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Fact: Showers can be pure magic. You know what we’re talking about. The best bath products can also make a difference: They create those moments when you’re sudsing up and suddenly have a brilliant idea. Or you’re granted clarity on a problem that’s been weighing you down. Or maybe you turn on the faucet feeling impossibly weary, only to step out feeling refreshed and clearheaded.
With that in mind, our need for the best bath products and hygiene products has never been stronger. For our Healthy Beauty Awards, we put a mountain of body washes, soaps, deodorants, razors, and more to the test to help you care for yourself, head to toe.
What to Look for When Choosing Bath and Hygiene Products
Here, we’ve used expert testing and dermatologist guidelines to determine the best bath products and hygiene products of 2021. If you have dry skin, dermatologists say to keep an eye out for moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and glycerin, plus soothing and nourishing ingredients like aloe vera. Gentle exfoliants like glycolic and salicylic acids are derm approved for fighting excess oil and removing dead skin cells. If you have sensitive skin, they advise avoiding fragrances, dyes, and essential oils, as they can be common irritants. For skin conditions like eczema, look for soothing colloidal oatmeal. When it comes to the best bath products, you want a product that makes your skin feel clean but not stripped of its natural oils.
Our winners are so effective—and beautiful—that there’s no need to hide them behind a shower curtain or medicine cabinet door. From an innovative deodorant to the soap that made a convert of a most devout anti-bar soaper, we’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our derm criteria here. Keep scrolling for our picks, and be sure to check out our other Healthy Beauty Award winners right here.
Reviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Best Body Scrub: Cocokind Scrubbing Clay
cocokind / Lisa Moses
cocokind Scrubbing Clay
A good body scrub should leave your skin soft but not rubbed raw. Our testers gravitated toward this one from Cocokind, which incorporates upcycled coffee grounds, chicory root, and kaolin clay to slough off dead skin cells and soak up oil without damaging your skin barrier. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains moisturizing glycerin, which derms love for all skin types.
Just so you know: This is a physical scrub, which derms say might irritate dry or sensitive skin.
One tester said: “I love how Cocokind products look in my shower. This subtly scented scrub is a great light exfoliant that does the job but doesn’t leave my skin red afterwards.”
Best Body Wash for Mature Skin: Olay Cleansing & Renewing Body Wash With Retinol
Olay / Lisa Moses
Olay Cleansing & Renewing Body Wash with Retinol
All body washes are not created equal. Our reviewers loved lathering up with this Olay body wash that contains calming lavender fragrance for a little extra relaxation and long-lasting hydration. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This body wash contains retinol, a derm favorite for oily, combination, and mature skin, as well as niacinamide to brighten and help reduce inflammation.
Just so you know: This product contains fragrances and dyes, which derms say can irritate some skin types.
One tester said: “The ‘nighttime’ labeling on this Olay body wash makes sense with the relaxing lavender fragrance. After showering, my skin was left soft and not screaming for lotion to hydrate. I purposely didn’t use body lotion to see if my skin felt hydrated and moisturized with just the body wash. It did—even during the cold winter months.”
Best Body Wash for Dry Skin: Ivory Moisturizing Body Wash with a Hint of Coconut
Ivory / Lisa Moses
Ivory Moisturizing Body Wash with a Hint of Coconut
If you have dry skin, you’ll want a body wash that’s packed with hydrating ingredients and not going to strip your skin of its natural oils. This one from drugstore-brand favorite Ivory smells subtly tropical and replenishes dehydrated skin. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This body wash is formulated with petrolatum, a hydrating and moisturizing ingredient dermatologists love for dry, sensitive skin.
Just so you know: This product contains fragrances.
One tester said: “My roommate asked me how much I thought this body wash cost, and I guessed $25. When she told me this massive bottle retails at $4, I was legitimately shook—and thrilled, because now I can buy it forever and ever. I really love the subtle coconut scent, and I leave the shower feeling clean but not stripped. The moisturizers in this body wash make my skin feel so soft without feeling oily, and I noticed that my skin doesn't feel as dry after my shower. If I could give this more than a 10/10, I would.”
Best Body Wash for All Skin Types: Kiehl's Grapefruit Body Wash Refillable Pouch
Kiehl's / Lisa Moses
Kiehl's Grapefruit Body Wash Refillable Pouch
Kiehl’s cult-favorite grapefruit body wash now comes in a jumbo pouch so you can cut down on plastic. Our reviewers loved how soft their skin felt after using it, thanks to peptides and sodium PCA, which moisturize and condition the skin. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This body wash is formulated with hydrating and reparative aloe, acne-fighting salicylic acid, and moisturizing glycerin.
Just so you know: This product contains fragrances.
One tester said: “As far as body washes go, I'm generally not too picky, but this one from Kiehl’s feels luxurious AF. The grapefruit scent is so lovely and it fills up the whole bathroom, turning my shower into an aromatherapy spa. It has a nice gel consistency and lathers well. My skin feels clean and soft after using it, and my skin actually holds in the scent, which hasn't really happened with most body washes I've used.”
Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+
La Roche-Posay / Lisa Moses
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+
La Roche-Posay is well-loved for a reason: This sensitive skin-friendly wash is formulated without dyes and fragrances to hydrate and nourish without irritation. Our reviewers liked its gentle lather, and one found it universal enough to use on their face and body. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This body wash contains moisturizing glycerin and shea butter, as well as soothing niacinamide.
One tester said: “This body wash is really soft and milky, and it makes me feel squeaky clean without stripping my skin of its natural oils. I have sensitive skin, so using a gentle body wash like this is an absolute must. I'm definitely going to keep this one around.”
Best Deodorant: Type:A Aluminum-Free Deodorant With Charcoal + Spirulina
Type:A / Lisa Moses
Type:A Aluminum-Free Deodorant with Charcoal + Spirulina
This innovative aluminum-free cream deodorant has a vanilla-almond scent, which our reviewers found unique and refreshing. It uses charcoal, zinc oxide, and spirulina to fight odor and bacteria. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This deodorant is formulated with coconut oil, aloe, and dimethicone, which derms say help to keep skin moisturized.
Just so you know: This product contains essential oils, which derms say can be irritating to some.
One tester said: “This is the first aluminum-free deodorant that I’m excited about! It feels almost identical to a clay mask—but for your pits. What’s more, when testing, this deodorant held up consistently throughout my typical work days. I’ll definitely keep using it regularly.”
Best Spray Antiperspirant: Degree Apple & Gardenia Dry Spray
Degree / Lisa Moses
Degree Apple & Gardenia Dry Spray
Spray antiperspirant is famously convenient, and this one from Degree doesn’t transfer a white cast onto clothing. It scored major points from our reviewers because it blocked sweat for a whole day without a need for reapplication. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: The active ingredient in this antiperspirant is aluminum, which inhibits sweat glands from producing perspiration so your pits stay dry.
One tester said: “At first, I wasn’t sure if this dry spray would be strong enough to protect on sweaty days, but the product held its own quite well. The sweet, floral scent did waft away after a while, but it definitely kept sweat at bay.”
Best Antiperspirant: Secret Derma+ Nourishing + Coconut Oil Antiperspirant
Secret / Lisa Moses
Secret DERMA+ Nourishing + Coconut Oil Antiperspirant
If you need solid sweat protection, but your underarms tend to get irritated (especially post-shave), this cream-based moisturizing antiperspirant might do the trick. Our reviewers noticed long-lasting sweat and odor protection. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This antiperspirant contains moisturizing dimethicone, petrolatum, and coconut oil.
One tester said: “This antiperspirant lasted the whole day without me needing to reapply. The coconut scent is very subtle, but it did make my armpit a lot softer than prior to use! Good quality product that gives solid protection.”
Best Razor for Body: Gillette Venus Radiant Skin Razor
Gillette Venus / Lisa Moses
Gillette Venus Radiant Skin Razor
Upgrade your current disposable razor with this durable five-blade option from Venus. Our testers liked its convenient, easy-to-dispense moisturizer cartridge that delivers hydration to freshly shaved skin. See complete product info here.
Bonus points, per the experts: The moisturizer cartridge in this razor contains mineral oil, glycerin, and petrolatum for extra hydration.
Just so you know: The moisturizer cartridge contains fragrances.
One tester said: “I loved this razor! It was super easy to use, and left my skin feeling smooth. When my hair grew back I didn't notice any razor bumps, which is an issue I tend to deal with. I highly recommend it for sensitive skin.”
Best Body Hair Trimmer: Fur Body Trimmer
Fur / Lisa Moses
Fur Body Trimmer
Raise your hand if you’d like to simplify your body-hair routine! This sleek electric trimmer has four trimmer lengths, plus it’s cordless and water resistant so you don’t even have to leave the bath to use it. See complete product info here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This trimmer uses three blades that shave in one motion, which helps reduce your risk of ingrown hairs and razor burn.
One tester said: “This product is perfect for a newbie to electric shaving. The instructions are very friendly and easy to follow, and the trimmer itself is pretty and easy to use.”
Best Shave Cream: Us. Grooming Shave Cream
BiC / Lisa Moses
Us. Grooming Shave Cream
Say goodbye to aerosol cans of shaving cream. Our testers loved the tube packaging of this shave cream, which gives you more control over how much product ends up in your hands. Plus, it’s easy to travel with. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains nourishing aloe, vitamin E, and argan oil for extra moisture.
One tester said: “It’s delicate and gentle—I would recommend it to anyone with sensitive skin! The cream lathers up nicely, and I was left with very smooth skin after shaving. Also, I love that this shaving cream is one of the first shaving products I’ve encountered that seems to be created with all genders in mind.”
Best Liquid Hand Soap: Amass Four Thieves Hand Soap
AMASS / Lisa Moses
AMASS Four Thieves Hand Soap
This soap, inspired by a blend of botanicals once believed to stop the spread of the plague (how timely!), won our testers over with its luxurious feel. Handwashing should be a fun, sensory experience, and this soap delivers on all fronts. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains hydrating aloe vera, coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, and shea butter.
One tester said: “I love the chic dark glass bottle—and the scent is exactly what I hoped it would be: earthy, fragrant, and the kind I envy in fancy restaurant bathrooms. Most of all, though, I love the sheen the soap leaves on your hands after you wash them. It's extremely moisturizing without leaving your hands feeling oily or sticky—it's more like the soap leaves a satin feel, which is incredible for the wintertime.”
Best Antibacterial Hand Soap: Dial Clean + Gentle Foaming Hand Wash
Dial Clean + Gentle Foaming Hand Wash
It’s always ideal to have an antibacterial soap on hand, especially in the kitchen. This foaming hand wash from Dial is gentle enough for vigorous cleansing but still removes bacteria and dirt effectively. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This hand wash contains moisturizing glycerin and benzalkonium chloride, an antibacterial agent.
Just so you know: This product contains fragrances and alcohol, which may be irritating for some skin types.
One tester said: “Dial is a brand we can all count on. Foaming hand wash is nice, as it feels light and clean on the skin. The antibacterial effect is also a must-have—especially right now. This particular hand wash smells fresh and clean, and I love using it in the kitchen.”
Best Hand Sanitizer: Touchland Power Mist
Touchland / Lisa Moses
Touchland Power Mist
Perhaps you, like many others, have had enough of the gloppy, rubbing-alcohol-scented hand sanitizers that abound. Our reviewers enjoyed this refreshing hand sanitizer mist from Touchland for its convenience, stylish design and quick-absorbing formula. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This hand sanitizer is formulated with aloe vera and glycerin, two moisturizing ingredients that offset the drying effects of alcohol.
One tester said: “This is a really good hand sanitizer option for those tired of alternatives that leave you dried and cracked. The formula is fast absorbing and hydrating on the skin, making it a top choice for when you’re out and about. The scent is there but not too overpowering when sprayed. This is a handbag essential for sure.”
Best Bar Soap: Alder New York Cleansing Body Bar
Alder New York / Lisa Moses
Alder New York Cleansing Body Bar
Whether you’re already part of the bar soap club or you’re just trying to reduce your plastic use, this fragrance-free body bar will check all of your boxes. It’s formulated with sea kelp, which is rich in antioxidants and may help to increase collagen production. Our testers loved its sudsy lather and added exfoliation from jojoba seeds. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains jojoba oil, a moisturizing humectant, as well as glycolic acid, an AHA loved by derms for gentle exfoliation.
One tester said: “I have historically been extremely anti–bar soap in the shower, but this bar soap has made me a convert. The scent is fantastic—earthy and luxurious, natural and oily—and it leaves that sheen on my body that only bar soap does. I was skeptical of the feel at first, but then I got used to it and took it as part of the experience. I should also add that the soap lathers really nicely—it's not hard to get from bar to body.”
Best Cleanser for Body Acne: Carbon Theory Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Breakout Control Exfoliating Body Bar
Carbon Theory / Lisa Moses
Carbon Theory Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Breakout Control Exfoliating Body Bar
It’s not just a phase! This punky black-and-pink bar soap isn’t just cool for its look; it’s packed with charcoal to cleanse, plus tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic. Our testers noticed decreased oil production on their chests and backs, plus fewer breakouts after repeated use. See full ingredients list here.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains clearing tea tree oil and moisturizing shea butter.
Just so you know: This product contains dyes, which can be irritating for some skin types.
One tester said: “This bar smells clean and invigorating, and a little musky, which I like. The exfoliation was just enough without being harsh. I like that it’s focused on fighting body acne, and I honestly do feel like it made a difference. I break out on my chest often and I haven't been as much since using this product.”
