For centuries, soap has been used to effectively cleanse skin. Traditional soaps leave a fresh, clean feeling but may not be suitable for sensitive or dry skin types. Body wash and shower gel use surfactants, an alternative to soap, to help the formula bind to oil and impurities so they can be rinsed away. While soap will leave you with freshly cleansed skin, you may prefer a body wash or shower gel for a nourishing cleanse that will leave skin feeling softer.

If you have dry skin, you may prefer a gentle body cleanser instead of traditional soap. Look for a mild, sulfate-free body wash or shower gel that does not strip skin’s moisture barrier and leaves skin feeling soft and supple.

Body wash is often formulated specifically for the skin on your body and is not suitable for your face or hair. Facial skin is more delicate than most of the skin on your body and should be cleansed with a face wash to remove impurities without over-stripping skin. There are some body cleansers carefully formulated for both face and body.

Exfoliating body scrubs are formulated with small particles that help remove dead skin. In addition to smoothing and exfoliating skin, scrubs can also help body lotions and moisturizers better absorb after use.

Many body scrubs are formulated to be used several times a week while others are gentle enough to be used every day for skin that feels smooth and supple.

Body cleansing oils can be a luxurious addition to your bath or shower routine. Within these gentle formulas, the oil binds to various impurities and helps break them down to cleanse them away. Oil cleansers also have beneficial properties that help nourish and soften skin.