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The Best Body Washes For Sensitive Skin
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In a world full of body washes, finding one that works best for your skin type is essential. "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.
We 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. We also rounded up their favorite body washes to consider.
SKIP AHEAD The best sensitive skin body washHow to shop for sensitive skin body wash
How we picked the best sensitive skin body washGenerally, 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, our experts recommend considering the following factors:
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, according to experts. These ingredients include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, shea butter, soybean oil and avocado oil, according to Huang.
Consistency: If you have sensitive skin, you may want to 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: It's best to 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.
Soap-free: Since many soaps tend to be drying, consider a body wash that's labeled "soap-free", which means it doesn't contain many of the drying ingredients that normal soaps have. These body washes still cleanse the skin but do so without stripping it of natural oils and tend to be more gentle and mild on the skin, according to our experts.
To help cleanse and avoid potential irritation, we rounded up dermatologist-approved body washes that are gentle and hydrating on sensitive skin.
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash for Sensitive SkinVanicream Gentle Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash for Sensitive Skin $ at Amazon
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash for Sensitive Skin $ at Target
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash for Sensitive Skin $ at CVS Pharmacy
This mild body wash comes recommended by Huang for those with sensitive skin, contact dermatitis and eczema. The soap-free product has 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: CreamFragrance-free: YesSoap-free: YesNoncomedogenic: n/aNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing OilBioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil $ at Amazon
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil $ at Target
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil $ at CVS Pharmacy
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: OilFragrance-free: NoSoap-free: YesNoncomedogenic: YesNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: No
CeraVe Hydrating Body WashCeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash $ at Amazon
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash $ at Walgreens
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash $ at Rite Aid
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: CreamFragrance-free: YesSoap-free: YesNoncomedogenic: YesNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face WashLa Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash
La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash $ at Amazon
La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash $ at Ulta
La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash $ at Target
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 foamFragrance-free: YesSoap-free: YesNoncomedogenic: YesNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing WashCetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Wash
Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Wash $ at Amazon
Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Wash $ at Target
Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Wash $ at CVS Pharmacy
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: CreamFragrance-free: YesSoap-free: YesNoncomedogenic: YesNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Body WashAveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Body Wash
Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Body Wash $ at Amazon
Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Body Wash $ at Target
Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Body Wash $ at Walgreens
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: CreamFragrance-free: YesSoap-free: YesNoncomedogenic: n/aNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: No
Honest Company Sensitive Shampoo + Body WashHonest Company Sensitive Shampoo + Body Wash
Honest Company Sensitive Shampoo + Body Wash $ at Amazon
Honest Company Sensitive Shampoo + Body Wash $ at Target
Honest Company Sensitive Shampoo + Body Wash $ at CVS Pharmacy
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 foamFragrance-free: YesSoap-free: n/aNoncomedogenic: n/aNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: Yes
Avene XeraCalm Nutrition Shower CreamAvene XeraCalm Nutrition Shower Cream
Avene XeraCalm Nutrition Shower Cream $ at Amazon
Avene XeraCalm Nutrition Shower Cream $ at Dermstore
Avene XeraCalm Nutrition Shower Cream $ at Skinstore
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: CreamFragrance-free: NoSoap-free: YesNoncomedogenic: YesNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: No
Dove Hypoallergenic Sensitive Skin Body WashDove Hypoallergenic Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Dove Hypoallergenic Sensitive Skin Body Wash $ at Amazon
Dove Hypoallergenic Sensitive Skin Body Wash $ at Target
Dove Hypoallergenic Sensitive Skin Body Wash $ at CVS Pharmacy
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 Select updates editor Mili Godio. "The scent is also great yet subtle."
Consistency: CreamFragrance-free: NoSoap-free: NoNoncomedogenic: n/aNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: No
How to shop for sensitive skin body washWhen 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.
IngredientsSince 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."
ConsistencyBody 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.
Limited irritantsBecause 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.
Soap- and detergent-freeYou 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.
NoncomedogenicAnother 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.
Meet our expertsAt 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. His expertise includes complex medical dermatology, including autoimmune and autoinflammatory skin conditions.
Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist with the Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut and an associate clinical professor at Yale University. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology as well as skin of color.
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter covering skin care and hair care, including neck creams, leave-in conditioners and eye creams. For this piece, she interviewed dermatologists and researched highly rated body washes for sensitive skin that met their guidance.
Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
The Best Eye Creams For Sensitive Skin
This story was written in collaboration with Forbes Finds. Forbes Finds covers products and experiences we think you'll love. Featured products are independently selected and linked to for your convenience. If you buy something using a link on this page, Forbes may receive a small share of that sale.
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Bright eyes immediately light up the face. They create a look that's fresh, revitalized and youthful. While dark circles, fine lines and swelling around the area are classic indicators of fatigue, lack of sleep as well as dehydration. Tired eyes, of course, are also a sign of aging. When eyes look tired, no amount of makeup can truly conceal the lack of rest.
Where staying ageless is concerned, prevention is always the best cure. You are never too young to start an anti-aging regimen, and one of the most essential components of any beauty ritual is care for the sensitive area around the eyes. Apart from the right eye cream to suit your needs and skin condition, your best bet lies in regular maintenance—as well as maintaining a diet, lots of hydration and, yes, sleep.
Here are the best eye creams for sensitive skin:
Fresh Hydrating Eye Gel CreamFRESH
This cooling gel cream is packed with hyaluronic acid, which gives intense hydration to tired-looking eyes for up to 30 hours. Light consistency glides onto the delicate eye area with ease. Natural yet potent ingredients like rose oil, rosewater, Bambara groundnut extract, cucumber extract and golden root extract help bring back radiance to the eyes.
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Drunk Elephant C Tango Multivitamin Eye CreamDRUNK ELEPHANT
This cream from Drunk Elephant is a combination of peptides, various forms of vitamin C and natural extracts to restore firmness and elasticity around the eyes. Ceramides help to replenish and restore radiance. It also helps minimize appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This cream is so gentle that you can use it for both day and night, as it is free of essential oils, alcohol, silicones and fragrance.
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La Mer The Eye Balm IntenseLA MER
La Mer is a trailblazer when it comes to restoring skin to its youthful radiance. Using only the best from Mother Nature, the iconic beauty label is also at the forefront of delivering effective solutions that work with sensitive skin. Case in point: The Eye Balm Intense. This quick-absorbing, light formula soothes skin around the eye area so that is looks rested and revived. Intense hydrating properties help to minimize appearance of fine lines and signs of aging.
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Peter Thomas Roth Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Eye CreamPhoto courtesy of PETER THOMAS ROTH
This new offering from Peter Thomas Roth utilizes botanical ingredients and minerals from Hungarian thermal water to fight signs of aging around the eyes. Botanicals of sunflower, evening primrose, peach, apricot, sea buckthorn berry and flaxseed extracts address fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and uneven skin. Hungarian Thermal water, sourced from the Carpathian Valley, is rich in minerals, helping support skin health and revitalization.
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Supergoop! Advanced Anti-Aging Eye CreamSUPERGOOP!
As we age, skin around the eyes become thinner, which results in dark circles, fine lines and other signs of aging. Supergoop's Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream supports the delicate eye area by shielding it from external stressors, pollutants and other factors that contribute to aging. The additional UVA and UVB sunscreen with mica also helps minimize the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and wrinkles.
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One Ocean Beauty Eye Revival Marine CreamONE OCEAN BEAUTY
The Eye Revival Marine Cream from One Ocean Beauty utilizes Active Marine which is effective in accelerating hyaluronic acid synthesis. As a result, skin is hydrated from deep within and its elasticity is restored. This vegan formulation, ideal for sensitive skin, also uses hexapeptides and tetrapeptides to ease swelling and lighten dark circles.
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Seed to Skin The Eye Rescue DuoSEED TO SKIN
Seed to Skin offers an easy eye rescue system suited for sensitive skin. Following the Light and Night Time Recovery System, The Eye Rescue Duo helps ease swelling, addresses dark circles and nourishes patches of dry skin around the eye area. This duo pack also comes with a massaging applicator with a cooling metal tip that aids reduce swelling and enhance circulation.
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Grown Alchemist Age Repair Eye CreamGrown Alchemist
Complex lipids, fatty acids, vitamins and amino acids are extracted from natural ingredients to create the highly effective yet gentle Age Repair Eye Cream from Grown Alchemist. This formulation restores skin's elasticity and brings backs its firmness. Fatty acids help to reduces appearance of wrinkles and lines. Meanwhile, rich sources of vitamins help to target dark eyes and puffiness.
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Worried About Sensitive Skin? Say No To These 6 Beauty Ingredient Pairings
Finding the right balance requires thoughtful consideration of your skin's unique needs. Individuals with sensitive skin can navigate the world of beauty products with confidence by being aware of ingredient combinations that may pose a risk.Written by saumya pandeyUpdated : November 13, 2023 7:21 PM IST
People with sensitive skin frequently have to be cautious while navigating the wide world of cosmetic products in their quest for healthy, glowing skin. Even while a lot of substances have the potential to change, those with sensitive skin may experience negative responses if certain combinations are used. Patch testing new products, selecting ones with few chemicals, and seeing a dermatologist are all crucial steps in keeping a clear and radiant complexion. Always keep in mind that skincare is a personal journey, and striking the appropriate balance necessitates careful assessment of your skin's particular requirements. Let's look at six beauty product combinations that people with sensitive skin should avoid to offer a skincare regimen that is both mild and effective.
Retinol And Vitamin CTogether, retinol and vitamin C are potent anti-aging combinations that each support collagen synthesis and combat free radicals. But when used together, these strong compounds might irritate and make skin more sensitive. To reduce the possibility of negative reactions, those with sensitive skin should use them separately or under a dermatologist's supervision.
Benzoyl Peroxide And Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)Although benzoyl peroxide is a popular therapy for acne, mixing it with alpha hydroxy acids (such as lactic or glycolic acid) might irritate the skin. When combined, these compounds may cause severe dryness and peeling of the skin. Individually, they may also be harsh on the skin. It is recommended that those with sensitive skin types utilize these components at various times or use softer alternatives.
Salicylic Acid And Vitamin CAs vitamin C brightens and energizes the skin, salicylic acid is well known for its potency in treating acne. But combining them might be too much for skin that is easily irritated. Because salicylic acid can be drying, the combo could make you more sensitive. To get their advantages without jeopardizing the health of your skin, think about introducing them into your regimen on their own.
Essential Oils And Citrus ExtractsAlthough citrus extracts and essential oils may give skincare products a lovely scent, sensitive skin may become irritated by them. These natural substances together may cause photosensitivity, which raises the possibility of sun damage. Ones with delicate skin types have to choose fragrance-free products or ones that utilize a small amount of citrus extracts and essential oils.
Alcohol-Based Products And ExfoliantsProducts with an alcohol component, which are astringent, can deplete the skin's natural oils. The risk of irritation and redness increases when paired with exfoliants, such as those that contain chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or ones that contain abrasive particles. Toners without alcohol should be used for sensitive skin types, and exfoliants should be carefully chosen for their regimen.
Peptides And Vitamin CPeptides and vitamin C are appreciated for their anti-aging properties separately. Combining them, though, could make them less effective. The ideal pH for vitamin C is low, but the ideal pH for peptides is neutral. They might counteract each other's effects when combined. To get the most out of these components and optimize their effects, those with sensitive skin might choose to use them in different regimes.
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