So you’ve finally decided to graduate from that neon blue body wash that your mom bought for you in high school. Now you’re embarking on a journey down the grooming products aisle at the store (or more likely scouring Amazon).

Your mission: Find an invigorating men's body wash that destroys your horrific body odor without wrecking your skin. That’s easier said than done. “Big Soap” companies stock the shelves with cheap bottles of weird chemicals that might smell decent, but make you scratch yourself like a maniac. 

Whether you’re switching to body wash for the first time or upgrading your grooming game, this is the only guide you’ll ever need.

Why Body Wash Instead of Bar Soap or Shower Gel?

The body wash vs. bar soap debate has been known to turn friends against each other (although it’s still not as divisive as the over/under toilet paper debate). Proponents of bar soap argue that it gives them more control over their bathing experience. But any perceived benefits are outweighed by a lengthy list of disadvantages.

"Traditional bar soaps can cause dry, dehydrated skin due to their high pH," says Al-Nisa Ward, a cosmetic chemist. Depending on your skin type, harsh soap can give you that miserable tight skin feeling that causes your skin to crack in the cold weather, especially if you over wash. 

Bar soaps also harbor nasty bacteria on their surface and in the sludge they leave on your shower ledge—not to mention those mystery hairs that cling to them. Lastly, on a practical level, body wash is easier to lather up, whether with a loofah, washcloth, or your bare hands.

Let’s not confuse body wash with shower gel. Both are liquid cleansers, but the main difference is that body wash is slightly more hydrating and has more moisturizers than shower gel, which is a deal breaker if you have sensitive skin. 

What Key Ingredients Should Be In Your Men’s Body Wash?

Your skin is the largest and one of the most important organs on your body. Accordingly, every man needs a skincare routine that protects his leathery shell from dirt and grime—and it starts with a moisturizing body wash. But before we cover what ingredients are best for your skin, we need to cover ingredients to avoid.

The FDA doesn’t regulate skincare, which means almost anything can be added to a formula. Harsh chemicals like aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and triclosan are commonly found in mass-produced body washes, which have been linked to allergies, dry skin, rashes, and hormonal disruption. 

Now, onto the good stuff.

1. Aloe Vera: an anti-inflammatory plant extract that moisturizes skin and fights skin aging
2. Vitamin E: an antioxidant that heals skin cells and fights off free radicals
3. Glycerin: a powerhouse plant-based liquid that boosts hydration for your skin

As a rule of thumb, the best men's body washes have a minimal amount of natural ingredients (same goes for deodorant). Unlike “Big Soap,” DUDE Body Wash is an energizing castile soap with essential oils that’s made with over 93% natural ingredients like sandalwood and peppermint. 

No parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan with no animal testing. 

Don’t Buy an "All-In-One" Body Wash and Shampoo. Ever.

Mixing body wash with shampoo is about as logical as mixing gasoline and wiper fluid for your car. The ingredients you need to cleanse and hydrate your skin are far different than what’s needed to wash your hair. 

We get it—you want to save a few bucks. But is it really worth scrubbing yourself with sulfates that are engineered to strip your skin of all its natural oils? There's a fine line between gently exfoliating dead skin cells and turning your skin into sandpaper.

It should also be noted that body wash is not a valid substitute for face wash. The skin on your face is more finicky than the rest of your body, and thus deserves a cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing routine of its own. 

Bottom line: keep your natural body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and face wash separate.

Go for an Eco-Friendly Bottle

Most of your attention is likely focused on what’s inside your body wash, but about the bottle it comes in? 

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the earth is facing a plastic crisis. To combat excess waste, DUDE Body Wash features a cutting edge design that contains 70% less plastic than your average soap bottle. 

Bonus: It’s also equipped with a self-sealing smart valve, which means no spills, no mess, and no leaks. This stuff is liquid gold, so we made sure you won’t waste a drop.