Best Bath & Shower Products in 2026 as reviewed by Australian consumers

The best ingredients for your skin type

Firstly, before choosing any skin care product, take into consideration your skin type as certain ingredients may either trigger your skin or help soothe it.

Sensitive skin

You can soothe sensitive skin by using products that have a moisturising effect. Remember to stay clear of products containing fragrances and dyes, however, which may do more harm than good.

In particular, lauryl glucoside is a gentle detergent to look out for. Glycerin helps hold moisture in your skin and sunflower seed oil contains the skin-softening vitamin E. If your skin is particularly irritated, body washes with oatmeal are highly calming.

Dry skin

Those with dry skin will want to avoid any harsh surfactants, and instead, look for moisturising oils and botanicals. Ingredients such as sodium lauroyl isethionate can help cleanse your skin and hydrolyzed milk protein or petrolatum will soften and smoothen the skin. Shea butter is another excellent moisturiser that can be found in many body washes.

Creamy formulas are the way to go and aren’t likely to leave your skin feeling stripped or tight. Using less product is also better for your skin so it may be worth it to invest in a sponge or loofah which can help lather and spread the body wash around more easily.

Acne-prone skin

When it comes to acne-prone skin, gently exfoliating in the shower can go a long way in sloughing off dead skin celling and keeping your pores clear. You can use a physical exfoliant such as a loofah or scrub or opt for a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic or glycolic acid.

To help eliminate any acne-causing bacteria, look for shower products that use tea tree oil (a natural astringent), reducing inflammation caused by acne.

Anti-aging

To ensure that anti-aging creams and moisturisers absorb well, you should gently exfoliate in the shower with products that contain lactic acid or salicylic acid to eliminate dead and flakey skin. Niacinamide, a derivative of vitamin B can be used to condition the skin.

Post-workout

If you tend to work out a lot or take more than one shower a day, you may suffer from dry skin. You should look for products with sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and decyl glucoside since they remove salts and oils without drying out your skin. If you’re overheated, try a gel formula with peppermint or eucalyptus for an instant cooling sensation.

If you go swimming often, remember to rinse your body and hair with fresh water afterwards to minimise the damage chlorine can have.

Common ingredients to avoid

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) are common in shampoos and body washes but tend to irritate the eyes. They are classified as harsh and destructive detergents, causing hair follicle damage and scalp irritation. With continuous contact, it will be absorbed by the skin and can trigger asthma attacks.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES, Sodium Myreth Sulfate) and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) can irritate the eyes and scalp and they are ethoxylated compounds that contain substantial amounts of alcohol.
Castor oil is used as a means to condition the skin but can cause allergies and scalp irritation.
Triethanolamine (TEA, Triolamine, Trolamine, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate) can cause scalp and eye irritation. In higher doses, the mucous membranes are also affected.
Propylene Glycol is an allergen that can cause scalp irritation.

Body scrubbing accessories

Many people just use their hands to apply body wash and while that’s perfectly fine, there are ways to exfoliate your skin whilst making your body gel last longer. Loofahs, sponges and back brushes allow you you scrub the trickier areas of your body whilst massaging and exfoliating your skin.

Body brush

Body wash can be applied to the skin with a brush to help with exfoliation. It also helps you clean hard-to-reach areas such as the back and legs without bending down. You can use the brush to exfoliate and detoxify skin which gives it a glowing appearance.

Sponges

Sponges fit comfortably in your hand and are very simple to use. They adjust to your body's curves while absorbing water and body wash, leaving skin clean. Sea sponges absorb water while cleansing and can be used as an alternative to loofahs. They are biodegradable, hypoallergenic and free of chemicals, artificial byproducts or toxins.

Exfoliating gloves

Exfoliating gloves are exfoliants that leave your skin silky smooth, soft, and nourished. They're ideal for prepping your skin for moisturising lotions and beauty products by removing dead skin cells that get in the way of effective treatments.

Washcloths

If you don't want to use loofahs, pouffes, or sponges, washcloths are a good alternative. They have a mild exfoliating effect and easily spread soap.

After each use, a washcloth can be washed in the washing machine and rinsed with detergent and hot water on a regular basis. Unlike many other bath accessories that must be replaced or washed on a regular basis, washcloths can be used safely for years.

Things to look out for when buying bath and shower products

You’ll want do do some research before buying cosmetic products since they can be harmful to you. It’s always good to read the label carefully and avoid harsh chemicals which can strip away your body’s natural moisture.

Natural ingredients: Choosing bath and products made from only the best natural ingredients will mean that it is safe to use every day, is nourishing and environmentally friendly. Less chemicals also means there is a reduced chance of skin irritation, itchiness, inflammation or redness due to sulfates, phthalates, parabens, phenoxyethanol and glycols.
pH balanced: If a product is marketed as pH balanced, then that means it is able to be maintain the skin's natural pH of 5.5 which is slightly acidic. Skin hydration may suffer and bacteria may thrive when the pH of the skin is more alkaline.
Moisturising: Products that contain moisturisng ingredients such as aloe vera and shea butter can help to improve the appearance and feel of rough, dry skin.
Silicone-free: Silicone can prevent the hair and skin from breathing as it leaves a residue that can not be easily rinsed.
Bar soap: Bar soaps can come in many variations including for the hands, body and hair. The simplest way to eliminate plastic waste is to switch to solid bars and leave liquid cleanser behind.
Sustainability: By using an eco-friendly soap that is biodegradable or comes in a bar form, you will avoid the production and disposal of one bottle of plastic. Over the course of several generations in a family, this small act can lead to a significant reduction in plastic waste and pollution.
Vegan: Animal fats, as well as other animal products like honey or milk, are sometimes found in body and hand washes. If you’re vegan, you should look for vegan and cruelty-free products that stay clear of these ingredients.
Bath bombs and oils: Bath bombs are used to add aromas, colours, and sometimes bubbles to a hot bath for a more relaxing experience. A bath bomb is a hard-packed mixture shaped into a small ball that slowly dissolves in water, releasing a mixture of essential oils, scents, and dyes into a bathtub. While not necessary, it can make bathttime a luxurious experience.

You can read reviews on the best & shower products on our website to help you make up your mind.

Best Bath & Shower Products

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