Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
10 ingredient-driven body washes to elevate your bathing ritual
By Darcy Brown
2 years ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
Why not treat your body like you do your face? From supercharged cleansers to blemish-busting solutions, ingredient-led body washes are your shortcut to glowing limbs.
Body washes play an essential part in all grooming routines. That’s one thing we can all agree on. Yet, amid our daily shower rituals, the attention given to the formulas we use on our body often takes a back seat compared to our facial skincare routines.
But why let your face have all of the fun? The very ingredients celebrated in skincare for their transformative benefits can also work their magic on the neck down. And with so many brands expanding their skincare lines into body care, many supercharged body washes exist to make those moments spent in the shower go the extra mile.
From blemish-banishing blends to potent hydrators, here is our pick of the best skin-loving body washes.
Sundae Body Green Tea Exfoliating Whipped Shower Foam
This satisfying shower foam is the ultimate reset button for your skin. It harnesses the exfoliating power of finger lime to buff away dead skin cells and reveal softer skin. A dose of vitamin C from kakadu plum leaves skin brighter and refreshed.
Shop Sundae Body Green Tea Exfoliating Whipped Shower Foam at Cult Beauty, £12.99
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash
An elevated shower experience is assured by this skin-smoothing wash. An exfoliating cocktail of lactic, salicylic and fruit acids sink deep into the skin to dissolve pore-clogging oils and impurities. And as expected from the brand’s cult product portfolio, the smell is glorious.
Shop Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body at Lookfantastic, £23
Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap
Body breakouts are a thing; if your legs and back are prone to getting bumpy, you’re definitely not alone. Luckily, Mario Badescu knows a thing or two about dealing with blemishes, and its body wash formula targets problem areas with gentle exfoliation. Buffing fruit enzymes and invigorating great fruit offer the ultimate skin refresh.
Shop Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap at Cult Beauty, £8
Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash
Calling all those who suffer from dry skin, this hydrating hero is for you. A thirst-quenching trio of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and giant kelp extract nurtures the skin and leaves it soft and supple. Plus, a delicious fruit scent makes it a real self-care treat.
Glow Hub Purify & Brighten Body Cleanser
Say goodbye to backne (that’s back acne) with this breakout-battling blend. It treats skin to a deep clean thanks to its ability to get deep into the pores. All while antioxidant-rich blueberry extract and detoxifying black tea refine the skin and leave it smooth and radiant.
Shop Glow Hub Purify & Brighten Body Cleanser a Sephora, £12
Baylis & Harding Kindness + Plant Collagen Body Wash
A comfortably creamy body wash with a luxe coconut and rose scent. Its formula conditions skin with a blend of firming collagen and nurturing vitamins E and B5. Plus, a pocket-friendly price tag proves souped-up body care doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Shop Baylis & Harding Kindness + Plant Collagen at Boots, £4
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
If it’s good enough for your face, then it’s good enough for your body. This exfoliating face and body cleanser has gained quite a reputation – and for good reason. It is a shortcut to your best skin owing to a power trio of salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Shop CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid at Lookfantastic, £14
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Lavant
This nurturing formula is the one to reach for if you have sensitive skin. A gentle foam soothes skin with panthenol, and antibacterial metallic salts get to work to control bacteria and let the skin repair itself. An extra hydrating dose of glycerin makes it ideal for dry or damaged skin.
Frank Body A Clearing Body Wash
Start the day right with a thorough cleanse and a daily dose of caffeine. This purifying body wash uses salicylic acid to remove impurities and kakadu plum to energise the skin. The real wake-up call is gifted by the brand’s famous coffee bean aroma. A must-have in your morning routine.
Drunk Elephant Scrubbi Bamboes Body Cleanser
When Drunk Elephant expanded its product portfolio into body care, we had no doubts it would know how to care for our skin. This purifying blend uses barely-there bamboo beads to buff away dead skin and remove sweat and grime. The inclusion of a fatty-acid-rich cocktail means your skin barrier stays protected.
Shop Drunk Elephant Scrubbi Bamboes Body Cleanser at Lookfantastic, £24
Hello Klean Nourishing Micronutrient Wash
This innovative bottle has levelled up the body care game. A shake before use activates the formula into a rich foam. A blend of matcha green tea and microalgae filters ingredients in shower water known to dry out the skin. Almond oil then locks in moisture to keep skin nourished. Clever!
Shop Hello Klean Nourishing Micronutrient Wash at Cult Beauty, £18
Images: Stylist Loves; courtesy of brands
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