10 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin to Soothe Itchiness All Winter (2024)

If you're dealing with dry skin this season (or any time of year), then using a moisturizing body wash can help soothe that itchiness, flakiness or even eczema. Not all body washes are created equally: "Body wash formulated specifically for dry skin typically has more hydrating ingredients to combat dehydration," explains Kim Nichols, M.D., a Greenwich, Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD. The milder, more emollient formulas help "replenish the oils that are washed away," adds Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has a century-long history of testing products, including body washes. In the Lab's most recent body wash test, our scientists spent more than 90 hours completing in-Lab testing and evaluated 520 consumer surveys to find the best picks available. This list includes top-performing products from in-Lab testing, as well as editor-loved and dermatologist-approved additions. Ahead, the 10 best body washes that'll turn dry skin into glowing skin, including natural, organic and drugstore cleansers.

Looking for more ways to quench your dry skin? Check out our guides to the best face moisturizers for dry skin and the best body lotions for your money.

GH Lab testing found that Aveeno's creamy body wash is one of the most hydrating, in addition to coming out on top for best lather. It features a light scent that testers enjoy. "I loved the smell," a tester raves. "I am very sensitive to strong florals and fruits — this wash was light, fresh, clean and very pleasant. The lather was creamy without being too heavy." Some reviewers report that the wash leaves a residue on their skin, so watch out for that.

This cleanser is the ultimate gentle choice: it's safe for body and face on babies and adults. Dr. Nichols recommends this soothing body wash as its ingredients help reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin. "As a rule of thumb, any time a cleanser is suitable for both the face and the body, it is a good indicator that the product is formulated to be sensitive enough for dry skin," she advises. Many reviewers find the pump to be finicky, making it difficult to dispense product.

If you have dry skin that's also itchy, try an oil-based cleanser. This silky, vanilla and almond-scented wash from Kiehl's is a favorite of GH Beauty Director April Franzino. "True to its name, it slightly foams on skin in contact with water and cleanses well yet feels coddling and luxurious, with no parched skin left behind," she says. Take note that this body wash is on the pricier side.

L'Occitane's luxurious shower oil turns to a light milky wash upon contact with water. A blend of natural oils gently cleanses skin without leaving it tight, dry or itchy, Franzino reports. "It feels so pampering when applied and smells lightly sweet thanks to sweet almond extract," she says. This shower oil is pricey, but as one of the brand's bestsellers, many believe the price is worth it.

Even dry skin needs to be exfoliated. As with any CeraVe formula, this body wash features ceramides, so you can get that exfoliation without stripping the skin. Highly rated on Amazon, reviewers like using it on keratosis pilaris, body acne and other sensitive skin conditions. "I saw improvement in my bumpy skin within just two uses," a reviewer raves. However, not all users have found it to be effective on their skin. If you like a ceramide-filled body wash sans exfoliation, Dr. Nichols recommends the CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash.

Eucerin's calming body wash is simply formulated to minimize itchiness and irritation. Dr. Nichols likes this gentle cleanser for its skin softening and smoothing abilities, thanks to nourishing seed oils. "This wash is soap-, fragrance- and dye-free to help minimize the chance of further irritation to the skin," she explains. Franzino also likes how calming the formula is. Because the wash is fragrance-free, it doesn't have anything added to make it smell more pleasant; many reviewers don't love the scent.

For the eco-conscious consumer, this great-smelling body wash from MyKirei by Kao comes in first-of-its-kind air-inflated packaging to reduce waste. But the 2022 GH Beauty Award winner isn't just eco-friendly — in a clinical study, the cleanser didn’t irritate even sensitive skin, and testers found that it lathered well and rinsed clean without overdrying skin. GH Beauty Lab assessment also confirmed that the packaging has up to 47% less plastic than that of similar size products. "The light and foamy lather feels soft," a tester reports. Some reviewers feel the price is a little too high.

A fragrance-free body wash is key for dry skin, especially for those with eczema. Cetaphil's super gentle cleanser is GH's former commerce editor's favorite choice for her eczema. "It's the only formula I've found that's safe for my sensitive skin," she revealed. "Though you miss out on the lather, its creamy gel formula cleanses without stripping my skin of moisture." Some reviewers find the bottle shape and size isn't very user-friendly.

Made with organic and cold-pressed ingredients including shea butter extract, aloe vera and various other oils and extracts, this moisturizing, natural body wash also smells amazing. "The fresh watermelon scent is a great pick-me-up no matter the time of day," GH's former Beauty Assistant said. "It cleanses well and rinses off easily without leaving my skin feeling tight." Though it doesn't leave her skin dry or itchy, this pick may not be the best for those with extra dry or sensitive skin.