Compared with shampoos and conditioners, you may not put as much thought into body wash. But after testing dozens, it’s clear not all are created equal.
The best body washes don’t just cleanse your skin, they elevate your shower routine. Whether you’re after a hydrating hit for dry skin, a fragrance that lingers like perfume, or a bottle that does good for the planet as well as your body, there’s a formula out there that fits every brief.
To find a great body wash, texture matters – from silky oils to rich creams and foamy gels, different consistencies offer different perks, whether you’re after indulgent nourishment or a squeaky-clean, post-gym refresh. Then you’ll want to consider ingredients. Hydrating heroes such as glycerin, ceramides, and aloe vera help soothe parched skin. But gentle exfoliants, such as AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid) or salicylic acid, can help tackle texture or keratosis pilaris. Don’t forget scent. Whether you’re into spa-like serenity or tropical escapism, the right fragrance can linger on skin long after the steam clears.
Over weeks of testing, I’ve scrubbed, lathered and sniffed a range of body washes to find the best of the best.
To find the best body washes, I put each product through its paces over several weeks, using them as part of my daily routine (and occasionally twice a day when gym sessions or heat waves called for it). I paid close attention to how each formula felt on the skin, whether it delivered on its promised benefits, and, crucially, how my skin felt after stepping out of the shower.
Lather, texture and scent were also considered. I noted how well each product foamed, whether a little went a long way, and how the smell lingered. I also considered the packaging (bonus points for pumps and eco credentials), value for money, and whether the formula felt like a daily essential or an indulgent treat.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Ella Duggan has been writing product reviews for IndyBest since 2023, covering a wide range of topics, from the best cleansers to sulphate-free shampoos. For each article, she rigorously tests products, from high street staples to high-end heroes, offering her honest opinions and highlighting products that show efficiency, longevity, quality ingredients, and great value for money.
The best body washes for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Method simply nourish body wash: £4.33, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Dove essential care body wash hydrate: £3.75, Boots.com
- Best for long-lasting effects – Aesop eleos nourishing body cleanser: £33, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best for brightening – Byoma body brightening body wash: £11.99, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best luxury option – Elemis frangipani monoi shower cream: £25.50, Amazon.co.uk
1Method simply nourish body wash
Method’s body wash is a great everyday option. The fresh, comforting scents stand out, and the lightweight lather spreads easily, especially when used with a loofah.
This formula promises to refresh and hydrate, and while it certainly left my skin feeling clean, invigorated and soft to the touch, those with dry skin might still want to follow up with a moisturiser.
I appreciated the different scent options, too – I loved the freshness of ‘wind down’ and the comforting sweetness of ‘simply nourish’. At 532ml, the bottle is a generous size, making this body wash great value for money and a top choice overall.
2Dove essential care body wash hydrate
This hydrating body wash is a standout for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. The texture is so creamy, it feels more like a moisturiser, creating a rich, bubbly lather that’s instantly soothing.
Formulated to cleanse and moisturise, it’s also designed to support the skin barrier. After just a week, my skin felt noticeably softer and more hydrated, with no dryness or tightness after showering.
The scent is subtle and comforting, like clean sheets or baby powder – nothing fancy, but exactly what you want after a long, hot day. At 450ml, the bottle is a generous size for the price, too. If you’re after a no-fuss, deeply hydrating body wash that genuinely delivers, this one’s hard to beat.
3Aesop eleos nourishing body cleanser
Aesop has long been the gold standard in the world of luxury body care, and this product continues that tradition, with a few caveats. From the moment it hits your palm, it feels different from your typical body wash. Its thick, indulgent texture doesn’t lather up as easily as lighter gels, and I found myself using a generous amount just to get full coverage.
That said, it looks like it belongs in a high-end spa, and it smells divine: warm, aromatic, and utterly transportive, conjuring up images of sleek hotel bathrooms and exclusive retreats. The scent lingers for hours on skin and in the bathroom.
The texture felt buttery and creamy, and after consistent use, I noticed my skin felt noticeably softer, making this a win for those seeking hydration in their daily routine. However, the steep price point and the amount needed per wash mean it’s not the most cost-effective option, making this body wash more of a luxury treat than an everyday option.
About The Author
