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Best of Beauty 2020

The 29 Best Body-Care Products of 2020

Doesn't your body deserve the very best? These body washes, scrubs, and self-tanners are so good, our editors deemed them worthy of our Best of Beauty Awards list for 2020. Get ready to coddle, smooth, and protect every last inch of your skin.

By Allure Editors

Photography by Camila Falquez

September 15, 2020
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Best Body Care Products 2020 Lotions Scrubs and Body Washes
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    In these (say it with me) uncertain times, many things we once considered "musts" are less essential now that the majority of our human interactions are screen-based. We here at Allure would never give up our eye shadow palettes entirely, but there is one Best of Beauty category that didn't feel at all weird to test while working from home: body products.

    The pandemic has changed some people's bathing habits, but the editors tasked with testing the latest body washes, scrubs, razors, and bath products had an excuse to stick to their normal daily routine. The simple act of applying deodorant, even if the only person who'll smell you that day is your cat, can trick you, for a second, into thinking it's the Before Times.

    So why not refresh the bathroom you've likely been seeing a lot more of lately with some of our favorites? Perhaps you'll fall for the body wash that can also treat your stress acne, or the bath soak that claims to be sleep-inducing. There's also an affordable deodorant that smells very fancy and plenty of glow-giving products that can at least make it seem like you went outside this summer. Perhaps most crucial: This year we have a brand-new hand sanitizer category, the winner of which is this writer's personal favorite. See all of our Allure Best of Beauty Award-winners in the Body category, here. —Kara McGrath

    All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    • a bottle of Dove Glowing Mango Butter  Almond Butter Body Wash on blue background
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      Body Wash (Liquid): Dove Glowing Body Wash

      We don't take our testing lightly, but occasionally some products make our job easy. So we're just going to drop this review of Dove Glowing Body Wash from one Allure tester right here: "I love this stuff! My skin always feels the best and cleanest after using Dove body wash, and this new one is my new favorite." Need we say more?

      $6
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      2/30

      Antiperspirant: Secret with Essential Oils Antiperspirant

      Don't sweat the transition to a new formula. Packed with moisture and free of parabens and dyes, Secret with Essential Oils Antiperspirant avoids all the usual pitfalls: It banishes odor and wetness without staining clothes or irritating our skin.

      $12 at Target
      $12 at Amazon
      $12 at Walmart
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      3/30

      Body Wash (Bar): Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar

      Forgive the pun, but these soaps are seriously raising the bar. Our two favorites do a whole lot more than just clean your skin. Even the itchy and eczema-prone can cozy up to Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Ultra- Rich Cleansing Bar, which contains lipids and spring water to replenish moisture and relieve chronic dryness.

      $12
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      4/30

      Body Wash (Bar): Urban Skin Rx Clear and Even Tone Body Cleansing Bar 

      And to fake out your breakouts, Urban Skin Rx Clear and Even Tone Body Cleansing Bar is actually a bar in a jar. The solid disc contains charcoal and a medley of acids (salicylic, kojic, lactic) to eliminate zits of all stripes: past, present, and future.

      $15
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      5/30

      Body Scrub: Olay Exfoliating Face & Body Powder

      The skin on your body needs exfoliation just as much as the skin on your face. Similarly, it doesn't have to be abrasive to get the job done. Add water to Olay Exfoliating Face & Body Powder to create a scrub that's milky enough for your face and gentle enough for everyday use. We love the powdery pink softness of Pitaya & Cranberry Seed and the fresh, green clean of Kiwi & Adzuki Seed.

      $8
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      6/30

      Body Scrub: Alba Botanica AcneDote Face & Body Scrub

      Alba Botanica AcneDote Face & Body Scrub targets body breakouts with a three-pronged approach: Walnut-shell buffers, willow bark extract, and salicylic acid dislodge dead skin, treat existing breakouts, and prevent new ones from emerging.

      $6
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      7/30

      Body Scrub: Luv Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator

      When we want serious buffing, the Luv Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator cloth expands 50 inches to reach every last rough spot, including elbows, knees, thighs.… and some areas we swear we didn't know we had.

      $18
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      8/30

      Body Moisturizer (Light): Cetaphil Sheer Hydration Replenishing Body Lotion

      Your body care doesn't have to feel heavy to be hardworking. Nothing outshines or out-sheers the pure, elegant unfussiness of Cetaphil Sheer Hydration Replenishing Body Lotion. The lightweight formula sinks in and leaves skin supple with hyaluronic acid and sunflower seed oil.

      $12
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      9/30

      Body Moisturizer (Rich): Eucerin Roughness Relief Cream 

      We weren't convinced an emulsion as rich as Eucerin Roughness Relief Cream would cure scaly patches without feeling slick, but we stand corrected. The proof is in the fast-absorbing pudding. It dries down almost as quickly as you apply it.

      $12
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      10/30

      Body Moisturizer (Oil): Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil

      In the bottle, Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil has the vaguely viscous gleam of the world's chicest lava lamp. It could very well serve as decor atop your vanity, but we recommend using it on your skin. Once misted on your body, it manifests into dewy perfection.

      $52
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      11/30

      Body Moisturizer (Spot Treatment): Megababe Thigh Rescue

      So long, thigh chafing: Megababe Thigh Rescue puts an end to the friction with its creamy, transparent formula. All you need is one quick swipe of the mess-free balm on the inner sides of your thighs and you'll forget it's even there (and that thigh chafing is a thing). It's small enough so you can bring it everywhere, but it lasts so long that you might not need to. 

      $14
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      12/30

      Body Moisturizer (Spot Treatment): Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick

      For head-to-toe dry patches, Vaseline has been fighting the good fight against chapped skin for 150 years. And yet, the classic continues to impress us time and time again. Now, Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick goes even further with a portable, no-goop bullet.

      $6
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      13/30

      Body Sunscreen (Chemical): Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

      There goes your last excuse for "forgetting" to reapply sunscreen. Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ packs major chemical protection in a stick that glides on like silk. Making sunscreen a daily habit just got that much easier.

      $9
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      14/30

      Body Sunscreen (Chemical): Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ 

      Unless you're prepared to whip out a parasol (you won't hear boo from us), Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ is your best bet for an effective shield, with a lightweight, almost-ethereal feel. But don't be fooled by its elegant texture — it stands up tough against UV rays.

      $49
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      15/30

      Body Sunscreen (Physical): EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47

      This is not your average physical sunscreen. And by that we mean you won't find yourself dutifully rubbing it in only to be left with a stubborn white cast. For a block that’s chock-full of minerals, EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 is impressively sheer. The zinc oxide and titanium dioxide defend as effectively as the goopiest formula, but without a hint of chalkiness.

      $27
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      16/30

      Body Sunscreen (Physical): Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

      "It's like wrestling alligators," says one mother of applying sunscreen to her young kids. Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 goes easy on touchy skin — and flailing limbs.

      $12
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      17/30

      Body Bronzer: Sol by Jergens Tone-Enhancing Body Bronzer 

      Sol by Jergens Tone-Enhancing Body Bronzer lays down a tinted sheen that adapts perfectly to your natural skin tone, say four Allure testers with four different skin tones. And as easy as it blends into your complexion, it also washes right off with soap and water.

      $20
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      18/30

      Self-Tanner (Traditional): Bondi Sands Aero Self-Tanning Foam

      No sunburn. No sun damage. And still a gorgeous tan? The impossible is possible. This tinted aerosol formula of Bondi Sands Aero Self-Tanning Foam penetrates deeply instead of sitting on top of skin, producing a rich bronze that develops evenly and fades naturally (meaning, no weird patches or telltale streaks).

      $29
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      19/30

      Self-Tanner (Gradual): Vita Liberata Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion

      Enriched with organic aloe and marula oil, Vita Liberata Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion does the job of our daily moisturizer (but better) and builds a veil of sun-kissed color (but safer). Each day that follows brings the intensifying glow you get from another day of vacation on the beach, without all the harmful UV exposure.

      $30
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      20/30

      Bath Product: This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak

      Consider this your one-step plan to a better bath. This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak is a recipe for relaxation. The chamomile and lavender aromas lull us into a blissful, tranquil haze that even the ding of our phone can't penetrate.

      $33
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      21/30

      Bath Product: Alaffia EveryDay Shea Bubble Bath

      The raw shea butter and yam leaf extract in Alaffia EveryDay Shea Bubble Bath build the sort of rich, fluffy lather that makes you want to stay in the tub forever. Thanks to the seemingly bottomless bottle, you probably could.

      $15
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      22/30

      Deodorant: Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya 24 Hour Deodorant

      If you're ready to go aluminum-free, start here. The amazing scent of Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya 24 Hour Deodorant won us over at first whiff, while the aluminum-free formula kept us fresh all day. Once you make the switch, there's no going back.

      $9
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      23/30

      Hair Removal (Shaving Cream): Pure by Gillette Venus Shave Cream in Manuka Honey & Vanilla 

      There's a reason shaving cream exists, so keep your conditioner on your hair — and away from your legs. Our new shaving sidekick: Pure by Gillette Venus Shave Cream in Manuka Honey & Vanilla produces an exceptionally light lather that hydrates skin but won't jam up a razor.

      $12
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      24/30

      Hair Removal (Razor): Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive Razor

      Here's a good idea: If you're going to apply a sharp object to your skin first thing in the morning, make sure it's designed for precision. In other words, skip the disposables. The Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive Razor expertly maneuvers over curves for a smooth, nick-free shave. Your legs will thank you.

      $14
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      25/30

      Hair Removal (Wax Kit): Glee The Body Wax

      Don't let the idea of at-home waxing psych you out. The name may sound like reverse psychology, but Glee The Body Wax swiftly rids us of unwanted hair with nifty, prewaxed strips (no heat, no drips). This is as easy as it gets.

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      26/30

      Hair Removal (Aftershave Lotion): Bevel Restoring Balm

      Beauty is pain, so they say. But it doesn't have to be. Bevel Restoring Balm is made for men, but if the soothing butters and cooling oils can assuage The Angriest Razor Burn in the World, imagine what it can do for your slightly bumpy, somewhat grumpy bikini line. The nonirritating formula soothes skin without any sting.

      $15
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      27/30

      Teeth Whitener: Crest 3D Whitestrips Original Whitening Kit

      No matter how religiously you brush your teeth, it can be hard to keep your pearly whites, well, pearly. But for all the coffee and tea drinkers out there, here's a reason to smile: With a no-joke dose of hydrogen peroxide, Crest 3D Whitestrips Original Whitening Kit helps time-travel your enamel back to 2010 by removing a decade of deep-seated stains. (Take us with you?)

      $70
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      28/30

      Hand Sanitizer: Touchland Power Mist

      Shaped like a smartphone (but even smarter), Touchland Power Mist fits snugly in your pocket and holds over 500 doses of ethyl alcohol (at the CDC-recommended 67 percent), essential oils, and an uplifting scent. Plus, unlike goopy gels, the fuss-free spritz always dispenses the amount you need. Our favorites: Citrus, Mint, and Forest Berry. That said, we haven't tried one we didn't like.

      $12
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      29/30

      Hand Cream: Eczema Honey Oatmeal Hand Cream

      If you live on, say, Earth, your hands might (or should) feel a little dry these days. Excessive handwashing amid a pandemic will do that to you. Thankfully, we have a very simple — and hydrating — solution. The Eczema Honey Oatmeal Hand Cream undoes the damage of vigorous washing with humectants, rich omegas, and skin-soothing colloidal oatmeal. We suggest using it often.

      $30
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      Photographed by Camila Falquez
      30/30

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    KeywordsBest of Beautyskin-care productsskin caremoisturizersbody lotionhair removalexfoliatorsbodywashbody washbody scrubsHair Removal Product or Toolteeth whitenerbath soapbody bronzerdeodorantAllure Best of BeautyBest of Beauty 2020repackage
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