Key ingredients: glycerin, chemical exfoliator complex (lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid) niacinamide, resveratrol, meadowfoam seed oil, marula oil | Fragrance-free: no, but fragrance-free is available | Who it’s for: people who want a perfumed option
Best for Sensitive Skin: Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Hand & Body Wash
Why it’s worth it: What’s goat milk got to do with dry skin? Well, a lot, when it comes to the Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Hand and Body Wash. “Glycerin, goat milk, jojoba seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and shea butter hydrate the skin, support the skin barrier, and help to lock in moisture,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “Honey and aloe vera add additional soothing properties.” She adds that you won’t find any skin-stripping detergents in this hearty, healthy formula. You can also use this wash on your dry hands—extra points for versatility.
Key ingredients: glycerin, goat milk, jojoba, meadowfoam seed oil, shea butter | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people looking for a multipurpose product
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I choose a body wash for dry skin?
First, seek out body washes or beauty bars that contain gentle surfactants to thoroughly cleanse, as well as humectants and emollients to hydrate the skin and support the skin barrier, suggests Dr. King.. Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist, recommends looking for ingredient lists that feature niacinamide (a.k.a vitamin B3), which is key for its antioxidizing, ceramide-boosting, skin-brightening effects. “Niacinamide is an ingredient with numerous advantages; as a cosmetic chemist, I love its versatility in formulation,” she says.
Synthetic compounds are also crucial to a good body wash—even the ones you can’t pronounce. “Combinations of two to three synthetic surfactants are essential for good cleansing and foaming and increasing mildness. Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and Cocamidapropyl betaine are examples of mild secondary surfactants,” says Dobos. “One ingredient that is particularly useful in body wash is guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. This ingredient is a conditioning polymer with many positive charges that make it substantive to dry skin. It can help deposit other ingredients on the skin too,” she adds.
Remember your ceramides, too. Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told Allure that “Skin-repairing ceramides, which fill in the cracks between skin cells and help the skin heal itself,” are hugely helpful in body care.
What should I avoid in a body wash for dry skin?
While not everyone is sensitive to fragrance in body washes, picking a fragrance-free option minimizes the risk of irritation. “Try to avoid fragrances, cleansers with a high pH, or soap-based cleansers,” says Dr. King. She notes that “soap” doesn’t always refer to bar soap, but rather cleansers with a high pH. “Skin has a neutral to slightly acidic pH so you want cleansers that mimic that and support barrier health. If it has tons of ingredients, ditch it. Keep it simple!” Also, it’s a good idea to avoid harsh, skin-stripping detergents like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which can dry the skin of its natural oils, leading to more dryness.