In modern times with polluted city air and viruses spreading rapidly, you want to make sure that you properly clean your body to get rid of germs and bacteria.
This is where antibacterial body washes come in handy, if you’re struggling with foul odor or skin issues this type of shower gel can help.
Best Antibacterial Body Washes: Our Top 6 Picks
In a hurry? So what germ-fighting shower gels should you use to avoid disease, fungus, and smelly armpits? The top 6 products, detailed below, are all antibacterial, moisturizing, and have specific traits that make them great for different skin issues:
1. Best Overall: No products found.
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- Minimizes foul odor.
- Effective against rashes.
- Gel texture and exfoliating ingredients.
- pH-adjusters keep skin plump.
- Comes with two bottles.
This body wash has a gel-like consistency and lathers up very well, according to customers. The package comes with two bottles, each is 21.1 ounces (625 ml).
For the main antibacterial ingredient, we have cocamidopropyl betaine which is a synthetic acid made from coconut oil that’s both antiseptic and moisturizing.
Users rave about how this body cleanser effectively decreases foul odor. They also report that it helps fight against rashes and even eczema. The Dettol Anti Bacterial wash contains the exfoliating salicylic acid and a cooling menthol.
Dettol claims that this wash balances pH levels due to caustic ingredients such as sodium citrate, citric acid, and sodium hydroxide.
Many soaps tend to be alkaline but this shower gel balances this out so that the skin can maintain its natural pH. Research shows that acidic products stimulate substances in the skin that make it look more hydrated and smooth.
Overall, the product is a little drying, so it might not be the best choice for people with dry skin. Note that the scent of this body wash is a little strong, too. Dettol says that it’s a pine scent but several users describe the smell as industrial.
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2. Best for Fighting Fungus: No products found.
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- Fights fungus well.
- Helps with a variety of skin conditions.
- Suitable for the face and body.
- Free from acne-causing ingredients.
- Cooling sensation.
This is a gel body wash that includes the antibacterial ingredient tea tree oil which fights fungus and acne. It further contains the antiseptic cocamidopropyl betaine.
Other ingredients include eucalyptus, which is anti-inflammatory, as well as mint that makes your skin brighter and leaves a cooling sensation. The inclusion of aloe vera works to reduce redness and irritation.
The manufacturer advertises this shower gel as suitable for diminishing bad odor and helping with issues such as athlete’s foot, psoriasis, ringworm, and nail fungus. Multiple buyers testify to these claims.
One good thing is that you can use this wash on both your face and body. Other products can be too harsh for the former. None of the ingredients in the wash are potentially acne-causing which is another plus.
Some users find the scent of this cleanser to be quite potent, but that’s common for tea tree oil-based products.
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3. Best for Dry Skin: No products found.
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- Creamy and hydrating.
- Smoothing and pH-balancing.
- Treats eczema and rashes.
- Doesn’t strip the skin of its moisture.
- Suits sensitive skin.
Here’s another version of the Dettol antibacterial wash that’s specifically made for sensitivities. This package also comes with two bottles, each containing 21.1 ounces (625 ml).
Its consistency is creamy which provides a lot of moisture. This, combined with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, makes it a great choice for people that battle dryness.
As with the other Dettol product, this version also has cocamidopropyl betaine as the active antiseptic, as well as chloroxylenol. It contains pH-adjusters such as citric acid and sodium hydroxide, which help your skin maintain its natural pH balance and stay plump and smooth.
According to customers, it’s very effective for treating eczema and other rashes. They also support the claims that this is a hydrating shower gel for people that struggle with dry skin. It doesn’t strip your skin of moisture, nor does it leave any sticky residue behind. People with sensitivities also state that they don’t react badly to this product.
Note that it contains methylparaben and propylparaben which can potentially disrupt your hormone levels. In low doses like this body wash, it’s unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
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4. Best for Combination Skin: No products found.
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- No potentially harmful chemicals.
- Effective in treating acne.
- Doesn’t dry out the skin.
- Cooling sensation.
Created from natural oils, antiseptics, and anti-inflammatory ingredients, Natural Riches claims that this body wash is both hydrating and effective against acne (thanks to quality components like jojoba oil). The bottle is 12 ounces (355 ml).
Users state that this wash is effective in treating body acne as well as getting rid of foul odors. People even report using it as a shampoo with great results.
At the same time, buyers feel like this cleanser doesn’t dry out their skin. The product includes aloe vera, olive oil, and vitamin E that are all very moisturizing. Users with combination skin (part dry, part oily face) report satisfaction with this shower gel.
With ingredients such as tea tree and coconut oil, it provides an antibacterial effect. Peppermint and eucalyptus also make this wash feel cooling and refreshing.
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5. Best Value: No products found.
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- A lot of bang for your buck.
- Effective in controlling rashes and fungus.
- Lathers up well.
- Free from chemicals.
This gel body wash contains tea tree oil as its antiseptic. It also has eucalyptus and aloe vera for a soothing, calming effect. Most of the ingredients come from plants and the cleanser is free from parabens, silicone, and other chemicals that might be harmful to your body.
This is a budget-friendly option that works well overall. Users feel like this product is great for controlling rashes and fungus if that’s something you need.
According to users, the shower gel smells nice without being overwhelming, which might indicate that the ingredient concentration is on the lighter side. This is compared to other products with a strong herbal scent.
One thing buyers like is that this shower gel lathers up really well and it feels like it gets rid of dirt properly. It leaves a squeaky clean feeling, rather than a moisturized one. You can use this product in your hair if you like, but it might be too harsh for face washing.
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6. Best Big Pack: No products found.
No products found.- Large bottle.
- Effective in killing bacteria.
- Fresh lemon scent.
- Leaves skin soft and clean.
This large 64 ounce bottle will keep you clean and germ-free for up to 6 months before it runs out. It’s made in the USA and advertised as being safe for kids.
Active ingredients include two antiseptics, benzalkonium chloride and cocamidopropyl betaine. The manufacturer states that it kills 99.9 percent of harmful bacteria and germs. The wash also contains lavender, which helps calm irritation and inflammation and it features glycerin as well, for hydration.
The fragrance has a fresh scent with a hint of lemon according to buyers. It’s described as feeling luxurious and leaves your body feeling soft and clean.
Note that Vita Vie does contain alcohol which has a drying effect. It also has synthetic fragrances that can cause irritation for sensitive skin.
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Antibacterial Body Wash: Buyer’s Guide
A good antibacterial body wash can:
- Eliminate bacteria: Get rid of harmful germs growing on your skin in order to prevent different issues such as acne or fungus.
- Prevent odor: When bacteria mixes with sweat it can cause a bad smell, especially in areas such as armpits or feet which are prone to fungus.
- Hydrate: Choose a body wash that has moisturizing ingredients to avoid a harsh cleanse that leaves you feeling dry and irritated.
Fight Other Skin Issues
Germs that clog your pores are one of the most common causes of acne. An antibacterial wash decreases these germs. If you struggle with acne you should also look for other features that fight pimples. More on that below where we discuss specific ingredients.
Decreasing the number of germs on your skin also helps if you have allergies or open wounds on your body, since bacteria tends to aggravate these issues. Make sure the shower wash is safe to use if you’re facing either of these problems.
Consistency
People struggling with greasiness should go for body washes with a more gel-like consistency since these aren’t heavy, nor do they clog your pores. Something like the No products found. falls under this category.
For dry skin, a creamier texture is the way to go because of the moisture it brings. The creamiest wash on our list is the No products found..
Ingredients
First, look for antibacterial substances such as:
- Tea tree oil: An antiseptic that doesn’t dry you out.
- Aloe vera: Fights bacteria and heals skin at the same time.
- Coconut oil: Is both antiseptic and hydrating.
- Chloroxylenol: An antiseptic ingredient and disinfectant.
- Eucalyptus: Anti-inflammatory and prevents infections.
If you struggle with acne, you can also look for the following exfoliating or oil controlling ingredients:
- Salicylic acid: Exfoliates and fights acne. The No products found. contains this substance.
- Jojoba oil: Known for its acne-fighting properties and controlling oil.
Some people also enjoy body washes that offer a cooling sensation to soothe the skin. If you fall into this category, choose a shower gel containing:
- Menthol: Cooling effect and helps treat rashes.
- Mint: Has the same property, found in the No products found..
Also, be on the lookout for moisturizing ingredients such as:
- Glycerin: Offers a hydrating effect.
- Vitamin E: Helps skin regenerate and appear fresh and young.
- Olive oil: A healthy, hydrating ingredient.
Final Verdict
The best antibacterial body wash eliminates bacteria, prevents odor, and fights skin issues. It’s in a liquid form to prevent pathogens transferring from body to product and includes antiseptic, exfoliating, cooling, and moisturizing ingredients.
In my opinion, the best antibacterial shower gel overall is the No products found..
If you struggle with fungus, I recommend the No products found.. If you have dry skin, go for No products found.. These are the runner-ups on the list.
Which antibacterial body wash is your favorite?