Best Body Washes for Dry Skin

“Moon Swim is a sulphate-free body wash built around a gentle blend of sodium cocoyl glutamate and decyl glucoside, paired with humectant glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to maintain moisture during cleansing. The formula also features ashwagandha for its skin-conditioning properties, prebiotic inulin to support the skin’s microbiome and vitamin E as an antioxidant. The wash is vegan, free from parabens, sulphates and phthalates.”

“CeraVe’s hydrating body wash is built around the brand’s signature ceramide complex, containing ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II at meaningful concentrations alongside hyaluronic acid. Glycerin and white petrolatum support deep hydration, and the mild cleansing system is designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s lipid balance. The formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free and sulphate-free, making it suitable for very dry and sensitive skin.”

“Aveeno’s body wash centres on the brand’s Triple Oat Complex, combining oat flour, oat extract and oat oil to cleanse and soothe in one step. Colloidal oatmeal is well-recognised in dermatology for its calming and skin-protective properties, and the supporting formula includes glycerin to maintain hydration. Fragrance-free and soap-free, it is a reliable choice for daily use, particularly on skin prone to itch or eczema-like dryness.”

“Eucerin’s calming body wash uses a mild surfactant base enriched with natural omega oils from soybean and castor seed to soothe and protect during cleansing. The formula is fragrance-free and soap-free, designed specifically for dry, sensitive skin that becomes uncomfortable or itchy. The result is a cleanse that leaves the skin feeling calmer rather than tight.”

“A gentle foaming wash designed for very dry and eczema-prone skin, the Lipikar AP+ formulation pairs niacinamide with shea butter and the brand’s signature thermal spring water. Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and helps reduce the sensation of itch, and the supporting glycerin draws in moisture. The wash holds the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance in the US and is widely recommended in dermatology clinics for very compromised skin.”

“A long-established dermatologist favourite for very dry, itch-prone and eczema-tendency skin. The wash combines shea butter, sunflower seed oil, niacinamide, allantoin and colloidal oatmeal with a mild cleansing base. The result is a soap-free cleanse that lifts away dirt without compromising barrier lipids, and the formula has also received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.”

“Bioderma’s shower oil transforms into a milky lather on contact with water, cleansing while delivering vegetal biolipids and niacinamide to reinforce the skin’s lipid mantle. The formula also includes prebiotic fructooligosaccharides and mannitol to support the skin’s microbial balance. The oil-to-milk texture leaves the skin feeling soft and supple after rinsing, making it well-suited to very dry skin and the colder months.”

“Originally formulated for babies with eczema-prone skin, this gel works equally well for sensitive adults. The formula is fragrance-free and tear-free, with avocado perseose for its skin-conditioning properties, shea butter and a mild plant-derived surfactant base. Made from 98% naturally derived ingredients, it is a reliable option for very reactive or compromised skin and is gentle enough for daily use.”

“Avène’s cleansing oil is targeted at very dry, atopic-prone skin and features the brand’s I-modulia complex alongside Avène Thermal Spring Water. The oil-based formulation cleanses without surfactant-driven stripping and leaves a fine lipid film that helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier. Fragrance-free and free from common irritants, it is particularly useful during periods of seasonal dryness or sensitivity.”

“A creamy shower cream formulated for sensitive, dry skin and built around organic almond milk and Community Fair Trade honey. The mild cleansing base is supported by glycerin and sunflower seed oil, leaving the skin feeling softened rather than stripped. A long-established gentle option on the high street, it offers a comforting routine choice for those who prefer a less clinical aesthetic.”