The hot and humid weather makes daily showers a necessity. After all, who would want to feel sticky instead of looking and smelling fantastic throughout the day? Thus, it's important to get the right body wash to make your daily shower experience something to look forward to.
In this guide, we'll run through the things you should look for in a body wash and give you our top recommendations for different body wash brands that can instantly make your morning - or night - routine better! We even asked for comments and opinions from an expert on the topic, dermatologist Dr. Mara Padilla Evangelista-Huber, FPDS, FDSP, MClinRes.
Dr. Mara Padilla Evangelista-Huber is a board-certified dermatologist, a dermatopathologist (a specialist who diagnoses skin under a microscope) trained in the University of California San Francisco, with a Masters in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She is particularly interested in skincare because, other than being a dermatologist, her research background encourages her to filter through the skincare hype. She enjoys looking through available medical evidence to provide evidence-based recommendations and loves busting common skincare myths in her social medial profiles. Dr. Huber practices at Levana Dermatology Clinic, Eastwood Avenue, Quezon City. She offers teleconsultation services as well.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
Here are some key points consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, or sensitive, there are body washes that cater to your specific needs. Doing proper research beforehand will enable you to give your skin the right nourishment and care while helping to soothe irritation.
If your skin is on the oily side, skip the microbeads and choose a lighter body wash with natural exfoliants such as brown sugar or oatmeal. A gentle exfoliating wash can help unclog your pores, eliminate dirt, and slough off dead skin cells.
Using a body wash with acne-fighting ingredients can also do wonders. Salicylic acid and tea tree, for example, are proven to reduce breakouts and keep oil at bay. Just make sure not to over-cleanse your skin since this can backfire and trigger excessive sebum production!
Those with oily skin (notably those with acne) may benefit from exfoliation, whether from chemical or physical exfoliants. Chemical exfoliants break down the upper layers of the skin so they can shed off more easily. These include hydroxy acids like alpha (glycolic, lactic, mandelic), beta (salicylic acid), and poly (gluconolactone, lactobionic acid), and enzymes like papain and bromelain.
Physical exfoliants buff away dead cells mechanically. These include scrubs, cloths, sponges, and other cleansing tools. Be careful when mixing different exfoliants (e.g., mixing physical with chemical), as this increases the risk for irritation. Some tolerate both in their routine, while others can tolerate only one. It’s best to start exfoliating once a week and to increase as tolerated. While the skin of the body is thicker than on the face, it can still be damaged by over-exfoliation.
When it comes to dry skin, moisture is key. Look for a body wash with deeply hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and shea butter. You can also keep an eye on common emollients such as lanolin and plant oils, which effectively provide relief from itchy and flaky skin.
Instead of using a loofah or shower sponge, dermatologists recommend washing only with one's fingertips to ensure gentle cleansing. Afterward, it's best to immediately apply a lotion to damp skin to lock in moisture.
For those with dry skin, look for body washes with moisturizing ingredients (e.g., aloe vera, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, dimethicone, fatty acids like linoleic acid, glycerin, plant oils, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid).
The act of cleansing may remove the skin's natural oils, so looking for a cleanser that also moisturizes is beneficial in dry skin. Soap-free liquid cleansers, cleansing milk, and cream cleansers may be better options than other body washes for this skin type. Moisturize your skin immediately after cleansing.
Those with sensitive skin need to take extra care to choose a body wash that's free from irritants. A safe option would be fragrance-free and low-foaming body washes without any humectants or emollients.
Since itchiness, redness, and irritation can wreak havoc on the skin, picking a body wash with healthy fatty acids and antioxidants such as avocado or vitamin C is ideal. Remember to stick to body washes that are creamier in texture as they tend to be gentler on the skin and packed with nourishing ingredients.
Individuals with sensitive skin, particularly those with underlying skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and other forms of eczema may react to common allergens (e.g. fragrance and certain preservatives) and irritants such as soap, alcohol, and sulfates.
Body washes are a quick, fuss-free option for cleansing your skin. Each type is uniquely formulated to address specific skin concerns, but all aim to keep you clean and smelling fresh all day.
A typical foaming body wash contains higher levels of oils and provides added hydration. These formulas have a thicker and frothier consistency and are often labeled moisturizing and nourishing. Body washes of this type lather easily and sticks to the skin longer after cleansing, thus leaving you with a slick and moisturizing feeling.
Sulfates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium Laureth sulfate) are some of the agents responsible for foaming in cleansers. Body washes with these ingredients produce a great lather, making it very easy to distribute over the skin and rinse off. These also have a very good cleansing power.
This high cleansing ability also makes them potentially irritating, and sulfates may cause reactions in those with impaired skin barriers. However, the majority tolerate this fine, and many foaming body washes are formulated with moisturizing ingredients, decreasing the risk for irritation.
On the other hand, shower gels are clear or colored liquids that are comparable to shampoos. Its primary purpose is to cleanse the skin, which means it's composed of mostly water and other gentle cleansing agents that keep away oil and dirt.
Most shower gel formulas are also designed with different fragrances, making for a relaxing and refreshing shower.
While this is not the case for all shower gels, many are soap-free. Soap can be irritating to the skin because it has a strong anionic charge and high pH. Instead, soap-free shower gels use synthetic detergents (syndets) that have a pH closer to the skin and are less strongly charged, decreasing the risk of damage to the skin barrier.
Dead skin can accumulate on our bodies as much as they do on our faces. This is why you also need to include exfoliation in your shower routine.
Body scrubs are made up of tiny beads or granules that remove dead skin cells as well as dirt and grime buildup. They have a similar consistency as face scrubs and leaves your skin clean, fresh, and radiant.
Body scrubs are considered physical exfoliants, and these can produce immediate results. Because these only work on the outermost layers of the skin, they have a low potential to cause irritations or allergic reactions (if used correctly). These agents can make it easy for you to scrub too hard, leading to damaged, over-exfoliated skin. It would be best to lightly apply these products in small circles for a long period, rather than scrubbing too hard quickly.
There are gentle and harsh physical exfoliants, so it’s important to know which ones suit your skin best. Apricot kernel is very harsh is not recommended for the face, while jojoba beads and bamboo beads are gentler and can be tolerated on both facial and body areas.
Aside from buying a body wash that matches your skin type, it's essential to know and understand what your skin truly needs. If you have certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, then it's good to talk to your dermatologist first to make sure you're getting a brand of body wash that best fits your skin.
Remember, no matter your skin type, picking a body wash is simply a process of finding something that works to rid your skin of dirt and keep it as healthy and vibrant as possible.
The skin of the body needs as much care as the skin of the face. When selecting body products, it's always helpful to determine your skin concerns in that area and select products that target these to be able to achieve your goals.
Skin conditions also appear on the body i.e., acne, dark spots, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other forms of eczema - and an appropriate cleanser may help manage the condition. A board-certified dermatologist can help you find the best cleanser for you.
Most body washes come in capped bottles or airless pumps, effectively preserving chemicals and cleansing ingredients. They're also compact and easy to dispense, particularly for those who want a generous amount of product with every use.
On the other hand, body washes that are creamier in texture tend to come in tubes where only a small amount is dispensed with each squeeze of the product. This helps avoid exposure or contamination of the ingredients while ensuring the packaging retains its form throughout continuous use.
From ₱275
This classic Dove body wash provides a high level of moisture and hydration that penetrates deep into your skin's surface layers. It quickly forms into a foaming lather that restores your skin's nutrient levels, leaving your skin clean, healthy, and radiant.
Highly recommended by dermatologists, Dove is known for its richly blended formula of 1/4 moisturizing cream and other mild cleansers. This bestselling body wash claims to nourish skin better than milk, so expect your skin to feel softer, smoother, and bouncier with every use.
From ₱358
Get instantly brighter skin from head to toe with this premium body wash from top drugstore brand Olay! This new cleansing and brightening wash contains a powerful combination of niacinamide or vitamin B3 and vitamin C to repair your skin's moisture barrier and give you a naturally glowing complexion.
Suitable for all skin types, this body wash gently eliminates impurities while hydrating and nourishing your skin. And with hints of honeydew melon, apple blossom, and green bamboo, this mildly scented wash makes it easy to have a truly refreshing and relaxing shower experience.
From ₱319
Feel the sea breeze caress your skin with this ocean-inspired body wash from eco-friendly brand Love Beauty and Planet! Created with natural sea salt and ethically sourced bergamot, this sulfate-free body wash gently cleanses and exfoliates your skin without stripping away natural oils.
The limited-edition bottle is made from 100% ocean-bound plastic, making this the perfect product for eco-warriors. With a light sea salt fragrance and other oceanic floral notes, adding this body wash to your bathtime routine can undoubtedly make every day feel like a beach day.
From ₱538
If you suffer from dry and itchy skin, then this Skin Relief Body Wash from Aveeno can be your lifesaver. With a blend of natural oatmeal, rich emollients, and gentle cleansers, this hypoallergenic body wash locks in moisture after washing to relieve dry skin all day long.
Dermatologists recommend Aveeno for a few reasons: It's made from ingredients derived from nature and contains no soaps, dyes, and added fragrances. Safe even for the sensitive-skinned, you can say goodbye to the itch and get ready for visibly healthier and hydrated skin!
From ₱259
This Belo bestseller promises to whiten and moisturize your skin at the same time. The combined power of Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid helps lighten skin tone while blocking further melanin formation. It also helps rid even the most stubborn dark spots for smoother and healthier skin.
This multitasking body wash comes in an easy-to-use pump where a little goes a long way! With just a handful of the product, you can cleanse your entire body and bring new life to dull, dry skin. It's clinically proven effective, so don't think twice about adding this to your daily shower routine.
From ₱247
Safeguard has been a household name in the Philippines for generations. This new body wash combines the beloved brand's 99.9% germ protection properties and the cleansing power of micellar water to gently draw out impurities without overdrying the skin.
It has a mild fruity scent and a creamy consistency, making it a refreshing alternative to your traditional soap bars. Free from parabens and dermatologically tested, this micellar body wash is your best bet if you have sensitive skin that's prone to redness and irritation.
From ₱1,195
If getting up in the morning feels like a chore, then The Body Shop's Olive Shower Gel may be the solution to your woes. Crafted with Italian organic olive oil, this soap-free body wash has a neutral Mediterranean scent that wakes up your senses and whisks you off to the rolling hills of Italy.
Considered as the liquid gold for the skin, this shower gel uses high-quality olive oil extracted through organic methods. It lathers up nicely and leaves your skin soft and smelling like a treat. Adding this bestseller to your bathtime routine can certainly make your mornings come to life!
From ₱320
If you enjoy the smell of coffee, then this body scrub is for you. The unique blend of coffee and vanilla creates a relaxing scent while lifting away dead skin cells to reveal smoother and healthier skin. It's free from parabens and harsh chemicals, making it safe to use even for sensitive skin.
Besides coffee and vanilla, this Human Nature body scrub contains aloe extract that keeps your skin soft and supple. And with zero plastic microbeads and artificial colors, this all-natural product can help you achieve better skin without harming the environment.
From ₱382
Get naturally radiant skin all over with this zesty body wash from St. Ives! Made with pink lemon and mandarin orange extracts, it gently exfoliates and removes dirt, grime, and other imperfections to reveal a glowing, even-toned complexion.
Created with plant-based cleansers, this cruelty-free body wash can double as a hand soap to effectively wash away bacteria. And whether you use it with your hands or your favorite bath pouf, it can work its magic and have you glowing from head to toe!
From ₱319
Make your shower time more relaxing with this shower gel from Yves Rocher. It has a mild scent that will surely leave your skin soft and smelling good! This unique formula is composed of more than 98% natural ingredients and has a botanical cleansing base to safely and gently purify the skin.
The mild tropical fragrance can instantly wake up your senses, while the aloe vera extract helps restore your skin's pH balance. Safe for all skin types, you can't go wrong with this refreshing shower gel, which comes in a purely recyclable plastic bottle.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Mara.
Yes, the ingredients and their concentration matter more than the labeled site of use. Generally speaking, facial products are safe to use in the body because these are formulated with the thinner, more sensitive skin of the face in mind.
One concern in using a body wash as shampoo is if it has too many strong surfactants and few or no moisturizing ingredients. This can strip the hair of its natural oils and make it dry and unruly. On the flip side, you may have a body wash that has very mild surfactants and a lot of conditioning agents. This may not clean the hair well and leave it oily.
There is no need for the body wash to soak. Simply massage onto the body and rinse. However, for active-containing cleansers (e.g., benzoyl peroxide), it is best to leave the cleanser on the skin for about 15 minutes before washing off.
Looking and smelling clean should begin in your bathroom, and for a truly pampering bath experience, here are other options that can gently cleanse your skin while uplifting your mood!
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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