Body Wash vs. Other Cleansers

Liquid body washes are composed of a combination of synthetic and natural ingredients -- a combination that works with many skin types. Synthetic detergents are less drying than traditional soap, and they're less likely to leave a soapy residue on the skin. Glycerin and sunflower seed oil -- natural ingredients frequently used in body washes -- are humectants and emollients that help keep skin hydrated [source: Bruno].

Body washes are gentler than most other soaps because they contain large amounts of petrolatum, an ingredient that moisturizes and lubricates the skin. But while the gentle nature of liquid cleansers makes them ideal for dry or sensitive skin, their composition can make them less effective at removing oil, dirt and odor from your body. If you have oily skin, a deodorant or antibacterial bar soap may be a better choice for you. If you have acne-prone skin, select a bar or liquid soap that contains benzoyl peroxide or another acne-fighting ingredient that can help prevent blemishes [source: Draelos].

Liquid body washes often come in a variety of scents, but these added fragrances can cause allergic reactions. If scented products irritate your skin, look for fragrance-free body washes, which are less likely to cause irritation [source: American Academy of Dermatology].

Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of other cleansers to decide which soap is right for you.

While body washes are more gentle than traditional bar soaps, they're not as effective at removing dirt, oil and odor from the skin. Most bar soaps contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a harsher detergent that washes away dirt and oil. Many deodorant and antibacterial soaps contain triclosan or triclocarban, which kills bacteria on the skin. But if you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid these soaps because they can cause dryness, causing skin to be itchy and flaky [source: Downs]. There is also some debate about whether these ingredients kill enough bacteria to be beneficial and about possible side effects from their use.

Soaps that contain synthetic detergents, or syndets, can clean the skin without causing excessive drying. These syndets are mild cleansing agents that are often found in beauty bars and hypoallergenic soaps -- they're created with less acid to decrease skin irritation. But even washing too long or too frequently with mild cleansers can cause irritation [source: Draelos].

If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, you may not need the added moisture of most liquid body washes. Cleansers that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid are good choices for oily skin -- they gently exfoliate the skin's surface while reducing sebum buildup [source: Web MD]. However, oil is produced to protect the skin from irritants, so using strong cleansers can actually cause the skin to produce more oil [source: Web MD]. And soaps that contain acne-controlling ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, can also have an unintended side effect -- they may stimulate oil production by drying the skin [source: New Zealand Dermatological Society].

For more information on body washes and other cleansers see the links on the following page.