While facial moisturizer tends to dominate the conversation, finding the best body wash for men is just as important. After all, taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good, it’s also about keeping your skin healthy and protecting it from dryness, irritation, and other environmental stressors. When your skin stays hydrated, soft and supple, you’ll feel more comfortable in and out of your clothes.
Having dealt with dry, patchy skin since I was a child, I’ve shopped through dermatologists and tried dozens of different products over the years, including ones geared toward staying hydrated preventatively and those aimed at helping repair damaged or cracked skin. Are you ready to upgrade your home body care ritual? Here are 12 of our tried-and-tested picks for the best body lotions for men — and what’s best for each.
The best body lotions for men, at a glance
- The best body wash for men in general: Kariya Soft Services Cream$40
- Best body wash for winter: Crème de Corp by Kiehl’s$37
- Best scented body wash: Aesop Moisturizing Body Balm100 dollars
- Best fast absorbing body lotion: Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer$45
- Best body wash for radiant skin: Vitamin C is necessary for the body$55
- Best anti aging body wash: Blue Atlas nourishing body lotion$35
- Best body lotion for skin repair: Perricone MD Intensive Hyaluronic Body Treatment$55
- Best body serum: Ren Aha Smart Rejuvenating Body Serum,
$46$32 - Best body oil: Hume Super Natural Desert Bloom Dry Body Oil Mist$25
- Best body wash to lock in moisture: Dr. Jart Ceramidin Body Lotion$28
- Best unscented body wash: Hawthorne Extra Rich Body Lotion$15
- Best affordable body wash: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion$18
Are you looking for something specific?
Best overall body wash for men: Soft Care Cream
Perfect for men with combination skin, this lightweight cleanser is my daily favorite. It tops our list for going beyond basic hydration to address a range of skin concerns, from bumpy texture to persistent dryness. The main ingredient is urea, which also moisturizes and gently exfoliates the skin – smoothing out rough patches and reducing dead skin buildup. Urea also acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin and forming a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin nourished throughout the day. For convenience and sustainability, we also love that the brand sells packaging and provides a reusable plastic pump.
Best body wash for winter: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps
This cult favorite is known for being extremely rich and buttery. However, despite its thick texture, it absorbs easily and quickly, leaving your skin soft and smooth without any excess residue. The combination of cocoa butter and squalane deeply moisturizes and repairs even the driest skin, so you can count on this cream during the colder months when your skin needs extra protection from the wind. Plus, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, providing long-lasting hydration without any irritation.
Best scented body wash: Aesop Resolute Hydration Body Balm
If your skin is not very sensitive, your options for scented products are wider. This body balm provides more than just moisture, it also provides a refreshing and distinct scent. The warm, earthy blend of black pepper, patchouli, and bergamot impart a sophisticated, masculine scent that lingers on the skin. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a lotion that also acts as a light fragrance. In addition to its delightfully spicy scent, the formula is packed with hydrating oils that deeply nourish the skin, leaving it soft and moisturized for hours without feeling heavy.
Best Fast-Absorbing Body Lotion: Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer
If you hate waiting for your lotion to absorb, this lightweight formula delivers fast hydration without the wait. It absorbs almost instantly, making it perfect for busy mornings or for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day. Despite its lightweight texture, it still provides excellent hydration thanks to Vitamin B5, which locks in moisture, and Shea Butter, which nourishes the skin. It is also rich in oatmeal, which helps soothe and soothe irritation for all skin types. There is a slight citrus scent to the lotion, which makes it nice and bright for daytime use.
Best body lotion to even skin tone: Nécessaire The Body Vitamin C
Nécessaire’s Radiance Serum is a powerhouse when it comes to brightening and evening skin tone. Presented in the form of bioavailable, hypoallergenic tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD), the product’s namesake Vitamin C works to reduce dark spots and boost radiance. Meanwhile, tranexamic acid treats dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier. What we love most is how this lotion adds a noticeable glow to your skin. In addition, its clean, fragrance-free formula makes it suitable for daily use, even for people with sensitive skin.
Best Anti-Aging Body Lotion: Blue Atlas Nourishing Body Lotion
This men’s lotion does more than just moisturize, it helps your skin stay youthful and elastic, too. Seaweed extract provides antioxidants that protect against environmental stressors, while mango seed butter and jojoba oil deeply moisturize and improve skin elasticity. Designed with anti-aging in mind, this lotion helps smooth fine lines and keeps skin looking firm and healthy over time.
Best Skin Repairing Body Wash: Perricone MD Hyaluronic Intensive Body Treatment
Founded by a dermatologist, Perricone MD has skincare down to a science. This cream contains four forms of hyaluronic acid, as well as two natural building blocks that work to hydrate and smooth skin texture. The varied molecular weights of the ingredients allow them to penetrate different layers of the skin. Brown algae extract, sourced from France, adds amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins. Meanwhile, DMAE (a natural compound) tightens sagging skin and strengthens it from environmental factors. They are a little pricey, but perfect for those who need a little extra love and care.
Best Body Serum: REN Aha Smart Renewal Body Serum
This serum is designed to exfoliate as well as moisturize. The special formula focuses on lactic acid for gentle exfoliation – helping to remove dead skin cells and smooth rough or bumpy skin, while also toning and texture. Shea butter enriches skin by locking in hydration, and xylitol from the vegetable’s bark provides a boost of moisture. This is a great first layer to use before adding a thicker cream.
Best Body Oil: Hume Super Dry Body Oil
To further protect your skin’s outer layer, also known as the lipid barrier, consider using body oil alongside other lotions and creams. While some body oils can be a bit shiny or greasy, we love this gender-neutral, sprayable mist that uses all-natural botanical ingredients — like apricot kernel oil, prickly pear oil, and olive oil — to nourish skin. . The spray form makes it easy to apply on the go, and comes in three varieties: Fragrance-Free, Desert Rose, and Amber Vanilla. As with all body oils, this product is best used after showering while the skin is still damp.
Best body lotion to lock in moisture: Dr. Jart Ceramidin Body Lotion
As someone who suffers from chronic dry skin, this is a moisture-retaining product that I always keep in my skincare rotation. The star of the show are five ceramides, which help restore the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture, while hyaluronic acid adds deep hydration and plumping effects, and coconut oil nourishes skin with rich, lasting nourishment. What we love most is how well it keeps skin hydrated for hours, even in the driest conditions.
Best Unscented Body Wash: Hawthorne Extra Rich Body Wash
Hawthorne Rich Body Lotion offers the perfect solution for those who prefer a straightforward, unscented product with intense hydration. This simple lotion is packed with nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter and Olive Oil that provide deep moisture, while Squalane helps maintain long-lasting softness. We love that it provides all-day hydration without any greasy feel, making it perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin.
You can find it at your local drugstore, it doesn’t cost much, but it contains some essential ingredients to empower the skin. For daily use, don’t skip the fragrance-free CeraVe Essential Lotion, which combines nourishing hyaluronic acid and three ceramides to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. The product is designed to provide 24-hour hydration, using proprietary CeraVe science to ensure efficient delivery of ingredients through slow release.
What to look for in a body wash
In fact, body lotions can vary widely across key ingredients, functions and fragrances, but as a general rule, look for ingredients like shea butter, ceramides or hyaluronic acid, which are meant to lock in moisture. If you have sensitive skin, avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate it. Depending on where you live, you may also want to try different types of body creams depending on the season. For a lotion that lasts all year round, try products that balance hydration with fast absorption and a lightweight feel. Meanwhile, in cold winter weather, consider using a thicker, creamier formula that sits on top of the skin’s natural barrier and prevents excess dryness. Once you choose a body wash, remember that it should be applied at least once a day, ideally after showering when your skin is damp.
Finally, the best skin lotions and moisturizers for you Your body will depend on your individual skin’s needs, but a few additional things to think about when choosing a bottle to add to your skincare routine are whether you’re looking for natural ingredients, paraben-free formulas, adding sunscreen — and if it’s the right SPF. There are plenty of other ingredients that can help keep your skin soft and smelling great, too, from vitamin E and dimethicone to aloe vera, argan oil, and more, so don’t be afraid to branch out and find what works. Best for your skin.
