Men, it’s time you upgrade from your supermarket bargains and invest in some truly great body washes. It’s time to throw out your plain soap on a rope, and those cheap bottles of body wash that double up as shampoo, paint thinner and car engine oil.
Instead, you should be investing in dedicated body washes that won’t dry out your skin, leave you itchy, or leave you smelling like a second-rate dishwashing detergent.
How to use men’s body wash
So how does one use body wash properly? Think of it like soft wash hand soap but for your entire body – just don’t use it on your hair like shampoo (we know soap guys do this) unless the bottle specifically says the body wash can be used on hair. You can apply some to your hands and rub yourself down before giving it a rinse or if you want to be more thorough, apply it to a washcloth or loofah.
Rub it onto your wet skin in circular motions and apply as required. Once you’re done, rinse off and the job is finished – you’ll smell like a million bucks without all the itchy red rashes, and you’ll find that with just a few uses your skin will be blemish-free and the softest it’s been in years!
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The best men’s body wash brands we’ve selected below hail from all over the globe, from Kiehl’s to Lab Series to Aēsop to more high-end brands such as Jo Malone.
Whatever your budget or preference for body wash, you’re guaranteed to find the right one to slip into your toiletry bag or cabinet.
1/15Kiehl's
Kiehl's can have its history traced back to 1851 with the company's very first apothecary store opening in New York City, although it wasn't until 1894 and a takeover by John Kiehl that the Kiehl Pharmacy branding came to be. Over the years the company has exchanged hands a few times but has remained family-owned. It has also introduced new lines of products, made in collaboration with leading dermatologists, designed to treat specific skin conditions.
The Body Fuel men's body wash will treat you to scents created by the fusion of menthol and caffeine, and your skin will absorb the nutritional benefits provided by Vitamins E and C, along with Zinc. It's designed to remove excess oils, sweat, and impurities, and to leave you feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the day. Available in various sizes of bottle, Kiehl's Body Fuel is one of the best and most affordable men's body washes around.
The Body Fuel men's body wash will treat you to scents created by the fusion of menthol and caffeine, and your skin will absorb the nutritional benefits provided by Vitamins E and C, along with Zinc. It's designed to remove excess oils, sweat, and impurities, and to leave you feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the day. Available in various sizes of bottle, Kiehl's Body Fuel is one of the best and most affordable men's body washes around.
2/15Aēsop
Aēsop was founded in 1987 in Melbourne, Australia and in the years since, has amassed some 320 points of sale and publicity in 25 countries. Each physical Aesop store is unique, as the company enlists various architects and interior designers to create a space to complement its surroundings.
The company's Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser lists oils of mandarin and bergamot rind as its key ingredients, as well as, of course, geranium leaf; which works to not only rid your skin of daily grime and dirt but to invigorate it and leave it smelling fresh. Expect citrus notes to exude from your skin after you use this men's body wash.
The company's Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser lists oils of mandarin and bergamot rind as its key ingredients, as well as, of course, geranium leaf; which works to not only rid your skin of daily grime and dirt but to invigorate it and leave it smelling fresh. Expect citrus notes to exude from your skin after you use this men's body wash.
3/15Anthony
Anthony was born in New York City in 2000. Founded, and named after its founder, Anthony Sosnick, the skincare brand was created to fill a void. That void was filled by a men's skincare range that used natural ingredients mixed with a fair amount of science and expert know-how, that not only makes skin look and feel great but also helps to combat underlying skin issues.
Anthony's Invigorating Rush Hair & Body Wash is designed to provide just that, an invigorating rush akin to the one you receive from a cold shower, minus the shrinkage. It can, as the name suggests, be used on both the hair and body and utilises eucalyptus, birch leaf, and Canadian balsam to help stimulate and refresh your skin, without causing any dreaded inflammation. This men's body wash will leave you with a fresh alpine scent that will give you a welcome morning boost.
Anthony's Invigorating Rush Hair & Body Wash is designed to provide just that, an invigorating rush akin to the one you receive from a cold shower, minus the shrinkage. It can, as the name suggests, be used on both the hair and body and utilises eucalyptus, birch leaf, and Canadian balsam to help stimulate and refresh your skin, without causing any dreaded inflammation. This men's body wash will leave you with a fresh alpine scent that will give you a welcome morning boost.
4/15Jack Black
No, this brand isn't named after the School of Rock star, but instead, is a company with nearly 20 years of experience within the men's grooming industry. Jack Black takes customer feedback on board to create products that have a genuine use, as opposed to a plethora that goes untouched. The result is a company that is currently regarded as the number one men's skincare brand.
The All-Over Wash is a fantastic men's body wash, as it can be used for your hair, body, and face, making it the only grooming product you really need. We know we said earlier that multi-purpose body washes should be avoided, but when they're formulated as well as this one from Jack Black, it's perfectly ok. The All-Over Wash is designed to banish away dirt and grime without stripping your body's natural oils with it at the same time. And, the fact it comes in a huge 975ml bottle, means it'll last you forever.
The All-Over Wash is a fantastic men's body wash, as it can be used for your hair, body, and face, making it the only grooming product you really need. We know we said earlier that multi-purpose body washes should be avoided, but when they're formulated as well as this one from Jack Black, it's perfectly ok. The All-Over Wash is designed to banish away dirt and grime without stripping your body's natural oils with it at the same time. And, the fact it comes in a huge 975ml bottle, means it'll last you forever.
5/15Brickell
Using only completely natural ingredients, Brickell is a grooming brand you need to be aware of. Their products might look like bottles of antifreeze or wiper fluid, but they are in fact some of the finest liquids you can apply to your skin.
The Invigorating Body Wash (good for a generous 45 days of use) creates a thick lather when it comes into contact with water, which works to rid your body of oil, sweat, and dirt, but leaves essential moisture where it should be. You're left with a refreshing minty scent that helps to wake you up in the morning too; making this one of the best men's body washes on the market.
The Invigorating Body Wash (good for a generous 45 days of use) creates a thick lather when it comes into contact with water, which works to rid your body of oil, sweat, and dirt, but leaves essential moisture where it should be. You're left with a refreshing minty scent that helps to wake you up in the morning too; making this one of the best men's body washes on the market.
6/15Malin + Goetz
Malin + Goetz was founded in Chelsea, London, by two friends (with the surnames Malin & Goetz), and has quickly become a renowned brand that produces effective skincare products. Completely transparent about the ingredients that go into all Malin + Goetz products, this is one brand you need to check out.
The Rum Hand & Body Wash is, as you'd expect, rum-scented. Clean body and the sweet sweet smell of alcohol in the morning? Yes, please. Once in the company of water – whether in the shower or running your hands under a tap – this body wash for men creates a rich foaming lather to clear your skin of any impurities. While suitable for all skin types, those with sensitive skin will find it particularly accommodating.
The Rum Hand & Body Wash is, as you'd expect, rum-scented. Clean body and the sweet sweet smell of alcohol in the morning? Yes, please. Once in the company of water – whether in the shower or running your hands under a tap – this body wash for men creates a rich foaming lather to clear your skin of any impurities. While suitable for all skin types, those with sensitive skin will find it particularly accommodating.
7/15Baxter of California
Providing grooming essentials to guys since 1965, Baxter of California is in the business of haircare, skincare, and shaving products. The company only uses natural ingredients to keep its products paraben and sulfate-free.
The Invigorating Body Wash gives your body a wake-up call during your morning shower, while aloe vera and jojoba oil ingredients caress and soothe the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and hydrated for the remainder of the day. Top that all off with a citrus scent, and you have yourself a body wash that deserves a place in your shower.
The Invigorating Body Wash gives your body a wake-up call during your morning shower, while aloe vera and jojoba oil ingredients caress and soothe the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and hydrated for the remainder of the day. Top that all off with a citrus scent, and you have yourself a body wash that deserves a place in your shower.
8/15Murdock London
Murdock London, unsurprisingly, hails from London, where the need to be a dapper gentleman is high on the list of many. The grooming specialist and barbershop has been shaving, trimming, and treating guys for over a decade, and has taken all of that expert know-how and crammed it into a comprehensive range of grooming products for guys.
Among a sea of various beard moisturisers and oils, you can find the company's Body Wash. Infused with its signature Black Tea scent, this body wash is sulphate-free and has been designed to "foam gently" before being rinsed off. It's a certified Clean Label, meaning it is free from any harmful ingredients and is suitable for vegetarians.
Among a sea of various beard moisturisers and oils, you can find the company's Body Wash. Infused with its signature Black Tea scent, this body wash is sulphate-free and has been designed to "foam gently" before being rinsed off. It's a certified Clean Label, meaning it is free from any harmful ingredients and is suitable for vegetarians.
9/15Tom Dixon
Tom Dixon is the eponymously named brand of British industrial designer Tom Dixon. Famed for forging a career in design with no formal training, Dixon's works have been acquired by big-name museums including the Museum of Modern Art New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Aside from creating tasteful pieces in the lighting and furniture sectors, Tom Dixon also has a small range of bath and body products. The company's Body Wash is available in three scents, but our favourite is the Orientalist for its more floral arrangement of smells, including cassis, violet leaves, and rose. Dixon encourages you to pair this his body wash with the matching body balm to lock in moisture.
Aside from creating tasteful pieces in the lighting and furniture sectors, Tom Dixon also has a small range of bath and body products. The company's Body Wash is available in three scents, but our favourite is the Orientalist for its more floral arrangement of smells, including cassis, violet leaves, and rose. Dixon encourages you to pair this his body wash with the matching body balm to lock in moisture.
10/15Huron
Founded on the belief that high-quality and top-performing grooming products for men shouldn’t cost the earth, American skincare brand Huron arrived to shake up the market. With prices costing just a smidge more than supermarket brands, yet offering high-quality ingredients, it's a brand you really need to get behind.
Huron's Body Wash benefits from a combination of menthol and eucalyptus to help stimulate your skin, while nourishing oils and vitamins soothe and moisturise for unbeatable softness and a bubbling lather effectively removes dirt and other nasties. Completely vegan and with completely recyclable packaging, Huron is a body wash brand your skin will love.
Huron's Body Wash benefits from a combination of menthol and eucalyptus to help stimulate your skin, while nourishing oils and vitamins soothe and moisturise for unbeatable softness and a bubbling lather effectively removes dirt and other nasties. Completely vegan and with completely recyclable packaging, Huron is a body wash brand your skin will love.
11/15Grooming Lounge
Grooming Lounge is a men's barbershop, an online store for all manner of men's grooming products but the store also produces its own range of high-quality lotions, soaps, moisturisers, and practically any other grooming product a modern man could need.
Among that line of products is the Our Best Smeller Body Wash, not just a clever marketing name, but one that was voted "Best Smelling" by The Huffington Post. The smell? Black Pepper. With an ingredients list that includes acai, aloe vera, and black pepper oil, you can rest assured this men's body wash will leave you smelling good but also feeling moisturised and revitalised.
Among that line of products is the Our Best Smeller Body Wash, not just a clever marketing name, but one that was voted "Best Smelling" by The Huffington Post. The smell? Black Pepper. With an ingredients list that includes acai, aloe vera, and black pepper oil, you can rest assured this men's body wash will leave you smelling good but also feeling moisturised and revitalised.
12/15Jo Malone
Jo Malone is another British label aimed squarely at the luxurious end of the market. Primarily known for its range of candles and fragrances, Jo Malone also caters for the bath and body sectors too. Thanks to their excellent products, Jo Malone has become a household name, not only in its home country of the UK but in several other countries around the world.
This Cypress & Grapevine body wash for men creates mountains of foam when you lather it onto your skin, helping to rid it of dirt and grime. Once you've rinsed it off you're bathed in a scene of woody notes of aromatic cypress, complemented by juicy grape notes.
This Cypress & Grapevine body wash for men creates mountains of foam when you lather it onto your skin, helping to rid it of dirt and grime. Once you've rinsed it off you're bathed in a scene of woody notes of aromatic cypress, complemented by juicy grape notes.
13/15Tom Ford
Is there any better designer or brand to outfit your bachelor pad with than Tom Ford? The eponymous label of the ex-creative director of Gucci has gone on to cement itself as one of the true heavyweight brands in the fashion world. With extensive collections within both men's and women's luxury fashion, encompassing fragrances, clothing, and accessories, Tom Ford is a label everyone should get excited about.
The Oud Wood Shower Gel joins Tom Ford’s Oud Wood collection. Oud is an expensive ingredient that originates from the forests of the Southeast Asian agar tree. It's an incredibly rare ingredient as only a small proportion of agar trees produce it, so snatch up a bottle of this body wash while you can. Once lathered and rinsed, you'll be left with a smoky scent that exudes warmth, and freshly conditioned skin.
The Oud Wood Shower Gel joins Tom Ford’s Oud Wood collection. Oud is an expensive ingredient that originates from the forests of the Southeast Asian agar tree. It's an incredibly rare ingredient as only a small proportion of agar trees produce it, so snatch up a bottle of this body wash while you can. Once lathered and rinsed, you'll be left with a smoky scent that exudes warmth, and freshly conditioned skin.
14/15Le Labo
Le Labo is a relatively young company, founded in New York City in 2006 by Eddie Roschi and Fabrice Penot. It's primarily a fragrance and perfume brand, and before you start thinking the prices are pretty high, know that perfumes and fragrances are poured to order, so they're not just sitting around in a warehouse waiting to be shipped out. Bottles are personalised with your name, too, adding an extra exclusive touch.
The Santal 33 Shower Gel is named after the primary scent note, with the number indicating its total ingredient count (a naming convention used for all its products). It comprises Vitamin E for its antioxidant properties and olive leaf extract to act as a moisturiser. The company claims their body washes not only clean the body, but also clean the mind...
The Santal 33 Shower Gel is named after the primary scent note, with the number indicating its total ingredient count (a naming convention used for all its products). It comprises Vitamin E for its antioxidant properties and olive leaf extract to act as a moisturiser. The company claims their body washes not only clean the body, but also clean the mind...
15/15Acqua di Parma
Acqua Di Parma is a globally recognised brand that started life in Milan, Italy in 1916. The company has its fingers in the higher-end sectors of the candle, fragrance, bathrobe, and leather accessory industries, all of which are made in Italy. You'll also be able to find Acqua Di Parma products in Etihad's First Class and Residence cabins.
The Colonia Shower Gel joins the Colonia line of scented products – Colonia was the company's first fragrance to be released – and can be used to cleanse your entire body, and even your hair if you don't have shampoo on hand. With its ingredient list reading off things such as aloe gel and coconut oil, this body wash will leave you feeling and smelling oh-so fresh.
The Colonia Shower Gel joins the Colonia line of scented products – Colonia was the company's first fragrance to be released – and can be used to cleanse your entire body, and even your hair if you don't have shampoo on hand. With its ingredient list reading off things such as aloe gel and coconut oil, this body wash will leave you feeling and smelling oh-so fresh.