Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin: Our Top Picks for Gentle Cleansing

Sensitive skin can be a tricky thing to manage, especially when it comes to finding the right body wash. Many body washes contain harsh chemicals that can irritate or dry out sensitive skin, leaving it feeling uncomfortable and itchy. That’s why we’ve spent hours researching and testing to find the best body washes for sensitive skin.

When it comes to body wash for sensitive skin, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to look for a body wash that is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. These can all irritate sensitive skin and cause discomfort. Additionally, you want to look for a body wash that is pH balanced, as this will help to maintain the natural balance of your skin.

After researching and testing a range of body washes, we’ve identified the best options for those with sensitive skin. These body washes are gentle, effective, and free from harsh chemicals, making them the perfect choice for anyone looking to soothe and nourish their sensitive skin.

Best Body Washes for Sensitive Skin

We understand how challenging it can be to find the right body wash for sensitive skin. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various body washes to bring you the best options available. Our roundup includes body washes that are formulated with gentle ingredients, fragrance-free, and suitable for all skin types. Whether you have eczema, psoriasis, or just easily irritated skin, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best body washes for sensitive skin below.

1) Dove Hypoallergenic Body Wash for Sensitive Skin

If you’re looking for a gentle and nourishing body wash for sensitive skin, Dove Hypoallergenic Body Wash is a great option.

Pros

• This body wash has a hypoallergenic formula that soothes dryness and is gentle on sensitive skin.
• It’s made with millions of MicroMoisture droplets and plant-based moisturizers, leaving skin soft and smooth.
• The luxurious lather and hypoallergenic fragrance make for a pleasant shower experience.

Cons

• Some users might find the fragrance too strong for their liking.
• It may not eliminate the need for body lotion after your shower.
• The formula may not work for everyone with extremely sensitive skin.

We’ve been using Dove Hypoallergenic Body Wash for Sensitive Skin for a while now, and we’re impressed with its gentle formula. The body wash lathers well and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. We also appreciate that it’s made with plant-based moisturizers and is sulfate and paraben-free.

One thing to note is that the fragrance might be too strong for some users, but we personally enjoy it. Additionally, while it does leave skin feeling moisturized, it may not eliminate the need for body lotion after your shower.

Overall, if you’re looking for a gentle and nourishing body wash for sensitive skin, Dove Hypoallergenic Body Wash is definitely worth trying.

2) Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash

If you’re looking for a body wash that’s gentle on sensitive skin, Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash is a great option.

Pros

• The Triple Oat formula soothes and moisturizes itchy, dry skin all day long.
• It’s free of sulfates, fragrances, parabens, dyes, and soap, making it safe for daily use.
• It’s allergy-tested and dermatologist-recommended, so you can trust that it’s gentle on your skin.

Cons

• The bottle is quite large, which may make it difficult to store in smaller bathrooms or showers.
• Some users may prefer a body wash with a scent, as this product is fragrance-free.
• It may not lather as much as some other body washes, which could take some getting used to.

We’ve been using Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its ability to soothe and moisturize dry, itchy skin. The Triple Oat formula is effective without being harsh, and it leaves our skin feeling soft and smooth all day long.

One thing to note is that the body wash doesn’t have a scent, which may be a pro or a con depending on your personal preference. We appreciate that it’s free of fragrances, as these can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.

Overall, we would recommend Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash to anyone with dry, itchy, or sensitive skin. It’s a gentle, effective option that’s free of harsh chemicals and safe for daily use.

3) Cetaphil Body Wash

We highly recommend purchasing the Cetaphil Body Wash for those with dry, sensitive skin.

Pros

• Provides 24-hour dryness relief with Advanced Moisture Blend including Glycerin, Shea Butter, and Soybean Oil.
• Soothes for instant and 24-hour dryness relief leaving skin feeling soft with a blend of ultra-moisturizing ingredients including avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and shea butter.
• Creamy rich formula helps restore skin’s moisture barrier and helps prevent from the drying effects of water, instantly leaving skin feeling silky soft.

Cons

• Can be a bit pricey compared to other body washes on the market.
• The lack of fragrance may not be ideal for those who prefer a scented body wash.
• Some users may find the texture to be too thick and creamy.

We were impressed with the Cetaphil Body Wash’s ability to provide 24-hour dryness relief without leaving our skin feeling greasy or oily. The creamy rich formula helped restore our skin’s moisture barrier and left our skin feeling silky soft. We appreciated that it was dermatologist tested and specifically formulated for sensitive skin, making it a safe and reliable option for those with dry, sensitive skin.

Overall, if you’re looking for a body wash that will provide long-lasting moisture and relief for dry, sensitive skin, we highly recommend giving the Cetaphil Body Wash a try.

4) CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin

If you’re looking for a body wash that is gentle and moisturizing, CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin might be the right one for you.

Pros

• The formula contains hyaluronic acid to attract needed moisture to skin’s surface and 3 essential ceramides (1,3 and 6-II) to help repair the skin’s protective barrier.
• It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, soap-free, and non-comedogenic.
• The body wash is accepted by the National Eczema Association and suitable for normal to dry skin.

Cons

• The body wash is thicker than other brands and doesn’t thin out well with water.
• The bottle is a squeeze bottle and doesn’t come with a pump.
• It might be difficult to get the last of the product out of the bottle.

We have been using CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin for a couple of weeks now and we are impressed with how it cleanses and moisturizes our skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry. The foaming formula forms a gentle lather that cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. The body wash is easy to use and can be paired with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to lock in moisture.

The body wash is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help retain the skin’s natural moisture and glycerin to help moisturize. It also contains essential ceramides that are necessary for healthy skin and help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. We appreciate that the body wash is fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, soap-free, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for normal to dry skin.

Overall, CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin who need a gentle and moisturizing body wash.

5) Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

If you’re looking for a body wash that cleanses and deeply moisturizes the skin, Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is a great option.

Pros

• With 24hr Renewing MicroMoisture, this body wash leaves the skin renewed and healthy-looking for 24 hours.
• Formulated with millions of MicroMoisture droplets, it leaves the skin soft as silk.
• This sulfate-free body wash is vegan and Dove is PETA approved, meaning they do not test on animals, anywhere in the world.

Cons

• Some users may not like the fragrance.
• It may not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin.
• The pump dispenser may not work properly at times.

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is a nourishing body wash that deeply moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. Developed with millions of MicroMoisture droplets and plant-based moisturizers, it gently cleanses and nourishes the skin’s living protective layer. It’s also formulated to regenerate the skin’s natural moisture and is specially designed for soft skin.

What sets this body wash apart is its 24hr Renewing MicroMoisture, which leaves the skin renewed and healthy-looking for 24 hours. It’s also vegan and PETA approved, meaning it’s a product you can feel good about using.

However, some users may not like the fragrance, and it may not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin. Additionally, the pump dispenser may not work properly at times.

Overall, Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is a great option if you’re looking for a nourishing body wash that deeply moisturizes the skin.

6) Aveeno Calm + Restore Daily Body Wash

We highly recommend the Aveeno Calm + Restore Daily Body Wash for those with sensitive skin. This gentle cleanser with oat, aloe, and pro-vitamin B5 soothes and leaves skin feeling nourished all day long.

Pros

• Specially designed to be gentle for sensitive, distressed, dry skin
• Dermatologist-recommended brand for over 70 years
• Formulated without parabens, sulfates, fragrances, soaps, or dyes

Cons

• Some users may find it expensive compared to other body washes
• May not lather as much as other body washes
• Some users may prefer a scented body wash

The Aveeno Calm + Restore Daily Body Wash is formulated for sensitive skin and is free of fragrances, parabens, soaps, sulfates, and dyes. It gently cleanses without drying the skin, leaving it feeling soothed and moisturized all day long. The body wash is part of a clinically proven effective regimen on the distressed skin of adult oncology patients.

The rich formula contains antioxidant oat, aloe, and pro-vitamin B5 that nourish and soothe the skin. It is suitable for daily use and is packaged in a bottle made with 30% Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic.

Overall, the Aveeno Calm + Restore Daily Body Wash is an excellent choice for those with sensitive, distressed, dry skin. It is gentle, nourishing, and effective, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a body wash that will leave their skin feeling healthy and moisturized.

7) Dove Ultra Sensitive Body Wash

If you’re looking for a body wash that’s gentle on sensitive skin, we recommend trying Dove Ultra Sensitive Body Wash.

Pros

• Made for sensitive skin: This body wash is designed to provide a gentle all-over cleanse for even the most sensitive skin.
• Carefully formulated: With only 10 essential ingredients and no fragrance, this body wash is carefully formulated to be gentle on your skin.
• Clinically proven ingredients: Co-created with dermatologists and beauty experts, this body wash is infused with clinically proven ingredients to nourish and care for your skin.

Cons

• May not lather as much: Some users have reported that this body wash doesn’t lather as much as other products they’ve used.
• May not be moisturizing enough: If you have very dry skin, you may find that this body wash doesn’t provide enough moisture.
• May not have a strong enough scent: If you prefer body washes with a strong scent, you may find this product to be too mild.

If you’re looking for a body wash that’s gentle on sensitive skin, Dove Ultra Sensitive Body Wash is a great option. This body wash is carefully formulated with only 10 essential ingredients and is fragrance-free, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. The gel formula transforms into a bubbly lather to gently cleanse and care for sensitive skin.

One of the best things about this body wash is that it’s co-created with dermatologists and beauty experts, so you can trust that it’s been formulated with your skin’s needs in mind. The clinically proven ingredients help to nourish and care for your skin, while the gentle formula provides a soothing cleanse that won’t leave your skin feeling stripped or dry.

One potential downside of this body wash is that it may not lather as much as other products you’ve used. Some users have also reported that it may not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin. Additionally, if you prefer body washes with a strong scent, you may find this product to be too mild. However, if you’re looking for a gentle, fragrance-free body wash that’s designed specifically for sensitive skin, Dove Ultra Sensitive Body Wash is definitely worth trying.

8) Vanicream Gentle Body Wash

If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a body wash that won’t irritate it, we highly recommend Vanicream Gentle Body Wash.

Pros

• This body wash is gentle on the skin and helps remove dirt and oils without drying it out.
• It is formulated without common chemical irritants such as dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers.
• Vanicream products are dermatologist tested and awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

Cons

• The consistency of the body wash is quite thin, so be careful not to squeeze too hard on the bottle.
• The bottle size is smaller than some other body washes on the market.
• The body wash doesn’t lather as much as some other body washes.

We’ve tried many body washes for sensitive skin, and Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is one of the best we’ve found. It’s gentle and effective, and it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin.

One of the things we love about this body wash is that it’s mild enough for dry skin, but it still effectively cleanses the skin. It doesn’t leave any residue or film on the skin, and it doesn’t dry it out either.

Another great thing about Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is that it’s gluten-free, sulfate-free, and soap-free. This makes it a great option for people with multiple sensitivities.

Overall, we highly recommend Vanicream Gentle Body Wash for anyone with sensitive skin. It’s gentle, effective, and free of harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin.

Buying Guide

When choosing a body wash for sensitive skin, it’s important to consider certain features to ensure that the product is gentle and effective. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Ingredients

The first thing to look for in a body wash for sensitive skin is the ingredients list. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, as these can cause irritation and dryness. Instead, look for products that are free from sulfates, parabens, and other potentially harmful ingredients. Consider using products that are formulated with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and oatmeal.

pH Balance

The pH level of your skin is around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Therefore, it’s important to choose a body wash that is pH-balanced to avoid disrupting the natural balance of your skin. Look for products that are labeled as pH-balanced or have a pH level of around 5.5.

Moisturizing Properties

Sensitive skin tends to be dry and easily irritated, so it’s important to choose a body wash that is moisturizing. Look for products that contain ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, which can help to hydrate and soothe the skin.

Hypoallergenic

If you have sensitive skin, you may be prone to allergic reactions. To avoid this, look for body washes that are labeled as hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a body wash that is gentle and effective for your sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top dermatologist-recommended body washes for sensitive skin?

Dermatologists often recommend fragrance-free and hypoallergenic body washes for sensitive skin. Some of the top dermatologist-recommended body washes include Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash, and Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash.

How can I find a body wash for sensitive skin that also helps with itching?

Look for body washes that contain ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or chamomile, which can help soothe itchy skin. Some body washes that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin also contain anti-itch ingredients like pramoxine hydrochloride.

Are there any scented body washes suitable for sensitive skin?

While fragrances can be irritating to sensitive skin, some body washes are formulated with mild fragrances that are less likely to cause irritation. Look for body washes labeled as “fragrance-free” or “hypoallergenic,” and avoid body washes with strong fragrances.

What ingredients should I look for in a body wash for sensitive, eczema-prone skin?

Look for body washes that are formulated with gentle, moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and shea butter. These ingredients can help soothe and hydrate eczema-prone skin. Avoid body washes that contain harsh ingredients like sulfates, which can strip the skin of its natural oils.

Can men use the same sensitive skin body washes as women, or are there specific products?

Men can use the same sensitive skin body washes as women, as long as the product is formulated for all skin types. However, some men may prefer body washes with more masculine scents or packaging.

What are the most effective body washes for sensitive skin according to user reviews on Reddit?

According to user reviews on Reddit, some of the most effective body washes for sensitive skin include Vanicream Gentle Body Wash, Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash, and Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil. However, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.