As someone with sensitive and eczema, I can attest to the importance of choosing a body wash that is appropriate for your skin type in a world full of options. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. William Huang, those with sensitive skin should pick a body wash that doesn’t irritate or overdry their skin.
For this reason, I talked to dermatologists on how to properly wash and take care of your skin as well as what to look for when purchasing a body wash for sensitive skin. Along with the body washes I’ve personally used, I also compiled a list of their top picks.
GO Ahead and SkipHow did I choose the finest body washes for sensitive skin? What is the best body wash for sensitive skin? How can I shop for body washes for sensitive skin? Why should I trust NBC Select?
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Best overallVanicream Gentle Body Wash
$11.29$12.49Amazon
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Best shower oilBioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
$undefined$31.99Amazon
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Best for dry skinCeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
$9.29$11.99Walgreens
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Most soothingCetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Wash
$undefined$18.10Amazon
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How I picked the best body washes for sensitive skin
The majority of body washes often feature a label on the packaging that says it’s safe for delicate skin. However, our experts advise taking into account the following considerations while deciding which solutions won’t irritate you:
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Ingredients:
Look for ingredients that either maintain or repair your naturalskin 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.
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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 andsulfates
, 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.
Related
Your body wash could be drying out your skin
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Best body washes for sensitive skin
For sensitive skin, these dermatologist-recommended body cleansers are mild and nourishing.
Best overall:
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
- Safe for all ages
- Softens skin
- Smaller size
- Not in pump packaging
Huang suggests this gentle body cleanser for people with eczema, contact dermatitis, and sensitive skin. It contains glycerin, a typical humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, and is soap-free. According to the manufacturer, this wash is also devoid of common irritants like dyes, parabens, and sulfates.
Cream consistency, no fragrance, no soap, no comedogenicity, and the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Best shower oil:
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
- Safe for all ages
- Can be for face and body
- Large size
- Higher price point
- Has added fragrance
My physician suggested this body wash, which I use every day since it leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated without irritating it or triggering flare-ups, because I have dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. According to the brand, the washing oil is made for extremely dry to irritated, sensitive skin and contains glycerin and niacinamide, which have calming qualities and can help balance tone and texture. In my experience, a few pumps of this oil produce a smooth lather that extends the product’s shelf life. There are also travel-sized and smaller sizes of this washing oil available if you don’t want a large bottle.
Oil consistency, lack of fragrance, soap-free status, noncomedogenic status, and National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance status
Best for dry, sensitive skin:
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
- Supports the skin barrier
- Softens skin
- Long-lasting moisture
- May be hard to squeeze out
Huang claims that this body wash hydrates and calms the skin by combining hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. According to reviews, this thick and creamy cleanser is excellent for dry, sensitive skin because it keeps the skin hydrated and smooth without irritating it. This is because, according to the company, it is free of irritants like parabens and sulfates. CeraVe advises using gentle circular motions to apply this cleanser before rinsing for optimal results.
Consistency: Cream | Noncomedogenic: Yes | Fragrance-free: Yes | Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association: Yes
Best 2-in-1 body wash:
La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash
La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash
- Safe for all ages
- Safe for chemotherapy patients
- Can be for face and body
- Nothing to note at this time
If your skin is extremely dry and sensitive, you might choose to use this body wash, which is also mild enough for your face. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara says this shampoo contains moisturizing shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide, along with selenium-based spring water to reduce inflammation. According to the company, massage the lotion onto your face and body after working it with your hands until the creamy consistency turns into a foam.
Cream to foam consistency, noncomedogenicity, lack of fragrance, and National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Most soothing:
Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Wash
Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Wash
- Supports the skin barrier
- Long-lasting moisture
- Hypoallergenic
- May be hard to squeeze out
Some of our favorite sensitive, eczema-prone, and acne-prone skin care products are made by Cetaphil. The brand claims that its moisturizing components, such as glycerin and shea butter, and antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin B3 (commonly known as niacin), which maintain the skin barrier, help fight dryness, irritation, roughness, and tightness of the skin. Reviewers claim that this is a great choice if you have sensitive, older skin and that it helps lessen the feel and look of dry, irritated skin.
Consistency: Cream | Noncomedogenic: Yes | Fragrance-free: Yes | Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association: Yes
Best anti-inflammatory body wash:
Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Body Wash
Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Body Wash
- Calms the skin
- Lathers well
- Pump can be difficult
As a natural moisturizer and cleanser with anti-inflammatory and anti-itch qualities, oats are one of the body wash’s most notable constituents and are ideal for anyone with sensitive to normal skin, according to Huang. According to Aveeno, this wash also contains pro-vitamin B5, glycerin, and aloe to hydrate dry skin.
Noncomedogenic: n/a | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: No | Cream consistency | Fragrance-free: Yes | Soap-free: Yes
Best for all ages:
Honest Company Sensitive Shampoo + Body Wash
Honest Company Sensitive Shampoo + Body Wash
- Safe for all ages
- Tear-free
- Can be for hair and body
- Nothing to note at this time
This two-in-one product has mild components that are excellent for both your body and your hair, even though dermatologists often advise against using your shampoo as a body wash. According to the manufacturer, this body wash for sensitive skin is appropriate for all ages, including infants, and contains glycerin for hydration along with chamomile extract and aloe leaf juice, all of which have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Consider using the Soothing Therapy Eczema Body Wash if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. It uses prebiotics and colloidal oats to help manage my skin during severe flare-ups.
Gel to foam consistency; fragrance-free status; soap-free status; noncomedogenic status; and National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance status
Best creamy body wash:
Av ne XeraCalm Nutrition Shower Cream
Av ne XeraCalm Nutrition Shower Cream
- Soothes skin
- Softens skin
- Supports the skin barrier
- Has added fragrance
Gohara recommends this creamy body wash because it is devoid of the most common irritants, such as silicones, parabens, aluminum, and sulfates. Rather, the brand claims that it contains glycerin to provide moisture, milk thistle oil to cleanse and fight dryness, niacinamide to maintain the skin barrier, and thermal spring water to help calm the skin. Either the normal size or the large version, which includes a pump for convenient use, are available for purchase.
Cream consistency, no fragrance, soap-free status, noncomedogenic status, and National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance status
Best scented body wash:
Dove Hypoallergenic Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Dove Hypoallergenic Sensitive Skin Body Wash
- Lathers well
- Creamy consistency
- Long-lasting moisture
- Has added fragrance
Consider this Dove body wash, a Select staff favorite, if you like a rich, creamy lather. It has a faint aroma. According to the makers, it contains soybean oil to leave your skin feeling soft even after you’ve taken a shower and glycerin to help maintain moisture. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio adds, “It’s the only body wash I use because it’s so gentle on my easily irritated skin.” It has a wonderful, subtle smell as well.
Cream consistency, no fragrance, no soap, no comedogenicity, and no National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Best for acne-prone, sensitive skin:
Seen Body Wash, Fragrance Free
Seen Body Wash, Fragrance Free
- Lathers well
- Reduces irritation
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Nothing to note at this time
According to the makers, this body wash is designed especially to cleanse and balance eczema, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, even though it is appropriate for all skin types. According to reviews, it doesn’t leave a residue, doesn’t deprive the skin of oil, which makes it feel tight and dry, and helps avoid breakouts. According to Seen, the formulation contains glycerin to condition, bisabolol to soothe, and hemisqualane to wash the face instead of preservatives, sulfates, and other usual irritants.
Gel to foam consistency, fragrance-free status, soap-free status, noncomedogenic status, and National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance status
Best for skin barrier health:
Byoma Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Byoma Sensitive Skin Body Wash
- Supports skin microbiome
- Soothing
- Free of common irritants
- May be hard to dispense
According to the brand, this body wash, which has an average rating of 4.6 stars based on more than 130 reviews at Target, contains prebiotics, oats, and other ingredients to gently cleanse the skin and relieve discomforts including itching, dryness, irritation, and more. Reviewers say it fixes their dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema problems rather than aggravating them, and they adore how mild and moisturizing it is.
Cream consistency, no fragrance, no soap, no comedogenicity, and yes for the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Best anti-itch body wash:
Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Body Wash Fragrance-Free
Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Body Wash Fragrance-Free
- Hypoallergenic
- Gentle formula
- Maintains skin barrier
- Has naturally occurring scent
With an average rating of 4.5 stars based on more than 450 reviews on Amazon, users who have dry, itchy, and sensitive skin say this body wash is great because it leaves their skin feeling calmed and much less uncomfortable after each wash. The brand claims that the ceramides, vitamin E, panthenol, and oats in its recipe aid to revitalize and nourish the skin.
Cream consistency, no fragrance, no soap, no comedogenicity, and no National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
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How to shop for sensitive skin body wash
Dermatologists advise searching for elements that will cleanse, moisturize, and prevent irritation when choosing a body wash for sensitive skin. Our experts offer some advice below for those looking to purchase a body wash for sensitive skin.
Ingredients
According to our specialists, you should look for elements that can moisturize and maintain your skin barrier because scrubbing your skin might remove natural oils, which dries it out. According to Huang, other components to search for are shea butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and avocado and soybean oils.
According to our specialists, glycerin is one of the best substances you can use in your body wash. Gohara claims that because it is a natural humectant, it draws moisture into your skin to help keep it from drying out. 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.
Consistency
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.
Limited irritants
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.
Soap- and detergent-free
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.
Noncomedogenic
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
There are a few reasons why someone might have sensitive skin. Some causes can includeacne,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.
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.
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.
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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 likeloofahs
, 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.
Meet our experts
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.
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Dr. William Huang
is a board-certified dermatologist and professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine s Department of Dermatology.
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Dr. Mona Gohara
is a board-certified dermatologist with the Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut and an associate clinical professor at Yale University.
Why trust NBC Select?
I m anassociate reportercoveringnew product launchesand beauty and wellness topics, including recent stories on thebest body serumsand thebest 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.
Catch up on NBC Select s in-depth coverage oftech and tools,wellnessand more, and follow us onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokto stay up to date.