15 Best Shower Gels To Cleanse And Soothe Dry Skin
1. Best Biodegradable Formula: Jason Purifying Tea Tree Body Wash
The Purifying Tea Tree Body Wash from Jason is formulated with vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil cleanses the body, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates the skin and soothes sunburn. The skin becomes softer and smoother with regular use of this gel. It also nourishes the skin to make it healthier. Pros
No parabens No sulfates No phthalates No petrolatum Not tested on animals Biodegradable formula Good fragrance
Cons
May cause allergic reactions
2. Best Plant-Based: Puracy Natural Body Wash
The Puracy Natural Body Wash was developed by doctors and skincare experts to exfoliate and cleanse the skin without causing any irritation. It provides a rich cleansing and moisturizing experience. It is formulated with 99.3% plant-based ingredients like coco glycinate, Himalayan sea salt, and essential oils. Coco glycinate, extracted from coconuts, makes the gel foamy and leaves the skin moisturized and smooth. Sea salt cleanses and exfoliates the skin. The essential oils add a lovely fragrance. This shower gel is perfect for dry skin and can also be used on sensitive skin. It has a pH level of 5.5, making it gentle for the skin. This shower gel has 84 minerals and other trace elements that revitalize the skin. It contains a coconut-based surfactant that softens and cleanses the skin without causing any irritation, redness, or dryness. Pros
No sulfates No cocamidopropyl betaine No salicylates No parabens No petroleum-based ingredients No animal by-products No perfumes or dyes 99.3% plant-derived ingredients
Cons
No heavy lather
3. Best Aromatherapeutic: Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Body Wash
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Body Wash is formulated with aloe vera gel, essential oils, flaxseed oil, honeysuckle blossoms, and other moisturizing ingredients. This cleanser leaves the body cleansed, soft, smooth, and revitalized with a fresh and sweet honeysuckle fragrance. The product is thoughtfully formulated to be safe for the environment. Pros
Good fragrance Dermatologist-tested Aromatherapeutic Plant-based Cruelty-free
Cons
The smell may be too strong for some.
4. Best Non-Comedogenic: CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash cleanses and hydrates the skin. It consists of three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), which restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. When applied to the skin, this shower gel foams to refresh and purify the skin. This product also contains hyaluronic acid, which draws more moisture to the skin’s surface. It contains emollients to hydrate the skin, making it soft, smooth, and supple. Pros
Dermatologist-tested Non-comedogenic No soap No parabens No sulfates NEA accepted
Cons
May not suit all skin types
5. Best Preservative-Free: Avalon Organics Nourishing Lavender Bath And Shower Gel
The Avalon Organics Nourishing Lavender Bath And Shower Gel contains botanical cleansers, vitamins, and essential oils to cleanse and restore dry skin. It is made with a 100% vegetarian formula. It contains lavender essential oil to calm the body with its relieving fragrance. It also contains quinoa protein and aloe vera, which rejuvenates and hydrates the skin making it soft, firm, and smooth. Pros
EWG-verified Non-GMO 100% vegan No synthetic colors or fragrances No phthalates No harmful sulfates No parabens No harsh preservatives
Cons
Has a strong smell
6. Best Hypoallergenic: Alba Botanica Coconut Rescue
The Alba Botanica Coconut Rescue soothes and moisturizes the skin with virgin and unrefined coconut oil and coconut milk. It is 100% vegetarian. This shower gel soothes dry and irritated skin with a creamy and rich lather. The creamy lather and the pleasing scent of the gel gives you a relaxing bathing experience. Pros
100% vegan Cruelty-free Hypoallergenic Leaping Bunny certified No parabens No phthalates No sulfates
Cons
The consistency is a bit oily.
7. Best Soap-Free: Rituals The Ritual of Sakura
The Ritual of Sakura from Rituals has a special gel-to-foam technology that cleanses and moisturizes the skin. It is made with organic rice milk, cherry blossom, glycerin, castor oil, and linalool. On contact with water, this shower gel becomes a soft and refreshing foam that hydrates and purifies the skin. The entire bottle provides 50 showers. The pleasing fragrance uplifts the mood and makes your bathing time luxurious. Pros
Nice cherry blossom smell Long-lasting
Cons
May cause allergic reactions
8. Best Gentle Formula: Bioderma Atoderm Gel Douche
Bioderma’s Atoderm Gel Douche is a daily cleansing shower gel that moisturizes dry skin while cleansing it. It makes skin soft, smooth, and supple. It has Vitamin B3 and a healthy combination of sugars that recreates the skin barrier to prevent damage. It contains soothing properties to prevent any redness or irritation on dry skin. Its gentle formula is ideal for daily use and is safe for all age groups, including infants. Pros
Good fragrance Soap-free Ideal for normal to dry, sensitive skin
Cons
May cause allergic reactions
9. Best Dermatologist-Developed: Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash
Eucerin’s Skin Calming Body Wash is ideal for dry skin as it is made with a gentle formula. It is filled with enriching omega oils and natural lipids that soothe and moisturize irritated, dry skin. Its mild formula provides immediate relief from itchiness caused by dry skin. It forms a mild lather that purifies the skin without leaving behind any product residue. Pros
No added fragrance No soap No dyes Gentle formula
Cons
May cause allergic reactions
10. Best With Good Fragrance: CeraVe Soothing Body Wash
The CeraVe Soothing Body wash is ideal for extra dry, itchy, and eczema-prone, and psoriasis-prone skin. It gently cleanses, soothes, and moisturizes the skin. It is made with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), which restore and maintain the protective barrier of the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which brings extra moisture to the skin. Omega oils in the formula soothe and nourish the skin. Pros
NEA-accepted No parabens No sulfates Dermatologist- developed Non-comedogenic No soap No added fragrance
Cons
Should only be used on dry skin
11. Best Organic: The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel
The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel is a soap-free cleanser that makes skin soft, refreshed, and smooth. It contains cold-pressed satsuma essence, which is the source of its invigorating zesty citrus fragrance. Pros
No parabens No gluten No silicone Good fragrance Relaxing Soap-free
Cons
May cause reactions
12. Best Cruelty-Free: Avalon Organics Revitalizing Peppermint
Avalon Organics Revitalizing Peppermint Shower gel is ideal for extra dry skin. It gently cleanses, replenishes, and stimulates the skin. It is made with certified organic and plant-derived ingredients like organic botanicals and essential oils. It contains aloe vera, which cleanses and hydrates the skin and peppermint essential oil, which stimulates the skin. Pros
Cruelty-free Vegan Plant-derived No harsh preservatives No synthetic fragrances or colors No phthalates No sulfates No parabens
Cons None
13. Best Gel-Based Formula: The Body Shop Olive Shower Gel
The Body Shop Olive Shower Gel has a fresh fragrance. It is ideal for normal and dry skin. It is made with community trade olives from Italy. It has a liquid-gel consistency. It transforms dry skin to soft, firm, hydrated, and smooth. Pros
Gentle No harsh ingredients No animal testing
Cons
The scent may not be pleasing for everyone.
14. Best For Hydration: Tree To Tub Soapberry For Body
Soapberry For Body from Tree To Tub is non-drying even to sensitive skin. It has a pH level of 5.5, which makes it gentle on the skin. It contains coconut cleansers, aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile, and shea butter. It is perfect for winter when the cold dries out the skin. This shower gel hydrates, nourishes, and cleanses the skin. It does not leave any residue behind. Pros
Vegan Cruelty-free Sustainable No chemicals No sulfates No parabens No silicone No DEA/MEA No gluten No artificial fragrances
Cons
Expensive
15. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Tom’s Of Maine Natural Prebiotic Moisturizing Body Wash
The Tom’s of Maine Natural Prebiotic Moisturizing Body Wash keeps the skin’s balance by promoting the growth of good bacteria. It maintains the pH balance of the skin, making it smooth and soft. It also maintains a healthy barrier over your skin that prevents skin damage. It has a gentle lavender fragrance that gives you a therapeutic bathing experience. Pros
Cruelty-free Dermatologist-tested No artificial fragrances No parabens No sulfates No preservatives
Cons
May cause reactions
These listed shower gels are highly beneficial for people with dry skin. But have you ever wondered what makes shower gels more popular than soap? Is it just because they are easier to use? Well, no, there is more to it. Read on to know why you should use a shower gel cleanser.
Benefits Of Shower Gel
Shower gels don’t contain soap and other harsh ingredients. Many shower gels are made mainly of plant-derived ingredients that are gentle on the skin. This reduces the risk of irritation or dryness. Shower gels are more hygienic. Soaps tend to get dirty collecting body hair and other bacteria. Shower gels are dispensed where your skin doesn’t come in contact with the reserve inside the container. Aromatherapeutic shower gels relieve stress and provide relief. Soaps tend to dissolve faster than shower gels. Shower gels are more long-lasting and hence, cost-effective. Shower gels provide soft and rich foam with moisturizing properties, unlike soaps which contain harsh lathering agents.
Shower Gel vs. Body Wash vs. Shower Cream
Shower gels have a thicker, gel-like consistency. It foams instead of lathering. It may also contain granules that provide exfoliation. Body washes are watery, and they lather, which may dry out the skin. Shower creams have creamy consistencies and address specific skin issues more aggressively.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, who authored this post, is a certified skin care coach with a penchant for finding the best skin care products for all your skin issues. She has spent a lot of time scanning through many product reviews to find you the best shower gels for dry skin. These products have been recommended because of their fragrance, ingredients, formula, absence of harsh elements, and many more. Can you use shower gel on dry skin everyday? Yes, you can use shower gel every day on dry skin. Look for hydrating shower gels with nourishing ingredients, such as the CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash. Is soap or shower gel better for dry skin? If you have dry skin, it is ideal to opt for shower gels as they are more moisturizing and help nourish your skin. What is the difference between body wash and shower gel? Body washes and shower gels are both liquid body cleansers. However, shower gels have a gel-like texture, while body washes are runnier. How long should you leave shower gel on your dry skin? For any shower gel to work, you can leave it on your body anywhere from 1 – 3 minutes. Can I use shower gel to wash my intimate area? No. Do not use shower gel on your intimate areas as it can disrupt your PH level and cause irritation and itching. Are there any side effects of shower gel? No. Generally, shower gels are safe for all skin types. However, study the ingredients list before choosing a shower gel.
Recommended Articles
Best Japanese Body Washes Soothe Dryness With Best Body Washes For Dry Skin Best Sulfate-Free Body Washes For Healthy, Glowing Skin Diet For Dry Skin – 15 Best Foods That Lock Moisture Naturally Best In-Shower Body Lotions to Look Out for
