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If you have sensitive skin, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to find a product that won’t leave you feeling itchy, dried-out, or irritated. Even if you’ve already found your favorite non-irritating skin-care products, establishing a sensitive skin-friendly body-care routine can still feel overwhelming.
However, choosing the right body wash can make all the difference. So, we’ve compiled some of the prime products suitable for sensitive skin. We also explore the ingredients to avoid and things to look for when shopping for sensitive skin body wash.
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Things to look for when shopping for sensitive skin body wash
A rule of thumb when shopping for shower gel for sensitive skin is the fewer ingredients in the product, the lesser the chance of it containing components that could trigger a reaction. Here are some ingredients you want to look out for to effectively moisturize, soothe and strengthen sensitive skin:
- Glycerin: Glycerin is a natural moisturizer that’s also found in our skin. It’s great for treating severely dry complexions and helps to maintain healthy skin lipids by protecting them against irritation and strengthening the skin barrier.
- Niacinamide: This is a multifunctional ingredient that can help to improve the skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and rosacea. It helps to boost ceramide synthesis, resulting in a stronger, healthier skin barrier with improved moisture retention.
- Oat: Oat and its constituents have been lauded for their efficacy in treating a variety of skin disorders including eczema and psoriasis. By controlling the bacterial ecosystem on the skin, it helps to strengthen the skin barrier, as well as soothing and moisturizing.
- Shea butter: As an emollient, shea butter softens and nourishes skin. Linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids are among the fatty acids found in this nourishing ingredient, which help strengthen the skin’s fatty acids found in this nourishing ingredient, which help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, while also shieling it from environmental aggressors like pollution.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that’s known to be beneficial in the treatment of sensitive skin conditions. Additionally, it’s a reparative ingredient, aiding in different types of cellular regeneration, from sun damage to healing burns and scars.
- Almond oil: Almond oil is high in anti-inflammatory fatty acids and vitamins A and E, all of which help to calm inflamed, irritated and sensitive skin. It can also aid in the restoration of damaged skin.
- Aloe vera: With cooling and anti-fungal properties, aloe vera is a dream ingredient for sensitive skin. This is because it works to calm redness, infections and itchiness, as well as aiding in the repair of inflammatory skin problems.
- Green tea: The anti-inflammatory benefits of green tea and can help alleviate skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. It has been shown to relieve irritation and itching associated with psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea.
- Chamomile and cucumber: Chamomile is an ingredient that can penetrate the skin, delivering nutrients to the cells deep within. Cucumber is not only naturally relaxing, but can also help to reduce puffiness.
Another important note: Your skin is the healthiest when the pH is balanced, between 4.5 and 5.5. To cultivate an ideal pH environment for the skin, especially if it is already sensitive, it’s important to look for body washes that are between this range.
Ingredients to avoid
If you spot any, or even worse, a combination of these ingredients on the label, proceed with caution. This is especially if they appear higher up on the list, as this means the product contains a high concentration of it:
- Fragrance: Flare-ups can be triggered by the addition of any fragrance. If a product is heavily scented, it may contain harsh ingredients that irritate the skin, causing a reaction. When looking for body washes without fragrance, go for ones that are labeled ‘fragrance-free’ rather than “unscented” as scents can be naturally occurring, rather than the result of an ingredient that was added to mask the smell of the product.
- Sulfates: Because of its foaming properties, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can help a product to cleanse the skin more effectively. However, it does so at the expense of stripping the skin of a little more oil than necessary. Be aware that this is not to be confused with sodium Laureth sulfate (SLES), which is milder and much less irritating.
- Alcohol: Alcohol, or ethanol, is another ingredient that can cause inflammation for sensitive skin. It’s incredibly drying for the skin and can affect how the skin repairs or regenerates, which is an important process, especially for rebuilding damaged dry and sensitive skin.
- Essential oils: While essential oils have a positive appeal, some may trigger an allergic reaction in those who are prone to sensitivities. For example, citrus oils such as orange and bergamot are photo-toxic, reacting with UV light, causing the skin to burn and blister. Similarly, cinnamon bark, peppermint, jasmine oils, lemongrass and clove are also known to sensitize the skin.
Our top picks
We’ve searched for and tested a number of body washes to find the best ones for sensitive skin. We came across some that are definitely far from suitable, but here are some of the best ones we know your skin will love.
The invigorating experience provided by just this body wash is incredible. It smells amazing and feels even better on skin, especially on skin that tends to be dryer and a little more irritated. Using it will help cleanse your skin in a super efficient way while restoring and revealing supple skin. It’s a great body wash for sensitive skin.
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Best soothing body wash
If you struggle with dry, itchy, or sensitive skin, you’ll find so much relief with this soothing body wash from Odele. It not only soothes your skin, it supports your skin’s natural barrier, and nourishes and effectively cleans it with ingredients that are good for your skin. The formula is free of SLS and SLES sulfates, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. It’s a game changer for the health of your skin!
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Best moisturizing body wash
This body wash is so amazing for adding moisture to your skin, especially when it’s feeling dryer than ever. It is also perfect for those who have normal, oily, or combination skin — as it’ll give your skin exactly the amount of moisture it’s needing. The body wash has lovely notes of cotton and comforting chamomile that you’ll love smelling each time you hop in the shower.
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Best hypoallergenic body wash
You can’t get much better than Nécessaire’s The Body Wash if you’re in need of a hypoallergenic option. It’s an oil-in-gel formula that is infused with facial-grade Cacay, Marula, and Meadowfoam oils. The body wash is also rich in Vitamin A, C, and E as well as Omega 6 and 9, and Niacinamide. It’s a skin-loving product that will nourish, soften, and balance your skin without causing it any irritation.
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If you have dry, sensitive skin, you will love using this moisturizing relief body wash from Cetaphil — especially if you’re looking to use a hypoallergenic product. It’ll provide you with relief from dryness for 24 hours and will soothe your skin, leaving it feeling soft and moisturized. It’s made with Glycerin, Shea Butter, and Soybean oil, so you know your skin is in good hands with this body wash.
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Best natural body wash
Finding the best natural body wash for sensitive skin seemed impossible until we tried out Salt & Stone’s Body Wash. With notes of bergamot, orange blossom, and hinoki, this body wash smells incredible and is made with the best natural ingredients — some of those being seaweed extracts and spirulina, blueberry extract and vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics. Your skin will feel refreshed and hydrated after each use.
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If you’re looking to add a natural body wash to your lineup of shower products, you won’t regret purchasing this body cleanser from Youth To The People. Formulated with niacinamide and antioxidants, this body wash will purify and visibly balance your skin without stripping it’s natural barrier. Your skin will feel soft, smooth, and hydrated each time you lather it on your body.
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Best dermatologically tested body wash
Praised by dermatologists, this award-winning, all-in-one cleanser will deliver 20 superfood multivitamins, minerals, face-grade actives, and nutrients to your skin. You’ll notice your skin glowing and feeling more hydrated, which will last. The product is also formulated with microbiome balancing pre and probiotics that will better your skin completely. We can’t forget to mention the scent either – we’re talking mandarin and cedar, it’s to die for.
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Derms are also huge fans of the sensitive skin body wash from Dove. In fact, Dove is the #1 dermatologist-recommended body wash brand. It provides skin with 24 hours of renewing moisture and is hypoallergenic, ideal for those with skin conditions like eczema. Using this body wash will make your skin feel super soft and look hydrated and glowing thanks to its plant-based and nourishing ingredients.
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Best shower oil
Bioderma’s Atoderm Cleansing Oil is a must-have shower oil for many reasons, one being that it works extremely well for those with very dry and sensitive skin. Not only does it soothe, hydrate, and minimize dryness — it works to restore the skin’s barrier super gently and doesn't cause any irritation. The body oil is great to use on all skin types and can be used on your entire body for a refreshing and nourishing cleanse.
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Soften and cleanse your skin with this deliciously scented almond shower oil. It’s formulated with sweet almond oil and grape seed oil which both help soften and nourish your skin. You’ll notice your skin feeling invigorated and more comfortable due to the relief from dryness and itchiness.
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Best for face and body
Wash your face and your body with this advanced cleanser from Eucerin. It’s ideal for those with sensitive skin and is formulated to prevent your skin from drying out. Zero residue will be left behind after using the body wash, and your skin’s protective barrier will feel stronger after each use.
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This super gentle cleanser is great to use from head to toe. It’s made with shea butter and niacinamide and is a great remedy for those with extremely dry skin that are in need of relief. Your skin will begin feeling more moisturized right as you later wash this body and it’ll feel soft and nourished for 24 hours straight.
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Best for acne-prone skin
Whether it’s on your face, back, chest, or shoulders, acne is never fun. But a body wash like this one from Nécessaire helps keep acne at bay. Made with two percent salicylic acid, this clearing gel cleanser targets breakouts across your body and draws in moisture to help replenish your skin’s barrier. It’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and noncomedogenic. It can’t get much better than that!
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The word “acid” can seem pretty daunting when it comes to skincare products, but don’t worry, salicylic acid is the kind you’ll want to use on your skin to help diminish and prevent breakouts. This body wash will help exfoliate any rough skin, including bumps, across your body. It’s also made with hyaluronic acid, which will help your skin retain its moisture while niacinamide calms the skin.
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Best for eczema
This body wash is exactly what your skin needs when dealing with eczema. It’s made with sensitive skin in mind and is formulated with a Triple Oat formula that will cleanse skin while elevating dry and itchy skin. It’s a dermatologist recommended skincare product that will hydrate and nourish your skin without drying it out.
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Not to state the obvious, but eczema flare ups suck. However, once using this cleansing oil, you’ll find so much relief for your skin and for knowing you have a product you can rely on to soothe your eczema. The fragrance free product will soothe any itchiness and seal in moisture while helping restore your skin’s barrier – it’s definitely one you’ll want to try out if you’re eager for calm skin.
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Best for dry skin
If you want your skin to feel like buttah for up to 72 hours, you have to get your hands on this Egyptian CocoShea Body Wash. Using it will instantly create a spa-like, calming experience, which we can all benefit from – and it’ll nourish and soften your skin. It’s formulated with ingredients like purslane extract, which brightens the skin, and marshmallow root extract, which soothes skin and locks in moisture. It’ll make you forget that you ever had dry skin in the first place.
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Give your skin the moisture it deserves with this non-stripping milk cleanser from Fresh. The ingredients are plant-based milks which will gently remove any visible impurities while maintaining the skin’s pH. You’ll notice your skin feeling soft and conditioned after each use. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention how moisturized and hydrated your skin will look and feel!
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And that’s it! Looking for more ways to look after your sensitive skin? Take a look at our dermatologist approved skincare roundup and our review of Doré skincare for more beauty product recommendations.
