Best body wash for a more refreshing shower (2025)

Body wash. Shower gel. Tub lube (okay, maybe not that last one). Whatever you call it, the liquid you use in conjunction with your flannel or loofah is one of the very few grooming products society insists you keep in rotation, no matter what. Alongside deodorant and an SPF moisturiser, body wash (or an equivalent soap) is one of the grooming products you'll buy most often in your life. Getting it right, then, is of vital importance.

Sure, you could grab any old Alberto Balsam from the supermarket, or (if you're feeling particularly evil) cadge a little bit of your other half's expensive shampoo, but such a practice isn't showing much respect to yourself or the hundreds of people dedicated to creating elite shower gels. As such, we've taken it upon ourselves to scope out some of the most luxurious for you. Whether you're on the hunt for something extra kind to your skin or you simply hope to switch up your current model to swerve nose blindness, you've come to the right place.

What are GQ's best body washes for men?

• Best budget-friendly body wash: Dr. Organic Aloe Vera Body Wash, £6.50 at amazon.co.uk
• Best body wash for sensitive skin: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, £18.50 at sephora.co.uk
• Best hydration-boosting body wash: Haeckels People Care. Planet Care Bladderwrack + Pegwell Body Wash, £39 at haeckels.co.uk
• Best revitalising body wash: Cremo Sage & Citrus, £12.05 at cremocompany.com
• Best high-end body wash: Jo Malone London Purify Shower Gel, £25 from selfridges.com
• Best value body wash: Hello Klean Press Reset Anti-Dryness Body Wash, £18 at sephora.co.uk
• Best total shower kit: Bob Shower Pack, £29 at welcometobob.com
• Best luxury hand and body wash: Arket Pomelo hand & body wash, £10 at arket.com
• Best gym-bag body wash: Rituals Homme Shower Foam, £9.90 at lookfantastic.com
• Best revitalising body wash: Horace Virginia Cedar & Sage Leaf Shower Gel, £9 at horace.co
• Best multi-function body wash: Davines Pasta & Love Hair Beard & Body Wash, £21 at cultbeauty.co.uk
• Best luxury body wash: Le Labo Baie 19 Shower Gel, £44 at johnlewis.com

How we chose the best men's body washes

Every body wash you see here has been independently selected, tested and assessed as excellent by Adrian Clark, an award-winning writer and editor who has been working in male grooming since he graduated from Central Saint Martins over 25 years ago. He tests a broad range of products for a period of at least two weeks, looking for value for money, efficiency, ingredients and scent. The body washes that you see below have all undergone his rigorous testing.

Best Revitalising Body Wash

• Fragrance: Woody, aromatic
• Powered by: Witch hazel floral water, Virginia cedar essential oil

Formulated with 99 per cent ingredients of natural origin, Virginia Cedar & Sage Leaf is the bestselling shower gel from this French boutique brand’s range of topical body cleansers. Paraben- and sulfate-free with a wild, woody and herbaceous aroma, it’s also the one within the collection that offers a restorative sensation. Formulated with witch hazel floral water to calm irritation and beneficial coconut by-products that nourish and avoid stripping essential oils from the skin.

Best Multi-Function Body Wash

• Fragrance: Mediterranean citrus
• Powered by: Alkekengi (Chinese lantern)

Davines’ popular Pasta & Love shaving and grooming line celebrates the traditional values found in Italian barbershops. A triple threat, this wash can be used for the body, hair and even to soften the bristles of beards and moustaches pre-shave, it is intensely hydrating and leaves skin feeling soft to the touch and hair looking healthy and shiny. Suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for daily use, it boasts credible sustainability standards and is distinctively scented with the citrus-based fragrance of Mediterranean lemon trees.

Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin

• Fragrance: Natural
• Powered by: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid

Developed with the help of dermatologists, this unique cleanser (one of the very few that is recommended to use for both body and face) deep cleans without disrupting the skin barrier. Hosting three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid (for hydration) it gently removes excess oil and dirt without stripping the skin of its natural balance. Fragrance-free, it's targeted towards those with normal to oily skin but is also perfect for anyone who struggles with sensitivityNeal's Yard Remedies Aromatic Shower Gel

Best hydration-boosting body wash

• Fragrance: Woody/aromatic
• Powered by: Bladderwrack extract (seaweed) and hyaluronic acid

The brand formerly known as Haeckels has recreated some of its best-selling perfumes into bath and body products, expanding its selection of hydrating body washes. Made in Margate with the firm’s signature bladderwrack (seaweed) extract, which is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the new cleansers offer the same skincare benefits as the original body wash; boosting hydration, enhancing skin elasticity and promoting resilience.

I favoured the formula with the GPS inspired Pegwell fragrance; a balmy scent that evokes unkempt nature, with sweet, wild fennel and heady notes of smoky/woody birch, juniper, black pepper, musk and earthy vetiver. Enhanced with hyaluronic acid, I also love the way it doesn’t dry the skin out; you can get away without using a body lotion. It lathers well, soothes and moisturises, purifies and rejuvenates; the one sticking point is that it is very pricey. The bottle is made of Vivomer, which is 100 per cent home compostable.

Best revitalising body wash

• Fragrance: Citrus
• Powered by: Mountain sage, mandarin, aromatic herbs

The problem with many dedicated men’s body washes is that they have a generic ‘clean but basic’ masculine scent. Offering barber grade grooming essentials (scent, shower and shaving), Cremo is on a mission to make this oversight a thing of the past. Using sophisticated ‘uncommon’ fragrances designed by scent experts, all four of its signature body washes are layered and complex with aromas that evolve as you wash. The energising and fresh Sage & Citrus cleanser within the range (the best in my opinion) took me to the Mediterranean; a blend of crisp mandarin, mountain sage and revitalising herbs. Best suited to combination skin, it also effectively moisturises, soothes and helps to smooth skin texture. Another selling point is that it builds to a luxurious rich lather; a little goes a very long way. Infused with aloe leaf + glycerin, it leaves your body feeling instantly invigorated; ideal for clearing any cobwebs or bossing a hangover.

Best high-end body wash

• Fragrance: Herbaceous
• Powered by: Hyssop, myrtle and juniper essential oils, glycerine and conditioning agents

The new Care Collection of bath and body wellness essentials from Jo Malone London, takes its inspiration from the Roman baths (a place of rest, relaxation and rehabilitation) found across Britain 2,000 years ago. All seven products in the line have been created with sensorial textures and aromas to soothe both the body and the mind, and use essential oils and ingredients which are symbolic in Roman culture.

The stimulating shower gel has already become a favourite of mine from this range; it turns your bathroom into a home-spa. With a herbaceous aroma of hyssop (slightly minty), myrtle and juniper (sharp, spicy and green), it encourages positive vibes, supported by neurosensorial research; a scientific method of analysing emotional reactions when using the product. Designed to be used as both a body wash and shampoo, my only criticism is that it has a very light foam. Enriched with glycerine and conditioning agents, it left my skin and hair feeling soft, moisturised and renewed.

Best value body wash

• Fragrance: Aromatic/floral
• Powered by: Klean complex, centella asiatica, Kombucha and PHA

Identifying the damaging effects hard water has on both our skin and hair, Hello Klean, created a new space with its innovative, calcium-blocking shower filter systems. Now, the same brand has added a body and haircare line to advance the fight against the minerals, chlorine, heavy metals and impurities that lurk in your water. The gentle body cleanser, which offers instant anti-dryness relief, ultra-soothes the skin and squashes signs of sensitivity.

I am vulnerable to dryness from time to time (plus I live in an area susceptible to hard water); I was impressed by how rapidly it worked to calm some irritation I had; I’d recommend it to anyone prone to redness, itching or flare-ups. A unique bi-phase formula (one part cleanser, one part moisturiser), which blends and activates when you shake; it pumps out a ‘ready-mixed’ foam… which is more satisfying IRL than it sounds. Vegan and lightly-scented with chamomile and lavender, it also features an ingredient called PHA, which gently removes dead skin and promotes cell renewal.

Best total shower kit

• Fragrance: Unscented
• Powered by: Shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax and citric acid

Offering an innovative and sustainable alternative to liquid body wash and traditional bars of soap, Bob is determined to transform the way we all wash; with the world’s first hard/refillable body cleanser. Sold as a pack, the refillable applicator features medical grade bristles, combining washing with exfoliating. The refillable Bob body wash bars, which are unscented, achieve the perfect male pH level (5.5); the initial layout also includes a shower mount to keep everything neatly stowed away. To be honest, several things put me off this product at first glance; namely, it being a 3-in-1 (body, hair, face), the fact it is unscented, and that it has a very low foam.

But after using it for a week, those reservations slipped away once I got used to the changes; I actually believe it could be a bit of a game changer. Enriched with shea butter, beeswax and coconut oil to ensure that the skin is left nourished; it functions like a cleanser, moisturiser and deodoriser all-in-one. The jury is still out on whether I would swap my face cleanser out for it though.

Best luxury hand and body wash

• Fragrance: Citrus/woody
• Powered by: Lemon, cedarwood and vetiver

Aesthetic simplicity, authenticity and the elevation of everyday items is the Modus Operandi for Nordic lifestyle destination, Arket; from the perfect white shirt to the softest bath towels. Its new body care line, available in 4 unisex scents, holds fast to the attributes above and is also great value for money. I took the 2-in-1, liquid hand and body wash (in the Pomelo scent) for a test drive and have to say, it performed beyond my expectations.

It lathered well, although more a soft foam than a rich lather, and had a subtle fragrance which is much lighter than the brand has offered before. Vegan and made with 89.1 per cent natural origin ingredients, the scent has a bright citrus/woody edge. Formulated with perfumer Jerome Epinette, who combined lemon with cedarwood and vetiver, it left my skin feeling smooth, prepped and ready to take on the day; the perfect summer-friendly shower gel.

Best Luxury Body Wash

• Fragrance: Earthy
• Powered by: Dry juniper berry, patchouli

Infused with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, moisturising olive leaf extract, aloe vera and flaxseed extract, Le Labo’s Baie 19 Shower Gel gently nourishes the skin and purifies the mind, soul and body. Both invigorating and spiritually uplifting, it's defined by its crisp, green and undeniably masculine scent, which is inspired by the aroma of rain drenching dry soil, commonly recognised as one of the most aromatic olfactive phenomena nature has to offer. It's a scent with soul and a standout product in this New York-based apothecary’s portfolio of fine fragrances and efficacious body and skincare products.

Best Budget-Friendly Body Wash

• Fragrance: Uplifting and botanical
• Powered by: Aloe vera

Dr. Organic’s multi-award-winning body washes are infused with bioactive ingredients which guarantee the efficacy and unique properties of the formula’s active components. Soothing, restorative and gentle enough for daily use, this variant uses pure, organic bioactive aloe vera leaf juice to ensure the plant’s beneficial skin-replenishing polysaccharide levels are captured and maximised.

Best Gym-Bag Body Wash

• Fragrance: Woody and aromatic
• Powered by: Vitamin E Complex

One of the standout products from the new and improved Rituals Homme grooming and body-care collection, this high-performance body wash is an innovative gel-to-foam formulation which has been specifically designed for the needs of men’s skin. Powered by nature and results-driven, it uses a hardworking ingredient complex of cedar wood, which effectively helps blow away the cobwebs alongside the skin-nourishing and protective benefits of vitamin E.

Wildsmith Skin Vitality Brightening Body Cleanser

• Fragrance: Black pepper, ginger and cedarwood
• Powered by: Vitamin C, ginger, natural surfactants

Wildsmith’s three new performance body washes have been blended to help correct individual, targeted concerns. The one I took for a test drive was the Vitality Brightening Body Cleanser, which has been made to boost skin radiance and kick-start your day. It built to a rich lather, was gentle enough for daily use (which is important if, like myself, you suffer with sensitivity) and gave me fresher-feeling and more even-toned looking skin. Formulated with vitamin C, which has natural skin-brightening properties and ginger to provide antioxidant defence, the gel-textured, vegan-friendly cleanser is enriched with a 100 per cent natural woody scent, too.

Escentric Molecules Escentric 02 Body Wash

• Fragrance: Amber with a kick of gin + tonic
• Powered by: Algae extract, seawater, algin, glycerol oleate, oat-based surfactant

There was a period in the mid-noughties when everyone wanted to know who the disruptive fragrance brand Escentric Molecules was, buying into its experimental and revolutionary exploration of synthetic molecules. Approaching its 20-year anniversary EM is again causing ripples with the launch of its new body care line, inviting you to get clean and explore your sense of self. I jumped straight in with the Escentric 02 body wash and didn’t want to get out of the shower. Scented with an unprecedented amount of ambroxan, a sensual amber molecule with mineral freshness, green jasmine bud and a sparkling ‘gin + tonic’ accord, it was the wake up call we all want from our morning shower.

Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Bath & Shower Gel

• Fragrance: Spicy
• Powered by: Madagascan black peppercorn oil, coriander oil

Any product that’s scented with black pepper has our instant seal of approval. Enter, Molton Brown’s high-quality bath and shower gel, designed to recharge through its moisturising formula and spicy, heated notes. We’ll elaborate on those. On top: black pepper, lemon and ginger. In the middle: coriander, basil and violet leaf. And as for the base? Vetiver, oakmoss and ambergris. Those add up to a genuinely invigorating product and, sealed in a slick tan bottle, we’re dubbing it a must-have for the body and bathroom shelf.

Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Cleanser

• Fragrance: Fruity
• Powered by: Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

Best-known for its self-tanning solutions, Isle Of Paradise's new daily bodycare collection comprises of a body cleanser, body polish and body moisturiser. I put the Brilliantly Bright Body Wash to the test — which is best suited to dull and/or dry skin, and found its ultra-creamy texture a sensorial treat. Infused with brightening vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which helps to even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, it’s like high-performance skincare, but for the body. The other thing that needs a mention is its mood-enhancing tropical scent; confidence-boosting and invigorating for both the mind and the body.

Aesop Citrus Melange Body Cleanser

• Fragrance: Citrus
• Powered by: Lemon rind, petitgrain

A gentle solution that can be used in the shower, the bath or as a hand wash, Aesop's body cleanser comes in a low-foaming yet rich, gel texture. Driven by customer demand for a citrus-based cleanser, its clean, crisp notes serve as a refreshing cool-down during the summer months and an uplifting sensory experience when the weather turns colder.

Q+A Vitamin A.C.E Cleansing Shower Oil

• Fragrance: Tropical
• Powered by: Beta carotenes, berry-derived oils, jojoba seed oil, sea buckthorn

This vitamin-enriched cleansing oil from Q+A changed my opinion of shower oils. Best suited to dry, sensitive (where I sit) and normal skin-types, it leaves your skin feeling velvety-soft but without the slightly-greasy aftermath I usually associate with shower oils. An effective multitasker that doesn’t strip essential oils and offers a gentle but deep clean, it calms, deeply nourishes and replenishes long-lasting moisture. Vegan-friendly and made using 97 per cent natural ingredients, it helps you kick-start the day with its invigorating mango, guava and pineapple infused aroma.

Wild Natural Body Wash

• Fragrance: Assorted
• Powered by: Cocamidopropyl betaine, sarkosyl, citric acid, benzoate of soda, potassium sorbate, sodium gluconate, salt, water, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium

Maker of refillable natural deodorants, Wild has introduced a range of refillable natural body washes to its portfolio. Just like its deodorants, sustainability and efficacy lie at the heart of these lathering shower gels. Purchasing works in much the same way as the refillable deodorants; you choose your aluminium case, then buy regular 350ml refills, which are made cheaper if you buy by monthly subscription. Available in a wide selection of scents, my favourites were the warming Amber & Oud and the refreshing Santorini Sunset. Vegan and gentle enough for daily use, I can’t find much to criticise, as it works as it should, saves you £’s and is doing its bit for the planet.

Elemis Cool-Down Body Wash

• Fragrance: Natural
• Powered by: Birch sap, mango

Elemis' revitalising body wash leaves skin feeling re-energised and revived from head to toe, having been designed as an invigorating aid to recovery post-exercise. Infused with a nutrient-rich blend of birch sap, it's packed with natural sugars and minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium manganese and iron, with gentle mango-derived cleansers to effectively wash away dirt and grime. Administering a unique cooling sensation, it features aromatic oils of juniper, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus and thyme for an uplifting fragrance.

Rituals The Ritual Of Karma After Sun Cooling Shower Gel

• Fragrance: Lotus flower and white tea
• Powered by: White tea, aloe vera, a powerful Hydra-Boost Complex

We’ve all been there: you spend a bit too long in the sun and haven’t topped up the SPF as often as you should, leading to itchy, slightly irritable and tight-feeling skin. But don’t worry! Salvation is on hand. This cooling gel-to-foam shower gel has been specifically designed to soothe and hydrate dry skin following prolonged sun exposure. I used this after a day at the beach (one of the perks of working from home on the Kent coast) and found it ultra-hydrating and uplifting, with a light and summery floral aroma. It boosted my skin’s elasticity and helped alleviate that tight feeling you get when you’ve stayed out for too long. It also gives a cooling and tingling sensation; the longer you leave it before risking, the cooler it becomes.

Neom Super Shower Power Body Cleanser

• Fragrance: Spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus
• Powered by: Organic coffee extract and oat milk

This Supercharged body cleanser has been specifically formulated to power up your mind and kickstart your body. A uniquely awakening, 100 per cent natural formula, it's enriched with an energy-boosting scent made from spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus oils, which has been designed to have any positive effect on your mental state as well as help to relieve body fatigue and sluggishness. For the full multi-sensory experience, lather all over the body and inhale a few times with deep breaths before rinsing clean.

Santa Maria Novella Giardini Medicei Bizzarria Bath & Shower Gel

• Fragrance: Citrus/floral
• Powered by: Plant-based surfactants

Founded by Dominican friars in Florence in 1221, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is (besides being a mouthful) widely acknowledged as one of the earliest perfumeries in the world. Its new body care line, which features bath & shower gels and fluid body creams, feels luxe and will elevate your everyday shower routine. I tried the Bizzarria body wash, which combines an explosion of citrus notes with neroli, pepper, orange blossom absolute, ginger, cedar wood and musk, and was immediately transported to a Mediterranean garden. Making no claims to fix any specific skin concerns, it gave a gentle cleanse, using vegetable-origin surfactants, with a very soft foam (its only downfall in my opinion) and left my skin feeling protected by maintaining its natural hydrolipidic film.

What is the difference between a body wash and a shower gel?

Body wash and shower gel, though used interchangeably, are actually a smidgen different from one another. Shower gel tends to be dense, while body washes tread on the side of soap-like consistency. We've featured both in this list to follow. Wanting to upgrade your entire shower routine? A new set of bath towels and a scented candle should be on your shopping list, too.

What's the best-smelling shower gel for men?

There's rather a lot of choice when it comes to choosing a scent for your shower and bath. Perhaps not as comprehensive as the choices of ouds, nerolis and musks available in fragrances, but close. Before you choose your next body wash/shower gel make sure you've thought about the kind of scents you like and, more importantly, those you dislike. Ingredients like peppermint and peppercorn are sharper scents, while sandal and cedarwoods are more deeply luxurious. Citruses are better for waking you up on a tired morning. Of course, there’s also always the unscented option.

Which is better for men: body wash or soap?

So long as you're using a product that uses minimal stripping chemicals, body wash or soap are equally efficient. In fact, we're big proponents of some of these best soaps as they're better for the environment. That being said, if you prefer something that offers a scent layer to go underneath your usual fragrance, a body wash is your best bet.

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