Put down that bar of soap and listen up.
Your body deserves better than some bargain-basement body wash. Use a shoddy product, and you'll only end up giving yourself dry skin, irritation problems, and a cheap scent to boot.
There are better options out there! You just need to know where to look – which is why I'm breaking out my top 10 men's body washes to save you guys the trouble.
And don't worry, VITAMAN's Face And Body Cleanser is my #1! I'm just not including it on this list to keep things fair – after all, none of these other brands would stand a chance in comparison.
- Jack Black All-Over Wash
- Kiehl's Gentle Body Cleanser
- Man Made Wash
- Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper Bath & Shower Gel
- Aesop's Coriander Seed Body Cleanser
- Harry's Redwood Body Wash
- Penhaligon's Halfeti Body & Hand Wash
- Pete and Pedro DESPERADO Body Wash
- The Ordinary Sulphate 4% Cleanser For Body and Hair
- Art Of Sport Activated Charcoal Body Wash
Best Men’s Bodywash #1 Jack Black All-Over Wash
Jack Black's All-Over Wash is on my list of the best men's body wash products for a number of reasons.
Firstly, it's sulfate-free, so it won't strip your skin and hair of essential moisture.
It contains jojoba protein, which helps maintain moisture in skin and hair. This protein provides the skin with essential properties, which helps to keep it healthy.
Similarly, the shea butter used in Jack Black's formulation helps hydrate and moisturize dry skin and hair by creating a barrier on the skin that locks in moisture.
All of these ingredients work together to create a body wash that is gentle and effective, leaving your skin and hair feeling soft, smooth, and healthy.
Plus, it has a great smell that is both fresh and masculine – not an easy feat to accomplish!
In short, Jack Black's All-Over Wash is the best men's body wash because it doesn't contain harmful ingredients and helps to maintain the health and moisture of your skin.
Best Men’s Bodywash #2 Kiehl's Gentle Body Cleanser
Kiehl's Gentle Body Cleanser is another great addition to any man's bathroom cabinet.
For guys who are conscious of the environment, this men's body wash is formulated to be 100% biodegradable, meaning that it won't pollute the earth or harm aquatic life when it's washed down the drain.
With regards to ingredients, this body wash leverages the famous Aloe Vera extract – which is used in many body washes to soothe and moisturize the skin.
But what sets this product apart is that it also contains Soap Tree Extract – an ingredient that helps to calm and relieve irritated skin. Soap Tree extract is a natural ingredient that's been used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis for centuries.
The combination of these two ingredients makes Kiehl's Gentle Body Cleanser an excellent choice for guys with sensitive or dry skin.
This makes Kiehl's Gentle Body Cleanser a great option for guys with sensitive skin, as it will help to reduce redness, itchiness, and inflammation.
Best Men’s Bodywash #3 Man Made Wash
The best men's body wash is one that can do it all -look no further than the 18.21 Man Made Wash.
This sweet tobacco-scented 3-in-1 shampoo + conditioner + body wash is inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasy lounges. The bottle itself looks identical to an old-school whiskey bottle – what more could you want from a men's body wash?
When water-activated, it creates a moisturizing lather that's perfect for all skin and hair types. So don't worry, if you've got oily skin, dry hair or any other combination in between – this body wash can handle it.
The best part? It's also paraben-free, sulfate-free, and PH-balanced to help keep the skin healthy and protect it against free radicals.
So whether you're looking to cleanse your hair, beard, or body, the 18.21 Man Made Wash has got you covered.
Best Men’s Bodywash #4 Molton Brown Body Wash
Molton Brown is a British fragrance and cosmetics company based in London.
Molton Brown produces luxury bath, body, and home products. The company (founded in 1973), even holds a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen, which is awarded to companies that supply goods or services to the royal household.
The Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper Bath & Shower Gel is one of the best men's body washes on the market for many reasons.
It has a refreshingly spicy scent that invigorates the senses, and it contains black pepper extract to help soothe tired muscles. Similar to a cologne, Molton Brown breaks down its body wash fragrance into notes, with black pepper at the top, coriander at the heart, and vetiver at the base.
Molton Brown also boasts zero animal-tested ingredients within their products, which is always a good thing when it comes to the ethics and morality of a company.
Best Men’s Bodywash #5 Aesop's Coriander Seed Body Cleanser
I'll just get it out there – Aesop's Coriander Seed Body Cleaner smells freaking amazing. But that's not the only reason I've included it on my list of the best men's body washes of 2024.
For one, Aesop's body wash contains coriander seed oil, which helps hydrate the skin. This makes it ideal for men with dry or sensitive skin.
It also contains Black Pepper extract, which is evidently common in masculine body washes considering how many times we see it on this list!
Like all great body washes, this product is made by a company with a commitment to using natural ingredients. As a result, it is safe for both the environment and your skin, which is never a bad thing!
Aesop's isn't a company that every guy can afford. Their body wash comes in at over $30 per 500ml bottle, which can be on the pricier side for many men. However, if you fancy trying this great body wash, you can purchase smaller volumes for less money.
In my opinion, this is a great ‘treat' body wash that a guy should use in preparation for special occasions.
In short, Aesop's Coriander Seed Body Cleaner is the best men's body wash because it's the best of all worlds: it smells great, does its job effectively, and uses a high concentration of natural ingredients to boot.
Best Men’s Bodywash #6 Harry's Redwood Body Wash
I couldn't create a list of best men's body washes without mentioning Harry's. As I'm sure a lot of you guys have seen, they're a regular sponsor of many RMRS articles, and I'm a big fan of their products in general.
This creamy and full-lathering body wash will deep clean your skin without harsh chemicals, leaving it feeling smooth and moisturized.
Plus, the sharp, clean scent of Redwood is the perfect way to start the day feeling fresh and masculine.
Redwood includes notes of evergreen leaves, sea salt, and sandalwood – creating an interesting blend of woody and fresh scents.
It's important to note that Harry's Redwood Body Wash contains zero sulfates, parabens, and dyes. These toxic ingredients can harm the skin by causing irritation, dryness, and inflammation.
Harry's body washes are also cruelty-free – a common trend that has become a staple of high-end men's grooming products in 2024.
All in all, Harry's Redwood Body Wash is a great product that does its job well whilst also being gentle on the skin. It's also very affordable, coming in at under $10 per bottle.
Best Men’s Bodywash #7 Penhaligon's Body & Hand Wash
A lot of guys won't have heard of Penhaligon's fragrances – but trust me when I say those guys are missing out on something special.
They're a niche fragrance house that originated from the Victorian streets of London. Over the last 100 years, they've gained some serious traction worldwide – selling fragrance and grooming products across the globe and even receiving several royal warrants from the British Royal Family.
And, you guessed it, they also make body washes. You can purchase body wash versions of many of their popular fragrances. However, none are quite as awesome as Halfeti.
For this company, it's all about scent. They don't use a whole load of natural products; they don't claim to be the most ethical company on the market. However, I can safely say this is the best-smelling men's body wash I've ever used.
Just like the cologne, when using this body wash you'll come out smelling of a blend of different woods, leathers, and citrus notes. It's smooth, it's sexy, and it makes one hell of a statement.
Is this a body wash to use every day? Absolutely not. Should you use it before a big date? Definitely.
Best Men’s Bodywash #8 Pete and Pedro DESPERADO Body Wash
Aaron Marino (ie. Alpha M) is a great friend of mine. But we're always in competition, so I'm not gonna include one of his products on my list as a favor to a friend.
Here's the truth: Pete and Pedro's Desperado Body Wash is included on this list because it's freaking awesome.
Let's start with scent: using this body wash will leave you smelling manly as hell. Let's be honest, what man doesn't want to smell like rum and tobacco?
But it's not just about the scent – after all, a good body wash should make your skin feel great as well as smell great.
This body wash leverages charcoal to help absorb impurities while moisturizing agents combat dryness to leave your skin feeling soft and well-treated.
They recommend using a loofah or sponge when using the Desperado Body Wash. However, I've had plenty of success without this. It's really up to you – if you're the sort of guy who enjoys a prolonged shower experience, then go for the loofah. If you're in a hurry, your hands will do just fine on their own.
Best Men’s Bodywash #9 The Ordinary Sulphate 4% Cleanser For Body and Hair
The Ordinary is an interesting skincare company. They use very scientific branding and ingredients to produce high-end products at a very affordable price.
Their body wash is no exception. According to their website, the low-foaming body wash contains SLES-2 – a sulfate that's mild and gentle on the skin so that it cleanses and cleans without doing any damage.
We're always being told that sulfates are a bad thing – so including the word in the title of their product is a pretty bold move! I respect them for that and, having used this product, I can confirm that it hasn't done any damage to my skin whatsoever.
They do say you should ‘patch test' this product on your skin before extensive use. I get why this is important – it's all about making sure you don't have a negative reaction to the product before lathering it all over your body.
When all's said and done, this brand is all about no-nonsense science. They're honest about their use of sulfates but explain how they've scientifically managed the concentration to make it beneficial to the body rather than harmful.
The Ordinary body wash is interesting to say the least – and for less than $10 per bottle, it's definitely worth a try.
Best Men’s Bodywash #10 Art Of Sport Activated Charcoal Body Wash
If you're looking for something sporty, you can't go wrong with the Art Of Sport's Activated Charcoal Body Wash.
Their deep cleansing and hydrating body wash is infused with Activated Charcoal and natural botanicals, making it perfect for those who want to get rid of dirt and toxins.
The use of charcoal in its formulation has many benefits when it comes to cleansing the skin. For one, it's a natural detoxifier. What does this mean? In short, detoxifiers help to remove impurities from your skin by drawing them out.
In addition to being a natural detoxifier, charcoal is also known for its ability to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This makes it great for those who suffer from acne – or even just the occasional breakout.
As with many products on this list, AOS use Aloe Vera, and Tea Tree Oil in their body wash. As you know, these products soothe and protect the skin by providing it with essential vitamins and nutrients.
This body wash is also vegan, cruelty-free, and made without any harmful chemicals or sulfates. So if you're looking for a body wash that's good for you AND the environment, this is definitely one to consider.
I know, I know. A lot of you guys see the term ‘vegan' and get turned off pretty quickly. However, take a moment to consider the benefits.
This body wash is made without any animal products or testing, so you can feel good about using it knowing that no animals were harmed in the process.
Plus, it's always nice to support a company that's environmentally conscious.
Conclusion: What should you look for in a men's body wash?
- Skin Type Compatibility: Choose a body wash that suits your skin type, whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or normal skin. Look for products specifically formulated for your skin's needs.
- Gentle Cleansing: Opt for a body wash that effectively cleanses without stripping away natural oils. Avoid harsh ingredients like sulfates that can be drying and irritating.
- Moisturizing Properties: Look for body washes with moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, or glycerin. These help to nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
- Refreshing Fragrance: Consider your personal preferences for scents. Many men's body washes offer a range of fragrance options, from fresh and citrusy to musky and woody. Find a scent that suits your taste.
- Natural and Organic Ingredients: If you prefer natural or organic products, seek body washes that are free from synthetic chemicals, parabens, and artificial fragrances. Look for certifications such as USDA organic or cruelty-free labels.
- Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, choose a body wash that is hypoallergenic and free from potential irritants like dyes and fragrances. Unscented options are also available.
- Multifunctional Benefits: Some body washes offer additional benefits beyond cleansing, such as exfoliation, antibacterial properties, or soothing effects. Consider your specific needs when selecting a product.
Looking for more A1 grooming tips? Check out my guide on how to keep your hair looking and feeling great according to your hair type!
FAQs
Can men use the same body wash as women?
Yes, in many cases, men can use the same body wash as women.
The primary difference between men's and women's body washes is often the fragrance and packaging. However, men may have unique skincare needs, such as thicker skin or a preference for specific scents, which could lead them to choose a body wash marketed specifically for men.
Are expensive body washes better than cheaper ones?
The price of a body wash doesn't necessarily determine its quality.
Both expensive and budget-friendly options can offer effective cleansing and moisturizing properties.
However, pricier body washes may use higher-quality ingredients, feature luxurious scents, or have additional benefits. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and budget.
Should men choose a body wash with antibacterial properties?
Antibacterial body washes can be beneficial for individuals with specific needs, such as those prone to body odor or certain skin conditions.
However, for most people, regular body washes are sufficient for maintaining cleanliness and freshness. If you have concerns about bacteria or odor, consult with a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
Can body washes help with skin conditions like acne or dryness?
Some body washes are formulated to address specific skin concerns.
For acne-prone skin, look for body washes containing ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which can help unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
For dry skin, opt for moisturizing body washes that provide hydration and avoid stripping natural oils. It's important to consult a dermatologist for severe or persistent skin conditions.
Can body washes be used on the face?
While some body washes may be gentle enough to use on the face, it's generally recommended to use products specifically formulated for facial use. The skin on the face is more delicate and requires different ingredients and pH levels. Choose a facial cleanser that suits your skin type for optimal results.
How often should I use body wash?
The frequency of body wash usage depends on personal preference and individual needs. For most people, using body wash once a day during showers is sufficient to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. However, you can adjust the frequency based on your activity level, climate, or skin condition.
