I’ve Used This $5 Dial Body Wash Since High School—and I Still Buy It in Bulk

3 min readI’ve quite literally tested hundreds of skincare products, but sometimes I just like to use a good, reliable budget find. For me, that’s Dial Healthy Hydration Body Wash. It’s cheap, but doesn’t compromise on quality—and it leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. The best part? The four-pack body wash is only $20, or just $5 per bottle. Trust me: It’s a drugstore product so good that you’ll want to share it with loved ones—or just save it for yourself. Each bottle lasts me at least two months, so one set lasts me for at least eight months. Talk about a beauty win!ProsFour full-size, 16-ounce bottles for $20 ($5 each)Thick gel consistency works as a shaving cream in a pinchAlso available in Coconut Milk and Shea Butter ExtractConsI miss the aquatic scent Dial used to makeLong-Term TestingI’ve been using this body wash since high school. My mom randomly bought it on Amazon, and it’s earned a spot in my carefully edited shower caddy ever since.The Goldilocks of Body WashesWhat I love most about this body wash is that it works for me in all seasons. I grew up in notoriously hot and humid Florida, but I am now dealing with chilly New York weather. In both places, Healthy Hydration body wash leaves my skin adequately moisturized in both areas and through all seasons without feeling overly sticky in the summer or parched during winter snowstorms.Although Dial has a few body washes, I’m a fan of the Healthy Hydration version because it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, which is basically like a tall glass of water for thirsty skin. It’s also packed with antioxidant-rich and moisturizing vitamin E. I like the Healthy Hydration version best, but if you like tropical scents, opt for Coconut Milk. Now, if you’re into cozy, warm aromas, reach for Shea Butter Extract.SHOP DIAL BODY WASHIt Doesn’t Irritate My Sensitive, Eczema-Prone SkinNeed more reasons to stock up on this body wash? I have sensitive, eczema-prone skin that can be a real pain. This Dial body wash hasn’t irritated my skin. Plus, I love the gel consistency that lathers easily and leaves my body feeling soft and supple.I’ve Even Used It as Shaving Cream in a PinchShaving cream creates a protective barrier between the skin and the razor blade and helps prevent dryness, dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, says in our guide to the best shaving creams. However, sometimes I run out of shaving cream and need to get creative. I’ve used this thick Dial body wash as a quick shaving cream substitute that offers some extra lubrication between my skin and the razor. While not a traditional use, it’s practical on days I need to shave my underarms and legs. FWIW, I haven’t experienced any accidental cuts since using this method, though I’ve only done it a handful of times as needed.SHOP DIAL BODY WASHTL;DR: Is the Dial Healthy Hydration Body Wash Worth It?Yes, the Dial Healthy Hydration Body Wash is especially worth owning if you want an affordable body wash that works year-round. This quad only costs $5 per bottle, and each one lasts me at least two months. You’re essentially paying around 8 cents per shower with this cleanser. Talk about effective! I’ve used this body wash for several years, and it will continue to be part of my shower routine.SHOP DIAL BODY WASHMy Full Drugstore Bodycare RoutineYou don’t always have to splurge. To help you create a full bodycare routine filled with effective yet budget-conscious products, I’ve put together a list of my favorites that I’ve come to rely on over the years. The best part? I love a good beauty steal, so everything on this list is $20 or less.My Full Drugstore Bodycare RoutineNicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site. Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.