Whether you’re on the hunt for the best bar soaps or the best body wash for men, it really is just a matter of preference. Both use the same key ingredients to cleanse, nourish, and refresh skin. And when it comes to the best way to scrub-a-dub-dub, you need to find one that agrees with your skin’s needs and variables.
Skin variables include sensitivity, acne, dryness, oiliness, and even body odor. And a high-quality body wash will honor those variables without disrupting the skin’s barrier functions. The skin needs this barrier in order to trap moisture and maintain softness, and if it’s compromised, you’ll know it via redness, itching, dehydration, or cracking. This could mean finding a body wash that has specific and targeted active ingredients—or simply choosing one that lacks any bad-for-you ingredients. Read on for GQ’s picks for the best men’s body wash across various needs and budgets.
The Best Body Wash for Men, According to GQ:
In This Guide
Best Overall Body Wash: Wonder Valley Hinoki Body Wash
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Michael Stefanov
Wonder Valley
Hinoki Body Wash
What makes the best overall body wash? While there’s no one-size-suds-all solution, Wonder Valley can claim the crown for most guys. A multitasker that cleanses, hydrates, and supports your skin’s microbiome? Check. Suitable for all skin types? Check. Stylish, sustainable aluminum packaging? Check. A silky yet viscous formula? Check. Free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or artificial dyes? Check—you get the idea. Wonder Valley keeps it simple yet effective with a focus on key natural ingredients: willow bark, an antioxidant emollient that hydrates and improves skin tone; ashwagandha, which boosts collagen production; aloe vera to soothe; and Wonder Valley’s own California extra virgin olive oil for hydration and antioxidant benefits. The result? An exceptional cleansing lather paired with a subtle, woody, balsamic, citrus fragrance. All of this comes in a chic container that adds some indie style to your tub. Wonder Valley proves that the niche grooming movement is not going anywhere—it is only expanding with fantastic products, like this body wash, that are natural, effective, and darn cool.
Best Body Wash for Softening Skin: Sachajuan Body Wash
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Michael Stefanov
Sachajuan
Body Wash Fresh Lavendar
While proprietary tech in grooming products can sometimes feel like a gimmick, Sachajuan’s Earthen Silk Tech’s proof is in the pudding. Given the brand’s cult-favorite roots in haircare, it’s no surprise their body washes also leave your skin silky smooth. At the heart of their Earth Silk Technology is oat beta-glucan—a soothing and softening ingredient derived from Scandinavian-grown oats (the Swedes know their skin care). These soluble oat fibers penetrate deep into the skin, giving some serious hydration you can feel. The gel lathers beautifully, and while there are plenty of body washes that soften skin, this one stands out. After showering, my skin felt extra smooth for most of the day. As for the scents, an intoxicatingly good lavender blend with vanilla, musk, and tonka bean adds a layer of calm to an already soothing experience.
Best Hybrid Exfoliator Body Wash: Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Hand + Body Scrub
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Michael Stefanov
Malin+Goetz
Eucalyptus Hand+Body Scrub
Exfoliation is a must once or twice a week to slough off dead skin cells and keep your skin fresh and healthy. Some folks prefer chemical exfoliants, like glycolic or lactic acids, which dissolve dead cells for easy removal, while others prefer the physical slough of granule scrubs and particles. But why choose? Malin+Goetz’s new eucalyptus hand + body scrub offers the best of both. Its alpha hydroxy acid blend (lactic and mandelic acids) brightens and exfoliates, while pumice—a mineral-based physical exfoliant—smooths, resurfaces, and clears away dirt and dead skin. Toss in niacinamide, vitamins, and antioxidants to brighten and soothe, and you’ve got a cleansing, skin-rejuvenating powerhouse. It’s both a scrubber and latherer, and true to Malin + Goetz form, the eucalyptus scent is an herbaceous artisanal aroma. Bonus: it doubles as a hand scrub. Win, win.
Best Pump Design/Longest Lasting Body Wash: Dove Men+Care Relax Body Wash
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Michael Stefanov
Dove Men+Care
Eucalyptus + Cedar Oil Body Wash
I fully get that “best pump design” might seem like an odd category for a body wash list, but hear me out: Among the many things I love about Dove Men+Care Body Wash, its longevity stands out—except it skips the bulk-store vibes and looks downright practical by your tub. The pump is easy to dispense mid-shower without awkwardly picking it up (it is larger), and it lasts forever. I’ve been a fan of Dove Men+Care for years because they blend science-backed ingredients with natural elements, creating accessible men’s grooming staples that are simple, effective, and available in most places. This body wash delivers as a no-fuss, everyday cleaner infused with a few essential oils for good measure. My skin felt clean, fresh, and soft after cleansing with this. Oh, and the eucalyptus-cedar is an olfactory upgrade from the usual options at this price point.
Best Body Wash for Frequent Showers: Soft Services Comfort Cleanse
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Michael Stefanov
Soft Services
Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel
Most of us don’t shower more than once daily, but sometimes life (or a solid workout) calls for a second rinse. The downside? Frequent showering can wreak havoc on your skin, especially if you’re using body washes that strip away essential oils. The Soft Services Comfort Cleanse is a hydrating cleanser that is gentle on your skin during extra shower time, even if your water bill takes a hit. Specifically designed for daily use, it features a hefty dose of glycerin to lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier while its water-oil texture binds to surface grime, cleansing without scrubbing. Instead of a lather overload, it transforms into a soft, silky foam. Bonus: Its slick formula doubles as an in-shower shaving cream, making it perfect for multitaskers.
Best Luxury Body Wash:
Flamingo Estate Rosemary & Clary Sage Body Wash
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Michael Stefanov
Flamingo Estate
Rosemary & Clary Sage Body Wash
Flamingo Estate is enjoying a well-earned moment in the spotlight—and it’s likely here to stay. Best known for its coveted olive oils, this apothecary-inspired brand has expanded into luxurious hand washes, candles, and, naturally, a stellar aromatic body wash. Picture a farm-to-table restaurant owned by a niche perfumer and grooming expert concocting this formula, and you’ll get the vibe. True to its roots, this cleanser is crafted with nourishing oils like olive and babassu and thickened with natural sea salt for a honey-like texture. Available in various scents, each evoking the estate’s garden, the rosemary and clary sage blend is herbaceous and transportive, like showering amongst lush greenery. While lab-formulated luxury has its place, Flamingo Estate celebrates the gifts of Mother Earth—and it’s hard to imagine a more indulgent (and fittingly aromatic) upgrade to your body-wash lineup.
