Key ingredients: oat kernel extract, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Eczema: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
Why it’s worth it: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is “most notable for what it doesn’t have: fragrances, parabens, dyes, formaldehyde-releasers, and sulfates,” says Dr. Farber. The soap-free body wash is an excellent option for those with sensitive skin and conditions like eczema and psoriasis since it gently cleanses without stripping skin of its natural moisture (it even has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association). Plus, it’s spiked with glycerin for extra hydration.
Key ingredients: glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How are body washes for sensitive skin different from traditional body washes?
According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, body washes for sensitive skin tend to be formulated with sulfate-free surfactants, which she describes as “less harsh.” “Choices like coco glucoside [which is derived from coconut] or sodium cocoyl glutamate [which is derived from amino acids] are better,” she tells Allure. Cosmetic chemist and BeautyStat founder Ron Robinson adds that sulfates can strip skin of its natural oils and leave it looking and feeling dry, which is why it’s best to avoid them.
Rather than the usual, run-of-the-mill cleanser, Robinson recommends looking for formulas infused with soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing ingredients. These include aloe, green tea, and shea butter, respectively. According to Zenovia Gabriel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Newport Beach, California, body washes tend to have these ingredients more frequently than bar soaps, which is something to keep in mind during your next toiletries haul. “Compared to body soaps, body washes are formulated to be more hydrating and replenishing to the skin,” Dr. Gabriel explains.
Additionally, King tells Allure that sensitive-skinned folks should “avoid body washes that are heavily fragranced.” Robinson elaborates on this: “Fragrances can contain many different components, and some of these components can be irritating to some people.”
How should those with sensitive skin cleanse their body?
According to Timothy Tran, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas, habits like over-exfoliating and rinsing with hot water can lead to skin irritation. “Hot showers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, and over-exfoliating can cause skin sensitivity,” he says.
Dr. Tran recommends washing off with lukewarm water, using chemical-based exfoliators (which means it’s time to ditch your grittier scrubs) with low concentrations of alpha-hydroxy acids, and pat-drying your skin instead of harshly rubbing to dry off after your shower. “Follow up with a fragrance-free moisturizer to help lock in hydration and keep your skin protected,” he adds. “Creams lock in moisture better than lotions do, so when in doubt, opt for the creams!”
Meet the experts
- Zenovia Gabriel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Newport Beach, California
- Michele Farber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Karyn Grossman, MD, a bicoastal board-certified dermatologist
- Timothy Tran, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas
- Ron Robinson a cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
