In this article, we’ll talk all about the best body washes for men to try in 2023. Read on for the full list.
If you’ve been getting the same body wash for years, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Sure, it’s easy to grab a bottle of the same old stuff whenever you’re at the store, but it might not be the best for your skin.
Many of the body washes you can buy at big box stores have ingredients that can be harsh on your skin, and they can possibly even damage your skin beover time. This is especially true if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
In our search for the absolute best body wash for men, we’ve curated 15 options that cover a wide range of skin types. We’ve broken down these body washes into different categories so you can easily find a wash that fits your skin needs.
You want the best for your skin, but you don’t know where to look. That’s where our list of the 15 best body washes for men comes in.
Quick Take
Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best body washes you can buy right now:
Native's wash uses coconut-derived cleansers and other safe ingredients to moisturize the skin. The wash itself is pleasantly thick but easily washes out for a residue-free experience.
This body wash is aimed at athletes, so you know it's meant to do some serious cleaning. While activated charcoal is in the spotlight, this body wash also uses aloe vera, tea tree oil, and rose root extract.
This richly scented 2-in-1 shampoo and wash hydrates, soothes, and cleans hair and skin with gentle, plant-derived ingredients.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
The Best Body Washes for Men with Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, then you need to be careful when choosing a body wash, as some washes can be far too harsh. Thankfully, the body washes in this category are specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Body Wash
While NIVEA does make pretty common drugstore products, it’s one of the few big brands that makes impressively gentle products. For sensitive skin, they offer this Sensitive Body Wash that’s free of phthalates, parabens, microplastics, dye, soap, and drying alcohol.
Bamboo extract and almond oil moisturize and rejuvenate the skin, providing a soothing cleanse that won’t irritate you. Its light citrus scent is just enough to have you smelling great right out of the shower, but it won’t overpower.
You can also use this body wash as a shampoo if you want to cut down on your shower time. (However, it’s formulated mostly as a body wash, so you may find it’s not an ideal shampoo for your hair type.)
Native Men’s Body Wash
Native has been making a splash lately with its line of natural deodorants, but they also make body washes that are just as clean.
Native’s wash uses coconut-derived cleansers and other safe ingredients to moisturize the skin. The wash itself is pleasantly thick but easily washes out for a residue-free experience. It’s free of both sulfates and parabens, so it’s great for sensitive skin.
It’s available in five classic scents, but there are also some really unique rotating seasonal scents like blood orange and clove. This is easily one of the best sulfate-free body washes for men with sensitive skin.
Nécessaire The Body Wash
This unassuming body wash––after all, it’s simply called The Body Wash and comes in a slim tan bottle––is something of a secret weapon.
Its formula is rich in vitamins and easy on the skin, and it’s gained loads of rave reviews praising its effectiveness and calling it the best body wash available.
This sulfate-free gel wash uses vitamins B3, C, and E to improve the overall health of the skin. It supplies healthy doses of hydration, and your skin won’t dry out afterward.
There’s also a fragrance-free option, which is ideal for sensitive skin. This sleeper hit is worth a look if you want a highly moisturizing, non-irritating body wash.
The Best Organic Body Washes for Men
Here are some solid organic body wash options…
PLANT Apothecary START HAPPY Organic Body Wash
If you struggle to get going in the mornings, this body wash might be the boost you need. It not only encourages you to START HAPPY (in all caps, no less) but also provides an invigorating cleanse.
This organic wash uses just eight ingredients. Geranium and peppermint essential oils provide a fragrant experience, and coconut oil soap works to hydrate the skin.
There are no sulfates, parabens, petroleums, or silicones that aggravate or dry out your skin. (This is also a good option for sensitive skin.)
Organic Bath Co. PeaceFull Organic Body Wash
This wash from Organic Bath Co. is another organic product with simple ingredients. You won’t see any mystery chemicals here, just plant-derived oils that moisturize the skin.
Coconut, olive, jojoba, aloe vera, and other natural ingredients give this body wash lots of cleansing power. Like many sulfate-free products, you won’t find much lather here, but you will find a smooth wash that promotes skin health.
We’ve featured their PeaceFull wash here, which is a calming lavender scent, but you can also grab this wash in fragrance-free, peppermint, and citrus scents.
The Best Sulfate-Free Body Washes for Men
Looking for something sulfate-free? Here are some good options…
Harry’s Body Wash
Harry’s has changed quite dramatically over the years. What was initially a shaving startup is now a one-stop shop for men’s grooming needs. Like their other products, their body wash offers a lot of bang for the buck.
This body wash cleans and conditions the skin with a thick lather and an ingredient list that’s easy on the skin. Even though this wash lathers up, there are no sulfates here, so it’s a lot gentler than it looks.
Harry’s body wash available in four distinctive scents (redwood, shiso, fig, and stone). What’s most impressive is that you’re getting a sulfate-free body wash for about the same price as most other drugstore washes. It might be the best budget body wash on this list.
Art of Sport Activated Charcoal Body Wash
Art of Sport’s body washes are aimed at athletes, so you know they’re meant to do some serious cleaning. Their products provide powerful results while staying gentle on the skin, and their activated charcoal body wash is no exception.
While activated charcoal is in the spotlight, this body wash also uses aloe vera, tea tree oil, and rose root extract for a high-impact cleanse. Free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, this wash is good for men with normal, sensitive, or dry skin.
It’s also dermatologist tested and approved to be non-irritating, so you can rest assured knowing this won’t do any damage to your skin.
18.21 Man Made Wash
The bottle for 18.21’s body wash looks like an aged alcohol––it was inspired by Prohibition speakeasies––but inside is a lush 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, and body wash made for men’s skin.
Made without sulfates or parabens, this wash provides a protein-rich cleanse thanks to the quinoa and jojoba esters. While many shampoo/wash combos tend to be jacks of all trades and masters of none, 18.21 Man Made Wash doesn’t compromise.
This wash works just as well in your hair as it does on your skin.
Plus, they’ve nailed the vintage masculine vibe with the packaging and the sweet tobacco scent. Man Made Wash works with all skin and hair types, so even if you have thinner hair or sensitive skin, you can lather this up without a worry.
Jack Black Black Reserve Body & Hair Cleanser
Coming from Jack Black’s Reserve line, this richly scented 2-in-1 shampoo and wash hydrates, soothes, and cleans hair and skin with gentle, plant-derived ingredients.
Jack Black is widely known for its effective skin care products designed just for men, and this cleanser is no different. Black Reserve is the brand’s luxury line, so while this is a step up in price ($27 for 12 oz), it’s also a step up in quality.
It’s also one of the best smelling body washes for men. The base scent is cardmom and cedarwood, but you’ll also find notes of lavender, bergamot, coriander, and patchouli. The combination of herbal and earthy scents will leave you smelling fantastic all day long.
The Rich + Clean Grey Matter
Looking for the best moisturizing body wash for men? The Grey Matter from Brooklyn-based company The Rich + Clean might be it. Designed to provide tons of moisture, this wash delivers a generous dose of hydration.
The packaging calls Grey Matter “an epic cleansing experience,” and the ingredient list backs that up.
Goat milk, activated charcoal, organic aloe, and essential oils combine to provide an intense moisturization that will replenish your skin. There are no sulfates to dry out your skin––just ample amounts of hydration.
Aēsop Citrus Melange Body Cleanser
If you prefer gel washes that don’t lather as much, then Aēsop’s Citrus Melange cleanser is for you. This wash relies on a blend of botanical extracts to hydrate the skin (and give you a great floral smell).
Petitgrain (which comes from the bitter orange tree) combines with lemon and grapefruit rind to give this wash its signature citrus scent. These ingredients also provide lots of natural moisture that will keep your skin hydrated. Its soft gel formula works well with all skin types.
Huron Body Wash
Take one look at Huron’s packaging, and you’ll know they’re a no-nonsense kind of brand. Minimal on the outside and powerful on the inside, this body wash is designed to refresh and condition men’s skin.
Menthol and eucalyptus are the main ingredients here, but you’ll also find natural wonders like witch hazel and ginseng root extract to amplify the wash’s effects. Huron’s wash has no parabens, sulfates, silicones, or aluminum, and its packaging is also 100% recyclable (and made in the USA).
Bulldog Original Body Wash
Bulldog is another popular brand that specializes in men’s grooming, so it makes sense that their body wash packs a punch.
With its non-drying formula, this wash will hydrate your skin and lock in that moisture. Its blend of citrus, fresh mint, eucalyptus, cedar wood, and patchouli not only smells wonderful but also helps your skin look and feel its best.
With 100% natural fragrances and sustainably sourced ingredients, this wash is an appealing option that’s about as affordable as it gets.
The Best Body Washes for Black Men
Here are some great body washes for black men…
Bevel Body Wash
Bevel is one of the few skin care companies that make products specifically for black men (and other men of color). The brand’s body wash is a boon for darker skin, with ingredients like jojoba esters, charcoal, and argan oil working to hydrate and protect the skin.
Dermatologist-tested, this wash moisturizes, evens out skin tone, and removes dead skin. In addition, the various scents (dark cassis, black bergamot, and supreme oak) are fantastic and will give you a floral, herbal musk.
For extra moisture, Bevel also offers a body lotion that can be applied post-shower.
Golden Grooming Co. 3-in-1 Body Wash + Beard Wash + Shampoo
Like Bevel, Golden Grooming Co. makes body products designed for darker skin. Their body wash also functions as both a body wash and a beard wash (but not a beard oil), so if you sport facial hair, this is a super convenient option.
Irish moss, shea butter, and essential oils soften skin and strengthen hair while also delivering antioxidants and vitamins that your body will thank you for.
This product is really unique in that it’s designed for men of color and is also a combination wash, and there’s nothing quite like it out there.
Which Will You Choose?
That does it for our list of the 15 best body washes for men. Choosing the right body wash is important for skin (and hair) health, so take some time to figure out what kind of wash is best for you. You’ll be glad you did.
Hello,
Great post! I will pick up the NATIVE body wash as I have sensitive skin. Just wondering, should I be using a loofa or any other washing “tool”? Or are these items actually too harsh on the skin? Is bare hands the way to go?
I was good to see all of these and will try the recommended ones. I’m surprised that you missed Brickell. I think they have a lot of good products:
https://brickellmensproducts.com/collections/mens-body-skincare-grooming
Thanks and keep up the good work.