Iam not saying Cosmo editors have the softest skin I’ve ever felt, but we did test over 200 body washes, lotions, serums, creams, scrubs, and oils over the last year. And that’s how we arrived at this list. We sloughed, slathered, and slicked our skin from neck to toes in pursuit of the best body products of 2026 for our annual Holy Grail Beauty Awards.
We’re constantly testing products—it’s how we know what to tell y’all when questions like “what’s the best body butter?” and “can I use that viral self-tanner on my fair skin?” come up. But we turn things up a notch for our annual Holy Grail Beauty Awards. We try up to six products in every category, take rigorous and in-depth notes on each, and compare them all at the end to decide what really comes out on top.
Now, it’s finally yours. Read on for quick reviews of all of our top bodycare products of 2026 (and stay tuned for full reviews of a few of our absolute favorites).
The Best Body Washes
“This bar soap is so nourishing, I can skip body lotion after showering if I’m in a rush. It gets skin nice and clean but without stripping away precious moisture.”
—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
“If you want to elevate your shower, do yourself a favor
and invest in this luxe body wash. It comes in a bunch of amazing scents, lathers really nicely, and keeps skin noticeably moisturized.”
—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
“I’m used to foamy body washes resulting in a dry, squeaky-clean feeling post-shower that I don’t love. But this actually moisturizes my skin and also has a great amount of product in the tube for such an affordable price.”
—MIKHAILA ARCHER, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
“I didn’t expect a $10 body wash to come for my texture like this. The AHA formula actually smooths and evens things out, so my skin feels softer, looks clearer, and makes me look like I exfoliate every day without any extra steps.” —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
“In a world of body washes that focus more on scent than product performance, Fur’s stands out. It effectively gets rid of my B.O. and leaves my skin feeling soft and clean—but the best part is that it’s formulated to also be used as an intimate wash, helping streamline my routine.”
—SARAH MABERRY, FASHION AND LUXURY COMMERCE EDITOR
“This iconic shower oil makes my skin feel extremely soft, even without the need for a body moisturizer after I rinse. I also cannot get enough of this delicious almond scent. It turns my shower into a calming spa experience.”
—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
The Best Body Exfoliators and Treatments
“My skin has never felt this consistently smooth. The Luv Scrub exfoliates without being harsh, lathers up instantly, and somehow makes my entire routine more complete—like my body wash is finally reaching its full potential.”
—JW
“I’ve never been so consistent with exfoliating, but this bar just gets me excited to scrub my bod down. The invigorating peppermint scent wakes me up, while the bars sloughing powers make my skin feel smooth as hell.”
—BG
“Herbivore revamped their bodycare collection last year and I’ve been hooked ever since. The ingredients, packaging, and formulas are so thoughtful—especially this body polish that brightens, smooths, and moisturizes while exuding beach vacay vibes.”
—LB
“This foam is my dry skin go-to. When my arms and legs are feeling extra tight and looking flaky, I simply lather up this foam in a warm shower and it immediately softens my skin. I especially love using it before I shave to feel silky-smooth post-shower.” —JH
“The Frank’s body mist is easy to use and has a calming eucalyptus smell once sprayed. But best of all: It takes down the redness of my body acne in about 12 hours—a huge plus. The nozzle offers a more targeted spray to get into small crevices, like underarms and inner thighs, too.”
—SABRINA TOTO, VISUAL EDITOR
“I pat this gentle serum on my bikini line daily to help reduce ingrown hairs. It uses lactic acid to gently buff away dead skin to reduce pore clogging but also contains soothing aloe to reduce irritation after shaving.”
—BG
“This is super easy to spread across my skin, and it absorbs almost immediately. In fact, it leaves no noticeable residue beyond making my skin feel plump and hydrated. I only need about six pumps for my entire body, so I feel like this bottle will last quite some time.”
—JAYNE LEMIRE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
“It’s time we all stop neglecting the skin below our neck, and I suggest you start with this glorious body serum. It smooths texture, brightens uneven tone, and leaves everything feeling softer and more refined. I use this right after the shower while my skin’s still slightly damp.” —JW
“Whenever my body is in need of a reset, I always turn to The Tox. They have body and face treatment options that make me feel like a new person after one hour. After one session, I feel so much less bloated and puffy than when I came in.” —JH
“No matter how much Pilates I do, my core is just never strong enough. Enter: EmSculpt NEO, a device that helps build muscle and reduce fat in a few treatments. It’s basically like doing 20,000 crunches in only 30 minutes.”
—BG
The Best Body Moisturizers
“I’m a body oil snob, and this is at the top of my short list of favorites. It’s both an indulgence and a functional treatment. My skin always
looks glowy and feels ultra
soft after using it.”
—JW
“This product strikes the balance of feeling super hydrating even with a thinner lotion. It still has a buttery quality to it but is not a thick cream, which makes it so easy to apply. My skin has been noticeably softer since I have started using it.”
—DANIELLE COLIN-THOME, SENIOR EDITORIAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
“As someone with dry skin, eczema, and acne, this is one of the only body creams I trust to actually hydrate my sensitive skin. And it doesn’t feel overly sticky on my arms and legs, so it’s perfect for after I shower and need to nourish my skin.”
—JH
“I am a sucker for a rich body lotion but despise waiting for anything to sink in. Turns out, the best option in that case is a body butter like this: It is extremely hydrating and thick but immediately sinks in upon massaging.” —BG
“This body butter has the thickest, most custard-like texture that melts into skin for ridiculously long-lasting hydration. It’s especially great for my dry, ashy elbows and knees.” —LB
The Best Deodorants and Antiperspirants
“This keeps that classic powder-fresh scent going all day, even through a jam-packed subway commute and wearing-too-warm-a-sweater-in-this-weather kind of day. Reliable, clean-smelling, and long-lasting freshness made me pick this one up day after day.”
—MARY FAMA, ART DIRECTOR
“I’m a sweaty girl, okay? And this heavy-duty deodorant spray keeps sweat and odor at bay all day long. I spritz this before I work out, and even after a 95-degrees-hot Pilates class, I still smell nice and fresh afterward.”
—JH
“I actually forgot that this didn’t contain aluminun—that’s how well it works to keep B.O. from cropping up under my arms, behind my knees, under my boobs, and between my thighs. I keep it stocked at my desk, in my gym bag, and in a travel tote, so I always have one.”
—BG
The Best Body Sunscreen
“I’m very particular when it comes to sunscreen—I hate using formulas that are overly greasy and sticky on my body, but this one is perfectly hydrating without that oily sunscreen feel.” —JH
“We all love this brand for its retro vibes. But nostalgia aside, it actually serves up superior sun protection. This sprays on effortlessly at any angle and disappears into skin. So staying protected feels easy, fun, and very on-brand for summer.”
—JW
“A day in the sun isn’t complete without two things: SPF and glowy skin. Thankfully, this mist does both, making me look like a gilded goddess while protecting my skin. And it smells like a tropical vacation (even when I’m just at the park in Brooklyn, lol).”
—BG
“For beach days and sweaty outdoor workouts, this water-resistant SPF 100 from Neutrogena is my go-to. Provided you reapply ever two hours, there’s no shot you’re getting sunburned if you’re wearing this.” —LB
The Best Body Self-Tanners
“This applies green, which was great because it made it very easy to tell where I had to blend the product in more. I left it on for four hours and then washed it off in the shower and was left with truly tan (but not orange!) skin. I’ve never had a self-tanner apply this well or this evenly, and I look like I just went on a tropical vacation.”
—JL
“I completely fooled my friends into thinking I spent a weekend in Tulum when I showed up to happy hour with a bronzy tan. Nope! I just spent two hours basking in this natural-looking self-tanner.” —BG
“Moisturizing and tanning at the same time usually isn’t a thing, but this body butter makes my skin feel so soft while imparting a soft bronzy look in a few days. And it doesn’t have the usual chemical-y tanner smell.”
—BG
“Everything about the Sugared and Bronzed experience feels luxe...except the price tag. A real person sprays me down, and I get to choose just how tanned I want to look in the end, so it always looks natural. I keep going back every time I have a special event.”
—BG
The Best Body Hair Removal Products
“After testing the Schick Hydro Silk, it immediately became my new razor. It’s simple and exceptionally affordable, and it gets the job done. I love that this option is no frills, lets you feel that the razor is working, has a comfortable grip, and requires two passes max.”
—MA
“I love how easy it is to quickly touch up my bikini line with this, and it’s entirely painless. Best part: It’s waterproof, so I can use it in the shower to save time.”
—BG
“I love an oil over a cream, and EOS’s formula specifically makes for an easy shave with little product waste and moisturized skin even before body wash and lotions. I love both the Vanilla Cashmere and the Fresh & Cozy—both scents are pleasant and great for layering under my other products.” —MA
“It’s official: I’m on the laser hair-removal bandwagon. I tested six popular devices this year, and the one that’s stayed in my routine is this Ulike one for how easy it is to use all over my entire body—plus, it’s virtually painless.”
—BG
“I usually prefer shaving, but these strips may have changed my mind! Application is a breeze, and they really do take off a good bit of hair. They were minimally painful and left only a slight sticky residue afterward, which was easily remedied using the post-wax wipe. My legs have never felt smoother, and I love that the results last far longer than with shaving.” —JL
“I slather this all over my legs, wait a few minutes, and wipe it off. I’m left with super-smooth, hairless skin that’s not irritated or dry. And it’s truly so much easier than shaving. I’m a convert.” —BG
More Body Stuff We Love
“Joonbyrd’s derm-developed formulas pair nourishing ingredients with incredible scents that make your routine feel like a mood boost. With a lineup of serums, washes, and lotions, everything feels hydrating on the skin and easy to layer into your routine. It’s all designed to support that skin-mind connection for a holistic self-care moment.”
—JH
“I feel like my fanciest self spreading this cream all over my body, and it’s simply what I deserve! It coats my skin with so much moisture and has a subtle, clean scent. It’s no wonder celebs love it.” —BG
“Body Bumps and blemishes are no match for Cetaphil’s exfoliating formula. The drugstore hero has three different types of exfoliants to smooth the skin plus glycerin and shea butter to keep the body soft and nourished.”
—JH
“Over 150 years in, and it’s still that girl. No fragrance, no filler, just results that have stood the test of time. It locks in moisture, heals dry patches, protects compromised skin, is used for endless makeup hacks, and somehow outperforms products three times the price. Not a day goes by that I don’t use it.”
—JW
“I already have to shower every day, so why not turn my shower into my red light session, too? This is truly a genius invention for time-saving purposes, and it convinces me to actually get my red light therapy in consistently.” —BG
“I was sure this product wouldn’t live up to its price tag, but alas, it is totally worth it. The packaging is sleek and feels expensive without being difficult to open. The scent is wonderful without being too overpowering. And it did not leave my hands feeling greasy at all and left my skin feeling hydrated but not slippery.” —DCT
“The baseline for my feet is cracked, calloused, and not fit for human eyes, but after using this cream every night for two weeks, the unthinkable happened: My heels were super soft and my callouses nearly invisible.” —LB
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.

























































