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5 Body Washes That Double As Impressive Face Cleansers

Last Updated on February 25, 2026 by omgbart

The best 2-in-1 formulas for quick, frequent showers.

Best body washes that can also be used on face.

When it comes to body washes, the idea of a 2-in-1 is appealing—to some. In the world of men’s grooming, this usually means a shampoo-body wash hybrid (questionable, at best). But what about a face-and-body wash? Or better yet, a generously sized body cleanser that’s actually safe for your face?

side note: the slanted soap holder from the photo above got so much attention on my IG stories–you can find it for $14.99 on amazon.com

Gel wash for face and body to use on dry, irritated skin.

I’m not expecting a fully optimized, luxury face wash masterpiece here, but hear me out:

• In summer, I shower up to three times a day because I’m constantly coated in bug spray or sunscreen.

• In winter, it’s once a day, in and out within minutes, before the dry, itchy skin kicks in from the hot water and indoor heat combo.

So, a gentle yet effective body-and-face wash? Sounds like a perfect fit. After much trial and error, I’ve found a few that actually work. Here’s my criteria and top picks.

Pump dispensers of French pharmacy body washes.

What I Look for in a Body-and-Face Wash

Must-HaveWhy It Matters (to Me)
Thoroughly cleansingI have a moderately hairy body and like to feel and smell clean—duh.
Lightly foamingNo loofahs or washcloths here. I need a lather that works with just my hands.
Lightly scentedI’m fine with fragrance-free, but prefer a subtle “clean” or “fresh” scent.
Water-basedIdeal for a second cleanse when I double cleanse face and neck in the shower.
HydratingLeaves skin soft—not tight, dry, or begging for lotion.
Opened tube of the Embryolisse body and face wash.

A Quick Note & Shower Tips

I can’t speak to how these perform on eczema, rosacea, or KP.

  • Keep water warm—not scorching hot.
  • Keep showers short. Your skin (and energy bill) will thank you.
Large bottle of the Naturium The Perfector body wash.

Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

I love the thick gel texture of this one. The Salicylic Acid is a great bonus since my skin always benefits from gentle exfoliation and decongestion. Gentle is the key word here—it’s effective but not overly potent and won’t trigger sensitivities.

The glycerin-forward formula is packed with nourishing plant oils (Sunflower, Safflower, Olive), so it leaves skin feeling surprisingly hydrated. I’ve repurchased this multiple times—two enthusiastic thumbs up. It’s also fragrance-free.

Take note: If your skin leans dry/sensitive, keep an eye out for Naturium’s brand new The Calmer Ceramide Body Wash, also safe for face cleansing.

$17 (500ml) at naturium.com, ulta.com or spacenk.com or boots.com

La Roche Posay body wash that is also good to use on the face.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

This might actually be my favorite. It’s a low-foaming, opaque gel that effectively cleanses while leaving skin feeling moisturized.

Technically, it’s fragrance-free, but the unscented scent reminds me of Kiehl’s old-school Foaming Non-Detergent Washable Cleanser—a nostalgic throwback. Since both brands are under L’Oréal, I sometimes wonder if they share some formula DNA.

If I had to pick a desert island product, I’d be thrilled to use this year-round. It’s packed with mineral-rich thermal spring water, glycerin, and shea butter, which keep my skin happy.

Travel tip: This comes in a 400ml pump, but if you ever find the elusive 100ml tube, grab it for your Dopp kit.

$9.99 (100ml), $13.99 (200ml) or $17.00 (400ml) at dermstore.com (use my code OMGBART for additional discount) and if you're outside of the US, check out boots.com and lookfantastic.com

Bioderma face cleansing oil that doubles as body wash.

Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil

Bioderma is famous for its micellar water, but this cleansing oil is just as worthy of attention.

This thick, viscous oil-to-foam formula cleanses deeply while keeping skin soft and nourished. It’s my go-to during winter months when my skin is at its driest and most temperamental.

Loaded with glycerin, niacinamide, and vitamin C, it does everything I need—hydrates, conditions, and cleanses—without any tightness.

Pro tip: Apply to wet skin, unlike traditional oil cleansers. Also, go big: get the liter size.

$14.99 (6.7oz) or $32.99 (1L) at dermstore.com as well as boots.com and lookfantastic.com

Tube of Embryolisse foaming cream milk for face and body.

Embryolisse Foaming Cream – Milk

Embryolisse is best known for its cult-favorite moisturizer, but their face and body products are equally great. Including this face and body cleanser.

The Foaming Cream Milk is a thin, translucent gel that foams lightly and gently removes oil and grime. It’s super mild, making it ideal for daily use.

Fragrance warning: If you prefer strictly unscented formulas, this isn’t for you. The scent is clean yet powdery—classic French pharmacy vibes. I personally find it comforting.

$15 (6.7oz) at embryolisse.com or amazon.com

A bar of CeraVe soap that is good to use on dry skin.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

For the ultimate minimalist, sometimes all you need is a bar of soap.

There’s nothing fancy about the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar, and that’s precisely why it works. No gimmicks, just a solid unscented, creamy bar that doesn’t split in half between uses (the worst).

I always grab one when I’m traveling in case the hotel toiletries are suspiciously unbranded. It lathers well, cleanses great, and never leaves skin feeling tight.

$12 (2-pack) at amazon.com or $8.99 a bar at exclusivebeautyclub.com

Final Thoughts

A great 2-in-1 body and face wash can simplify your routine—whether you’re taking multiple showers in the summer or speeding through in winter. From luxe French pharmacy finds to drugstore basics, these are the best options that clean, hydrate, and work above the neck, too.Would love to know—do you have a go-to 2-in-1 body wash? Let me know in the comments!

What else…


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