The Best 3-In-1 Body Wash

Buying Guide

Showering requires an assortment of products. You have shampoo to clean your hair, conditioner to keep it smooth and shiny, and body wash for, well, your body. There’s also face wash, shaving gel and any products you may use on your hair and skin after you exit the shower.

To simplify matters, many shower product manufacturers now combine multiple essentials into one formula. Known as three-in-one body washes, they’ll typically be able to cleanse your face and body, as well as shampooing your hair. There are also two-in-one shampoos that include conditioner, and body washes that promise to serve as shaving gel.

But not all three-in-one products can strike the right balance between being gentle enough to not damage your hair and skin while also packing the necessary cleansing power. Products can promise to do it all, but you can’t really know for sure until you try them.

One thing to be aware of is an ingredient called a surfactant. These cleansing agents are great for removing stains, but they can be harsh on hair and skin. When added to shampoos, the water reduces its strength while also dispersing it and helping create that desirable lather. But these agents can also tend to extract moisture from the skin and hair, making them less than ideal, especially for those who already battle dryness.

Unlike pure body washes, though, three-in-one washes are formulated in a way that is both safe and effective for your hair and body. Many of the chemicals of concern with these products are in other body washes and shampoos, so you’d look at the ingredients just as you would when shopping for any shower product.

The convenience of three-in-one body washes can make them well worth anything you’d give up by going with a dedicated shampoo or body wash. You may choose to use them every day or perhaps only while you’re traveling, to simplify things and limit the need to pack so many bottles.

• As satisfying as that rich lather is, don’t prioritize three-in-one body washes based on the amount of lather. The biggest measure is whether the product actually cleanses. The product should easily rinse completely off your skin, leaving behind squeaky clean skin and hair.
• You’ll see beauty products marked as free of sulfates and parabens. These preservatives have negative environmental aspects, so if you’re eco-conscious, look for this on the product packaging. For some people, sulfates irritate the skin, eyes or lungs, and you likely won’t know if you have sensitivities to them until you’ve come into contact.
• You’ll also find products that advertise themselves as free of phthalates. Phthalates can also irritate some people’s skin, so steering clear of them from the jump can be useful.
• For children’s three-in-one body washes, it’s important to look closely for a product that has been marketed as gentle enough for young skin, which is often much more sensitive.
• For environmental consciousness, another feature to look for is sustainable packaging. Some are made from recycled materials, as well as being recyclable when you discard them.
• Most three-in-one body washes are marketed to men, but you can also find some for children. There are also plenty of two-in-one shampoos aimed at women but not many that include a body wash.
• Some body washes come with a pump, which can make using them more convenient. Make sure the pump locks securely into place when not in use, especially if you plan to travel with it.
• Although most three-in-one body washes combine face and body wash with shampoo, some also add in conditioner or shaving gel. If your skin is sensitive, a layer of body wash might not be sufficient to prevent irritation when shaving in the shower or tub, making these a good option.