7 best body washes for sensitive skin

Avoid the flare-ups when showering with one of these gentle but effective cleansers

Suds without the sore (Getty/iStock)

Showering when you have sensitive skin can be a bit of a pain. Not only are you told not to shower too often (as it can dry skin out further), but choosing the right product can be a nightmare given that every individual with sensitive skin can have different sensitivities and triggers, ranging from perfume to fruit oils to parabens. So, IndyBest has compiled some of the prime products suitable for sensitive skin, which contain as few synthetic ingredients as possible.

We tried to avoid products that include SLSs, which cause shower gels to foam, fragrances (parfum) and parabens. They’re all ingredients that usually cause flare-ups for those with sensitive skin.

All of the below products have been tested on atopic eczema-prone skin and psoriasis-prone skin. As sensitivities can vary from person to person, it is always advisable to patch test a new product and check the ingredients list carefully for any personal allergies or triggers.

Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil, 200ml: £10.50, Lookfantastic

Bioderma’s shower oil really is an indulgence. The thick oil foams slightly and a small amount goes far. It is highly moisturising, scent-free and makes dry, cracked and sensitive skin feel soothed from the first use. The oil contains vegetal biolipids that create a barrier over dry and cracked skin, aiding recovery. The oil base means it is not always necessary to moisturise after if you’re in a rush. After using this product for more than a week, it had minimised patches of dry skin and provided a healthier glow.

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Green People Sensitive Shower Gel, 200ml: £12.50, Green People

This scentless shower gel moisturises while cleaning without any whistles or bells. It leaves skin feeling smooth and moisturised, providing that extra layer of defence that those with sensitive skin require, particularly in the winter months. Rich in antioxidants and soothing marshmallow, the product is free from sodium laureth sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate – ingredients that cause products to foam but can be harsh on the skin – parabens, alcohol, gluten and a range of other known synthetic irritants. It is suitable for vegans and 83 per cent organic. Green People is open about the sourcing of its ingredients, so it’s a brand to choose if you’re particularly interested in organic produce.

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Odylique Aloe Vera Body Wash, 200ml: £8.87, Holland & Barrett

Odylique’s products are 100 per cent natural, so the risk from harsh chemicals is eliminated with the Aloe Vera Body Wash. It is virtually scentless, apart from the faint aroma of botanical extracts, all of which are calming and soothing to the skin. The wash contains aloe vera juice, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil, providing maximum moisture. The wash does what it says on the tin – the lack of harsh chemicals means the risk of reaction is minimised dramatically, and you only need a small amount for a fair lather to produce. A milder cleansing agent is used as opposed to sodium lauryl sulphate. The product is also suitable for vegans and the packaging is fully recyclable (in fact, it itself is made from a recycled milk bottle).

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Sukin Sensitive Body Wash, 500ml: £3.99, Amazon

Sukin, an Australian brand specialising in natural skincare products, is fully vegan, carbon neutral and all natural. Its body wash is thick and oily – you only need to use a small amount, but the pump on the bottle is useful in deciding how much is needed per shower. It is scent-free, and leaves skin feeling moisturised and refreshed when you get out of the shower, even after you’ve dried off. In addition to its adult sensitive body wash, Sukin also has a version for babies – which is equally gentle and less thick than the adult version. After a week of using, the product produced no reaction at all, and left skin feeling clean yet moisturised.

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Weleda Almond Sensitive Body Wash, 200ml: £8.25, Look Fantastic

Weleda has been a staple European brand for those with sensitive skin for a long time, and this smooth and creamy body wash is no exception. It leaves your skin soft and supple after showering. With a light, natural, almond scent, it is nourishing and great for when you’re too busy to moisturise before leaving the house. This wash also comes in travel size, which is useful if you’re travelling and can’t face hotel minis.

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Beauty Kitchen Free From Hair and Body Wash, 300ml: £8, Feel Unique

This multipurpose wash is very sensitive, and is designed to be used with essential oils – giving it versatility if you have a particular oil that is soothing for your skin. Simply mix the base product with an oil of your choice to customise your shower gel. Used alone, it is scentless and can be used on the body and hair. The wash contains algae oil, and foams without any chemicals or SLSs. A good multipurpose product if your scalp is sensitive and needs a break from harsh shampoos and conditioners. This product is useful for those who don’t like clutter in their shower – one product that washes your hair and body in one go, while looking after sensitive skin, is always useful. It leaves your scalp feeling cleansed, and produced no reaction on scalp or body.

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Aviela Shea Butter Liquid Black Soap, 200ml: £17.38, Vitalife Health

Aviela’s Black Soap is a rather distinctive product, as it is not really soap, contains a high amount of raw shea butter, and is entirely free from synthetic ingredients. Baobab oil and neem extract, which are both in the black liquid gel, are known to reduce irritation and itching. It can be used on the face, body and hair – and is so moisturising that it is recommended for shaving on extremely sensitive skin also. It is scentless, and a little goes a long way. Traditionally used in Africa (it’s made in Ghana), this product is a real standalone in terms of the anti-itch qualities and natural contents.

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The verdict: body washes for sensitive skin

While all of the products tested here were great on sensitive skin and did not cause a reaction or irritation, the Best Buy for us was the Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil. As well as being reasonably priced, it leaves skin feeling soft and supple, making it an option to skip moisturiser if you’re in a rush. It goes a long way, and provides an extra layer of protection in cold weather, with the inclusion of vegetal biolipids to protect broken skin so it can heal. It foams without the use of synthetic chemicals, and reduced dry skin patches after prolonged use.