13 Best Antibacterial Body Washes to Fight Germs And Odor

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Apr 30, 2024
Best Antibacterial Body Washes
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As you're hunting for the best antibacterial body washes for yourself, you deserve a pat on the back to finally prioritize germ protection, as that can help you fight most of your skin problems. While choosing an ideal body wash depends on a lot of personal preference parameters, especially when it comes to fragrance, the main motto behind the formulation of the body washes has always been killing the germs and bacteria from the skin surface. 

Thanks to their antibacterial properties, such body washes are a great addition to the daily shower of active people or of those who sweat a lot. Antibacterial products combat germs that cause odor, body acne, as well as other skin and health problems. However, the active ingredients that help with this — such as alcohol and benzyl benzoate — can be harsh on your skin and cause itchiness, dryness, roughness, etc. Fortunately, in my research, I’ve managed to find some gentler antibacterial cleansers that go easy on the skin.

Some other products that I tried out also helped buff away dead cells for smoother skin, while others had hydrating properties for an extra dose of nourishment. In a nutshell, I learned that antibacterial body washes make the skin feel more clean and invigorated than any other cleanser! And I would love for you to experience the same. Check out my product recommendations!

13 Best Antibacterial Body Washes

This antibacterial body wash from Derma-Nu is packed with a refreshing combination of mint, tea tree, and menthol that is tough on body odor and other lingering germs (studies by Pharmaceuticals and International Journal of Dermatology). It soothes and revitalizes dry and itchy skin, without compromising on its softness. 

Another impressive USP of this body wash — it can be used for athlete's foot, jock itch, eczema, and severe acne for therapeutic effects. Apart from reducing itching and burning, it also nourishes and hydrates your skin thoroughly for ultimate protection!

Skin Type: All

Size: 8 fl oz.

Pros
  • Calms irritated skin
  • Makes you smell better
  • Pleasant cooling sensation
  • Responsibly produced
  • Organic formulation
  • Sulfate-free cleanser
Cons
  • Bad pump dispenser
  • Slightly overpriced
  • Best to Soothe Irritated Skin

    First Botany All Natural Body Wash

    First Botany All Natural Body Wash
  • Staying true to the brand name, this antibacterial body wash from First Botany is composed of  100% organic ingredients to purify your skin without exposing it to synthetic and harsh chemicals. It is an excellent product to fight jock itch, nail issues, athlete’s foot, eczema, and flakiness for better skin balance. 

    Formulated with essential oils and rich botanical emollients such as shea and cocoa butter, it calms and deodorizes dry and itchy skin while still being super gentle. Furthermore, as it soothes your skin, it also eliminates all the dirt and impurities which is a great choice for active people.

    Skin Type: All

    Size: 16 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Moisturizing
    • Helps treat ringworms
    • Soothes irritated skin
    • Made of high-quality active ingredients
    • Sulfate-free
    Cons
    • The scent is too strong
  • Best to Moisturize the Skin

    Dove Body Wash Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash - Pack of 4

    Dove Body Wash Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash - Pack of 4
  • Formulated for all skin types, this antibacterial body wash eliminates harmful bacteria from the body while offering what all Dove products offer — some much-needed TLC to relieve skin dryness and itchiness.

    You can count on this product to keep the skin quenched for a good amount of time, so you don’t feel any pangs of anxiety if you forget to moisturize. Plus, you can count on this cleanser to maintain the skin barrier and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. This sulfate-free formula is also cruelty-free and vegan-friendly which is ideal for every mindful user.

    Skin Type: Sensitive

    Size: 20 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Eliminates bacteria
    • Dermatologically recommended
    • Gentle on the skin
    • Great quantity for the price
    • Renews moisture barrier
    • Protects the skin
    Cons
    • Could be fragrance-free too
  • Best to Fight Germs

    Dettol Original Anti-Bacterial Body Wash - Pack of 2

    Dettol Original Anti-Bacterial Body Wash - Pack of 2
  • A brand renowned globally for its antibacterial formulations, Dettol has come up with this invigorating body wash that not only eliminates impurities but also balances the pH of your skin. I really like its unique pine fragrance that refreshes the body and mind with every shower. 

    While fighting the germs, this wholesome cleanser also ensures that it doesn’t strip away the natural oil from your skin and doesn’t disrupt the moisture barrier. It creates a lathering foam as you apply to your body for the ultimate cleaning!

    Skin Type: Sensitive

    Size: 21.1 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Protects from germs
    • Refreshing fragrance
    • Pocket-friendly
    • Works on sensitive skin
    • Cooling sensation
    Cons
    • Could be more moisturizing
  • Best to Fight Eczema

    Buena Skin Tea Tree Oil Body Wash

    Buena Skin Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
  • Buena presents to you an all-natural effective body wash that is specially formulated for acne, body odor, and foot and toe odor! This body wash works like magic on stubborn infections, eczema, ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot as well. Also, I would like to mention how the clean, soothing scent of this antibacterial soap body wash refreshes your senses as you use it on your body during the shower! Designed for men and women, I love how it controls excessive body sweat during workouts which makes it a perfect companion for athletes and highly active people!

    Skin Type: All

    Size: 16 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Great quantity for the price
    • Very mild
    • Relieves skin irritation
    • Controls fungi growth
    • Paraben-free
    • FDA-certified
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell
  • Best Nourish the Skin Surface

    Dr. Lift Antibacterial Body Wash

    Dr. Lift Antibacterial Body Wash
  • Enriched with botanical extracts, this body wash from Dr. Lift is loaded with antibacterial agents, which cleanses and hydrates your skin at the same time for overall care! This body wash tactfully kills germs and bacteria without stripping away natural oils. Furthermore, the tantalizing citrusy scent of grapefruit will uplift your mood as you use it on your skin. I would also like to take a moment to highlight that this product is free of ingredients like lanolin, formaldehyde, phthalates, sulfates, and mineral oil to protect your skin.

    Skin Type: All

    Size: 8 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Lathers well
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Certified organic
    • Nourishes skin surface
    • Deodorizing benefits
    Cons
    • Leaky container
  • Best for Everyday Washing

    Dial Gold Hydrating Body Wash- Pack of 3

     Dial Gold Hydrating Body Wash- Pack of 3
  • This is one good antibacterial body wash from Dial that thoroughly cleanses your skin by producing a rich lather, which makes the shower rather enjoyable! It leaves the skin nourished and hydrated with each use and doesn’t strip away the moisture from your skin as you shower.  Packed with a Hydraclean complex, this body wash purifies and cleanses the skin really well, ensuring that no filmy residue continues to linger on your skin after rinsing. Plus, it makes your skin supple and more balanced with frequent use.

    Skin Type: All

    Size: 16 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Makes skin supple
    • Moisturizes thoroughly
    • Classic scent
    • Creamy lather
    • Pocket-friendly
    Cons
    • The smell may seem overpowering to some
  • Best to Get Radiant Skin

    Perspi-Guard Odour Control Bodywash

    Perspi-Guard Odour Control Bodywash
  • The Perspi-Guard Odor control body wash bestows you with sublime skin purification and relief from several skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc. as you apply it to your body! It eliminates odor from the body and keeps your underarms, groin, and feet clean and refreshed by killing germs and odor-causing bacteria, and the credit goes to the effective formulation. Moreover, its refreshing citrusy scent requires a special mention for providing the ultimate freshness for more than 24 hours. And oh, it works well both for men and women!

    Skin Type: All

    Size: 7.05 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Eliminates odor
    • Provides lasting freshness
    • Works on sensitive skin
    • Best for underarm odor
    • Gentle on the skin
    Cons
    • Not work on soreness
  • Best to Protect Against Irritation

    Roycederm Tea Tree Antibacterial & Antifungal Body Wash

    Roycederm Tea Tree Antibacterial & Antifungal Body Wash
  • This antifungal body wash from Roycederm is ideal to treat back acne, folliculitis, jock itch, skin irritation, athlete's foot, ringworm, and body odor. Furthermore, the formula is given extra strength that exfoliates the upper layer of the skin while deeply moisturizing it at the same time. It is formulated in such a way that it suits sensitive skin without being harsh to it. It combats acne-causing bacteria while also soothing irritated skin. Lastly, as the formula cleanses, it also offers deep hydration and locks in the moisture for soft and supple skin.

    Skin Type: Sensitive 

    Size: 16.9 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Leaves you with healthier skin
    • Makes skin radiant
    • Reveals clearer skin
    • Revitalizing formula
    • Antifungal properties
    Cons
    • Chemical smell
  • Best to Refresh Thoroughly

    Vita Vie Antibacterial Body Wash

    Vita Vie Antibacterial Body Wash
  • Vita Vie’s antibacterial body wash cleanses your body while killing 99% of germs and bacteria so that the pesky problems don't occur. It helps deal with skin irritation as it washes away the impurities and dead cells. Made of organic natural ingredients, the formula is created to be safe for all skin types including sensitive skin. Furthermore, the hydrating formula nourishes the skin thoroughly while soothing the sensitive skin for a great outcome. And oh, the smell is also quite invigorating!

    Skin Type: All

    Size: 12 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Thick consistency
    • Refreshing formula
    • Pocket-friendly
    • Deodorizes the skin
    • Lathers really well
    • Soothes dry skin
    Cons
    • Leakage issue
  • Safeguard Triple Action Micellar Deep Cleansing Body Wash

    Safeguard Triple Action Micellar Deep Cleansing Body Wash
  • The Safeguard body wash comes with a triple action formula to fight bad bacteria and impurities and bestow you with clean and healthy skin. Packed with micelles, it deeply cleanses your skin, while replenishing it with nourishment. Furthermore, it buffs away the dead cells without leaving a greasy residue. The dermatologically endorsed formula has a fresh clean scent that keeps you refreshed for a long time which is great for highly active people or athletes.

    Skin Type: All

    Size: 21 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Keeps you refreshed
    • Best for active people
    • Rinses off easily
    • Smooth consistency
    • Has a clean, refreshing fragrance
    Cons
    • The scent could be long-lasting
    • A bit overpriced
  • Balm of Gilead Tea Tree Bodywash

    Balm of Gilead Tea Tree Bodywash
  • This tea tree body wash from the Balm of Gilead is well-equipped to treat athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, chafing, odor removal, and several advanced problems. Packed with manuka honey, the formula soothes irritation and redness right after use. 

    On the other hand, the peppermint and rosemary present in the formula heal advanced skin problems while replenishing at the same time (study published on NCBI). Apart from these, the bodywash is enriched with dead sea salts that are known to exfoliate the upper layer of the skin for a radiant appearance.

    Skin Type: Sensitive 

    Size: 8.25 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Exotic ingredients
    • Fights odors
    • Climate pledge friendly
    • Paraben-free
    • Works on allergies
    • Detoxifies the skin
    Cons
    • Hard to open
  • Love Lori Tea Tree Body Wash

    Love Lori Tea Tree Body Wash
  • This body wash from Love Lori is loaded with potent ingredients like eucalyptus, tea tree oil, castor oil, and peppermint to make the skin healthy and refreshed. It thoroughly cleanses the skin while deodorizing itchy skin at the same time. Furthermore, it tactfully handles advanced skin conditions like jock itch, ringworm, and athlete's foot for complete care. The fragrance-free antibacterial body wash comes with a convenient bottle pump that offers comfortable dispensing for ease of use.

    Skin Type: All

    Size: 12 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Soothes the skin
    • Contains no artificial fragrances
    • Steroid-free
    • Works on fungus
    • Easy to use
    • Washes away impurities
    Cons
    • Overpriced

    Now that you have checked the product recommendations, take a look at how you can pick the best one:

    How to Pick the Best Antibacterial Body Wash?

    a) Ingredients: Take a good look at the ingredients before investing in a product. Organic soothing ingredients like tea tree, eucalyptus, aloe, mint, and green tea extract are excellent for soothing irritated itchy skin. However, ingredients like phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde should be avoided at all costs when you want to protect your irritated skin or problematic areas.

    b) Skin Type: If you have dry skin, picking a nourishing formula packed with moisturizing ingredients is advisable. However, if you have oily and acne-prone skin, a formula packed with niacinamide, salicylic acid, etc. would be nice to control excess sebum production.

    c) Formula: Some formulas do more than just cleansing. Body washes that exfoliate the upper layer of skin and buff away dead cells, excess oil, and blackheads can be ideal for picking whose skin gets flaky. Similarly, if you have any particular issues like acne, eczema, or irritation, you can pick a formula that addresses those issues individually.

    Now, take a look at how you can use the antibacterial body wash:

    How to Use Antibacterial Body Wash?

    Step 1: First thing first, wet your skin before starting.

    Step 2: Take a generous amount of antibacterial body wash and lather on your skin after emulsifying in between your palms.

    Step 3: Now, massage your skin thoroughly with the product.

    Step 4: Lastly, wash your body with clean water and pat dry.

    Conclusion

    There you go! You have the list of the best antibacterial body washes that can literally be your go-to products when it comes to dealing with skin issues like ringworm, irritation, eczema, redness, back acne, jock itch, athlete's foot, etc. The products are well-equipped with safe and effective ingredients that can answer all your skin problems! Last but not least, all I would like to say is that if you want to soothe your irritated skin, the First Botany All Natural Body Wash is what you should grab. Secondly, the Buena Tea Tree Oil Body Wash is ideal for fighting eczema. Lastly, the Derma-Nu Antibacterial Body Wash can be your best pick to fight itchy skin.

    FAQ's

    Does antibacterial body wash help with body odor?
    Absolutely! There are plenty of body washes packed with potent ingredients that help in dealing with the body odor caused by bacteria, germs, and sweat.
    How often should I use an antibacterial body wash?
    You should use an antibacterial body wash 2-3 times a week ideally to get the best results as overusing antibacterial body wash might attack the healthy bacteria in your body which can disrupt the moisture barrier.
    Can antibacterial body wash be too harsh for sensitive skin?
    Yes, it can be! Especially when it contains harsh and harmful ingredients like phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, dyes, mineral oil, etc, it can be too harsh for sensitive skin.
    Is antibacterial body wash better than regular ones?
    It depends on the requirements! If you deal with advanced problems like athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, eczema, back acne, etc, an antibacterial body wash helps better than the regular ones.
    Can I use my antibacterial body wash on my facial acne?
    No, you shouldn't use antibacterial body wash on your facial acne as the formula can be harsher and tougher on your facial skin. The formula of facial products is milder and gentler than the body products.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our skincare expert Anoushka has mindfully curated the list of the best antibacterial body washes which she came up with after assessing parameters like formulations, ingredients, effectiveness, skin type, and consistency. She devoted her time searching for online reviews that she thought met the requirements for the parameters needed for the article. She hopes that the recommendations work well for your skin! Happy shopping!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More