The Best Antibacterial Body Washes That Are Tough on Odors and Soft on Skin

As you’re scanning bottles of shower gel on the shelf, “antibacterial” probably isn’t the word you’re looking for. But antibacterial body washes can be a great addition to your regular shower routine, especially if you deal with body odor or body acne after working out. Antibacterial body wash is exactly what it sounds like: A body wash formulated to help kill the bacteria on your skin’s surface. Unlike traditional soap, it may also contain antimicrobial or antiseptic ingredients, says Amy Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and author based in Miami, Florida. If you’re an active person who sweats regularly, using an antibacterial body wash (along with a good deodorant) can help unclog your pores, stopping body odor and body acne before they start.

As with any new skincare product, you should always consider a body wash’s ingredients before you buy—especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies, as antibacterial body washes can sometimes be harsher on your skin and cause it to dry out. To find the best antibacterial body washes, we asked Chacon and plastic surgeon Harikiran Chekuri, MBBS, MS, MCh, which key features each one should have. Then, we researched dozens of options from the most popular, trusted brands. Whether you work out daily or you’re just looking for a deeper clean, our top picks are effective and expert-approved.

Top Picks

Best Women’s Overall:

Dettol Anti Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash at Amazon

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Best Men's Overall:

Dove Men+Care Body Wash Skin Defense at Amazon $32

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Best Budget:

Irish Spring Original Clean Body Wash at Amazon $9

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Best Natural:

VITA VIE Antibacterial Body Wash at Amazon $14

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Best for Body Odor:

Derma-nu Antifungal Soap and Antibacterial Body Wash at Amazon $34

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

SALE

Chamuel Tea Tree Body Wash at Amazon ~~$12~~ $10

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Best for Post-Workout Recovery:

SALE

ORISO Tea Tree Oil Body Wash at Amazon ~~$18~~ $15

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Best for Dry Skin:

Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint Body Wash at Amazon $18

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Best for Acne:

SALE

First Botany All Natural Tea Tree Body Wash at Amazon ~~$15~~ $10

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Best for Folliculitis:

Almond Clear Face & Body Wash at Amazon $28

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Best Women’s Overall

Dettol Anti Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash

Credit: Amazon

View on Amazon View on Everymarket.com

Pros

Light foam
Budget-friendly
Good for sensitive skin

Cons

May be slightly drying for some

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Sodium laureth sulfate Size: 21.1 ounces per bottle Scent: Lavender and white musk

Why We Love It

Dettol’s Anti Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash, Sensitive, is dermatologist-recommended, safe for sensitive skin, and budget-friendly, making it a clear choice for our top overall pick. Chekuri, a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and the medical head of ClinicSpots, says Dettol is known for making high-quality antibacterial body washes and specifically recommends their Sensitive version.

A light foam body wash that comes in a convenient pump, we love that it’s pH-balanced to help soothe your skin and contains glycerin for hydration. Plus, users appreciate the soft lavender scent.

At around $0.55 per ounce, Dettol’s Anti Bacterial Body Wash is also more budget-friendly than other options on our list, making it a great option if you’re not sure where to start. However, some users have found that it can be a little drying, so you may want to follow it up with a thick, moisturizing body lotion.

Best Men's Overall

Dove Men+Care Body Wash Skin Defense

Credit: Walgreens

$32

$29 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Walmart

Pros

Refreshing scent
Won't dry skin out
Can also be used on your face and hands

Cons

Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride Size: 18 ounces per bottle Scent: Not listed

Why We Love It

Dove’s Men+Care Body Wash, our other top overall pick, also comes highly recommended by Chacon. With benzalkonium chloride as the active, antibacterial ingredient, this gel is designed to help prevent overdrying by locking in your skin’s natural moisture.

We like that this product can also be used as a hand or face wash, making it a versatile body wash that can be used for your entire shower routine. Plus, it's more budget-friendly than some of our other picks, at less than $10 a bottle. Users note that this gel’s scent is light and refreshing. But the added fragrance may irritate sensitive skin.

Best Budget

Irish Spring Original Clean Body Wash

Credit: Walmart

$9 at Amazon $9 at Walmart View on Bjs.com

Pros

Can also be used on your face and hands
Paraben- and phthalate-free
Long-lasting scent

Cons

Contains artificial colors
Scent may be too strong for some

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Cocamide MEA Size: 20 ounces per bottle Scent: Original Clean

Why We Love It

If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to beat the price of Irish Spring’s Original Clean Body Wash. The least expensive option on our list at around $0.20 per ounce, this gel lathers up to kill bacteria on your body, hands, and face.

Users love Irish Spring’s original scent, which lasts all day long and even makes bathrooms smell better after a shower. But it may be too strong for some. Anyone with sensitive skin will appreciate that this body wash is also paraben- and phthalate-free, although it does contain artificial colors. If the scent and additives aren’t for you, we recommend VITA VIE’s Antibacterial Body Wash, which is made with organic ingredients and has a lighter lemon scent.

Best Natural

VITA VIE Antibacterial Body Wash

Credit: Amazon

$14

$12 at Amazon View on Walmart

Pros

Contains certified organic ingredients
Gluten-free
Lemon scent

Cons

Scent may be too strong for some

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Benzalkronium chloride Size: 12 ounces Scent: Lemon

Why We Love It

Defining what a “natural” product is can be confusing. Technically, the term means a product doesn’t contain any ingredients that a company believes are harmful—but this list can vary between brands. For an antibacterial body wash that’s free from petrochemicals, phthalates, parabens, and petroleum, VITA VIE’s Antibacterial Body Wash is our top pick.

This soap contains ingredients derived from nature, and it’s never been tested on animals. It’s also gluten-free and non-GMO, plus many of the ingredients are certified organic. While the bottle is on the smaller side, we like that the formula works well for all skin types. The lemon scent is a nice change from the many tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint antibacterial body washes available, but some users note that it’s overpowering.

Best for Body Odor

Derma-nu Antifungal Soap and Antibacterial Body Wash

Credit: All Your Bath Stuff

$34

$31 at Amazon View on Myshopify.com

Pros

Can also help treat a dry scalp
Cruelty-free
Natural ingredients

Cons

Expensive
Smaller bottles

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, mint, eucalyptus, oregano Size: 8 ounces Scent: Tea tree and mint

Why We Love It

Derma-nu’s Antifungal Antibacterial Body Wash is another favorite of Chacon’s due to its natural antifungal and antibiotic ingredients, including essential oils. Spearmint and eucalyptus oils help fight body odor for 24 hours, making this soap our top pick for athletes who regularly work up a sweat. And mint hydrates your scalp, to keep dryness and flakes at bay.

It’s also a great product to keep in your gym bag if you plan on taking a quick shower before heading home after exercising. This is because the body wash’s oils can help fight funguses, like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch, that no one wants to pick up in a shared stall. Plus, we like that the formula is not tested on animals, making it cruelty-free.

While this body wash comes as a set of two bottles, it’s important to note that each bottle is only eight ounces. That means the per-ounce price is higher, making it one of the more expensive products on our list. You may also need to replace it more frequently, since the bottles are on the smaller side.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Chamuel Tea Tree Body Wash

Credit: Chamuel

$12

$10 at Amazon

Pros

Natural ingredients
Ideal for dry skin
Light tingling effect

Cons

Scent may be too strong for some

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, camphor oil Size: 11.8 ounces Scent: Tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint

Why We Love It

Chamuel’s Tea Tree Body Wash is formulated without harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes, parabens, or synthetic fragrances, making it our top pick for sensitive skin. In addition to its natural antibacterial and antifungal ingredients, like tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil, it also contains aloe vera, plum seed oil, and camphor oil, which help improve your skin’s barrier, lock in moisture, and reduce irritation. This means it’s a good option for those who tend to have dry or flaky skin.

It lathers up easily and is formulated for daily use, although the bottle is on the smaller side. Users like the slight tingling sensation this body wash provides, for that deep-clean feeling. It’s important to note, though, that some find the scent overwhelming.

Best for Post-Workout Recovery

ORISO Tea Tree Oil Body Wash

Credit: Amazon

$18

$15 at Amazon

Pros

No sulfates or parabens
Cruelty-free
Can also be used as a foot soak

Cons

Scent may be too strong for some

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil Size: 16 ounces Scent: Tea tree

Why We Love It

Soothing and hydrating, ORISO’s Tea Tree Oil Body Wash is our recommendation for relaxing showers after tough workouts. It’s formulated with 5% tea tree oil, a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent, and can also be used as a foot soak to help reduce bacteria, block odor, and prevent athlete’s foot.

We like that this body wash is cruelty-, paraben-, and sulfate-free. It also contains no artificial fragrances or dyes that may irritate sensitive skin. Plus, it has aloe extract that moisturizes your skin to prevent dryness. It does have a tea tree scent that may be too strong for some, but a mint version is also available.

Best for Dry Skin

Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint Body Wash

Credit: Amazon

$18

$17 at Amazon View on Purelynorthwest.com

Pros

Available in two sizes
Moisturizes and fights inflammation
Balanced pH

Cons

Doesn’t have a pump

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, sea kelp, tea tree oil, peppermint oil Size: 9 ounces Scent: Tea tree and peppermint

Why We Love It

Dry, flaky skin needs a gentle, calming body wash that hydrates. Purely Northwest’s Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint Body Wash is our top pick because its active ingredients include natural oils and extracts, like other soaps on our list. But what sets it apart is that it also features camphor, aloe vera, sea kelp, and cajeput extracts to help lock in moisture and fight inflammation.

Gentle on skin but tough on body odor, this cruelty-free body wash also helps prevent acne and athlete’s foot. And we like that it has a balanced pH, like our top overall pick, Dettol’s Anti Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash, Sensitive.

While the 9-ounce bottle is smaller than other options on our list, an 18-ounce size is also available if you want to stock up. Users note that the cap, which pops open, isn’t as easy to use as a traditional pump. Still, we think this body wash’s powerful ingredients and soothing relief are worth the minor inconvenience.

Best for Acne

First Botany All Natural Tea Tree Body Wash

Credit: Amazon

$15

$10 at Amazon View on Walmart

Pros

Cruelty-free
Has vitamin E to protect your skin’s barrier
No sulfates, parabens, or alcohol

Cons

Contains oils

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, vitamin E Size: 16 ounces Scent: Tea tree, eucalyptus

Why We Love It

First Botany’s All Natural Tea Tree Body Wash is packed with natural, acne-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil. It also contains tocopherols, a type of vitamin E that can protect the lipids (natural oils) in your skin and strengthen your skin’s barrier.

Coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter help soothe any irritation. And we like that the formulation free of common skin irritants like parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, and that it’s not tested on animals. If you’re not a fan of the way tea tree oil smells, a mint version is also available.

However, the oils in this product may not be right for everyone. Depending on how your skin responds to oils in skincare products, you may want to opt for something without them—like our top overall pick, Dove’s Men+Care Body Wash.

Best for Folliculitis

Almond Clear Face & Body Wash

Credit: Amazon

$28

$25 at Amazon

Pros

Fragrance free
Can also be used on your face
Also helps brighten and tone skin

Cons

Expensive
May be drying and may irritate sensitive skin

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Almond acid, botanical extracts Size: 6.7 ounces Scent: Fragrance free

Why We Love It

Folliculitis occurs when fungus causes a hair follicle to become infected. For clearing these bumps (or ingrown hairs and other types of acne), we recommend Almond Clear’s Face & Body Wash. This soap contains naturally antibacterial ingredients like almond extract, or mandelic acid, to naturally exfoliate and cleanse the skin. Witch hazel, pomegranate, green tea, and hops help brighten and tone.

We like that it doesn’t contain any fragrances, sulfates, parabens, or dyes. That said, some reviewers note that it feels drying and can lead to irritation. So if your skin tends to be particularly sensitive, it’s a good idea to spot test it first before using it all over. It is expensive—the per-ounce price is the highest on our list, at over $4. Still, we like that it can be used on both your face and body, making it a must-have for your gym bag.

Best Unscented

LandLSoap Unscented Pure Castile Soap

Credit: Walmart

$45 at Amazon View on Walmart

Pros

Multipurpose soap with few ingredients
Sold in bulk
Can also be used on your face, hands, and hair

Cons

Contains oils

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride, sunflower oil, coconut oil Size: 1 gallon Scent: Unscented

Why We Love It

For a gentle, unscented antibacterial wash, LandLSoap’s Naturally Clean Antibacterial Castile Soap is our top pick. The ingredients are simple: Just olive oil, sunflower oil, citric acid to help adjust the pH level, and benzalkonium chloride (the antibacterial agent).

Vegan and cruelty-free, this basic soap doesn’t have any added fragrance or dyes. If you’d like to give it some scent, you can add a few drops of any essential oil. While the price is higher, this is the only body wash on our list that’s available to buy in a one-gallon container. It’s also intended to be diluted before use, so one purchase goes a long way.

We like that castile soap is a gentle, versatile product that can be used as a face, body, hand, and hair soap, a pet shampoo, and even a laundry detergent. However, since it’s made from sunflower and coconut oils, some users note that it’s not ideal for oily skin.

Best Scented

Dr. Lift Antibacterial Body Wash

Credit: Amazon

$13

$12 at Amazon

Pros

Gluten-free
Good value
No parabens or phthalates

Cons

Small bottle
No pump

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride Size: 8 ounces Scent: Grapefruit

Why We Love It

Many antibacterial body washes contain ingredients that are strongly scented, like tea tree oil and peppermint. That’s why we love DR. LIFT’s Antibacterial Body Wash, which features a light, citrus fragrance instead. Users note that the scent doesn’t stay on their skin after showering, so it’s a good option if you like sudsing up with nicely-scented products but don’t want to smell your body wash all day long.

The bottle may be small, but at around $1.60 per ounce, this soap is a good value. And given that it’s vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and contains no parabens or phthalates, it’s a solid buy for conscious shoppers and those with sensitive skin. However, some users note that the cap is flimsy and can be difficult to use—we wish it had a pump instead, like some of our other top picks do.

Best with Moisturizer

Dove Care & Protect Body Wash

Credit: Walmart

$32 at Amazon $8 at Target

$15

$8 at Walmart

Pros

Budget-friendly
No sulfates or parabens
Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

Fragrance may cause irritation

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride Size: 20 ounces Scent: Not listed

Why We Love It

Made to protect sensitive skin from dryness and flakes, Dove’s Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash is our favorite pick that kills bacteria while it moisturizes. We like the price—at around $0.35 per ounce, it’s one of the more budget-friendly options on our list.

We like that it’s vegan and cruelty-free, without any harsh sulfates or parabens. However, it does contain added fragrance that may cause irritation, unlike other more natural soaps (like Derma-nu’s Antifungal Antibacterial Body Wash). Sold in a pack of four, a one-time investment can keep you stocked for weeks.

Best for Travel

Roots and Herbs Tea Tree Body Wash

Credit: Amazon

$12

$11 at Amazon

Pros

Powder packs well
Exfoliates skin

Cons

May be too thick for some

Key Specs

Key Ingredients: Curcuma zedoaria, tea tree extract, wintercherry, shatavari, vertiver extract, tulsi extract, turmeric, margosa Size: 1 ounce Scent: Tea tree

Why We Love It

Being able to bring your favorite products with you to the gym can be that extra boost of motivation you need to make it to an early workout. We love that this exfoliating body wash comes in powder form—making it easy to toss in your gym bag (or suitcase, if you plan to work out while on vacation).

Pack the whole bag, or divide it up into smaller containers to make it easier to use. While tea tree oil is the primary antibacterial ingredient, we like that this product also contains plant-derived anti-inflammatories and anti-fungals, including curcoma zedoaria, turmeric, and vertiver extract.

The formula is vegan and cruelty-free. To use it, mix a little with water to create a paste. It’s not a gel or cream like other products on our list, and the thick texture may not be for everyone. Still, we love this option if you’re looking for an effective body wash to bring with you on the go.

What to Look for When Shopping for Antibacterial Body Wash

Ingredients: If you know which ingredients are actually antibacterial and which can cause irritation, you can find the product that’s best for you and your skin. Look for body washes with natural ingredients that will cleanse gently without irritating your skin, Chekuri says—like neem extract, tea tree oil, lavender oils, rosemary, and thyme. He adds that aloe vera and shea butter can soothe irritation and prevent your skin from drying out. But there are also a few ingredients to avoid, like triclosan and triclocarban, says Chacon: “Triclosan has the ability to mimic human hormones and mislead systems that depend on the thyroid.” According to Chacon, triclosan can lead to side effects like obesity, advanced puberty, cancer, or infertility. (Research has also found a link between triclosan and some of these conditions.) Chekuri also suggests avoiding parabens and artificial preservatives, which are known to cause skin irritation.
Skin Type: Certain antibacterial body washes are formulated for specific skin types or conditions. If you have dry or acne-prone skin, it’s best to look for a body wash with moisturizing ingredients your skin will love. Likewise, if you have skin allergies or specific conditions like folliculitis, it’s important to look for products without irritating ingredients that may worsen your symptoms. But antibacterial body washes may not be beneficial for everyone, Chekuri says. You may want to steer clear if you have eczema, sensitive skin, or allergies to natural oils (like lavender or tea tree oil) to avoid a potentially painful reaction.
Scent: The antibacterial body washes on our list are available in a range of scents to suit different preferences. If you prefer unscented body wash, you may have a slightly harder time shopping. This is because even if fragrances haven’t been added to a product, many ingredients carry their own scents. This is particularly true with natural antibacterial agents, like tea tree oil, mint oil, or lavender oil. However, LandLSoap’s Naturally Clean Antibacterial Castile Soap is our top pick for a gentle, vegan option that contains just a few ingredients (and no fragrance).
Price: The price of an antibacterial body wash may shift depending on which ingredients it contains, how the brand tests it, and the size of the bottle. You can expect to pay between $4 and $45 for a bottle of high-quality antibacterial body wash. Products designed to address specific conditions, like folliculitis, often undergo additional testing and are more expensive. When comparing prices, consider the price per ounce, not per bottle, as bottle sizes vary widely. For more savings, consider purchasing your body wash in a pack rather than ordering a single bottle.

Antibacterial Body Wash Infographic — Four benefits of using antibacterial body wash.
Verywell Fit / Michelle Parente

How We Selected the Best Antibacterial Body Washes

To find the best antibacterial body wash, we first spoke with experts to gain their insights on brands and formulas. We then researched dozens of body washes on the market, carefully reading ingredient labels. We took each product's price and special conditions (like dry skin or acne) into consideration. We also researched body washes for different purposes, like traveling or recovering after a tough workout. All of this information helped guide our final list of recommendations.

Our Experts

We consulted two dermatologists, who advised us on which ingredients to prioritize in antibacterial body washes and which to avoid. We used insights from the following experts to choose and evaluate each body wash included in our guide.

Amy Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida
Harikiran Chekuri, MBBS, MS, MCh, dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and plastic surgeon in Hyderabad, India

Frequently Asked Questions

Does antibacterial body wash help with body odor?

Yes—Chekuri explains this is because it helps reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria on your skin. “They also tend to be more effective at removing sweat from the pores in your skin than a regular body wash would be,” he adds.

How often should I use antibacterial body wash?

If you’re an active person, Chekuri recommends using an antibacterial body wash twice a week—otherwise, once a week is plenty. Using the product too often can limit the good microorganisms on your skin and strip your skin of its natural oils (drying it out), she adds.

Can antibacterial body wash be too harsh for sensitive skin?

Sometimes: If you have sensitive skin, read each body wash’s list of ingredients carefully and spot-test it on a small patch of skin first to see how your body reacts before using it all over. You may also want to look for all-natural products that are free of common irritants, like artificial colors and fragrances.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Laura Williams, MSEd, ASCM-CEP, is a Verywell Fit writer with a master’s degree in exercise science. She has written extensively about lifestyle and health products for more than 10 years. She uses antibacterial body washes regularly after her workouts as part of her daily routine. For this article, Williams reviewed insights from our experts to evaluate each body wash based on criteria like antibacterial ingredients, effectiveness, hydrating qualities, price per ounce, and considerations for sensitive skin.

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4 Sources

Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

A guide to informed skincare: the meaning of clean, natural, organic, vegan, and cruelty-free. JDDonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
Vitamin E in Health and Disease: Interactions, Diseases and Health Aspects. BoD – Books on Demand; 2021.
Bourdages S, Berger A, Hossler E. What percentage of hairs are infected in biopsies of fungal folliculitis? Dermatopathology. 2023;10(2):136-141.
Owoicho AM, Bakare M, Ogenyi DO, Stephen O, Okwori UM. Role of triclosan (Tcs)-containing hand washes in hormonal imbalance and impotency. ScienceOpen Preprints. Published online August 20, 2021.