Top 10 Body Washes: which ones are our favourites and why?

February 1, 2020

This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.

I have a daily shower in the morning when I wake up or after exercise. There are so many body washes on the market so I thought I should have a look around rather than just picking the first one off the supermarket shelf.

I have tried to give a broad range ie budget to luxurious and I have even popped one in for the man in your life. The first one from Aveeno is hard to beat for both price and quality. However there are times in one’s life where a little luxury can solve many a problem so bear the more expensive ones in mind when suggesting gift ideas.

AVEENO Daily Moisturising Body Wash

This body wash is for normal to dry and sensitive skin and gently cleanses the skin without drying, leaving skin moisturised and protected against the feeling of dryness. It contains colloidal oatmeal; oats are well known for their skincare benefits: moisturising, soothing and protecting sensitive skin.

It has a fresh clean smell, is lovely and creamy and the fragrance is light and fresh. It left my skin feeling very moisturised so I don’t have to use a daily body moisturiser which saves a lot of time in the morning.

This is available from Amazon for £6.39 for 500ml. For more info view HERE. It is also available in Vanilla or Apricot fragrances.

Aesop A Rose By Any Other Name Body Cleanser

An aromatic formulation that cleanses gently yet thoroughly, enhanced with hydrating Rose Petal oil and other skin-softening botanical extracts including black pepper and cardamom. The rose fragrance is not too heavy. I was given a bottle as a birthday present and was so sad when I came to the end of it.

The gentle formula is designed for all skin types to clean and hydrate, while also nourishing.

Available from SpaceNK £20 for 200ml. For more info click HERE.

Kiehl’s Made for All Gentle Body Cleanser

For a full body clean, this Kiehl’s body cleanser is gentle enough for all skin types – even sensitive skin. Composed of 95 per cent naturally-derived ingredients, it contains Aloe vera and soap tree extract for a soothing and cleansing wash from head to toe. The bottle is also made entirely from post-consumer recycled materials – yet another reason to buy.

This is a great one to put in your guest shower as no-one can dislike this one but watch out they may accidentally slip it into their washbag as they leave.

Available from John Lewis £28 for 500ml. For more info click HERE.

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash

This body wash is formulated with naturally derived foaming agents from soap bark, corn and coconut, plus soothing organic oats. It is definitely very moisturising. With a heavenly citrus aroma, the delicate formula is light, refreshing and can even be used on sensitive skin as it doesn’t contain SLS.

This product has nearly 300 reviews on the Liz Earle website and they are glowing in their praise.

Available from Boots £15 for 200ml. For more info click HERE.

Dove Purifying Detox Body Wash

I am a bit of a Dove fan and I have been using their body washes for some time however when someone told me about this one I whizzed into Superdrug, in my local town, and bought a bottle. I was not disappointed.

This Dove body wash is formulated with green clay to wash away toxins and impurities and help fight against external environmental stressors like pollution. It cleans without stripping away your skin’s natural microbiome as well.

It smells really nice – fresh and clean. I love this when I can find it but it is always selling out!

It is available from Superdrug for £3.99 for 500ml. For more info view HERE.

Le Labo Santal 33 shower gel

This is my husband’s favourite but it is a luxury buy so I try and treat him for birthday or Christmas. A good gift for Father’s Day! It is a woody fragrance hence I think it is a masculine fragrance.

Santal 26 is one of my favourite candles and all of their fragrances are gorgeous. It is enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E, moisturising Olive Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera, Flaxseed Extract, this shower gel cleans the body and the mind. It does not contain parabens and is vegan and cruelty-free.

There are 4 other fragrances in this range of body washes.

Available from John Lewis £37 for 237ml. For more info click HERE.

Korres Guava Showergel

Greek pharmacist George Korres founded KORRES based on his passion for capturing the best of nature using the latest scientific advancements. Inspired by the most powerful natural ingredients and traditions of Greece, KORRES delivers clinically proven results with formulations that reflect a meticulous attention to detail that is the heart of everything they do.

This is an invigorating blend of tropical fruits giving a soft moisturising showergel, ideal for everyday use. Wheat proteins form a protective film on the skin, maintaining its regular hydration level.

KORRES carry a good range of body washes so look out for other fragrances.

Available from Amazon £9 for 250ml. For more info click HERE.

GLOSSIER Body Hero Daily Oil Wash

When you first pump the hero Glossier body wash, you will notice that it comes out like oil. But once lathered onto your body, and combined with water, it transforms into a foamy wash. The formula takes inspiration from the skincare you use on your face, designed to treat your body with the same care. It contains a mix of seven oils to leave you feeling squeaky clean, refreshed and prepped for your post-wash moisturiser. It has a subtle scent and I just love the pink bottle on my shower shelf.

Available from Glossier website £15 for £250ml. For more info click HERE.

Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Creme Body Wash

I love the pudding Crème Brûlée but didn’t think this would transform into a body wash until I tried it in a friend’s guest bathroom.

There is a reason why the Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée body wash is one of the most popular. First and foremost the buttery caramel scent is nothing short of heavenly and lasts throughout the day. And secondly, the natural-based wash is super moisturising, offering a creamy lather that protects your skin.

Available from the Look Fantastic website £33 for 200ml. For more info click HERE.

this works deep sleep shower gel

This is one for an evening shower.

After a long day at work or with the family you will relax and unwind with this works’ deep sleep wash featuring a luxe lavender scent. The natural blend of vetivert, chamomile, lavender and coconut oil work to ease tensions of the day enabling a peaceful night’s sleep. The product is free from sulphates, alcohol and artificial fragrance.

I keep this in my shower for times when I am finding getting to sleep difficult. I often use it when I have a cold as it clears my sinuses and also helps me get a good night’s sleep.

Available from SpaceNK £18 for 250ml. For more info click HERE.

We would love to hear if you have any favourite Body washes so do pop the names in our comments section below.

For more Wellbeing posts click HERE.



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