When choosing the best body wash for your sensitive skin, experts recommend looking for moisturizing and non-irritating ingredients to target dryness, flare-ups and more.Olivia Ott / NBC
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In a world full of body washes, finding one that works best for your skin type is essential — trust me, as someone with sensitive and eczema, I know how important it is. “Those who [have] sensitive skin need to find a suitable body wash that does not over-dry their skin and does not cause irritation,” says Dr. William Huang, a board-certified dermatologist.
That’s why I spoke to dermatologists about what to look for when shopping for a body wash for sensitive skin and how to appropriately wash and care for your skin. I also rounded up their favorite body washes to consider, as well as the ones I’ve tried myself.
Generally, most body washes will have a label on the bottle indicating that it’s safe for sensitive skin. However, when determining which options won’t cause irritation, consider the following factors, per our experts:
Ingredients: Look for ingredients that either maintain or repair your natural skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated by drawing moisture back into your skin — think hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, shea butter, soybean oil and avocado oil, according to Huang.
Consistency: If you have sensitive skin, consider using a thick and creamy body wash. Although it might not provide the suds you usually see, this type of consistency will usually have hydrating ingredients that help replenish natural moisture that’s lost throughout the day. It also helps the skin feel softer during and after showering, says Huang.
Limited irritants: Avoid common irritants to bypass flare-ups. Some of these include fragrances, dyes, parabens and sulfates, which are all known allergens and sensitizers, says Huang. Also, consider a noncomedogenic body wash, which means it’s less likely to clog your pores or cause breakouts.
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This mild body wash comes recommended by Huang for those with sensitive skin, contact dermatitis and eczema. It’s soap-free with ingredients like glycerin, a common humectant that draws moisture into the skin. This wash is also free of common irritants, including dyes, parabens and sulfates, according to the brand.
Consistency: Cream | Fragrance-free: Yes| Soap-free: Yes | Noncomedogenic: n/a | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
As someone with dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, I use this body wash, which my dermatologist recommended, on a daily basis because it leaves my skin feeling clean and moisturized without causing any irritation or flare-ups. Designed for very dry to irritated, sensitive skin, the cleansing oil has ingredients including glycerin and niacinamide, which has soothing properties and can help even tone and texture, according to the brand. A few pumps of this oil creates a silky lather, which makes the product last so much longer, in my experience. If you don’t want a big bottle, this cleansing oil is also available in a smaller size and a travel-sized version.
Consistency: Oil | Fragrance-free: No | Soap-free: Yes | Noncomedogenic: Yes | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: No
This body wash has a combination of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides to hydrate and soothe the skin, according to Huang. Reviewers say this thick and creamy wash is great for sensitive, dry skin because it helps keep their skin moisturized and soft without any irritation. This is because it’s free of irritants, including sulfates and parabens, according to the brand. For the best results, apply this wash in gentle, circular motions before rinsing, according to CeraVe.
Consistency: Cream | Fragrance-free: Yes | Soap-free: Yes | Noncomedogenic: Yes | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
Consider using this body wash, which is also gentle enough for the face, if you have very dry and sensitive skin. This wash has hydrating shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide, as well as selenium-based spring water to decrease inflammation, according to Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist. Work the product in your hands until the creamy consistency forms into a foam before massaging it to your face and body, according to the brand.
Consistency: Cream to foam | Fragrance-free: Yes | Soap-free: Yes | Noncomedogenic: Yes | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
Cetaphil makes some of our favorite sensitive, eczema and acne-prone skin care products. This wash from the brand helps combat dryness, irritation, roughness and tightness of the skin thanks to hydrating ingredients like glycerin and shea butter, and antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin B3 (also known as niacin), which support the skin barrier, according to the brand. If you experience itchiness, reviewers say this helps reduce the feel and appearance of itchy, dry skin and is an excellent option if you also have sensitive, mature skin.
Consistency: Cream | Fragrance-free: Yes | Soap-free: Yes | Noncomedogenic: Yes | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
One of the standout ingredients in this body wash is oat, which is great for anyone in the sensitive to normal skin range because it’s a natural moisturizer and cleanser with anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties, says Huang. This wash also has aloe, glycerin and pro-vitamin B5 to moisturize dry skin, according to Aveeno.
Consistency: Cream | Fragrance-free: Yes | Soap-free: Yes | Noncomedogenic: n/a | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: No
Although dermatologists would typically advise you not to use your shampoo as a body wash, this two-in-one product has gentle ingredients that are great for both your body and your hair.. Suitable for all ages, including babies, this sensitive skin body wash uses aloe leaf juice and chamomile extract (both of which have hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties) and glycerin for hydration, according to the brand. If you have sensitive and eczema-prone skin, consider using the Soothing Therapy Eczema Body Wash, which helps control my skin during intense flare-ups using ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and prebiotics.
Consistency: Gel to foam | Fragrance-free: Yes | Soap-free: n/a | Noncomedogenic: n/a | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
This creamy body wash comes recommended by Gohara because it’s free from most common irritants, including sulfates, parabens, aluminum and silicones. Instead, it has glycerin for moisture, milk thistle oil to cleanse and combat dryness, niacinamide to support the skin barrier and thermal spring water to help soothe the skin, according to the brand. You can purchase it in its standard size or get it in the large size, which comes with a pump for easy usage.
Consistency: Cream | Fragrance-free: No | Soap-free: Yes | Noncomedogenic: Yes | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: No
If you prefer a rich, creamy lather, consider this Select staff favorite lightly scented body wash from Dove. It has glycerin to retain moisture and soybean oil to leave your skin feeling soft even after stepping out of the shower, according to the brand. “It’s the only body wash I use because it’s so gentle on my easily irritated skin,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. “The scent is also great yet subtle.”
Consistency: Cream | Fragrance-free: No | Soap-free: No | Noncomedogenic: n/a | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: No
Although it’s suitable for all skin types, this body wash is formulated specifically to cleanse and balance eczema, acne-prone and sensitive skin, according to the brand. Reviewers say it helps prevent breakouts, doesn’t strip the skin of oil (which creates a dry and tight feeling) and doesn’t leave behind a residue. The formula is free of preservatives, sulfates and other common irritants and instead includes glycerin to condition, bisabolol to soothe and hemisqualane to cleanse the skin, according to Seen.
Consistency: Gel to foam | Fragrance-free: Yes| Soap-free: n/a | Noncomedogenic: Yes | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
This body wash, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 130 reviews at Target, has prebiotics, oats and more in its formula to gently cleanse the skin while also relieving it of discomfort, including itchiness, dryness, inflammation and more, according to the brand. Reviewers love how gentle and hydrating it is and say it resolves their issues (dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema) instead of triggering them.
Consistency: cream | Fragrance-free: yes| Soap-free: n/a | Noncomedogenic: yes | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: yes
Reviewers say this body wash, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 450 reviews on Amazon, is excellent for those with sensitive, dry, itchy skin because after each cleanse, they notice that their skin feels soothed and discomfort is significantly reduced. Its formula includes ceramides, vitamin E, panthenol and oats, which all work together to help revive and nourish the skin, according to the brand.
Consistency: cream | Fragrance-free: yes| Soap-free: n/a | Noncomedogenic: n/a | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: no
When deciding which body wash is best for your sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend looking for ingredients that will add moisture, cleanse and keep irritation at bay. Below, our experts share a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for a sensitive skin body wash.
Since cleansing your skin can remove natural oils, which dries out your skin, you’ll want to find ingredients that will moisturize and protect your skin barrier, according to our experts. Some ingredients to look for include soybean and avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and shea butter, says Huang.
One of the best ingredients that your body wash can have is glycerin, according to our experts. “It’s a natural humectant, so it pulls moisture into your skin to help prevent it from drying out,” says Gohara. “If you have sensitive skin that is also prone to dryness and irritation, glycerin can help combat that dry, stripped feeling our skin can feel from soaps.”
Body washes can vary in consistency, including creams, gels, foams and cleansing oils. You’ll often come across foaming body washes, but experts warn that these can be irritating since they typically have strong surfactants, which are chemicals like sulfates that help cleanse the skin while stripping and drying it. If you have sensitive skin, choose a body wash that has a thick and creamy consistency, which means it generally relies on oils for hydration without harsh disruptors.
Because sensitive skin is highly reactive, it’s best to stay away from factors that may trigger an unwanted reaction. One of the most common causes of irritation is fragrance, so consider a fragrance-free body wash when possible, according to our experts. Other types of irritants you’ll want to be cautious of include sulfates, dyes, parabens, sulfates and formaldehyde releasers.
You may notice some body washes have a “soap-free” label on their packaging. Soap-free body washes have a pH level that is closer to the natural pH of the skin, says Gohara. “Soap-free cleansers are arguably more effective at cleansing because they keep the barrier intact and limit skin compromise while optimizing moisture,” says Gohara.
Some body washes will also have a “detergent-free” label. This means that it does not contain harsh surfactants that can strip the skin of natural oils, according to Gohara. Instead, they have emulsifying ingredients that break up excess dirt and oil to clean the skin, says Huang.
Another common label you might see on your body wash says the product is “noncomedogenic,” which means it won’t clog pores or cause unwanted breakouts. This is important to consider if you have sensitive skin and are prone to acne or folliculitis (a bacterial infection of the hair follicles), according to Huang.
Frequently asked questions
What causes sensitive skin?
There are a few reasons why someone might have sensitive skin. Some causes can include acne, rosacea, eczema, genetics, environmental factors or self-inflicted barriers, such as introducing harsh products into your skin care routine, according to Gohara.
If you believe you have sensitive skin, our experts recommend consulting with your dermatologist to determine your exact skin type and its underlying causes.
What happens if you don’t treat sensitive skin?
Overusing certain active ingredients like retinol or cleansing your skin with harsh soaps can cause your sensitive skin to get irritated, dry and flaky, says Gohara. Instead, use products for your specific skin type and consider gentle ingredients, and noncomedogenic and soap-free formulas. Our experts also recommend working with your dermatologist to find a suitable treatment plan.
How do you properly shower if you have sensitive skin?
To protect your skin, there are a few things to keep in mind before stepping into the shower. “In general, it is not about how frequently you wash your body but how you wash your body,” says Huang. Caring for your sensitive skin continues even after your shower — primarily, it’s important to reintroduce moisture that may have been lost while washing your body, according to experts.
Short showers. Although you don’t have to limit how often you shower, you do want to limit how much time you spend taking one. You’ll want to limit your showers to roughly five minutes; otherwise, you can start to reduce the natural oils in your skin, which ultimately breaks down the skin barrier, says Huang.
Temperature. A hot shower can also make you lose some of the natural oils in your skin. It can also worsen skin conditions like eczema, and may cause you to feel an itching sensation, according to our experts. Rinse your body with warm or cold water instead, which won’t dry out your body the same way hot water would, says Huang.
Avoid harsh bath products. Certain bath tools like loofahs, sponges or washcloths are not always necessary when bathing. Instead, consider applying your body wash with your hands because they aren’t as likely to irritate your skin, says Huang.
After showering, pat your skin semi-dry and avoid any harsh rubbing. Next, while your skin is still damp and you have the humid environment of the bathroom, you’ll want to apply your preferred lotion or cream, says Huang. By lathering your skin in a moisturizer within minutes of exiting the shower, you can lock in ambient humidity and moisture, according to Gohara.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. William Huang is a board-certified dermatologist and professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine’s Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist with the Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut and an associate clinical professor at Yale University.
I’m an associate reporter covering new product launches and beauty and wellness topics, including recent stories on the best body serums and the best bar soaps. For this piece, I interviewed dermatologists about sensitive skin and the best way to combat irritation and reduce sensitivity. I also compiled a list of their recommendations, NBC Select-staff favorites and highly rated options that align with expert guidance.
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