2021

Top 12 Best Japanese Body Moisturizers in 2021

Summary

Dry skin can be unpleasant to deal with, but finding a good moisturizing body wash can keep your skin feeling hydrated and healthy! Our top tip for how to pick a good product is to try and avoid harsh surfactants that can take away moisture from your skin such as sulfates.

We hope that our buying guide and list of top 10 products have helped you find something to carry you through the dry months (and the rest of the year!).

Author: Jacqueline Oshiro