Best Gel Body Wash of 2025

Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Gel body wash is a popular choice for those who prefer a more luxurious and moisturizing shower experience. Unlike traditional bar soap, gel body wash is formulated with gentle cleansing agents that won't strip the skin of its natural oils. It comes in a variety of scents and formulations, including ones that are specifically designed for sensitive skin or those with acne. Gel body wash is also easy to use, simply lather it up in your hands or on a loofah and apply to your skin. With its rich and creamy texture, it's no wonder why gel body wash has become a staple in many people's shower routines.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1
Neutrogena Rainbath Shower and Bath Gel, Original Scent
ftb score rating icon9.8
#TOP 2
Tree Hut Strawberry Foaming Gel Wash
ftb score rating icon9.7
#TOP 3
Sol de Janeiro 4 Play Shower Cream Gel
ftb score rating icon9.5

Top 10 Gel Body Wash

Neutrogena Rainbath Shower and Bath Gel, Original Scent

FETEGT210
Clear
Neutrogena Rainbath Body Wash, Refreshing, Moisturizing Daily Body Cleanser and Shaving Gel with Clean Rinsing Lather, Original Scent, 32 fl. Oz
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

Neutrogena Rainbath Shower and Bath Gel is a moisturizing daily body wash cleanser and shaving gel that comes in a 32-fluid ounce pump bottle. It features the original scent of spices, fruits, and herbs, turning your ordinary shower into a pampering spa experience. The rich, clean-rinsing lather won't leave behind a heavy residue, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and refreshed. You can apply it using moistened hands, a puff, or a washcloth. You can also add it to your bath or use it as a skin-smoothing shaving gel.

What We Like
Original refreshing scent of spices, fruits, and herbs
Moisturizes and leaves skin soft, smooth, and refreshed
Rich, clean-rinsing lather that won't leave behind a heavy residue
#TOP 2

Tree Hut Strawberry Foaming Gel Wash

TUT25069
Strawberry
Tree Hut Strawberry Foaming Gel Wash | Cleanse & Soothe Skin Without Stripping Moisture | Made with our Hydrating Oil Complex | 18 fl oz.
ftb score rating icon9.7
FTB Score

The Tree Hut Foaming Gel Wash is a delightful body wash that brings the essence of summer to your shower. With its invigorating scent of fresh strawberry, pink pineapple, and peach blossom, you’ll enjoy a refreshing experience every time you cleanse. The gel transforms into a rich lather that not only cleanses but also hydrates your skin, leaving it feeling soft and rejuvenated. Infused with all-natural shea butter, it deeply moisturizes without stripping away essential oils. Plus, the blend of plant-based ingredients, including avocado and kiwi oils, ensures your skin feels strong and healthy after every use.

What We Like
Amazing fruity scent
Deep moisturization
Plant-based ingredients
Vegan and cruelty-free
#TOP 3

Sol de Janeiro 4 Play Shower Cream Gel

13 Fl Oz
SOL DE JANEIRO 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream Gel Body Wash 385mL
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

Sol de Janeiro Shower Gel is a moisturizing body wash that pampers your skin with a blend of Cupuaçu Butter, Coconut Oil, and Açai Oil. The skin-friendly fatty acids leave your skin feeling soft and silky. The Coconut Oil moisturizes and softens your skin while the Açai Oil bathes it in anti-oxidants. With the irresistible Cheirosa '62 fragrance, the addictive notes of pistachio and salted caramel awaken your senses. Its top notes include pistachio and almond, mid notes include heliotrope and jasmine petals, and dry notes include vanilla, salted caramel, and sandalwood. The Sol de Janeiro Shower Gel is perfect for those who want to nourish and pamper their skin while enjoying an invigorating shower experience.

What We Like
Moisturizes and softens skin
Bathes skin in anti-oxidants
Irresistible Cheirosa '62 fragrance

Method Body Wash, Simply Nourish, 28oz

AD-001
White
Method Body Wash, Simply Nourish, Paraben and Phthalate Free, Biodegradable Formula, 28 oz (Pack of 1)
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

Method Body Wash, Simply Nourish, 28oz is a biodegradable, plant-based cleanser that contains coconut, rice milk + shea butter. It is free of parabens and phthalates, and the bottle is made of 80% recycled plastic. It leaves your skin feeling moisturized and smelling great. This cruelty-free body wash is tested by people and not on animals. Infused with Simply Nourish fragrance, it smells like a luxurious moment of me-time.

What We Like
Contains biodegradable, plant-based cleanser
Free of parabens and phthalates
Bottle made of 80% recycled plastic

Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash

117853
Basic
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash with Triple Oat Formula Soothes Itchy and Dry Skin, Fragrance Free Body Wash for Sensitive Skin, 33 FL OZ
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash is a 33-fluid ounce bottle that gently cleanses and moisturizes itchy, dry skin. The unique formula contains a Triple Oat blend that removes dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier. It is suitable for sensitive skin, allergy-tested and free of fragrances, parabens, dyes, and soaps. Dermatologist-recommended, it is perfect for daily use to keep your skin healthy and feeling balanced.

What We Like
Enriched with Triple Oat blend
Gently cleanses and moisturizes itchy, dry skin
Suitable for sensitive skin and free of fragrances, parabens, dyes, and soaps
#TOP 6

Neutrogena Rainbath Body Wash, Ocean Mist

B00U2VR1K4
32 Fluid Ounce
Neutrogena Rainbath Body Wash, Refreshing, Moisturizing Daily Body Cleanser and Shaving Gel with Clean Rinsing Lather, Ocean Mist Scent, 32 fl. oz
ftb score rating icon9.3
FTB Score

The Neutrogena Rainbath Body Wash transforms your daily shower into a rejuvenating experience with its delightful Ocean Mist scent. This body wash is designed to leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed, making each wash feel like a mini spa session. Its rich lather rinses cleanly, so you won’t have to worry about any greasy residue. You can easily apply it with your hands, a puff, or a washcloth, ensuring a gentle cleanse. Additionally, it doubles as a skin-smoothing shaving gel, adding versatility to your grooming routine.

What We Like
Refreshing Ocean Mist scent
Leaves skin soft and smooth
Rich, clean-rinsing lather
Versatile for shaving
#TOP 7

Method Magnolia Body Wash, 18 oz

Clear
Method Body Wash, Magnolia, Paraben and Phthalate Free, 18 oz (Pack of 1)
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

Method Magnolia Body Wash is a refreshing body soap that hydrates your skin while leaving it beautifully scented. Made with plant-based ingredients, this gel formula gently cleanses without stripping moisture. It's dermatologist tested, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. You can feel good knowing it's made without harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates. Additionally, the packaging is eco-friendly, using 65% recycled plastic, so you can enjoy a clean body wash while being kind to the planet.

What We Like
Plant-based ingredients
Moisturizes skin
Dermatologist tested
Eco-friendly packaging

OGX Radiant Glow + Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Hydrating Body Wash for Dry Skin, Moisturizing Gel Body Cleanser

4095417
Blue
OGX Radiant Glow + Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Hydrating Body Wash for Dry Skin, Moisturizing Gel Body Cleanser for Silky Soft Skin, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free Surfactants, 19.5 fl oz
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

OGX Radiant Glow + Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Hydrating Body Wash for Dry Skin is a luxurious body wash that helps to hydrate and nourish skin, leaving it feeling soft and radiant. This moisturizing body cleanser is formulated with water-based silk proteins and rich cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil, and is free from parabens and sulfated surfactants. Customers have found this body wash to be gentle and nourishing on all skin types, and have praised its ability to leave skin feeling silky soft and hydrated.

What We Like
Gentle and nourishing on all skin types
Formulated with water-based silk proteins and rich cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil
Free from parabens and sulfated surfactants
Leaves skin feeling silky soft and hydrated

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

SG_B01MT3PG83_US
White
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, Body Wash for Dry Skin with Soothing Oat, Creamy Shower Cleanser, Gentle, Soap-Free and Dye-Free, Lightly Scented Body Wash, 33 FL OZ
ftb score rating icon8.9
FTB Score

Aveeno Moisturizing Body Wash is a dermatologist-recommended daily wash specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin. Its unique blend of prebiotic oat and rich emollients locks in moisture, providing noticeably healthier, smoother skin with every shower. The moisturizing ingredients gently cleanse and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. The wash is free of parabens, dyes, and soaps and features a light fragrance. For twice the moisture, use Aveeno Moisturizing Body Wash with Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Fragrance-Free lotion as part of your regular skincare routine. Plus, with the Aveeno brand's commitment to sustainable packaging, you can feel good about your purchase.

What We Like
Hydrating and moisturizing
Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
Effective in preventing itchiness
Light fragrance
Eco-friendly refill packaging

Salt & Stone Antioxidant-Rich Body Wash (15.2 oz)

711221984603
Salt & Stone Body Wash with Antioxidants for Deep Moisture | For Women & Men, Sulfate, Paraben, & Dye Free, Leaving Skin Soft and Hydrated - 15.2 fl oz
ftb score rating icon8.8
FTB Score

The Salt & Stone Antioxidant-Rich Body Wash is a hydrating gel cleanser that cleans, nourishes, and softens skin. It is made with potent skincare ingredients such as blueberry extract, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide that work together to combat skin dullness, reduce dryness, and improve texture. The body wash is gentle, yet powerful and does not dehydrate skin. It also has a refreshing and soothing scent of bergamot and green eucalyptus. The body wash comes in sustainable packaging made from ocean plastic and post-consumer recycled materials.

What We Like
Powerful, yet gentle hydrating gel cleanser
Formulated with potent skincare ingredients
Gently potent moisturizing skincare wash
Refreshing and soothing scent
Sustainable packaging made from ocean plastic and post-consumer recycled materials
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is gel body wash?

Dryness, clogged pores, and skin flaking can all be addressed with a body wash. ... Shower gel is basically a thinner, less hydrating body wash formula. It doesn't cling to your skin the same way, and tends to simply cleanse your skin without infusing it with moisturizing ingredients.

2. Is body gel the same as body wash?

The Slight Difference Between Shower Gel and Body Wash Basically, the difference between gels and washes is the consistency. Products called body washes are thinner and runnier, more like liquid hand soap or dish soap. Shower gels, by contrast, have a gel-like consistency and are usually not runny.

3. Can you use body wash as shower gel?

The shower gel has a firmer, gel-like consistency, while body wash is more like liquid soap. However, due to the formulation, body washes are more moisturizing and hydrating than shower gels. ... For normal skin, you can use any kind of shower gel.

4. What is shower gel used for?

Shower gel (also shower cream or body wash) is a specialized liquid product used for cleaning the body during showers. Not to be confused with liquid soaps, shower gels, in fact, do not contain saponified oil. Instead, it uses synthetic detergents derived from either petroleum or plant sources.

Editor's Notes

During our gel body wash research, we found 48 gel body wash products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 467,940 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gel body wash list. We found that most customers choose gel body wash with an average price of $11.52.

The gel body wash are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gel body wash, including Neutrogena, Tree Hut, SOL DE JANEIRO, Method, Aveeno. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.