About Body Wash and Shower Gel from Bath & Body Works

A great shower ritual starts with a luscious, moisturizing body wash or a bubbled, sudsy shower gel. Why?
A great body soap goes beyond refreshing and cleaning—it gets you ready to conquer your day.

Our body washes and shower gels are creamy, smooth, and very hydrating—everyone loves them (and so will you). But guess what's even better? The scents! From classic favourites to seasonal treats, we have so many different fragrances. Want to transport yourself to the beach? Or maybe walking through fall marketplaces? Surrounded by summer meadows of flowers? Or maybe cuddled up in the house with a book and just dreaming of winter? We've got you covered. And on occasion, a retired fragrance may make a special guest appearance. It's a win-win situation.

When your skin is crying out for more moisture, our moisturizing body washes might just be the perfect answer. Available in some of our most loved fragrances, these shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter formulations clean gently and add immediate moisture to the skin. Clinically tested and proven to provide moisturization after just one use, our body washes give you a rich, creamy lather. Need help selecting the best body wash? Let us help you.

Complete your body care with a complementing body cream, lotion, and fine fragrance mist. Carry your favourite scents with you on the go.

Moisturizing Body Wash & How to Pick a Body Wash

The best body wash for you is out there...

And before you ask, “do I even need one?” ...yes, you do! Body wash is necessary to keep your skin soft and healthy – and, like its bar soap companion, it keeps you smelling amazing. Plus, all the germs, dirt and grime from the day are gone.

But, with so many choices, we get that it’s hard to know where to start or what type of product is best for you. Don’t worry- we gathered a list of common questions to start you off with a clean slate.

1. What ingredients should be in my body wash?

   Always search for moisturizing, nourishing, and skin-loving ingredients. Vitamin E is a great place to start – this goodie helps lock in moisture while keeping your skin super-soft. For a deeply hydrating body wash, look for options infused with shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter. These ingredients add hydration, nourishment, and all the skin-softening properties your body craves.

   you prefer a shower gel, keep an eye out for formulas containing Pro-Vitamin B5 and aloe. Pro-Vitamin B5 is known for its ability to deeply hydrate and soothe the skin, while aloe isn’t just for sunburns – this ultra-comforting ingredient helps reduce skin inflammation and delivers a dose of anti-aging vitamins.

2. What’s best for dry skin?

   We love options that are blended with hydrating ingredients, like a moisturizing body wash, for anyone with dry skin. Our moisturizing body wash looks and feels like a creamy lotion, so it starts adding moisture from the very first step of your routine.

   Our Bath & Body Works moisturizing body wash is clinically tested to moisturize after just one shower, and you’ll love the rich, creamy lather, infused with fluffy shea butter, smooth coconut butter and rich cocoa butter. Just don’t skip the lotion or body cream after the shower to keep all that moisture locked in.

3. Is there a difference between liquid soap and bar soap?

   It all comes down to two things: the blend and container. Liquid body washes and shower gels are often formulated to provide a gentle, nourishing cleanse, making them a great option for those seeking a luxurious, hydrating experience. Plus, their convenient packaging helps maintain a fresh, clean environment in your shower. On the other hand, bar soaps offer their own unique benefits. Many of our bar soaps are infused with moisturizing ingredients and natural oils, offering a rich, creamy lather that pampers your skin. They’re also a sustainable choice, with minimal packaging, and are perfect for those who love a classic, tactile cleansing experience.

4. Which has the most powerful clean: shower gel, body wash or bar soap?

   When it comes to comparing suds against suds, it’s all about what you want your soap to do. While all forms—whether bar, body wash, or shower gel—are effective at getting you clean, each has its own unique benefits. Body wash and shower gel are designed to be gentler, making them ideal for daily use, and they often come enriched with moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin soft and hydrated. On the other hand, bar soap offers a more traditional, deep-cleaning experience, perfect for those who love a no-nonsense, refreshing cleanse. So, whether you’re looking for a soothing everyday option or a powerful clean, there’s a perfect match for every preference. Just remember to check the ingredients to find the best fit for your skincare routine!

5. Does it matter how I apply body wash?

   Any way you want and however your skin needs. Your hands are perfect for body wash...super-gentle, soothing and there’s no accessories required. Washcloths get those suds going and gently exfoliate at the same time. Loofahs, the fluffier alternative to a washcloth, deeply exfoliated in a snap. And with so many varieties – from light netting to shaped sponge – you can find a ton of cuties to collect. But don’t forget to clean your loofah and washcloth after every use to avoid bacteria growth.

6. Should I use shower gel or moisturizing body wash?

   It all depends on what you want and need out of your soapy routine. Do you typically have normal skin? Pick up a shower gel – it’s lighter and meant for all skin types. What about dry and flaky? Grab that moisturizing body wash and say hello to soft, touchable skin. Seasonal tip: During winter, switch your shower gel out for a moisturizing body wash to stay hydrated. Your skin will thank you later!

7. Can you use shower gel as a bubble bath?

   Yes! Running out of bubble bath mix is always the worst, especially when you’re craving some relaxing time in the tub (with a glass of rosé and your fave podcast, of course). Our secret: instead of bubble bath grab your bottle of shower gel and add 1-2 caps to your running, warm bathwater. Wait for the tub to fill up and soak up the suds – your relaxing night is off to a great start.