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POSSIBLY MORE THAN any other season, winter is full of annual traditions—like holiday shopping, spending more time with family, and overindulging in eggnog because you've spent so much time at malls and with your in-laws. But for many of us, there's one ritual we dread even more than that yearly milk-induced hangover: surfacing dry skin.
Thankfully, however, using a body wash uniquely designed to combat dry skin (along with a quality moisturizer, of course) can go a long way in alleviating this issue. So if you face flakes and redness year-round or are only prone to dryness when temps dip, a gentle and nourishing men's body wash for dry skin should hold a key spot in your showering routine.
Best Men's Body Washes for Dry Skin
Best Body Wash for Severe Dry Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
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Of course, many dudes suffer from dry skin year-round and even those who don't deal with it regularly have in the past or probably will, at some point, in the future. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd explains that dry skin is incredibly common, and no one is outright immune to an occurrence. "Under certain conditions, anyone can develop dry skin," she says.
In general, the two primary causes of dry skin are decreased humidity (as it retracts moisture from the outermost layers of your skin) and exposure to harsh chemicals (because they strip away the skin's natural oils). One of the most useful tools in the fight against dry skin (besides a humidifier) is a quality body wash designed specifically for this skin type as it will fight lower humidity by adding moisture to the skin and avoid introducing any irritating ingredients.
That being said, dry skin is also incredibly complicated and unique to each person, so there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a body wash to help combat dry skin.
What to Consider
Key Ingredients
By far, the two most important factors to consider when choosing a men's body wash for dry skin is what ingredients are and are not included in its formula. According to board-certified dermatologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University Dr. Alicia Zalka, "When dealing with dry skin, the goal is to cleanse without stripping away the skin's natural moisture. The addition of moisturizing and hydrating ingredients can help."
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd adds that this may include glycerin to draw moisture from the environment onto skin, hyaluronic acid as a moisture retainer, ceramides to protect and maintain the skin's natural barrier, natural oils to hold moisture in, or oat extract for its skin soothing anti-inflammatory properties.
Fragrance-Free
Similarly, for those of us who deal with dry skin, what ingredients are not included in a body wash will be equally as important as those that are. There's a laundry list of chemicals commonly found in skincare, like sulfates or parabens, that can aggravate and escalate already easily dried-out skin with added fragrance as the most frequent culprit. As a result, you should always look to unscented or fragrance-free options when searching for a body wash with very few exceptions, especially if you're dealing with a severe case of dry skin.
Size
Do you suffer from dry skin year-round or usually only during the cooler months? That's the primary question to ask yourself when purchasing a body wash for dry skin. If this is a consistent struggle for you, opt for the largest bottle you can find to limit trips to the digital skincare aisle. However, people who merely face dry skin during the winter can probably zero in on smaller options to save dough.
How We Selected
Our grooming editors and writers, especially those prone to dry skin, have spent the past year testing every body wash for sensitive or dry skin they could get their hands on. Experts, including our Grooming Commerce Editor Sean Zucker, put a number of men's body washes for dry skin to the test and evaluated their lather, skin-soothing abilities, and long-term effectiveness in combating dry skin. We also consulted with a pair of board-certified dermatologists on which dry skin body washes they recommend.
Following all of that first-hand testing and expert-based research, we were able to pare down to the following list of the eight best men's body washes for dry skin.
Pros
- Approved by the National Eczema Association
- Incredible lather
- Bottle lasts longer than any other option on this list
- Developed with dermatologists
Cons
- Some testers reported that the bottle is occasionally difficult to open
CeraVe landing atop our rankings of dry skin body washes is far from surprising, as Dr. Woolery-Llyod notes that the brand has been a leader in this space for years. "CeraVe is a trusted brand among dermatologists for its gentle, non-stripping formulas," she says. But it also checks every box we look for when soothing dry skin.
"This gentle cleanser contains ceramides, which help restore the skin's natural barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which helps attract moisture to the skin. This body wash is also fragrance-free and has a mild, suds-free formula that helps maintain the skin's moisture balance without causing dryness or irritation," Dr. Woolery-Llyod adds.
Plus, on the feel front, our testers found that CeraVe's offering left their skin feeling smooth, ultra-moisturized and, most importantly, never dry. Dr. Zalka also recommends CeraVe, summing up the appeal as, "A body wash from a brand known to contain ceramides in [its] products, this one also has hyaluronic acid for a moisturizing finish."
Read More: Best Body Washes for Men
| Key Ingredients | Ceramide, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 10 oz |
Best Body Wash for Severe Dry Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Pros
- Approved by the National Eczema Association
- Designed to combat severely dry skin and associated conditions like eczema
- Pump is easy to use in the shower
Cons
- Weaker lather than others on this list
The most intense versions of dry skin typically come via chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema, which makes this body wash ideal for those with severe cases as it's approved by the National Eczema Association. During our testing, this La Roche-Posay wash certainly squashed dry skin quicker than most so we understand how it could be used as a resource in fights against even more debilitating dry skin issues, like eczema.
| Key Ingredients | Shea Butter, niacinamide, glycerin |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 13.5 oz |
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Best Exfoliating Body Wash for Dry Skin
Baxter of California Exfoliating Body Wash
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Includes exfoliating granules
- Incredibly strong lather
- Delightfully masculine scent
Cons
- Has trace amounts of fragrance
- Contains caffeine which can be drying in large amounts
This exfoliating body wash is packed with dry skin soothing ingredients like jojoba and pumice, as well as spa-level granules. However, possibly no ingredient here is as beneficial to dry skin as its glycerin, which is "a powerful humectant, glycerin helps draw moisture from the environment into the skin, keeping it hydrated," Woolery-Llyod explains.
The only real downside to this stuff is that it does include a tiny bit of fragrance. While our testers with dry skin didn't find these trace amounts irritating to their skin (and loved the cologne-esque cedarwood and oak scent), if you're especially sensitive to fragrance or deal with severely dry skin it may be best to look elsewhere. It also contains caffeine, which can be drying in large amounts but we didn't experience any of that in our testing.
Read More: Best Face Scrubs for Men
| Key Ingredients | Jojoba meal, pumice, caffeine, glycerin |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-Free? | No |
| Size | 8 oz |
Best Luxury Body Wash for Dry Skin
Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash
Pros
- Formulated for hand and body
- Features skin soothing ingredients tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- The most expensive option on this list
- Some testers reported difficulty operating the pump
We're not huge fans of 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioners here, as they tend to struggle with either effectively cleansing (like a shampoo), moisturizing (like a conditioner), or both. But a 2-in-1 face and body wash? That's much more enticing, especially when it comes to combating a skin issue like dryness that can affect both equally.
We found that this versatile option from Dermalogica is the best of the bunch, making its somewhat high price tag well worth it. Think of it this way, when you suffer from dry skin you have to protect your hands and body from flare-ups, and at $36 this ultra-conditioning wash represents a quality hand soap and body wash at less than $20 for each (if you split it up).
| Key Ingredients | Tea tree oil, sandalwood, lavender, sage, eucalyptus oil, vitamin B5 |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 10 oz |
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Most Soothing Body Wash for Dry Skin
Aveeno Calm + Restore Daily Body Wash
Now 25% Off
Pros
- One of the largest bottles on this list
- Gentle on skin
- Oat extract helps minimize redness associated with dry skin
Cons
- The pump dispenser can become slightly fickle over time
When it comes to dry skin, Dr. Zalka recommends looking for products with aloe or probiotics, and this soothing option from Aveeno highlights both in its formula. We found the lather to be silky smooth while leaving a calming effect on the skin. After only a few washes, the dryness of our skin was borderline non-existent and any redness had noticeably dwindled.
"Aveeno Calm + Restore Daily Body Wash is a great soothing cleanser for dry skin with oat extract," Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says before adding praise for its prebiotic oat. "Oat extract has anti-inflammatory properties and is known for its ability to soothe itchy, irritated skin. It can help relieve the irritation and itching associated with dry skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis."
| Key Ingredients | Oat extract, aloe vera, vitamin B5 |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 18 oz |
Pros
- EWG verified
- Includes vitamins A, B5, and E to boost skin health beyond minimizing dryness
- Offers a 100% money back guarantee if unsatisfied
Cons
- A bit pricier than similar options
- Some fragrance
"Oils such as jojoba oil, shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil or sunflower oil are beneficial for dry skin because they help to lock in moisture. Oils also tend to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth after showering," says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd, so wouldn't it be great if someone just threw a bunch of those together into one wash? The Shaklee Revitalize Body Wash did just that and features jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil, as well as our favorite dry skin soother glycerin and vitamins A, B5, and E.
This wash is basically a cocktail of every ingredient dermatologists advise when dealing with dry skin. It's no wonder our skin felt like it took a dermal multivitamin following just one wash, feeling hydrated and healthy for hours after. Plus, it's been verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) so you know it only features the cleanest of ingredients.
Read More: Best All-Natural Shampoos for Men
| Key Ingredients | Jojoba oil, shea butter, coconut oil |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-Free? | No |
| Size | 8 oz |
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Pros
- PETA-certified
- Made in 100% recycled bottles
- Largest bottle on this list at one of the lowest cost
- Hypoallergenic formula
- An effective pump dispenser!
Cons
- Some testers reported mild leaking after shipping
- Ingredients include fragrance
Both Dr. Zalka and Dr. Woolery-Lloyd were quick to recommend this storied wash for sensitive skin from Dove. As Dr. Woolery-Lloyd puts it, "This body wash is ideal for dry skin. It has a gentle lather and cleanses without drying out the skin. The formula was designed with moisturizing ingredients and works well for my patients with dry skin."
And our testers wholeheartedly agree. Thanks to an uber-gentle and nourishing formula, this wash left our skin feeling soft and moisturized, with no lingering tightness or dryness. Not to mention, this is one of the few body washes on this list with a pump dispenser that didn't give us issues or cause aggregation—it's the little things.
It's also formulated to avoid most possible allergins, although it does include some fragrance. This didn't aggravate our skin, but we did find it slightly disappointing and largely unnecessary since it's mostly scentless anyway.
| Key Ingredients | Lauric acid, soybean oil |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-Free? | No |
| Size | 30 oz |
Pros
- pH balancing formula
- Developed by a dermatologist
- Also contains hydrating coconut oil
Cons
- Container size is on the smaller end considering the price
When it comes to skin health and minimizing dryness, sometimes you have to treat it like a pool (hear us out) and consider your pH levels. This body wash is designed to do just that with glycolic acid and lactic acid to help balance the pH levels in your skin. "Try to find acidic cleansers that contain glycolic acid or lactic acid as these maintain the skin’s acid mantle, which is the 5.5 pH set point where the skin’s barrier function is best maintained," Dr. Zalka says. For reference, a typical bar soap had a pH of roughly 8 or 9 according to the dermatologist.
| Key Ingredients | Glycolic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, coconut oil, willow bark extract |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 6.7 oz |
What Causes Dry Skin?
In general, the most common causes of dry skin are decreased humidity and exposure to harsh chemicals like sulfates, alcohols, or parabens, but there are quite a few additional risks according to Dr. Zalka. However, not all are in your control. She explains that age is also a factor here because, "as we get older the oil glands produce less natural oils and the skin becomes thinner and more delicate with less ability to retain natural moisture."
Of course, pre-existing conditions like psoriasis or eczema will also massively raise the risk of dry skin (more on that in a sec), as well as family history and genetic disposition.
Now the good news, there are also plenty of dry skin risk factors absolutely in your control. This starts with avoiding harsh chemicals in your skincare products, as well as applying heavy fragrances directly to your skin. Also, try to avoid taking excessively long or hot showers, scratching at sensitive areas, or wearing irritating clothing materials like lace or wool. Lastly—and we can't emphasize this enough—moisturize daily!
Is Dry Skin the Same as Conditions Like Psoriasis or Eczema?
While there is certainly some overlap—and they can often be mistaken for each other—dry skin is not necessarily the same as chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or eczema. "Psoriasis and eczema have a scaly surface that flakes or peels making it appear very much like dry skin, but these conditions are much harder to treat and tend to persist for months to years, whereas dry skin is often the result of seasonal changes or improper care," Dr. Zalka explains.
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd adds that people who suffer from these conditions can certainly have them worsened by the same triggers as general dry skin, however, it's much more involved to treat. "Patients with eczema have dry skin as a baseline," she says. "People with eczema need to use products to help treat/prevent dry skin daily."
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How Does Winter Impact Dry Skin?
If one of the two primary causes of dry skin (in addition to exposure to harsh chemicals) is low humidity, then it's not surprising that winter is often responsible for the worse dry skin. As Dr. Woolery-Lloyd explains, the air tends to have lower humidity—both indoors and outdoors due to heating systems—often leading to dry, tight skin. "Humidity is essential for maintaining skin hydration, and when it's reduced, the skin loses moisture more rapidly," she adds.
The reason indoor heating also contributes to a reduction in humidity is that while it warms the air, it reduces the moisture content, creating a drier environment, which then pulls moisture from the skin. Additionally, people tend to take longer (and hotter) showers when temps dip, which can strip skin of its natural oils and further dry it out according to Dr. Woolery-Lloyd.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, is a board-certified dermatologist based out of Miami, Florida.
- Dr. Alicia Zalka, is a board-certified dermatologist, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, and founder of Surface Deep
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