9 Best Drugstore Body Washes We’ve Tested That Don’t Cost More Than $20

Finding the best drugstore body wash means looking beyond marketing claims to understand how formulas actually affect your skin. While it may seem like splurging is the way to high-quality formulas, we have proof that many under-$15 body washes are routinely recommended by dermatologists and deliver noticeable benefits across a wide range of skin types and concerns—if you know what to look for.

Dry skin needs humectants and emollients that prevent moisture loss. Eczema-prone skin requires gentle, fragrance-free formulas that won’t trigger flare-ups. Sensitive skin benefits from minimal ingredient lists with calming actives and mild surfactants that cleanse without irritation. Textured or bumpy skin responds best to gentle exfoliating acids that smooth from the first cleanse. What works for one person may strip, inflame, or under-deliver for another, which is why understanding your skin’s specific needs matters.

Our Top Drugstore Body Washes

Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with the nine best drugstore body washes on the market, covering everything from hydrating cleansers to exfoliating formulas, as recommended by board-certified dermatologists and Allure editors.

Best Overall: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

Why we love it: If your skin feels perpetually dry, you need a cleanser like Dove’s Deep Moisture Body that works just as hard to moisturize your skin as your daily body cleanser. According to Brianna Olamiju, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, this formula is “a great option for dry or sensitive skin” because it’s a “mild, sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip the skin.” She adds that it “helps maintain the moisture barrier and supports a healthy skin microbiome, leaving skin soft and hydrated instead of tight or dry.” Her assessment mirrors exactly why Dove’s body washes remain a multigenerational staple and a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty winner. Micromisture droplets fuse with glycerin and plant-based moisturizers (such as soybean oil and hydrogenated vegetable glycerides) to condition the skin while you cleanse, creating a creamy lather that leaves dryness noticeably less intense from the very first use.

Best Exfoliating: Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash

Why we love it: Designed for textured and bumpy skin, Naturium’s The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash targets surface-level buildup. The formula relies on a balanced AHA blend of glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids to loosen dead skin cells around rough patches, KP-prone areas, and uneven texture. Glycolic acid provides heavy resurfacing, while the supporting acids exfoliate more evenly, reducing the risk of irritation typically associated with stronger exfoliants. Red algae helps skin retain moisture, preventing tightness that often follows exfoliating cleansers. The lightweight gel texture suds up effortlessly, spreads easily, and rinses clean. Plus, it’s gentle enough for regular use.

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

Why we love it: There’s nothing more frustrating than stepping into the shower hoping to calm a flare-up, only to have your cleanser worsen the situation. That’s where La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash comes in. Dr. Olamiju shares that “this cleanser is designed to be exceptionally gentle, even for eczema-prone or highly sensitive skin,” noting that shea butter, glycerin, and the brand’s prebiotic thermal water “nourish and soothe while protecting the skin’s natural barrier.” Those additions make the foam feel comforting instead of stripping, while niacinamide supports hydration long after you rinse. Because it’s fragrance-free, it also avoids that common skin trigger.

Best for Dry Skin: Native Moisturizing Body Wash

Why we love it: Dry skin tends to show up loudest in the shower, when hot water and harsh cleansers strip away what little moisture you had to begin with. Native’s Moisturizing Body Wash takes the opposite approach, focusing on hydration from the first rinse. Dr. Olamiju notes that this wash is “known for its minimal ingredient list” and is “free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and dyes, reducing the risk of irritation.” Its skin-friendly, pH-balanced formula cleanses effectively without over-drying, making it easy to use every day without disrupting comfort. Shea butter helps soften and replenish skin that’s prone to flaking, while glycerin supports ongoing moisture so skin doesn’t feel tight after rinsing.

Best Brightening: Saltair Serum Body Wash

Why we love it: When skin looks lackluster, the focus shifts from how a wash lathers to what it leaves behind. Saltair’s Serum Body Washes bridge the gap between cleansing and treatment, delivering hydration while supporting visibly brighter-looking skin. Monoi oil, cupuaçu butter, and kukui oil work together to deeply condition the skin, improving softness and overall texture while cleansing. What sets this formula apart is the inclusion of ascorbyl glucoside and niacinamide, a vitamin C derivative and brightening staple that improves the look of uneven tone and dark spots over time. The gel texture glides on smoothly, lathers into a plush foam, and rinses clean without leaving skin feeling tight. After consistent use, skin looks more supple, feels hydrated, and has a healthier glow. Plus, Santal Bloom (our top pick!) has a warm, sandalwood-forward scent, layered with rose and jasmine, that makes it feel elevated without overpowering the senses. (Salt Water Vanilla is another editor fave!)

Best for Bumpy Skin: CeraVe Salicylic Acid Body Wash

Why we love it: Texture concerns like keratosis pilaris and stubborn rough patches demand a body wash that can refine the surface of the skin without irritating, and CeraVe’s Salicylic Acid Body Wash does exactly that. Dr. Olamiju notes that it is “formulated with three essential ceramides plus hyaluronic acid and glycerin,” a blend that helps restore the skin barrier while keeping moisture where it belongs. She also emphasizes that it is “fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for daily use,” which makes it a standout for anyone balancing sensitivity with uneven texture. CeraVe’s body wash uses a controlled concentration of salicylic acid to shed buildup comfortably, while niacinamide and ceramides keep skin calm and replenished. With consistent use, skin feels softer, smoother, and more balanced.

Best for Barrier Protection: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

Why we love it: Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Body Wash is formulated to cleanse dry, sensitive skin while helping maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. At the core of the formula is prebiotic oat, which supports barrier function by helping skin retain moisture and stay balanced through daily cleansing. Instead of harsh ingredients, the wash uses mild, plant-derived cleansers to remove sweat and buildup without disrupting the skin barrier. Glycerin works alongside these surfactants to draw water into the skin, reducing that tight, squeaky-clean feeling. The fragrance is also mild, making it suitable even for scent-sensitive users.

Best Scent: Eos Shea Better Cashmere Body Wash

Why we love it: The Eos Shea Better Cashmere Body Wash in Vanilla Cashmere specifically has gone viral multiple times for good reason. Its soft blend of whipped vanilla, musk, and caramel leaves a subtle scent on skin long after rinsing. The hybrid gel-cream formula creates a rich, foamy lather that cleanses without stripping moisture. Glycerin draws hydration into the skin while shea butter replenishes lipids lost during cleansing, leaving skin softer and more resilient. Cocoa butter adds weight and cushion to the formula, locking in moisture and further soothing dry or sensitized skin.

Best Slip: Nivea Nourishing Care Body Wash

Why we love it: Nivea’s Nourishing Care Body Wash does exactly what dry skin needs in the shower, replenishes moisture that lasts post rinse. It’s formulated with soybean, sunflower seed, sweet almond, and castor seed oils that work in tandem to soften rough patches and lock in moisture, while glycerin draws water into the skin for immediate hydration. Panthenol (provitamin B5) adds a conditioning layer that calms dryness and improves softness with continued use. The lather is creamy and cushiony, making it ideal for dry or easily irritated skin, and gentle enough to double as a shaving wash.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should shoppers prioritize in a drugstore body wash if their main goal is hydration, exfoliation, or barrier support?

For hydration and exfoliation, Dr. Brianna Olamiju advises choosing formulas that treat the skin while cleansing. “Look for gentle, non-stripping cleansers plus ingredients that attract or lock in moisture,” she says, pointing to “ceramides,” “hyaluronic acid that draws moisture into the skin,” and “glycerin, a top-tier humectant for dry or tight-feeling skin.” She also highlights “plant oils like sunflower seed oil that add natural emollience without heaviness.”

When exfoliation is the goal, she recommends “mild chemical exfoliants, harsh scrubs are less favored,” noting that “AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid improve rough texture,” “salicylic acid is great for body acne and clogged pores,” and “urea at 10% or lower gently exfoliates while also hydrating.” For barrier support, Dr. Olamiju emphasizes simplicity and lipid repair. “Focus on minimal-ingredient formulas that rebuild lipids,” she explains, calling “ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids the key trio for restoring the skin barrier,” alongside “niacinamide for calming and barrier-strengthening benefits” and “colloidal oatmeal, which is anti-inflammatory and soothing.”

How should people choose a body wash based on skin type, especially dry, eczema, or acne-prone skin?

When choosing a shower gel for dry skin, Dr. Olamiju recommends prioritizing rich, moisture-focused formulas and avoiding anything that could further strip the skin. “Choose cream or lotion-based cleansers labeled ‘hydrating’ or ‘moisturizing,’” she says, and advises shoppers to “avoid strong fragrances and sulfates.” She stresses the importance of ingredients like “ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin,” while also noting that habits matter, adding that “long, hot showers strip oils” and should be limited to prevent worsening dryness.

For skin prone to breakouts, Dr. Olamiju recommends a more strategic approach. “Look for active ingredients like salicylic acid (BHA) or benzoyl peroxide,” she says, recommending “a gel-based wash to minimize heavy occlusion.” To avoid irritation, she advises “keeping exfoliation to two to three times per week if using acids,” and cautions to “avoid heavy, highly fragranced washes.” For eczema-prone or sensitive skin, she emphasizes restraint above all else, advising people to “prioritize fragrance-free and dye-free formulas,” seek out “colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and mild surfactants,” and “avoid exfoliating acids unless specifically advised by a dermatologist.” She adds that “short ingredient lists reduce the chance of irritation,” making them especially important for compromised or reactive skin.

How do dermatologists recommend washing your body?

Dr. Olamiju recommends “using lukewarm, not hot, water,” noting that “hot water disrupts the skin barrier,” and advises people to be strategic about where they cleanse. “Focus cleansing the necessary areas like underarms, groin, feet, and anywhere sweaty or dirty,” she says, adding that “gentle, fragrance-free body washes” are preferred whenever possible. Application matters, as she cautions that “abrasive loofahs or washcloths can harbor bacteria and irritate the skin,” recommending hands for cleansing.

Timing also plays a role in preventing dryness and irritation. Dr. Olamiju advises keeping showers efficient, saying “keep showers short, ideally under 10 minutes,” to avoid stripping natural oils. Just as important is what happens afterward: “Moisturize immediately after showering while skin is still damp,” she says, explaining that this step “locks in hydration and reduces dryness and eczema flares.”

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best drugstore body washes, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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PSA: Great beauty buys don’t have to break the bank: