When is the last time you switched up your in-shower routine? If you’re like me, you may find yourself reaching for the same products on the shelves time and time again. However, there comes a point when it’s time to say goodbye to your trusty favorites and treat your skin to something new.
A good body wash is an essential part of your in-shower routine and is key to maintaining healthy, clear skin – but you’d be surprised to see just how many soaps on the market contain ingredients that do more harm than good.
From experience, I know that a good body wash can be hard to find. So to save you time and effort, I’ve compiled a tried-and-tested list of the best body wash for men that will keep your skin clean and healthy.
How to Choose the Right Body Wash
Before you snatch the first body wash you see off the shelves, there are a few things that you should know. Here are some ingredients you should look for and others that you should avoid at all costs:
Ingredients to Look for in a Body Wash
- Essential oil. This is a fantastic alternative to harmful synthetic fragrances, making your body wash and your skin smell fresh. It also has several properties that will boost your mind-body connection.
- Aloe vera. Aloe vera is a must-have ingredient if you have sensitive skin. It will gently moisturize your skin while reducing inflammation and redness.
- Tea tree oil. If you’re prone to acne or blemishes, tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial agent that will remove any blemish-causing germs.
- Shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil. Each of these ingredients has countless benefits, some of which include anti-inflammatory properties, fighting breakouts, and moisturizing the skin.
- Vitamin E. Vitamin E locks in moisture, protects cells from damage and has anti-aging properties.
- Almond oil. This stabilizes the skin’s pH, treats dry skin, reverses sun damage and improves acne.
Ingredients to Avoid in a Body Wash
- Sulfates. Many sulfates cause skin irritation and remove the skin’s natural oil barrier, leading to dry, itchy skin.
- Parabens. Parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs as well as increase the risk of cancer.
- Synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrances often contain ingredients (like phthalates) that disrupt endocrine function.
- Triclosan. Like synthetic fragrances, triclosan can harm your endocrine system, leading to hormonal issues.
- Mineral oil. Many mineral oils contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic.
16 Best Body Washes for Men
With so many body wash products for men to choose from, I can’t circle it down to only one. So here are 16 of my favorite body washes that are guaranteed to leave a man’s skin soft, fresh and clean:
1. Jack Black All-Over Wash
The Jack Black All-Over Wash is a multipurpose wash for the body, hair and face. The sulfate-free formula effectively eliminates dirt and sweat without stripping the skin or hair of the oil barrier, and it moisturizes the skin with sea kelp and shea butter. And, it’s infused with citrus, mint and oak moss, which smell amazing and naturally balance the skin’s pH.
- Sulfate-free
- Contains sea kelp and shea butter
- Balances the skin’s pH
- Fresh scent
Price: $12
2. Art of Sport Activated Charcoal Body Wash
I love the entire Art of Sport line – but the Art of Sport Activated Charcoal Body Wash is a personal favorite. Activated charcoal pulls toxins and other impurities out of your skin, leaving it squeaky clean and odor-free. It smells great, too!
- No sulfates, parabens or phthalates
- Dermatologist tested
- Contains aloe vera and tea tree oil
- Vegan & cruelty-free
Price: 2 for $16.85
3. Native Body Wash
Like Art of Sport, Native is one of my all-time favorite brands – and the Native Body Wash is no exception. The ingredients are clean and naturally derived, and it lathers onto the skin smoothly and without residue. It’s one of the best organic body washes on the market.
- No phthalates, sulfates, parabens or dyes
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Contains coconut oil
- Balances the skin’s pH
Price: 2 for $17
4. Aesop Coriander Seed Body Cleanser
Although the Aesop Coriander Seed Body Cleanser falls on the pricier end of the spectrum, it certainly meets every expectation you may have for a high quality body wash. It’s aromatic, warming and rejuvenating, and cleanses the skin naturally. However, if you’re a fan of extra foamy soap, this option may not be for you.
- Paraben-free
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Clean ingredients
Price: $47
5. CeraVe Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
As the name suggests, CeraVe Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin is ideal for rough, textured skin. This body wash aims to get rid of bumps that commonly appear on the upper arms and legs by gently exfoliating the skin using salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. While these ingredients are effective, they may irritate sensitive skin – so I’d advise only using this product if you struggle with bumps and roughness.
- Free of parabens and synthetic fragrances
- Effectively smoothes out rough, bumpy skin
- Doesn’t disrupt the protective skin barrier
Price: $13.99
6. Odele Ultra Sensitive Body Wash
It’s in the name – Odele Ultra Sensitive Body Wash is ideal for sensitive skin. Balanced at a pH of 5.0-5.5 and accepted by the National Eczema Foundation, it heals and moisturizes dry, itchy skin. Furthermore, it uses a balanced formula and calming oats to soothe inflammation and keep your skin healthy.
- No synthetic fragrance
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Infused with restorative oats to soothe the skin
- Suitable for eczema-prone skin
Price: $8.99
7. Old Spice Captain Body Wash
The Old Spice Captain Body Wash is one of my favorites on the list, solely because it smells amazing – and it will keep you smelling amazing all day long. It’s also ultra foamy, so you feel like you’re getting a real wash every time you shower. And, it comes at an affordable price!
- Smells fantastic
- Effectively wards off odor all day long
Price: 4 for $21.94
8. Bevel Moisturizing Body Wash for Men
The Bevel Moisturizing Body Wash for Men is an outstanding product from an outstanding brand. Bevel, a Black-owned brand, makes affordable grooming essentials for people of color – though its products are for everyone. It uses a clean formula to lock moisture into the skin, which leaves your skin feeling clean and moisturized.
- No parabens, artificial dyes, phthalates or gluten
- Dermatologist tested
- Infused with charcoal, shea butter, vitamin B and coconut oil
- Keeps skin hydrated, smooth and healthy
- Relaxing scent
Price: $11.94
9. Harry’s Body Wash for Men
Harry’s Body Wash for Men gently cleanses your skin, using a signature redwood scent that guarantees all-day freshness. Unlike many body washes out there, which use sulfates to create a soapy lather, Harry’s achieved a sudsy, creamy wash using a sulfate-free formula.
- No sulfates, parabens or dyes
- Cruelty-free
- Ultra moisturizing
- Great for combination skin
Price: 4 for $29.92
10. Kiehl’s Liquid Body Cleanser
The Kiehl’s Liquid Body Cleanser is a gentle (yet effective) cleanser with powerful natural ingredients that kill bacteria, moisturize the skin and get rid of unwanted body odor. Though this product is pricier than other options on the list, it’s a worthwhile investment if you have sensitive skin and value clean, simple ingredients. A little goes a long way with this body wash!
- No fragrance, mineral oil or dyes
- Infused with aloe vera
- Ultra moisturizing
- Great for sensitive skin
Price: $49.99
11. MANSCAPED UltraPremium Refined Body Wash
If you’re a man who appreciates a good cologne, you’ll love the MANSCAPED UltraPremium Refined Body Wash. This stuff smells fantastic, and it will leave you feeling fresh all day long. While many fragranced body washes are harmful to sensitive skin, this product is scented with all-natural ingredients (like bergamot and lavender).
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Infused with aloe vera
- Dye-free
- Cologne-quality fragrance
Price: 2 for $23.99
12. HURON Cleanse & Recharge Body Wash
The HURON Cleanse & Recharge Body Wash is one of my top picks on the list for acne-prone skin. Made with coconut oil, vitamin E and witch hazel, the formula moisturizes while gently getting rid of any odor-causing bacteria. Witch hazel has natural anti-bacterial properties, meaning it will simultaneously fight off any germs that cause blemishes or odor. Not only does it smell amazing, but it also lathers on the skin smoothly and without residue.
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Contains coconut oil, vitamin E and witch hazel
- No aluminum, parabens, phthalates, sulfates or silicones
- 100% recyclable packaging
Price: $14.40
13. PATRICKS BW1 Multi-Action Body Wash
Another pricey one, I know – but the PATRICKS BW1 Multi-Action Body Wash is to die for. This vitamin-packed shower gel contains everything that your skin loves, from vitamins A, C and E to anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating green tea. It also contains salicylic acid, making this another great option for acne-prone skin. If you’re willing to make an investment, this one’s a must-try.
- Contains vitamins A, E and C
- Naturally anti-inflammatory
- Stimulates collagen production
- Fights off blemishes and acne
- Vegan & cruelty-free
Price: $45
14. Le Labo Santal 33 Shower Gel
Looking for luxury? The Le Labo Santal 33 Shower Gel will deliver. Made with vitamin E and aloe vera, this shower gel is known for its striking scent and apothecary packaging. Freshly compounded and hand-labeled, this handcrafted product is perfect for anyone who enjoys dabbling in the finer things in life.
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- No parabens, preservatives or dyes
- Contains vitamin E and aloe vera
- All ingredients are responsibly and sustainably sourced
- Sandalwood scent
Price: $60
15. Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap
If you struggle with uneven skin tone and texture, the Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap will be your skin’s new best friend. It uses A.H.A., which stimulates the production of new skin cells, to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin.
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Contains soothing, healing oatmeal
- Gently exfoliates
- Ideal for uneven skin tones and textures as well as acne-prone skin
Price: $8
16. REN Clean Skincare Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash
The REN Clean Skincare Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash is an ideal choice for dry, flaky skin types, as it uses kelp extract and magnesium to wash off daily build up and lock in moisture. This body wash has an energizing and uplifting scent, which makes it a great option for early morning showers.
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Uses kelp extract to promote smooth, moisturized skin
- Protects against tightness and dryness
Price: $26.10
Looking for a wash for those hard-to-reach areas? Check out these tried-and-tested soaps for smelly balls.
Everything You Need to Know About Men’s Grooming
Want to explore more of my favorite products? Check out my men’s grooming topic for everything you need to know about grooming and hygiene.
