Body Wash and Body Scrub Guide: How to Choose for Your Skin

The best body wash cleans gently and never leaves your skin tight or dry after a shower: for dry and sensitive skin, choose a gentle, low-fragrance wash or a shower oil; for oily or breakout-prone skin, a cleansing gel or a wash with exfoliating acids. A body scrub should be used gently and occasionally, not daily. Below: body wash vs soap, types of exfoliants and a shower routine, with picks from Cetaphil, Bioderma, Dove and Krem Kap.

Quick answer

• Choose a body wash by skin type: gentle and low-fragrance for dry or sensitive skin, a cleansing gel for oily or breakout-prone skin.
• Warm, not hot, showers of 5 to 10 minutes, followed by moisturizer on damp skin, protect against dryness.
• Physical scrubs remove dead skin by friction; chemical exfoliants dissolve it with acids. Both need a gentle hand.
• Never exfoliate broken or sunburned skin, and take extra care if you have darker skin or dark spots.
• There is not enough evidence that antibacterial soap prevents illness better than plain soap and water.

What is the difference between body wash and soap?

Both clean, but liquid washes (shower gels) come in more formulas for different skin types. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that bar soap can dry the skin and recommends a mild cleanser. Some bars are moisturizing, so formula matters more than format.

• Gel wash: clear with a rich lather; suits normal and oily skin.
• Cream or gentle wash: less foam and a softer feel; suits dry and sensitive skin.
• Shower oil: turns into a light foam with water; suits very dry skin.
• Bar soap: practical and economical, such as the Nubian Heritage African Black Soap Bar 142g; see more in bar soap.

What is the best body wash for dry and sensitive skin?

Use a gentle cleanser, in small amounts, ideally fragrance-free. The AAD's dermatologist tips for dry skin are: limit showers to 5 to 10 minutes, use warm rather than hot water, pat dry with a clean towel, then apply a fragrance-free moisturizer straight away, preferring creams and ointments over lotions.

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for Face and Body 473ml: made, as its name says, for sensitive and dry skin, on face and body.
• Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil 1L: gently cleanses and hydrates very dry skin, leaving it soft.
• Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel 1L: the same range in a gel texture.
• Nubian Heritage African Black Soap Body Wash 384ml from Nubian Heritage: black soap combined with moisturizing shea butter.

Follow with a moisturizer from body moisturizing; our moisturizer guide by skin type helps you choose. If dryness or itching persists despite good care, see a dermatologist, as it can be linked to a skin condition.

What is the best body wash for oily skin and back breakouts?

Choose a cleansing gel for oily skin or a wash with gentle exfoliating acids, and shower right after exercise.

• Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Face and Body 400ml from Avène: for oily or acne-prone skin; purifies and helps limit excess oil without upsetting the skin's balance.
• SOME BY MI Exfoliating Acids Body Wash 400g from SOME BY MI: an acid-based wash designed, as its name says, for breakout-prone bodies.
• Covix Care African Black Soap Body Wash 400ml: described as deep-cleansing and moisturizing.

Small rough bumps on the arms

Rough little bumps on the upper arms or thighs that look like goosebumps may be keratosis pilaris, a buildup of keratin around hair follicles. The AAD advises a mild cleanser, no scrubbing, short warm baths, and a moisturizer with urea or lactic acid applied to damp skin within 5 minutes of bathing.

Is antibacterial body wash better?

Not necessarily. The U.S. FDA says there is not enough evidence that consumer antibacterial soaps prevent illness better than plain soap and water. In 2016 it removed 19 active ingredients, including triclosan, from consumer antiseptic washes because manufacturers had not shown they were safe for long-term daily use or more effective than plain soap.

So choose by skin type, scent and feel. If you like the Johnson's Almond Blossom Body Wash 400ml, which removes dirt and sweat while keeping skin's natural moisture according to its description, the Johnson's Micellar Body Wash with Mint 400ml or the Dettol Cucumber Body Wash 950ml, use them because they suit you, not because they are a health necessity. Johnson's also offers the Johnson's Vita-Rich Berry Body Wash 400ml with a fruity scent.

What is the difference between physical and chemical exfoliants?

Physical exfoliants remove dead skin cells by friction; chemical exfoliants dissolve them with acids. The AAD defines mechanical exfoliation as using a tool or scrub, such as a brush, sponge or loofah, and chemical exfoliation as using alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA) to dissolve dead cells.

Physical scrubs

• Krem Kap Scrub Cream for Face and Body 500g: gently exfoliates and smooths, combining exfoliation with brightening according to its description; also in a 150ml size.
• Dove Brown Sugar & Coconut Body Scrub 425g: gently exfoliates and nourishes; also in Cherry & Shea Milk 425g.
• Jardin d'Oleane Blue Nila Sugar Scrub 600g from Jardin d'Oleane: rich in argan oil, it removes dead skin and nourishes dry areas.

Exfoliating tools

• Jardin d'Oleane Moroccan Loofah, Black: removes dead skin and smooths rough areas such as elbows and knees.
• Mums Bath Exfoliating Glove, Green from Mums Bath: removes dead skin for a smoother feel.

Find more in bath accessories. Rinse your loofah or glove after each use and let it dry completely.

Chemical exfoliants

These suit people who dislike friction, such as the SOME BY MI acid wash above or the Dr. Melaxin Kojic Acid Body Peeling Mist 200ml, described as gently exfoliating and brightening.

How often should you use a body scrub, and how?

Once or twice a week is usually enough, less for sensitive skin or strong exfoliants: the stronger the method, the less often. The AAD recommends:

1. Match the method to your skin type; dry and sensitive skin usually prefers gentler options.
2. Massage the scrub in small circles for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water.
3. With a brush or sponge, use short, light strokes.
4. Never exfoliate open cuts, wounds or sunburned skin.
5. Moisturize right after, because exfoliating can dry skin.
6. Stop if you see redness or irritation; overdoing it causes both.

The AAD also warns that aggressive exfoliation can increase pigmentation in darker skin or dark spots, so never scrub dark areas hard hoping to lighten them; for those areas see our intimate area brightening guide. Do not use body wash or scrub on the intimate area itself; it needs a dedicated wash.

Comparison of the best body washes and scrubs

The right shower routine, step by step

1. Set the water: warm, not hot, for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Use a little wash: focus on areas that need it most, such as underarms and feet.
3. Exfoliate only when needed: gently, once or twice a week.
4. Rinse well: leftover product can cause dryness and itching.
5. Pat dry: with a clean towel, no rubbing.
6. Moisturize immediately: while skin is still damp.
7. Finish the routine: apply deodorant to fully dry skin; see our deodorant guide.

Common mistakes

• Very hot water and long showers: both dry the skin.
• Daily scrubbing: causes redness and irritation.
• Scrubbing dark patches hard: can increase pigmentation instead of reducing it.
• Exfoliating right before sun exposure or on burned skin: increases irritation.
• Skipping moisturizer: cleansing and exfoliating both call for it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best body wash?

The best body wash is the one that suits your skin type. Dry and sensitive skin does well with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil; oily or breakout-prone skin with Avène Cleanance or the SOME BY MI acid wash. With normal skin, simply choose the scent and feel you prefer.

What is the difference between shower gel and body wash?

Shower gel is one type of body wash, with a clear gel texture and rich lather that usually suits normal and oily skin. "Body wash" is the umbrella term covering gels, creams and oils. People with dry skin are usually more comfortable with a creamy wash or a shower oil.

How often should I use a body scrub?

Once or twice a week is enough for most people, less for sensitive skin or strong exfoliants. Massage gently for about 30 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize straight away. Stop if you notice redness or irritation.

Does a body scrub lighten skin?

A scrub removes dead skin so the surface looks smoother and brighter, but it does not change your natural skin tone. Some scrubs pair exfoliation with brightening ingredients, such as Krem Kap. Remember that harsh scrubbing can increase pigmentation, so gentleness matters more than force.

Can I use face wash on my body?

Yes, if it is labeled for face and body, like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Avène Cleanance. The reverse is usually not ideal, since some body products are more fragranced or formulated for thicker body skin. To choose a face cleanser, see our face wash guide by skin type.

Should I exfoliate before or after shaving?

Gentle exfoliation a day before shaving, or earlier in the same shower, can help you get a smoother shave; scrubbing right after shaving can irritate skin. Never exfoliate skin that is inflamed or nicked from shaving, and wait until it has fully settled.

Shop body washes and scrubs

The body wash and body scrub sections at Care Outlet bring together Cetaphil, Bioderma, Avène, Dove, Johnson's, Krem Kap and more, online or at our branches across Saudi Arabia. Complete your routine in body care.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Dermatologists' Tips to Relieve Dry Skin
• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): How to Safely Exfoliate at Home
• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Keratosis Pilaris Self-Care
• U.S. FDA: Skip the Antibacterial Soap; Use Plain Soap and Water