Showering is one of the most basic forms of self-care, but for those with sensitive skin, finding a body wash that won't cause irritation can be a challenge. Luckily, we're here to help, whether you're after a dermatologically tested shower cream for eczema, or an SLS-free body wash for dry skin.
We've done the research to find out which ingredients people with sensitive skin should look for and avoid when shopping for a body wash - including the 10 best body washes for sensitive skin in the UK!
Quick List - Top Body Washes for Sensitive Skin
Faith In Nature
Fragrance, Sulphate and Alcohol Free Vegan Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Bioderma
Nourishing Shower Oil With Visible Results After Only 1 Week
Tree to Tub
pH Balanced With Aloe Vera and Chamomile to Calm Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil
Body Wash With Shea Butter and Niacinamide for Extremely Dry and Eczema-Prone Skin
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Table of Contents
If you spot any, or worse, a combination of these ingredients on the label, proceed with caution. This is especially if they appear higher up on the list, as this means the product contains a high concentration of it):
The fewer the amount of ingredients in a body wash, the lesser the chance of it containing elements that could trigger a reaction. Now that you know which ingredients to avoid, here are some that you want to look out for to effectively moisturise, soothe and strengthen sensitive skin:
After cleansing, try using a body oil to nurture sensitive skin and lock in moisture.
pH is one of several factors that contribute to healthy skin. A high pH value can be too drying and depleting for the skin, which damages the acid mantle and skin barrier.
Your skin is the healthiest when the pH is balanced, between 4.5 and 5.5. To cultivate an ideal pH environment for the skin, especially if it is already sensitive, it's important to look for body washes that are between this range.
Not every sunscreen is suitable for those with sensitive skin-types, which is why we've ranked the 10 best sunscreens for sensitive skin!
It can often be difficult to discern whether a product is vegan or cruelty-free, by simply reading the ingredients list. For example, there is some controversy over whether glycerin is vegan and cruelty-free. However, a large portion of glycerin is derived from plants, so its inclusion does not necessarily mean that you should skip the product entirely.
To be completely sure, always check if the product is explicitly marked as suitable for vegans and cruelty-free by looking on the label or going to the company's website. Cruelty-free products will usually have the leaping bunny logo somewhere on the packaging, which shouldn't be too hard to miss. We've also included this information in our spec table to help you out.
Click here to view our ranking for the best 10 cruelty-free foundations in the UK!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Faith In Nature Fragrance Free Body Wash for Sensitive Skin|400 ml | ![]() | Fragrance, Sulphate and Alcohol Free Vegan Body Wash for Sensitive Skin | |
2 | Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil for Very Dry Sensitive Skin|1 L | ![]() | Nourishing Shower Oil With Visible Results After Only 1 Week | |
3 | Tree to Tub pH 5.5 Balanced Sensitive Skin Body Wash|250 ml | ![]() | pH Balanced With Aloe Vera and Chamomile to Calm Sensitive Skin | |
4 | Cetaphil PRO Hydrating Body Wash for sensitive skin|295 ml | ![]() | Body Wash With Shea Butter and Niacinamide for Extremely Dry and Eczema-Prone Skin | |
5 | Healsporin Hydrating Body Wash for Psoriasis and Sensitive Skin | ![]() | Formulated to Relieve Symptoms of Painful, Dry and Flaky Skin | |
6 | Sukin Sensitive Soap Free Body Wash|500 ml | ![]() | Soap-Free, Natural Body Wash for Sensitive Skin | |
7 | La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet Lipikar Syndet AP+ Body Wash|400 ml | ![]() | Ultra-Gentle Body Wash That Can Be Used on the Face | |
8 | Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Body Wash|500 ml | ![]() | Dermatologist Tested, Moisturising Body Wash for Sensitive Skin | |
9 | Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Body Wash For Sensitive Skin|354 ml | ![]() | Lightly Scented Body Wash With Oat and Coconut Oil | |
10 | Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Wash|200 ml | ![]() | Body Wash With Organic Almond Oil to Balance Skin Moisture Levels |
Formulated without fragrance, essential oils, SLS, or colouring, Faith in Nature's pure and simple body wash is great for gently cleansing and rejuvenating sensitive skin. 99% of the ingredients are derived from natural origins, and it contains hydrating elements such as glycerin.
Although it's SLS-free, this body wash will still lather up into a luxurious foam that you can also use in the bath. Better yet, this body wash is vegan society approved, cruelty-free and the entire bottle is recyclable. So not only is it good for the skin, it's good for the environment too!
A little goes a long way with this indulgent shower oil from Bioderma. It has a mild foaming action for gentle cleansing, and soothing formula for dry, chapped and sensitive skin.
Vegetal biolipids help repair skin by forming a protective barrier, with die-hard users claiming that you can see visible results after just one week. Plus, the oil base means that it's not always necessary to follow up with a lotion as the skin will remain hydrated for up to 24 hours - great if you're always in a rush!
Satisfy your body's thirst and allow it to heal with this gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. It contains wild-grown soapberries to clean and refresh, without causing irritation, and a calming blend of organic botanicals for softer skin.
Shea butter nourishes, aloe vera hydrates and calms, while cucumber and chamomile soothes in this body wash that has a subtle yet refreshing citrus aroma. Free of toxins, SLS, silicone, gluten and artificial additives, this product is even delicate enough to use on babies.
If you have severely dehydrated skin or eczema, this mild body wash from Cetaphil will be a godsend. It gently cleanses while preserving the skin's natural barrier, alongside moisturising ingredients like shea butter and niacinamide to nourish and restore dry skin.
This dermatologist recommended body wash does not contain any irritants that may aggravate sensitive skin. It's hypoallergenic, and free from fragrances, SLS, alcohol, parabens, and essential oils. Cruelty-free and vegan friendly too, this body wash can be used by a wide range of folks with sensitive skin!
Dermosoft Decalact is a potent antibacterial included in this body wash from Healsporin. It helps to ward off microorganisms that commonly cause skin problems, without irritation. Together with anti-inflammatory Arnica and calming chamomile, it works to reinforce the skin's protective barrier, preventing inflammation and infection.
Using gentle exfoliation, it's effective for even the most sensitive skin. Capable of both repairing and replenishing damaged skin, whether you're looking to treat eczema, relieve psoriasis, or simply get rid of dry and scaly skin once and for all, this body wash could be your answer!
Sukin's sensitive body wash is made with a calming botanical blend, including green tea to gently cleanse and refresh sensitive skin. This soap-free body wash is designed to be non-drying, which is great for replenishing and soothing very dry skin with a combination of aloe vera, cucumber and chamomile.
While it's suitable for all skin types, it's formulated without any sensitising ingredients, making it mild enough for even the most inflamed and sensitive skin. For the price, you get a decent sized bottle. Plus, it's cruelty-free and vegan friendly!
Right off the bat, you can tell this body wash is ultra-gentle as it can be used on both the body and face. In fact, La Roche-Posay's Lipikar Wash AP+ is formulated for extremely dry and sensitive skin. A great choice for the entire family, it's even suitable for babies and children.
Packed with nourishing ingredients, including shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide and La Roche-Posay thermal water, it can be lathered up into a glorious foam to cleanse skin effectively, leaving it moisturised for up to 24 hours!
Aveeno's Skin Relief Moisturising Body Wash has been clinically proven to effectively cleanse the skin whilst protecting against dryness. More importantly, it's been formulated and tested to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, which is ideal for those who are prone to skin sensitivities.
Using a prebiotic triple oat complex, which consists of oat flour, extract and oil, it works by balancing the skin's natural microbiome to promote healthy skin. The addition of glycerin further helps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, limiting water loss for improved hydration and resilience.
With soothing oatmeal and a wonderful chamomile aroma, this unique dermatologically tested blend is clinically proven to be as soothing on sensitive skin as many fragrance-free products. Plus, it's soap-free, dye-free and allergy-tested, so you can rest assured that it will not cause any negative reactions.
The body wash contains glyerin and coconut oil to nourish and treat itchy, dry and sensitive skin types. That said, despite the mild scent not causing any irritation, some users have commented that it does take some getting used to.
Weleda has long been a go-to brand for folks with sensitive skin, and this creamy body wash is no exception! The almond aroma is lovely, and will leave your skin feeling soft and supple. On days when you're pressed for time, using this body wash alone can offer sufficient, long-lasting moisture.
This soap-free formulation uses mild, plant-based surfactants to gently cleanse, while shea butter nourishes the lipid layer, aiding in the regulation of the skin's natural moisture balance. The reason it's so low in our ranking is because it does contain fragrance and alcohol, which could be too irritating for some.
Written and researched by Audrey Tan
No. 1: Faith In Nature|Fragrance Free Body Wash for Sensitive Skin|400 ml
No. 2: Bioderma|Atoderm Shower Oil for Very Dry Sensitive Skin|1 L
No. 3: Tree to Tub|pH 5.5 Balanced Sensitive Skin Body Wash|250 ml
No. 4: Cetaphil|PRO Hydrating Body Wash for sensitive skin|295 ml
No. 5: Healsporin|Hydrating Body Wash for Psoriasis and Sensitive Skin
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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