Marina Wiersma
9 min
3.0K
After 34 hours of research evaluating 74 products, we picked Jack Black Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser for Hair & Body as our top choice.
Can you believe that mens body wash has only been around for a little more than a decade? Okay, that's just body wash created especially for men; it’s not as if men just skipped cleaning before, bar soaps have been around for ages.
Here's the thing:
Much like facial cleansers, the benefit of using one of the best body wash for men is that they are specially formulated for a guy's skin, which is actually different than women’s skin. There are different skin balances and thicknesses that you need to pay attention to.
The truth is:
All men’s skin isn’t the same – and not every guy is looking for the same things from their body wash. Active men tend to need more powerful odor-fighting formulas. There are also skin irritations to consider – and, of course, budget.
It’s totally worth looking at every one of these best body wash for men options; they all perform exceptionally well – and smell terrific. Maybe one of these will change your life; at the very least, they’ll get you clean!
Just don’t forget to moisturize when you get out of the shower – we’ve come a long way in the past decade, haven’t we?
Faveable supports you with thousands of hours of research to find the best products. Our independently chosen links earn us a commission. Learn more »
Have trusted our product reviews
This is what body wash for men is supposed to smell like. It's about as manly as it comes.
And, the bottle feels something like a bottle of whiskey - which is what this company aims for; the Texas brand takes inspiration from prohibition days.
Inside, you'll find macadamia, quinoa, and jojoba which all do an amazing job of keeping your skin soft and moisturized all day long. And, in case you're wondering, that gorgeous scent lasts - as does the product in this bottle.
Skin type: It's made for men, and though it's not specifically formulated as such, it's great for dry skins.
Scent: It's an amazing scent of sweet pipe tobacco with a touch of vanilla, tonka bean, saffron, and dried fruit.
Ease of application: This body wash for men has a thicker formula, and it creates a slippery lather rather than a super foam. It's enough to spread and moisturize your skin.
Package size: At the moment, there's only 1 bottle size: 18 oz. But it seems to be just right.
The price per ounce works out to $1.33, which is on the high side, but it's nowhere near the most expensive body wash for men on our list.
Want a value-for-money body wash that’s designed just for men and has the backing of a big name brand? This formula ticks all the right boxes.
Guys love the way it makes their skin feel after showering – it cleans well and rinses off easily.
The clarifying micro grains add a touch of exfoliation to your cleansing routine and help to refresh and moisturize your skin. It’s not a super-deep scrub, but it is refreshing.
In addition to the nice price (and the way your skin will feel after your shower or bath), we truly appreciate the pump on this body wash. Sure, that sounds mundane, but it does help in getting just the right amount out of the bottle.
Skin type: Men of all ages, but perhaps not the best for sensitive skins.
Scent: This claims to have a slightly marine fragrance, though it’s a little difficult to place the actual scent. Whatever it is, people love it.
Ease of application: The pump on this large bottle is super convenient. It goes on well, whether you use your hands or a poof of sorts. This body wash also rinses away without leaving any residue on your skin.
Package size: To get this terrific price, you'll want to get this 4-pack of 18-ounce bottles.
Price: For this massive package, you'll get 72 ounces, which works out to 33 cents per ounce. That's absolutely incredible. Really, really incredible.
We know this isn't an explicitly masculine body wash. But, we're also not saying this is for all men - this is for guys that have exceptionally sensitive skin or conditions like eczema that require special attention. If that's you, this is the body wash you want.
The formula is totally natural and good for you, as you would expect from anything created by PhD chemists working to solve the problem of crazy skin sensitivities.
It really does get the job done and makes your skin feel soft, moisturized, and all without the nastiness of rashes and irritations.
Believe it or not, part of that boils down to the Himalayan sea salt, citrus extracts and the coco glycinate, a coconut extract that allows for foaming without disrupting the pH balance of your skin.
Skin type: This is a gender-neutral product and designed with skin sensitivities in mind.
Scent: It's a refreshing citrus-like aroma with a touch of the ocean (which isn't surprising given the ingredients inside).
Ease of application: It does become foamy, especially if you pair it with a washcloth or a loofah. But it's thinner than others, largely due to the all-natural ingredients.
Package sizes: There's a single 16-ounce bottle, a double pack, and a 64-ounce refill pack which makes it even more economical.
The 2-pack works out to 66 cents per ounce and is available for both Prime and Subscribe & Save, but you can save more with the refill pack (which is definitely more environmentally friendly).
This budget body wash actually works for your body, hair, and face. That makes it even more useful than you can imagine.
You won't be sorry when you put this on your Subscribe & Save list, though you may want to see how long it lasts before you do so.
Men love the refreshing clean, the easy lather, and that it rinses easily without leaving a residue. In addition to mint extracts (that's the refreshing bit), there's also vitamin B5 to keep your skin soft and smooth, and users report that it's truly non-drying.
We wish they weren't testing on animals and, hopefully, one day they won't.
Skin type: This body wash is great for all skin and hair types.
Scent: It's a bit difficult to describe the fresh, masculine scent of this body wash, but it's delicious and not overpowering.
Ease of application: The lather on this is exceptional, though the formula feels a little runnier than other body washes. Pair it with a loofah or sponge for the best results on your body.
Package size: For this price, you'll get over 50 ounces spread between three 16.9 oz bottles.
Not only will you pay 30 cents per ounce at the regular price with Prime shipping, there's a Subscribe & Save option that will save you even more money.
This amazing body wash is cruelty-free and has a lot of good-for-you ingredients inside the stylish bottle.
In addition to the terrific smell, users love that a little of this thick formula goes a long way, creating a wonderful lather. At the same time, it washes away easily without leaving a film.
This Every Man Jack Bodywash for Men, however, does not dry your skin (actually it seems to hydrate it). That boils down to the castor, clary sage, and rosemary oils inside - and the lack of ingredients such as synthetic dyes.
Skin type: This is designed for men's skin, and it's especially good for sensitive skins.
Scent: The cedarwood scent is light and smells a little more like manly lumber than a super-sharp pine forest.
Ease of application: The thick formula has a slickness that makes it easy to distribute. Users experience everything from moderate to luxurious lathering and it all rinses away easily.
Package size: There's a 16.9-ounce size available on Amazon as an add-on item - and it's probably the most cost effective option.
As an add-on item, you get nearly 17-ounce for just under $6. That works out to roughly 35 cents per ounce, which is downright amazing for this best body wash for men.
Stop baulking at the price and think about this for just a moment…don’t you deserve a shower experience that makes you feel amazing?
And, if it’s good for your skin (no added nasties), smells divine, and a little goes a long way…isn’t it worth considering? It absolutely is – and this particular body wash is a definite fave of our team.
From the coconut to the tea tree oil, you’re getting 97% natural and 83% organic ingredients that are designed to clean, invigorate, and leave your skin feeling rehydrated. On top of that, there aren’t any parabens or added fragrances.
And, although it’s not the best lather on the market, it’s definitely a product your girlfriend is going to use whenever she sees it in the shower; it’s up to you whether you hide the bottle or not.
Skin type: The folks at Brickell believe that this product is for any man of any age and any skin type. We tend to agree with them.
Scent: It’s a minty pine sort of aroma, a bit like a forest after a fresh rain.
Ease of application: Because this is a mostly natural formula, you shouldn’t expect to find the lather quite as thick or easy as some other products may be.
A shower sponge, washcloth, or something like it will make it easier, but most guys find the lather to be just right.
Package sizes: There's a 2-ounce size that’s good for travel, and then your standard 16-ounce size.
The 16-ounce bottle works out to less than $1.90 per ounce. That's definitely on the higher side, but doesn't quite push it into the unreasonable range.
Jack Black is an absolutely amazing brand for men and they go out of their way to make grooming the experience it should be. And, they seem to be all about doing good for everyone.
This formula is vegan and cruelty-free. That may not seem like a big deal, but any cosmetics brand that sells its wares in China IS NOT totally animal-friendly.
This body wash is also paraben, alcohol, sulphate, and colorant-free. In addition, it’s dermatologist tested and still smells amazing.
That’s because what IS on the inside is eucalyptus, rosemary, and juniper berries. These awaken your senses while deep cleansing. And, the added arnica reduces bruising and swelling.
Basically, this stuff is super good for your skin. But, you will pay for the privilege. And that’s the only downfall we can find.
Skin type: Made for all men’s skin types.
Scent: Rosemary and eucalyptus for a cool and natural aroma. It's manly and quite luxurious.
Ease of application: Lathers really well whether you use a cloth, sponge, or just your hands.
Package sizes: There is a choice of sizes available for this Jack Black body wash: 3, 10, or 33 ounces.
The 10-ounce squeeze bottle works out to $2.30 per ounce, which is expensive. The larger size is understandably more cost-effective. And, to be honest, if you love it, you'll want more.
Body wash is the modern man's solution to getting clean! Say goodbye to bar soap—it's all about the masculine-scented body washes, which add another layer of fragrance to the male skincare routine. Plus, a good body wash will hydrate/moisturize as much as it will exfoliate and eliminate dirt.
Here's everything you need to know about body wash:
Body only! Don't put body wash on your face, as it's intended for your body only (less skin oils). If applied to your face, it could dry out your skin or clog pores, leading to pimples.
Use with a washcloth. Scrubbing with body wash and a washcloth will exfoliate and get rid of dirt and grime at the same time. For best results, use together!
Less is more. Not only should you use less body wash with each wash, but you should try to find low-lather washes. Less lather/foam means less chemicals, and natural ingredients are far less likely to eliminate necessary skin oils (which leads to dryness).
It moisturizes, but isn't a moisturizer. Body wash is intended to remove grime, dirt, and dead skin cells from your skin, and many are made with ingredients that moisturize as they cleanse. But remember that they do remove skin oils as well. You'll need to moisturize after a thorough body wash in order to avoid dryness.
Rinse well. Just like you rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing, you must do the same after applying body wash. If not, you could end up with a sticky or greasy film on your skin.
It's a more hygienic solution. With body wash, there's a much lower risk of bacteria collecting and multiplying, and you'll rarely find someone else's dirt or hair in your body wash. Definitely more hygienic than bar soap.
Body wash is a fairly modern product, but bar soap has been around for hundreds of years. Some people prefer the simplicity and low cost of bar soap, while others insist that the more advanced, scrub-friendly body wash is top dog.
So which is it?
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
The truth is that both body wash and bar soap offer significant advantages. It's vital that you take the time to look over the pros and cons of each to determine which suits your lifestyle, skin type, hygiene habits, and financial situation best.
This may sound like a pretty basic thing. After all, EVERYONE knows how to take a shower and get clean, right?
According to an Angie's List survey, people have some weird shower habits, including peeing in the shower, wearing latex or rubber gloves to scrub off, or washing WITHOUT a loofah or sponge. Clearly some education is needed!
There is a very specific process for using body wash to maximize its effects. When you get into the shower and prepare to scrub off, here's what you need to do:
Step 1: Rinse with hot water. Hot water will open up your pores, allowing the body wash and loofah/sponge/washcloth to really get in there and get out the germs, dirt, and dead skin cells. A minute or two under hot (not scalding, but hotter than warm) water will get your skin ready for the scrubbing.
Step 2: Rinse the loofah, sponge, or cloth. Before your scrubbing utensil touches your skin, give it a rinse to get rid of as much bacteria, germs, and remaining particles from your previous wash as possible.
Step 3: Turn the heat down. After you've opened your pores with the hot water, turn it to warm for the scrubbing.
Step 4: Apply body wash to the cloth or sponge. Just like you put dish soap on your sponge or scrub brush before washing dishes, do the same with your loofah, washcloth, or sponge. Don't waste it in your hands or pouring directly on your skin. Squirt a nickel-sized dollop onto the sponge or cloth.
Step 5: Scrub, gently. You want to exfoliate, but the rough surface of the sponge, loofah, or cloth will do that for you. If you scrub too hard, you could rub your skin raw. Give yourself a gentle scrubbing from head to toe (or from the ground up).
Step 6: Pay attention to the trouble zones. Most guys hit the three primary spots: the two armpits and around their junk. But there are other areas prone to developing dirt and grime: behind your knees, behind your ankles, and in the crook of your elbow. If you're a heavy sweater, you'll find these areas need a lot of TLC.
Step 7: Rinse off thoroughly. Using warm water, rinse your entire body—and clean the loofah or sponge at the same time. Get rid of any soap or body wash residue to avoid the sticky or greasy feeling that comes from an improper rinse.
Step 8: Stand under cold water. Give yourself a solid 10 to 20 seconds of full-blast cold water. This will help to close your now-clean pores, preventing dirt, bacteria, and the dead skin cells on your towel from entering.
Step 9: Dry off and moisturize. Brush water off your body with your hands before toweling off—a nifty trick to reduce the risk of a soaked towel. Once dry, apply a light moisturizing lotion (or just good old-fashioned coconut oil) to the parts of your body prone to dryness.
You are now clean and, thanks to the wonderfully manly fragrance of your body wash, smell like a million bucks!
Lathering your body with body wash (or, for ignorant Philistines, shampoo) is half the fun of the whole scrubbing and showering process, right? Sadly, it turns out lather is actually bad for you.
High-lather body washes contain more surfactants, chemicals that attract water and oil or both. The surfactants, when combined with water, bind with our body oils to remove them from the skin. This eliminates the natural skin oils that protect from dryness and damage.
For those with dry skin, it's best to look for a body wash that produces very little lather, and which contains gentle cleansers and fewer surfactants. This will leave your skin oils untouched and protect your skin.
Exfoliating body washes are the love child of a body wash and exfoliating scrub. Essentially, they are a standard body wash (or bar soap) that contains large-particle exfoliates like bamboo, bitter orange, crushed grape and apricot seeds, or raw sugar.
It's more common to find exfoliating bar soaps than body washes, but there are a few products—Strawberry Fresh Cells and St. Ives Smooth & Glow Apricot Exfoliating Body Wash, to name a couple—that exfoliate while cleansing your skin. Though they tend to be pricier than regular body washes, they can serve double-duty. If you're a guy who needs to exfoliate your body skin (we all do!), you may want to give an exfoliating body wash a try.
There will always be a debate between organic and non-organic products. The non-organic proponents will cite lower costs and higher effectiveness, while organic champions will insist on the more natural, eco-friendly option.
In the case of body washes, here's what you need to know:
Non-Organic Body Washes –These tend to be significantly more effective at cleansing than organic, as they contain chemicals and surfactants that eliminate dirt and grime better than natural or organic ingredients can. They also contain a wider variety of fragrances, many of which are unavailable with organic ingredients. The cost of non-organic body washes is significantly cheaper—both liquid washes and bar soaps—and non-organic body washes are more widely available.
On the downside, the chemicals and artificial fragrances in non-organic body washes can remove too much skin oil, increase skin toxin absorption, and cause dryness. There is an argument that exposure to the chemicals in non-organic body washes can harm the skin over our lifetimes. Some contain parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, and other potentially harmful, toxic ingredients.
Organic Body Washes – These are usually hand-crafted, locally sourced, and made with certified organic ingredients. They contain natural essential oils and extracts to provide the cleansing benefits and fragrances, along with hydrating, exfoliating, and moisturizing ingredients that all derived from natural sources. They contain no chemicals of any sort, but are 100% free of parabens, phthalates, and other potentially harmful synthetic ingredients.
On the downside, they may be less effective at cleansing than the chemical-based artificial body washes. They are also significantly more expensive, and are less widely available. There are usually fewer options to choose from.
Winner: It all depends on what matters most to you. If cleansing is your #1 priority and you're not worried about chemicals, commercial, non-organic body washes are the more effective option. But if you want to "go green" and protect your skin from potentially harmful toxins, you're better off with organic body washes.
Not sure which body wash to buy? With so many products to choose from, it can be tough to decide on the "right" body wash for you.
Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
Vote to enter our $100 Amazon Gift Card giveaway.
Katie’s Cleveland proud; but she’s also lived in Australia, Switzerland and now stays in South Africa. That’s a roundabout way of saying she can’t sit still; she’s always moving, always busy.
She has a BA in International Relations from Kent State University and work towards a Masters in Human Rights. She speaks French, is learning German and used to dream in Spanish. For years, Katie worked as a producer on fashion and advertising shoots before she realized her passion was the written word.
Katie’s far more interested in guy’s gear than women’s, except she has a wardrobe brimming with little black dresses. She drinks her beer out of the bottle and is raising her two boys to be better men.
Join the conversation
7 Best Body Wash Products for Men
Thanks for reading my article. I value your feedback and invite you to join the conversation:
- Share your opinion on the list
- Suggest an item for consideration
- Review items you've tried
— Katie