18 Best Antibacterial Body Washes For Body Odor & Acne

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best antibacterial body soap

Best Antibacterial Body Soaps & Body Washes

When picking out hand soaps, it’s common to see the word “antibacterial” on just about all of the different products. But have you ever thought you may need an antibacterial body soap as well? Using a regular body wash may mean you’re not getting rid of all the bad bacteria you’ve picked up. Leaving bacteria on the skin can lead to acne, body odor and other skin conditions, so it’s best to make sure you’re getting your skin squeaky clean (without over-stripping skin!). In order to do that, you’ll need these best antibacterial body washes that kill bad bacteria on contact without being harsh on the skin.

Do You Need An Antibacterial Shower Gel?

Wondering if you should use an antibacterial body wash? In short, most people don’t need to use a special antibacterial body soap and a regular body wash will suffice. However, if you suffer from body odor, you may benefit from using an antibacterial shower gel. Antibacterial soaps are best for killing bad bacteria on contact, such as those that cause body odor.

Sweat is naturally odorless, so why does body odor occur? Body odor happens when bacteria on your skin come into contact with sweat and start to feed and multiply. So in order to get rid of body odor, you need to kill the bad bacteria on your skin.

Regular soaps can leave some of the bacteria behind, which will continue to grow and release more offensive smells when it comes into contact with sweat. Antibacterial soap is best when you’re struggling with body odor and regular body washes, deodorants and antiperspirants just aren’t cutting it.

There are many antibacterial products on the market these days, but not all of them are created equal. The best ones should be gentle enough for daily use- even if you have sensitive skin. It’s also important to look for ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera in order to give your skin a little extra pampering while getting rid of unwanted odors (and bacteria) at the same time.

I would only recommend you use an antibacterial body soap if and only if you seriously struggle with body odor. Antibacterials are no joke and contribute to antibiotic resistant bacteria (like MRSA). Ok, my inner microbiologist is done ranting. Let’s continue on and find out the best antibacterial body washes for odor free skin!

So if you’re looking for the best soap for body odor, keep on scrolling!

Is Antibacterial Body Wash Better?

best antibacterial soap for body

Many people wonder “is antibacterial soap better than regular soap?” Antibacterial body wash isn’t any better than a traditional body soap for most people. As mentioned above, antibacterial soap should only be used if you struggle with body odor or stubborn acne.

For most people, a normal body wash is perfectly fine! If you don’t have issues with body odor or acne, then pass on the antibacterial and just stick with a plain ol’ shower gel.

That said, antibacterial body soaps can be a better choice for those who are struggling with stubborn body odor, acne or other skin conditions. Other times you might need an antibacterial body wash is when you’re prepping for surgery. Many times doctor will prescribe an antiseptic body wash for you to use prior to your surgery.

Benefits Of Antibacterial Body Washes

natural antibacterial body wash

Many people want to know if their body wash needs to be antibacterial, or if they even need an antibacterial soap. In general, most people can skip a special soap and just use a traditional cleanser. However, some people may benefit from an antibacterial shower gel. Here are some benefits of antibacterial shower gel to help you figure out if you should use one or not.

  • Gets rid of unwanted odors
  • Keeps skin microbiome in check
  • Kills acne causing bacteria
  • Kills odor causing bacteria
  • Can treat skin conditions like rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and more

Most people who will benefit from using an antibacterial body wash are dealing with body odor, acne or other skin conditions. If you don’t have any of these issues, then an antibacterial is ok to skip. Unless of course your doctor prescribes one to use before a surgery or other procedure.

Best Antibacterial Body Washes & Body Soaps

When it comes to picking out a good antibacterial body wash, you need to make sure it’s well-formulated and has nourishing ingredients to make sure you aren’t stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Some antibacterial ingredients can be harsh on the skin, so make sure you’re putting some of that moisture back! Here are the best antibacterial body washes that will kill bacteria on contact while nourishing your skin.

Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash

If you’re looking for an antibacterial body wash for acne, this is a great option. Body acne isn’t just an embarrassment – it can be painful and even lead to scars on your body. It also makes you feel self-conscious about wearing clothing like swimsuits or shorts when the weather gets warm.

Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash helps prevent blemishes from forming on the body by killing bacteria with 2% salicylic acid acne medicine, plus skin soothing Vitamin E, Aloe and Chamomile extracts to help moisturize, nourish and calm skin. The silky gel formula rinses clean without leaving skin feeling tight or stripped.

Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Soap

We all want to smell good and feel fresh, but it can be hard to do when dealing with body odor. So if you’re tired of smelling, Dial’s Antibacterial Deodorant Soap is made just for you. It instantly kills odor causing bacteria while leaving you with all day long odor protection!

Suds up with this soap’s creamy lather and fresh, light fragrance that leaves you skin feeling clean, fresh, soft and moisturized. This is much creamier than regular bar soaps, so you don’t have to worry about it stripping or drying out your skin.

Dr. Lift Antibacterial Body Wash

It’s hard to find an antibacterial body wash that is both effective and gentle on your skin. Most antibacterial soaps are harsh, causing dryness and irritation. Dr. Lift’s Antibacterial Body Wash is formulated with natural ingredients designed to kill germs without drying out your skin!

Formulated with glycerin to draw moisture into the skin and plant extracts to hydrate and soothe, this body wash will leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated, without a greasy residue. It has a light, fresh fragrance that’s not overpowering.

And since it has so many awesome ingredients, it’s one of the best antibacterial soaps for body odor that won’t leave your skin feeling stripped.

Dove Antibacterial Body Wash

If you’re looking for an antibacterial body wash that doesn’t strip the skin and leaves skin feeling moisturized and supple, this dove antibacterial body wash is perfect for you.

When it comes to caring for your skin, you deserve the best. Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash is designed with a moisturizing formula that works around any type of skin and targets bacteria while cleansing without drying out delicate areas in need of protection so your sensitive bits are up against nothing but good times!

Forget about dryness when you invest in this antibacterial body wash containing nourishing ingredients like their signature Moisture Renew Blend ™ which locks-in skins natural moisture. With its refreshing fragrance ersonating from creamy lather every time, there’s never an excuse not to have clean and hydrated skin that’s soft and smooth!

And of course, this is the best antibacterial body wash for sensitive skin! I mean it is Dove after all. They specialize in sensitive skin!

Derma-nu Antifungal Therapeutic Soap & Body Wash

The cool, refreshing scent of this body and foot wash is sure to leave you feeling clean in a flash. The powerhouse ingredients of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil are potent enough to kill bacteria, stop body odor, treat nail fungus, body acne, eczema and more. This is a great antifungal soap and body wash that anyone can use, but it’s particularly great for athletes to help prevent fungal infections, jock itch, etc.

This gentle formula is perfect for sensitive skin types or those with dry skin too; packed with nourishing oils that will help soothe your irritated skin while washing away dirt, sweat and impurities from day-to-day life.

Dettol Anti Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash – Nourish

Dettol is one of the best antibacterial soap and antispectic personal care items like hand soap, so of course their body wash belongs on this list!

Dettol has a soap-free formula body wash that will leave you feeling clean and refreshed for hours. The natural ingredients are made from plant derived cleansers, honey, shea butter to hydrate the skin leaving it soft and nourished. Wanting the best antibacterial shower gel? Look no further than this gem!

Dove Men + Care Skin Defense Antibacterial Body Wash

Wanting the best antibacterial body wash for men? Dove Men+Care Skin Defense Body and Face Wash is a powerful antibacterial cleanser that works hard to eliminate dirt, germs, and bacteria while being gentle on your skin.

This body soap is uniquely formulated with MicroMoisture technology which activates when you suds up. This will help lock-in natural moisture in order keep your skin feeling fresh all day long!

First Botany ALL Natural Tea Tree Body Wash 

Looking for a powerful antibacterial shower gel that targets an array of conditions? Look no further than this First Botany Tea Tree Body Wash!

This multi-tasking shower gel works to kill bacteria on contact to fight body odor and acne, and also helps with ringworm, jock itch, ringworm, athletes foot, eczema, psoriasis and more. Tea tree and Eucalyptus Oils give this body soap a fresh, minty scent that leaves skin feeling clean and tingly. It’s also where all the power comes from, as these are both great antibacterial agents that kill bacteria and fungus, treat acne and keep your skin odor free.

With lots of nourishing ingredients like she’s butter, Cocoa butter, coconut oil and more, this is one of the best antibacterial body washes that will leave skin feeling more hydrated, moisturized and soft than ever before.

CeraVe Body Wash with Salicylic Acid

This is another antibacterial body wash for acne that’s perfect for those with stubborn bacne and even keratosis pilaris(chicken skin). CeraVe is one of the best drugstore skincare brands and this body soap is no different.

Salicylic Acid works to kill acne-causing bacteria and bacteria that causes body odor, leaving your skin clean and fresh. No added fragrance makes this body cleanser perfect for anyone with dry and sensitive skin types as well. Plus a blend of 3 ceramides helps to moisturize and keep the skin barrier healthy. Not only will this body wash help with acne and body odor, but it’s perfect for anyone dealing with skin texture like razor bumps, keratosis pilaris, and other skin issues. It will help exfoliate and smooth skin overtime.

Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Body Wash

We all know that skin conditions are uncomfortable and embarrassing and can be hard to get rid of. Remedy Soap Body Wash helps a variety of skin issues such as acne as well as other skin irritations including athlete’s foot, candida, ringworm, jock itch, foot odor, and toenail issues.

This formula contains Omega 3,6,7&9 Vitamin E & C Aloe Vera to nourish, moisturize and hydrate skin and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. The power comes from peppermint and tea tree oils with are antimicrobal, antifungal and antiviral. This body wash kills germs on contact so you can feel fresh and clean. Plus, the tea tree and peppermint feel so refreshing and relaxing after a long day. It’s like being transported to the spa!

New York Biology Tea Tree Body Wash

This powerful tea tree body wash is one of the most concentrated antibacterial body washes on the market, making it perfect for an array of skin issues like body odor, acne, ring worm, yeast infections and so much more.

Tea Tree Oil Shower Gel will solve all your problems with a single bottle of this powerful body wash. It contains 5% tea tree oil which has been clinically proven to fight bacteria, fungus, athlete’s foot and jock itch. The best part? This product doesn’t contain any gluten or parabens so it won’t irritate sensitive skin types while also leaving behind a refreshing scent from the peppermint oil added into the formula for an extra kick of freshness and cleanliness!

Plus Shea Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter and tons of nourishing oils, this body wash hydrates and moisturizes skin without leaving a greasy or oily residue behind. When using strong antiseptic body soaps, it’s important to keep skin moisturized as well.

This is a great antibacterial soap for body odor because of the tea tree oil which not only kills odor causing bacteria, but it also leaves your skin feeling clean and smelling fresh!

Oleavine TheraTree Total Body Wash

This shower gel is made from premium organic and natural botanicals rich in omega 3 6 7 & 9 essential fatty acids and powerful antibacterial ingredients such as tea tree essential oil, a proprietary blend of essential oils and botanicals including neem oil, rosemary oil and more. It’s perfect for people suffering from stinky foot odor, body odors, dry, itchy skin, eczema, athlete’s foot fungus infection and so much more.

This body soap is gentle enough to be used every day, even on sensitive and dry skin types thanks to nourishing butters and oils that leave skin feeling soft and supple.

Naturasil Sulfur-Lavender Soap

Many people think of sulfur as an acne treatment, and while it does make an incredible one, it’s an antibacterial agent, so it also makes a great body soap for body odor. Sulfur on its own doesn’t smell great and when you’re dealing with body odor, the last thing you want to do is use something that smells bad. This bar soap has lavender added to mask the sulfur smell and leaves a light, fresh scent on the skin.

Sulfur is an incredible antibacterial agent and is commonly used for a ton of different skin conditions like acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, redness, pityriasis versicolor, dandruff and more. And since it can kill bacteria, it makes a great ingredient for body odor. This powerful body soap has 10% sulfur to kill bacteria on contact. Sulfur can be drying to the skin, but this soap has coconut oil and glycerin to keep skin moisturized and hydrated.

Lume Acidified Body Wash

Hands down the best body wash for body odor. It’s made specifically for body odor and from the makers of the best-selling deodorant, their body soap is no different.

You’ll never want to use regular soap again after trying out this incredible body wash. Lume Acidified Body Wash is clinically proven 3.5X more effective than soap at eliminating odor.

This star of this formula is mandelic acid that gently exfoliates and kills bacteria in a way regular body washes can’t. The mandelic acid not only kills bacteria, but lowers the pH of the body wash to eliminate odor and protect the skin’s delicate protective barrier. Traditional body washes can’t keep up with this formula’s pH optimized power against microbes like acne causing bacteria or fungus infections caused by excessive sweat production during workouts. Feel confident and clean with this product that’s one of the best antibacterial body washes on the market!

They also make an unscented antibacterial body wash version if you want something fragrance-free and ultra gentle.

Good Molecules Clarify and Cleanse Bar

With tons of powerful and soothing ingredients, this bar soap can tackle odor-causing bacteria, body acne, clogged pores, psoriasis and dandruff. Plus tea tree oil for extra antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal power. Kaolin clay makes this perfect for those with oily skin as it helps to absorb excess oils. Glycerin, Grape Seed Oil and Cocoa Fruit Extract nourish and soothe skin while helping to keep skin from drying out from the salicylic acid and tea tree oils.

Although I’m not usually a bar soap fan, this soap-free, pH balanced bar clarifies and detoxifies skin without stripping. The ultra gentle formula washes away impurities for a comfortable clean with no tightness or irritation, even for sensitive skin.

Megababe Space Bar Detoxifying Charcoal Underarm Bar

Struggling with body odor no matter how much you scrub and clean and religiously apply deodorant? This body soap can help you out!

For a deep clean, fresh feeling and healthy armpits use this daily! It goes on light with refreshing botanical scent. Activated charcoal pulls toxins to the surface of your skin for an extra detoxing boost while tea tree oil kills odor causing bacteria and soothes skin. Your pits will be left deeply cleansed, soft & odor-free using this powerful formula with glycolic acid, sodium chloride and charcoal to eliminate bad bacteria. Although it’s specifically formulated for the underarms, you can use this body soap all over.

American Crew 24 Hour Deodorant Body Wash

Looking for a good antibacterial body wash for men? American Crew Deodorant Body Wash is the answer to your B.O.-fighting needs! With 24 hours of odor protection, you’ll be covered no matter what the day brings. This formula is packed with ingredients to kill odor causing bacteria and protect you from B.O.

Silver citrate is the powerhouse in this formula and helps to control odor while Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil and Peppermint Oil help to kill odor causing bacteria, leaving you fresh, clean and odor free. This body wash is formulated for men and does have more of a masculine smell, however, the smell does not linger, so women can use this amazing body wash too.

Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc

This natural zinc soap with 2% ZnP provides antifungal and antibacterial benefits to help kill bacteria and fungi. This cleansing bar is gentle enough for daily use, plus has low comedogenic properties will help acne prone skin while relieving itching, redness, flaking or irritation by removing oil dirt & debris from the surface of your skin.

Since this soap has Pyrithione Zinc, this is one of the best antibacterial body wash for folliculitis. Folliculitis happens when there’s an overgrowth of yeast on the skin which leads to an infection of the hair follicle. Pyrithione Zinc is one of the best treatments for folliculitis or fungal acne, so this is one of the best soaps to get if you suffer from it.

Formulated with antioxidant-rich olive oil which helps relieve dry patches on the body’s largest organ -the epidermis , moisturizing Argan Oil that has anti inflammatory effects in addition to providing a barrier against harsh weather conditions; it also contains linoleic acid which can reduce inflammation too! Lastly Milled oats are gently exfoliating so they’re perfect when you need a little help with rough skin texture or flaky skin. It’s perfect to use as a body soap or facial cleanser.

Antibacterial Body Wash FAQ’s

antimicrobial body wash

Although most people can get away with using a regular body wash, some people may need a special antibacterial or antimicrobial body wash for certain conditions like body odor, acne or other skin issues. If you’ve never heard of an antibacterial body wash, you may have some questions about how to pick the right one and how to tell if you even need one.

Throughout the day (and night) your skin picks up dirt and bacteria. Additionally, throughout the day your skin will produce oil and sweat, so it’s important to thoroughly cleanse your skin at the end of each day. When bacteria, dirt, oil and sweat are left on our skin it can cause body odor, acne, dermatitis, boils and other skin conditions.

However, not everyone needs an antibacterial body wash and it’s super important that you don’t use one unless you have to. Many of the antibacterial agents in the body washes can contribute to antibiotic resistant bacteria, so please do your research and don’t use one unless you have to. Although, many of these antibacterial shower gels contain natural ingredients like tea tree oils, peppermint oils, etc. and are perfectly safe to use. The ones you need to be careful with are things like Hibiclens.

Does Body Wash Kill Bacteria?

Traditional body washes will not kill bacteria like an antibacterial body soap does. Body wash is best for removing dirt and oil from the skin, while antibacterial soaps are best for killing bad bacteria on contact. Body wash can help wash some of the bacteria away, it leaves behind a lot of live bacteria that can cause issues.

Specialized antibacterial body washes have ingredients that kill bacteria and fungi on contact so you don’t have to worry about them staying on your skin and causing problems.

What Body Washes Are Antibacterial?

A body wash is not antibacterial unless it says so on the bottle – most body washes are just regular ol’ soaps with no special ingredients to kill bacteria. So when looking for an antiseptic shower gel, make sure you look at the product and read the label to be sure you’re actually getting one that can kill bacteria and other microbes.

Can I Use Antibacterial Soap On My Face?

Yes, you can use antibacterial soap on your face, however, you need to make sure the formula is noncomedogenic, especially if you’re using it for acne. Many of these body washes contain oils and butters which may be too heavy for facial skin.

The sulfur soap and good molecules bar soap are perfect for an antibacterial face wash. They do not contain pore-clogging ingredients and have added anti-acne ingredients to help keep your skin clear.

How Often Should You Use Antibacterial Body Wash?

Depending on what you are using the antibacterial body soap for, you may need to use it everyday. Especially if you are dealing with body acne, it’s important to keep skin clean and bacteria free so that it doesn’t lead to more acne. If using it for body odor, you may be able to get away with using the soap every couple days, but you may just have to experiment and see what works best for you.

It is important to not overuse it. Not only does antibacterial soap get rid of bad bacteria, but it can also kill good bacteria that helps your skin defend itself against pathogens. It’s very important to keep your skin’s microbiome healthy, so you need to be careful about overusing antimicrobial soaps.

What Is Antibacterial Body Wash Good For?

Antibacterial body wash should only be used if you are suffering from conditions like body acne, body odor, skin or fungal infections like jock itch, ringworm, etc.

Antibacterial body washes are great to treat fungal infections like athletes foot as well as treat body odor and acne. While they’re marketed as antibacterial, most of them also contain anti-fungal ingredients. It’s important to make sure the body wash contains antifungal ingredients if you are needing to treat fungal infections like jock itch, athletes foot or ringworm.

Related post: How To Exfoliate Underarms For Odor

Is Antibacterial Body Wash Better?

While it’s not better, per say, it is the best choice for those dealing with frustrating conditions like stubborn body acne, body odor or other fungal infections.

An antibacterial body wash is just like a regular body wash with added ingredients to kill microorganisms.

Does Antibacterial Body Wash Help With Boils?

Yes! Boils are caused by infection in the hair follicle, so any kind of antibacterial body wash can help to treat boils.

Best Antibacterial Ingredients To Look For In A Body Wash

antibacterial shower soap

When it comes to finding a good antibacterial body wash, ingredients are important. Here are some common antibacterial ingredients that will help you narrow down the right body wash for you.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is an incredible antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal ingredient and that’s why it’s found in many of these shower gels. Tea Tree Oil is also anti-inflammatory, so it can help with soothing sensitive skin, calming acne and more.

Eucalyptus Oil

This ingredient is derived from the eucalyptus tree. It’s antibacterial, antifungal and has anti-inflammatory properties that will calm irritated skin. 

Peppermint Oil

This ingredient is found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, however, did you know that it also helps calm skin irritations? Peppermint Oil can also help reduce redness, as well. 

Sulfur

Sulfur is an antibacterial ingredient that also helps with soothing your skin and reducing inflammation. It’s great for acne prone skin because it can help to keep pore clean and prevent breakouts.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for reducing inflammation and keeping your pores clean. It’s also antibacterial so it can help with the prevention of breakouts, especially acne. 

Mandelic Acid

This ingredient is great for fighting acne prone skin, reducing redness and calming irritated skin. It’s also anti-bacterial so it helps with preventing breakouts.

Charcoal

It can help with detoxifying your skin and getting rid of toxins that can clog pores. It’s also antibacterial, so it helps with keeping your skin clean too.

Glycolic Acid

It’s an excellent ingredient for fading dark spots and getting rid of blemishes. It also helps with exfoliating your skin to prevent new breakouts from forming.

Zinc

Zinc is antibacterial, anti-fungal and is used to protect the skin against moisture loss. 

Turmeric

There are so many amazing benefits of turmeric soap! Turmeric is naturally anti-microbial so it can kill odor causing bacteria.

Best Antibacterial Body Wash & Shower Soap: Wrap Up

You can’t go wrong with any of these options on the list of best antibacterial body washes. These soaps are perfect to fight body odor, acne and other skin conditions.

When it comes to choosing the best antibacterial body wash for you, use these tips to help pick out the right option. Antibacterial body soaps are great for curing acne and other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis as well as dealing with excessive sweating and body odor.

You may want to try a few different types of soap before settling on one because everyone has their own preferences when it comes to scents and feel while washing up. There is also an option of using natural ingredients such as tea tree oil that can be helpful in treating various conditions like dandruff or athlete’s foot without harsh chemicals. The most important thing about picking out a type of soap is making sure you understand what your needs are- and determining whether you need something that.

For those with body odor, it’s best to use a specialized body wash for BO for added odor fighting protection. If you’re looking for a soap for acne, pick one with sulfur or salicylic acid to target acne causing bacteria and dead skin cell buildup. For skin conditions like eczema, fungal infections, etc. look for body washes with tea tree oil that kill bacteria and fungi but are still gentle on the skin.

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