When talking about facial skincare products it seems like every other day a new ingredient or technology is unleashed. You see these ads for miraculous creams that fight the appearance of wrinkles, shrink your pores and every other fountain of youth claim. I don’t find that as common with body washes.  In fact it seems like body washes developed years ago are just as popular and celebrated today as when they were created. It’s also not a category where I’ve ever felt the luxury market has something so much better to offer then drugstore brands (especially for the price). This generalization is something I largely contribute to Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash.

It’s been a staple in my shower for years. It’s affordable, offers a great experience – clean smell, rich lather, and leaves my skin smooth and balanced. We look to body washes to cleanse, however some can strip your body of their natural body oils so it’s important to opt for moisturizing body washes that leave a layer of moisture to replenish any of the oils removed. Dove’s body wash features their NutriumMoisture, which is a rich blend of nutrients clinically proven to improve moisture by preserving both natural proteins and lipids. Considering that this fulfilled on everything I was looking for in a body wash even after testing out different shower products, I found myself going back to and recommending this one. Until now.

Recently I was challenged to try Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter. Boasting the formulation contains over one jar of Olay moisturizers, the product claims: It’s hydrating, soap-free formula offers superior cleansing and 2x the lather than the leading body wash while rinsing away cleanly.

After using this product for the past three weeks I can honestly say it delivered on all accounts. Immensely hydrating, it’s thicker and works up a much larger lather then Dove or other body washes (not that Dove’s isn’t latherful as well). Olay  definitely goes on heavier but rinses clean and makes skin touchably smooth within the first try and leaves skin hydrated throughout the day. By the end of the first week my skin was noticeably more soft and supple, especially around the knees and elbows, which are my trouble spots. If you have dry, flakey, skin, or tend to skip the step of moisturizers after your shower, I would highly recommend trying this product. I tend to gravitate towards clean smells, however I found Olay’s softer scent to be pleasant and nice for summer. Although my boyfriend found it a too feminine for his liking, but light enough of a fragrance to still use it.

If you’re more normal to oily you could go either way between Dove and Olay. I still love the clean scent and lightness of Dove, it wakes me up in the mornings. Both have a soft, creamy texture that leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Olay just offers an extra layer of hydration, which come wintertime, will be so necessary.