The Best Shower Gels And Body Washes To Elevate Your Daily Routine

Since cracking open this bottle two weeks ago, every shower I've had makes me feel deliriously happy. Yes, the formula is kind on sensitive skin and doesn't leave my limbs feeling itchy or tight two hours later, but it's the scent that has me in a chokehold. I've written extensively about my love of scented body washes, but this might just score the top spot. It smells like cosy cardigans and creamy woods; much like my favourite perfume, Le Labo Santal 33 and Giorgio Armani Santal Dan Sha.

Not content with improving water quality with its shower filter heads, Hello Klean's efficacious products is giving the skincare aisles a run for its money. This bi-phase body cleanser uses salicylic acid and niacinamide to take care of bumpy skin texture and rebalance excess oils. Naturally, it also has built in Klean Complex to neutralise minerals, pollutants and hard metals so skin stays soothed.

If the mere mention of fragrance breaks you out in hives or if your skin tends to feel itchy and uncomfortable after a shower, try Byoma's no-frills body cleanser. It's completely unscented, and is packed with soothing ingredients such as panthenol, oat flour and inulin (which keeps the skin microbiome happy).

If extremely dry skin is your bugbear, cut through all the noise and head straight to this no-nonsense cleanser. It's thoughtfully created for all ages and contains niacinamide, glycerin and coconut derivatives to effectively remove daily grime without upsetting the skin. A gentle scent delivers a much-needed sensorial experience without overwhelming the senses or irritating already-fragile skin.

Despite being an ingredient synonymous with facial care, salicylic acid’s benefits – unclogging pores, smoothing and sloughing away dead skin cells – make it an excellent addition to your body care routine. Paired with nourishing glycerin, this Naturium body wash helps hydrate and tend to perennially dry limbs, too.

Early risers and 'amletes' (those who fit in a fitness regime before breakfast) will appreciate just how invigorating this shower gel is. It uses plant-derived surfactants to gently cleanse without sacrificing moisture, and smells like a lively burst of citrusy bergamots and bright roses.

Streamlining your bodycare routine? Try this one from Vieve. Pour a capful (or two) into your bath to infuse it with bubbles and a grounding, sensuous scent of sandalwood and amber or use it as a body cleanser in the shower. It contains vitamin-rich seaweed sourced from north Scotland to soften and nourish as it purifies.

If you're stumped on gifting ideas, an elevated version of an everyday basic always goes down a treat. This aesthetically-pleasing Dior shower gel smells like pure luxury, but rest assured, your recipient will appreciate just how useful it is, too. Once done, they can just refill it with their shower gel of choice (we promise we won't tell).

Glossier's fan-favourite shower oil is now reformulated but loyal latherers needn't worry: the rich, silky formula is now even more indulgent than before. There's that orange blossom scent you know and love, and the sulphate-free oil texture leaves skin feeling extra soft.

L'Occitane's festive drops never disappoints. This nourishing, creamy formula replenishes moisture as it cleanses and comes laced with a warm, citrus scent. An excellent option for Christmas stockings, too.

Inspired by the stress-reducing, shoulder-slackening benefits of forest bathing, this body wash doubles up as a softening scrub to cleanse and exfoliate skin. It's a serious treat for the senses, especially after a long day's work.

From the undisputed leaders in aromatherapy bodycare, this silky shower oil is steeped in the famously effective De-Stress blend of frankincense and chamomile (which makes a nice change to the usual lavender). A tip: pour it into your hands before taking three deep, long breaths.

This sumptuous wash combines therapeutic natural oils, rosewater and glycerin to keep your limbs hydrated and beautifully scented. The spring-free pump makes recycling extra easy, too, as you don't have to worry about separating the parts.

It might not come with much sex appeal, but Ameliorate's creamy body wash is the best way to get rid of those pesky keratosis pilaris spots. The secret is a dose of lactic acid, alongside gentle surfactants that cleanse without stripping the skin barrier.

The affordable option we've been recommending for years, Caudalie's floral shower gel, scented with ginger, jasmine and white musk, is sure to lift your mood. With a natural base of grape water (one of the mainstays of the brand), this plant-based gel is free from stripping soaps and foams gently to minimise dryness.