As a beauty editor who tests a lot of products, it can be challenging to find products for sensitive skin that won’t cause breakouts or irritation. And I’m especially picky about which body wash I use. Thankfully, there are lots of options that are moisturizing, soothing and smell fresh, too. Although I have a few favorites I’m excited to tell you about, I also asked some of my fellow PureWow editors to share their picks for the best body washes for sensitive skin and consulted two dermatologists for their best advice when shopping for our skin type. From my go-to Dove Ultra Sensitive Body Wash to Osea’s Undaria Algae Body Wash, keep reading to find the right one for you.
The 11 Best Body Washes for Sensitive Skin, Vetted by Editors
Including Dove, CeraVe and more
•
Published Sep 2, 2024
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Dasha Burobina/PureWow
The Best Body Washes for Sensitive Skin at a Glance
1
Best Overall Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Dove Ultra-Sensitive Body Wash
read more
2
Best Fragrance-Free Body Wash for Sensitive skin
Jason Sensitive Skin Body Wash
read more
3
Best Scented Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Saltair Pink Beach Body Wash
read more
4
Most Hydrating Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Native Lilac & White Tea Body Wash
read more
5
Best Body Wash for Dry Skin
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
read more
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Maren Locke is a board-certified dermatologist and CeraVe brand partner. She is also the founder and director of Carlyle Dermatology in Florida. She specializes in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Her practice offers full-body examinations, skin cancer treatments and reconstructive surgery. She has a bachelor of science in Biology from the University of North Carolina and her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine.
- Dr. Kiran Mian is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair, skin and nails. She has a bachelor of science from Rutgers University and a medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She’s also a cosmetic consultant for Sephora and serves as volunteer faculty at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai University.
How I Chose Best Washes for Sensitive Skin
As noted before, I’m constantly testing body washes to see which one worked for my sensitive skin. In 2024 alone, I’ve tried at least 20 body washes and a few have made this list. Aside from my personal recommendations, I asked PureWow editors to share their go-to body washes for sensitive skin. From there, I did a deeper dive into each product’s key ingredients and reviews to see if it fit the criteria of what the dermatologists I interviewed for this story identified as important: formula, ingredients and scent notes.
Want more beauty tips sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here.
Best Overall Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
1. Dove Ultra-Sensitive Body Wash
What We Like
- gentle formula
- rich latther
- dermatologist-approved
What We Don't Like
- thin consistency
Dove
When polling my colleagues, there was an overwhelming consensus that Dove is the best overall body wash for sensitive skin. I’ve been using Dove for years and it has never let me down in cleansing and hydrating my skin minus irritation. While they have a ton of formulas in their collection, the fan favorite is the Ultra-Sensitive body wash. Formulated with 10 gentle ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and salicylic acid, Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth always has it in her arsenal. “I've used a number of different Dove body washes, but this one is particularly great for sensitive skin for two main reasons: it's fragrance-free and has minimal ingredients. It feels so silky smooth and suds up just right, so I feel like I’m getting a deep clean without going full bubble bath. It leaves my skin feeling clean, healthy and happy with no irritation.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid
- Fragrance Free: yes
Best Fragrance-Free Body Wash for Sensitive skin
2. Jason Sensitive Skin Body Wash
What We Like
- gentle formula
- fragrance-free
- great lather
What We Don't Like
- finicky pump
Jason
If you’re looking for another fragrance-free option, Assistant Editor of Branded Content Madeline Merinuk recommends a body wash that uses a blend of oat and aloe extract that’s not overpowering in the scent department. “I have the most sensitive skin ever. I can't use anything with fragrance (even essential oils) or I’ll immediately have issues, which is why I really love the Jason Sensitive Skin Body Wash. It's inexpensive and it lathers well, while still leaving my skin feeling hydrated. I use it for washing my body and for shaving,” she shares.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: oat extract, aloe extract
- Fragrance Free: yes
Best Scented Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
3. Saltair Pink Beach Body Wash
What We Like
- hydrating
- rich, foamy lather
- softens skin
What We Don't Like
- thick texture
Saltair
For some of us, there’s nothing wrong with a little fragrance in our body wash. Luckily, Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay found one that’s suitable for sensitive skin and smells amazing. “This body wash strikes the perfect balance between both cleansing and hydrating. Thanks to the gel-like formula (coconut oil and fermented pink oil), it lathers up to a thick but malleable foam. It even helped soothe a tender sunburn that was healing on my shoulders. ‘Pink Beach’ is my personal go-to because I can't get enough of the coconut island goodness.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: coconut oil, coconut phospholipids, fermented pink oil
- Fragrance Free: no
Most Hydrating Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
4. Native Lilac & White Tea Body Wash
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- gentle formula
- moisturizing
What We Don't Like
- finicky lid
Native
Native is praised for its nourishing ingredients (like coconut oil), which works to moisturize dry, sensitive skin. As you lather up in the shower, editors and reviewers alike say it feels refreshing, while still being gentle on your skin. Director of Branded Content Rachel Gulmi shares, “I love the Native body wash in the ‘Lilac and White tea’ scent! It smells so good and it doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry. I found that a little goes a long way since it lathers up nicely.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: coconut oil
- Fragrance Free: no
Best Body Wash for Dry Skin
What We Like
- awarded Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association
- kid-friendly
- gentle formula
What We Don't Like
- not great oily skin
Vanicream
Executive Editor Alexia Dellner recommends this Vanicream body wash for sensitive skin. She raves about its non-irritating and moisturizing formula, which includes purified water, glycerin and coco-glucoside (a coconut-oil derived ingredient). The gentle wash is loved for its mild lather, while also being a great option for the kiddos, too. Plus, it has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, so you know it’s the real deal.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: purified water, glycerin, coco-
- Fragrance Free: yes
Most Moisturizing Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
What We Like
- moisturizing
- foamy lather
- leaves skin super soft
What We Don't Like
- hard to squeeze product out
CeraVe
According to Associate Editor Marissa Wu and Dr. Locke, this CeraVe body wash is, hands down, the most moisturizing body wash on the list. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, the creamy formula turns into a foamy lather that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin. Wu shares, “My skin runs normal-to-dry, and when using bar soap, my legs often become scaly if I don’t apply lotion [afterwards], especially in drier climates. However, after using CeraVe body wash (while visiting my hometown in California), I noticed that it had solved my reptilian skin problem after a couple of days.” BTW, the body wash also has a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides
- Fragrance Free: yes
The TikTok Famous Body Wash for Sensitive skin
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- great for dry skin
- hydrating
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Necessaire
This body wash is all over my For You Page—and for good reasons. It’s not only coined the one of best-smelling body washes, but it's a great choice for sensitive skin. It has niacinamide to support your skin’s barrier and eucalyptus oil to soothe skin, along with other carrier oils (like meadowfoam and marula) that are both rich in vitamins and omegas to nourish and prevent dryness. Hepworth previously shared, “This body wash feels so lovely and lathers just the right amount without turning into a full-on bubble bath. As someone who almost always opts for the ‘scent free’ version of body care, I actually enjoy the Hinoki scent and appreciate that it lingers just a little bit when you get out of the shower but isn't overpowering and doesn't stick to my clothes.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: niacinamide, eucalyptus oil, meadowfoam oil, marula oil
- Fragrance Free: no
Best K-Beauty Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
What We Like
- hypoallergenic
- safe for babies
- leaves skin super soft
What We Don't Like
- pricey
ILLIYOON
Beauty Director Jenny Jin is a big fan of the K-beauty skincare brand ILLIYOON and she recommends their ceramide-based body wash for sensitive skin. Thanks to the gentle formula, the 3-in-1 can be used on your skin, hair and face. It claims it can remove 99.9 percent of germs without stripping away your natural oils. It's also hypoallergenic and moisturizing, as safe for babies, too. Jin adds, “It’s so gentle on my skin. It lathers nicely, has a pump top that makes it easier to dispense [product] and it never makes my skin feel dry.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: ceramides
- Fragrance Free: yes
Creamiest Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
What We Like
- creamy formula
- lightweight
What We Don't Like
- thin consistency
Billie
Most known for their shaving products, Billie has recently joined the body wash game and so far, I’m impressed. I’ve tried the whole collection, but the ‘Bounce’ body wash is my absolute favorite to use in the shower. The nourishing formula has hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and peptides to boost elasticity. It has a gel-like consistency that turns into a super creamy lather, so I don’t have to spend too much time rubbing it over my body. It’s lightweight and so hydrating even after stepping out of the shower. At first, I was nervous about the vanilla cedar scent, but surprisingly, it didn’t irritate my sensitive skin (or nose) at all. With warm and earthy notes, it transports me to my very own spa right at home.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides
- Fragrance Free: no
Most Luxurious Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
10. Osea Undaria Algae Body Wash
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- gentle foamy lather
- moisturizing
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Osea
If you’re a fan of Osea’s body oils and balms like I am, you’re going to love their latest launch. The body wash cleanses and hydrates without stripping my skin. A common ingredient found in most of their products is undaria seaweed, which promises to lock in moisture and brighten skin. It has a great foaming effect that spreads evenly throughout across my body without much effort. Plus, the citrusy fragrance is calming and relaxing in the shower.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: undaria seaweed
- Fragrance Free: no
Best Dermatologist-Approved Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
11. Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash
What We Like
- gentle formula
- moisturizing
- dermatologist-tested
What We Don't Like
- hard to squeeze out product
Cetaphil
Dr. Mian recommends this gentle body wash for sensitive skin because “it’s formulated with glycerin, panthenol and aloe vera, which help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier while gently cleansing,” she shares. The body wash is also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: aloe vera, vitamin B5
- Fragrance Free: yes
What to Consider When Shopping for Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
- Gentle Formulas: Dr. Locke recommends searching for body washes with simple formulations that gently cleanse without stripping the skin barrier. “Opt for body washes that create a creamy or mild foam lather and have a smooth texture to them. [You want to] avoid anything with added physical exfoliants like beads or grains,” she explains.
- Seal of Acceptance: Dr. Locke suggests looking for the stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association. These seals can give some peace of mind since you know the wash has been tested and approved for sensitive skin.
- Ingredients: Some common ingredients to look for that are suitable for sensitive skin include ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Dermatologists Recommend for Cleaning the Body?
Both dermatologists agree that your hands are the best way to cleanse your body. They say washcloths and loofahs can be too abrasive for sensitive skin. “The gentlest method is using your hands, especially for sensitive skin. It creates an effective lather without disrupting the skin barrier or causing irritation,” says Dr. Locke.
Is It Better to Use Body Soap or Body Wash for Sensitive Skin?
“Body wash is the better choice for sensitive skin compared to soap. Traditional soaps often contain harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate. These can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and skin barrier dysfunction. Instead, choose a body wash with gentle soap-free cleansing ingredients to effectively remove dirt without compromising the delicate skin barrier,” advises Dr. Locke.
Should Those with Sensitive Skin Avoid Body Washes with Scents?
If you know fragrances irritate your skin, the derms suggest avoiding them at all costs. “Fragrance is one of the most common causes of irritation, so I recommend a fragrance-free body whenever possible for my sensitive skin clients,” says Dr. Mian. If you’re not sure, she recommends doing a patch test before using a new body wash. “Everyone’s skin is different. If you love your scented body wash and don’t experience irritation following a patch test then it’s fine for you to use,” she concludes.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.