Body wash without fragrance for sensitive skin

What should you look for on the bottle?

Look for "fragrance free", "gentle", "moisturizing" and "for sensitive skin". "Unscented" is not interchangeable with "fragrance free": unscented products generally contain ingredients that mask other smells and can irritate dry skin. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are moisturizing ingredients that can help reduce dryness. Fragrance is not needed to remove dirt and oil, so your shower does not need a signature scent.45

Soap free cleansers use cleansing agents other than traditional soap. These synthetic detergent cleansers, also called syndets, cause less dryness and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin than soap. For eczema, a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin, a mild liquid cleanser is a useful starting point. "Natural" is not a shortcut to gentleness: botanical ingredients can also cause irritation or allergy.15

Two body washes to consider

Neither formula is a promise of irritation free washing. Fragrance, preservatives, botanicals and even some moisturizing ingredients can cause reactions, so avoid any ingredient you already know you are allergic to. Sodium laureth sulfate is not the same as sodium lauryl sulfate; the latter is more irritating. A higher price alone is not a reason to choose a cleanser, because the receipt is not a skin care credential.5

How should you use it?

1. 1Wet your skin with warm, not hot, water. Keep the shower brief; about five minutes is a practical starting point for reducing dryness.
2. 2Apply the body wash to wet hands or a soft washcloth. Both brands allow these methods. Avoid bath brushes and abrasive washing tools.
3. 3Lather and massage gently. Concentrate cleansing on areas that need it, especially the armpits and groin, rather than soaping every inch daily.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly, then pat gently with a towel. Leave a little water on the skin rather than rubbing it completely dry.
5. 5Apply a fragrance free moisturizer within three minutes. For very dry or eczema prone skin, choose a cream or ointment rather than a light lotion.

Do you need to use body wash every day?

Daily showering is a general guideline, not a fixed requirement. Adjust washing to sweat, activity, weather and dryness. Daily washing is also possible with eczema if showers stay short and lukewarm. If skin becomes dry, itchy, irritated or scaly, review how often you shower as well as the cleanser. Too much washing removes moisture and can weaken the skin's protective barrier.16

When is changing body wash not enough?

Stop using a cleanser that causes stinging, redness, itching or swelling. A dermatologist can help with persistent irritation or eczema that needs treatment alongside gentle skin care. If you use acne treatments, adding an acne cleanser can increase dryness and irritation. During targeted cancer therapy, use a gentle fragrance free cleanser and report new dryness or other skin changes to your cancer care team immediately.157