10 Best Antibacterial Body Washes 2025 in the United States

All soap washes away bacteria to some extent. But if you’re looking for something that actually kills and eliminates bacteria, the soap will have to contain some sort of disinfectant. One famous antibacterial soap was Phisohex and Phisoderm, which were used extensively in hospitals and health clinics--it was even available over-the-counter. However, the active ingredient (hexachlorophene) in Phisohex was a little too strong--the 3% that was used in the wash was safe but can be toxic in higher concentrations. And even disposing of it was a problem--if untreated, it can kill algae and other aquatic life. For this reason, other compounds (such as Dettol’s Chloroxylenol) were made, which manage to kill bacteria, and at the same time are safe for the environment.

So you can find soaps and washes with an antibacterial property, which will help eliminate the bacteria that cause odor or infection. You can use these washes to disinfect cuts and scrapes as well. There is a range of different products on the market, some being chemical-based, while others are from natural or organic ingredients. We’ll have a look at their effectiveness, and what are the advantages of each.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting an antibacterial body wash. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of antibacterial body wash,

• See useful tips about that particular type of antibacterial body wash,

• Read reviews of different antibacterial body washes, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of antibacterial body wash, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

We can categorize different antibacterial body washes according to their active ingredients:

• Bentonite Clay: This is made from volcanic ash that is found near Fort Benton, Wyoming. The clay is rich in many minerals that are important for human nutrition--some even suggest mixing the clay into food and eating it! When used as a clay mask, Bentonite binds to toxins and bacteria in the skin. When you wash off the clay, the toxins and bacteria are washed away as well. It can be used to treat skin allergies and infections, such as eczema and even poison ivy. FieldWorks “HoseOff” Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial Wash employs Bentonite clay.

FieldWorks Hose Off Body Wash

• Chloroxylenol: Dettol’s antibacterial wash contains the active ingredient Chloroxylenol. It is so effective, it is even used to disinfect surgical equipment. It can also be used for disinfecting wounds, or for use after surgery to keep the area of the incision clean.

Dettol Anti-Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash

• Tea Tree Oil: This is a natural antiseptic, derived from the Australian Tea Tree plant, Melaleuca. It also can treat dandruff, acne, insect bites, and fungus infections. One product is FineVine's Tea Tree Body and Foot Wash.

FineVine Tea Tree Body and Foot Wash

• Eucalyptus oil: Some body washes employ eucalyptus oil, derived from a tree which is related botanically to the Tea Tree plant. You’re probably familiar with the oil from products for relieving a sore throat or cold symptoms. It has an antimicrobial effect against various diseases.

• Tea tree oil lends invigorating scent: People were pleased with the soaps and washes containing tea tree oil, such as FineVine’s Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash. They were considered particularly exhilarating and refreshing. The oil also eliminates body odor and smelly feet.

• Add antiseptic liquid: Some customers suggest adding a capful Dettol antiseptic liquid to their body wash, to enhance the antibacterial effect. The antiseptic liquid also protects from infection if you get a cut, scratch, or insect bite.

• Some products produce a nice lather: People are pleased with body washes that produce a nice lather--much like regular soap. (The pure antiseptic washes that are used in hospitals, such as Phisoderm, don’t produce a lather.)

• Different varieties of the same product: Dettol is an effective antiseptic soap. But they adjust the formula for different uses: Their original formula has a fresh pine fragrance. Their version for sensitive skin contains glycerin, to provide the wash with a smooth and gentle texture. Their “cool” formula provides a soothing, menthol tingle.

• Prefer environmentally-safe products: Chemical antibacterial products might be great for killing bacteria--but they can be harmful to house animals. Even the wastewater can contain chemicals that are dangerous to wildlife. This could be a problem when camping if you use an antibacterial product. (For example, Dettol’s active ingredient, chloroxylenol, is dangerous to cats and fish.) If you want a purely natural product, Fieldworks “Hose- off” body wash is an all-natural product, with beneficial clays, natural oils (coconut, olive, sunflower, as well as aloe and shea butter), and plant extracts--and it’s safe around your pets as well. It also doesn’t have parabens, SLS, and unidentified “fragrances”.

Dial--was founded in 1948 as makers of all different types of soap and deodorants: bar soap, body wash, hand sanitizer, as well as lotions and moisturizers. They also have a line of laundry detergents. They presently are a division of Henkel Consumer Goods, and have their headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

Dettol--is the commercial name for the chemical chloroxylenol, an antiseptic and disinfectant. It was originally the brand name of a disinfectant soap that was used in hospitals before performing surgery. Their disinfectant wash is sold in a variety of types and sizes. They also make laundry sanitizers, surface cleaners, disinfectant spray, and more.

FineVine--was founded in 2011, as makers of organic hygiene products. They make an activated charcoal mud mask, deodorizers, moisturizers, dental care products, and more.

Fieldworks--founded in 1935 and based in Portland, Oregon, makes personal care products for both men and women. Their products use Bentonite Clay--a naturally absorbent, soft and non-abrasive compound,  as the active ingredient and carrier for the therapeutic oils.