We all know that taking regular long, hot showers will dry out our skin. Does that stop us from taking them? Almost never. If you’re like us, you’ll likely justify your daily scalding hot showers by insisting that a rich night moisturiser will help undo any damage. And don’t get it twisted, we applaud your moisturising routine, we really do. However, we recommend pairing it with a nourishing body wash intended to hydrate dry patches and prevent moisture loss.
So, how do you know what to look for? Just like your regular skin care products, all the usual hydrating suspects remain the same: glycerin, ceramides, niacinamide, you know the drill.
Oh, and if you could find it in yourself to consider a slightly more tepid shower, your hair and skin will thank you.
So without further ado, here are the 5 best body washes for dry skin.
Dermatologist recommended body wash for dry skin
QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Wash
We say: Using a soap-free formula to wash your body may seem slightly counterproductive, however, it’s crucial if you have dry or irritated skin. Containing ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide and lactic acid, this pH-balanced formula has been given the dermatologist’s stamp of approval for balancing dry skin and restoring moisture.
You say: “It doesn’t irritate skin. It does however soothe their sensitive skin leaving it calm and hydrated. I like that it comes in a handy pump bottle so they can have one on the ledge in their shower and easily pump it onto their loofahs or hands. I would highly recommend this for sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation.” – Izzy09
Want to know more? Read QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Wash reviews here…
$19.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Best body wash for dry itchy skin
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
We say: Like salicylic acid is to acne, colloidal oatmeal is to dry skin: effective, fast-working and very affordable (if you know where to look). The Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash offers a creamy, soap-free formulation rich in emollients which leave the skin clean, hydrated and free from itchiness or irritation.
You say: “Literally provided instant relief to his skin conditions, and as a result, it has reduced the frequency of the need to use medicinal cream. Overall, it leaves his skin very smooth and hydrated as he does not use body lotion. The product has a very creamy consistency and it lathers well.” – Joey502
Want to know more? Read Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash reviews here…
$20.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Best body wash for dry sensitive skin
DermaVeen Extra Hydration Gentle Soap-Free Wash
We say: Free from sulphates, parabens, fragrances and alcohols, DermaVeen’s formula has kept out the irritating substances in favour of a pH-balanced, protective and nourishing body wash. Formulated specifically for sensitive skin types that are experiencing dry skin flare-ups, get ready to experience fast relief of itchy, dry skin.
You say: “Good for sensitive skin and won’t dry out your skin either. Comes in a big bottle which will last you several months even if using it everyday. Because it is soap free, I feel like I do use quite alot of pumps full. But my skin does feel very clean after rinsing.” – Tigress
Want to know more? Read DermaVeen Extra Hydration Gentle Soap-Free Wash reviews here…
$17.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Best natural body wash for dry skin
etchðos Hydrating Body Wash
We say: Made from 94 per cent naturally-derived ingredients, the etchðos Hydrating Body Wash uses a plant-based glycerin to gentle restore moisture, keeping dry skin clean, hydrated and soft. Pick from your choice of two refreshing and delicate scents, Botanical Bloom or Summer Citrus.
You say: “The body wash has a refreshing botanical scent to it, but the scent doesn’t linger. It has a very creamy texture, almost like a cream cleanser, and it doesn’t lather much. It is super hydrating and soothing and probably best for dry skin.” – VeronicaStrange
Want to know more? Read etchðos Hydrating Body Wash – Botanical Bloom reviews here…
$13.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Best moisturising body wash for dry skin
Dove Skin Cleanse Triple Moisture Body Wash
We say: You don’t need us to tell you how hydrating a Dove body wash is. However, this one isn’t just any Dove body wash, it’s the Cleanse Triple Moisture Body Wash. Offering 24-hour nourishment, the rich, moisturising formula will protect your skin’s microbiome from future irritation while soothing and healing existing dryness.
You say: “This body wash left my skin feeling so clean, soft and deeply hydrated. I only needed a small pump of the body wash to produce a rich soapy lather onto my shower sponge. My skin felt nourished after daily use and I also really like the large pump pack 1L size.” – Jules
Want to know more? Read Dove Skin Cleanse Triple Moisture Body Wash reviews here…
$15 at Woolworths
Best exfoliating body wash for dry skin
Hab Shifa Black Seed Revitalizing Body Wash
We say: Exfoliating dry, irritated skin can be risky business and potentially leave your skin barrier even more dry and damaged than before. But Hab Shifa’s Black Seed Revitalizing Body Wash actually moisturises and nourishes your skin, whilst providing a gentle exfoliant that will leave your body soft, smooth and radiant. Spiked with geranium, rosewood and chamomile essential oils, this body wash smells divine and will make every shower a spa-like experience.
Have you tried this product? Leave your Hab Shifa Black Seed Revitalizing Body Wash review…
$14.95 at Amazon
Do you have a go-to body wash for relieving dry skin?
The QV wash for eczema is good
Keen to try it
I’m using a QV wash for dry skin and it’s excellent
i must try that one next -These are all looking worth a try
I’d also like to try the Aveeno
I am not currently using a body wash designed for relieving dry skin. But keen to give a few of these a go. Especially the Dove one.
Yes Dove products are lovely and with bottle 1 litre that is a good price
I’ve recently used the Aveeno body wash which was pretty good.
I want to try the Aveeno one!
Try it, I have and it is nice.
oh cool, thanks I will!
I’m keen to try the Etch and Ethos body wash.
I don’t have dry skin, but I like to use Cetaphil Cleanser as a body wash before a date because it gives me super-soft skin. It’s brilliant, but I’m looking for an Aussie-made alternative.
I used some of the above.
I love the Dermaveen one but would be happy to use any of these
Nothing beats Dove. And they are regulary half price at Woolies
Half price is a bargain. Good to know. Thanks Gloss_Geek.
I used to use the Dove soap and that was always lovely too
Yes! I love Dove. Thanks for the tip re Woolies sales 🙂
I love so many of the QV products. I haven’t tried their body wash yet.
Aveeno is the bomb.
Lots of good options there.
I’m loving the etch and ethos one at the moment!!
I like the dove body wash, it’s been really nice and hydrating over these harsh winter days.
I’m loving loccitane almond shower oil.
At the moment I’m preferring gel type body washes over milky creamy types.
I don’t have a favourite but would love to find one.
DermalMD Lightening Serum has been the only dark spot treatment that has really worked for me. One bottle last me 3 months. I started using it once a day and then increased to 2x a day.
I probably do need a more moisturising body wash but my skin isn’t particularly dry so I like to go for nice smelly ones! Body shop is a favourite.
I use a sukin one for sensitive skin but it’s getting harder to find these days.
These are all good body washes for dry skin!
Great article. Happy to say I have tried 3 of these brands and all are great in relieving and hydrating dry skin. Will have to give Etch&Ethos a go soon. I’ve heard great reviews so far for this brand.
Qv wash is great but I also have loved the dove one throughout my life lol
Dove body wash is so good. Same with Aveeno.
I found Etch & Ethos to be drying and my skin isn’t even drying. I’m more into CeraVe which doesn’t seem to strip my skin at all.
some lovely brands
Qv range of products is great for sensitive skin.
I don’t have a favourite. I’ve used all the mentioned ones except for the etchðos. At present I’m using Nivea Sensitive.
I like Dove body wash.Great for the whole family and lovely smell.
Haven’t used any of those Body Washes at the moment I have been using Palmolive Milk & Honey Moisturising Body Wash, it’s so good keeping my Skin Hydrated especially for Winter.
The Dove one is really good
I’m always using body washes instead of soap bars. I’ve happily used the Dove body wash and I would happily use it again.
I’ve just picked up a bottle of the Etch and Ethos to try. Hope it’s good.
I really like the sound of this brand, I’m keen to check out some of their products
QV is recommended by dermatologists for problem skin
I really like Dove body washes, they always feel so nice on my skin
Great tips. My skin is dry this winter!
Definitely QV or dermaveen
Any liquid body washes work really well for me, it’s been a long time since I’ve used Dove but I remember loving their products the most for a hydrating body wash.
I have found Dove to be a quality product. Nice and gentle on my skin.
I love a hydrating body wash, Nivea is one of my faves
I haven’t tried any of these products.
Big tan of all of these in winter