The Best Soaps for Sensitive Skin in 2024

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Anyone with sensitive skin knows how important it is to use grooming products that are safe for their skin type. Use the wrong formula, and you may find yourself suffering from signs of sensitivity like irritation, dryness and itchiness.

When it comes to your bathing routine, how do you pick a soap that won’t aggravate the skin? The key is knowing exactly what types of formulas to look for – as well as what to avoid. In order to make it easier for you to find your perfect match, we’ve created the ultimate guide to the best soaps for sensitive skin in 2023.

Choosing a Soap for Sensitive Skin: What to Look For and What to Avoid

In order to pick a soap that will properly care for your sensitive skin without triggering aggravation, you need to know what ingredients to look for, as well as what ingredients you should pass on.

We recommend seeking out clean formulas if you have sensitive skin, as they are made without common skin irritants like synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, drying alcohols and dyes. Stay away from formulas made with harsh physical exfoliants like ground walnut shells or fruit pits, as they can aggravate the skin barrier. Similarly, avoid formulas made with high concentrations of chemical exfoliants (like glycolic and lactic acids), which can cause irritation.

Now let’s talk about the ingredients to seek out. You’ll want to look for soaps made with moisturizing and soothing ingredients, as well as ingredients that support barrier health to keep the skin as strong and resilient as possible.

Some of our favorite soothing ingredients are colloidal oats, green tea extract, allantoin, aloe, chamomile and Centella asiatica. All of these are able to effectively calm irritation and redness for a more comfortable complexion.

As far as moisturizing and hydrating ingredients go, we recommend looking for formulas made with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, honey, sugarcane extract, squalane, plant oils and glycerin. These will counteract dryness and support barrier health to keep the skin supple, soft and comfortable.

The Best Soaps for Sensitive Skin

Ready for clean, calm and healthy skin? Here’s our list of the best soaps for sensitive skin.

1. Blu Atlas Body Wash

If you have sensitive skin, you can’t go wrong with the Blu Atlas Body Wash. This cleanser has a clean formula that is free of potential irritants like synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It’s powered by high-quality natural ingredients that nourish, hydrate and soothe the skin, leaving it feeling soft and super comfortable. In fact, 99% of the ingredients in this premium formula are derived from natural origins.

This vegan and cruelty-free body wash is infused with green tea extract, an anti-inflammatory ingredient that soothes the skin to reduce redness and irritation. It’s also loaded with antioxidants that defend the skin against damaging free radicals. This extract works alongside Aloe barabadensis leaf juice, a lightly hydrating, antioxidant-rich ingredient that is known for its ability to calm the skin.

As these powerful ingredients support skin comfort, sugarcane extract (yet another ingredient packed with antioxidants) works to gently exfoliate the skin for a smoother look and feel. It also acts as a humectant, drawing hydration to the skin and locking it in.

What makes this body wash ideal for sensitive skin is that, instead of harsh sulfates, it uses the power of coconut-derived emollients, which gently cleanse the skin without stripping away moisture or triggering irritation. The product comes in two scent options that are created using natural fragrances, so you never have to worry about artificial scents aggravating your skin.

2. Skinfix Eczema+ Foaming Oil Body Wash

This is one of our top recommendations for those with sensitive skin prone to eczema – although anyone with easily aggravated skin will appreciate the gentle, soothing formula. The vegan and cruelty-free Eczema+ Foaming Oil Body Wash from Skinfix is designed to refresh the skin as it boosts moisture levels and reduces signs of sensitivity, including redness, itchiness and irritation. The dermatologist-tested formula is made without common irritants like fragrances, sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

This oil-based body wash is made with anti-inflammatory colloidal oatmeal, which has been shown to relieve itchiness and aggravation and lock moisture into the skin. It is joined by aloe vera juice, which further soothes as it hydrates and softens the skin. Additionally, the formula contains apricot, jojoba and sunflower oils, all of which nourish the skin while deeply moisturizing.

In order to properly cleanse the skin, this mild body wash is made with coconut-derived surfactants. They work into a foam that washes away impurities without disrupting skin health.

If you need more proof that this body wash actually works, take a look at the dermatologist-led clinical results. After one week of using the formula, 89% of participants agreed that their skin was left hydrated, cleansed and soothed.

3. Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar

If you prefer to stick with bar soaps, we recommend checking out the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. Dove always hits it out of the park when it comes to affordable sensitive-skin-friendly products, and this bar soap is no exception. The dermatologist-tested formula is hypoallergenic and made without sulfates, parabens or fragrances, and is designed to leave the skin feeling soft and soothed.

This cruelty-free bar soap, which can be used on both the body and the face, has a simple formula that gives sensitive skin exactly what it needs. It is made with the company’s unique moisturizing cream, which makes up for a quarter of the formula. This cream leaves the skin feeling super moisturized and smooth. As this cream supports moisture levels, gentle surfactants work to remove dirt, debris and other impurities from the skin, helping to refresh without causing irritation or stripping away moisture.

4. Hempz Sensitive Skin Calming Herbal Body Wash

The Sensitive Skin Calming Herbal Body Wash from Hempz has a deeply moisturizing and soothing formula that is powered by pure hemp seed oil. This ingredient (which is free of THC) is loaded with amino acids, omega fatty acids and vitamin E. It nourishes and calms to promote a stronger, healthier and more comfortable complexion that is less prone to irritation.

In addition to the hemp seed oil, this budget-friendly body wash contains the company’s oatmeal complex, which softens, moisturizes and calms the skin. This complex is joined by cocoa, shea and mango seed butters, all of which soothe and seal moisture into the skin while fortifying and promoting a more even complexion.

As these ingredients get to work, avocado, apricot kernel and sunflower seed oils deeply moisturize and nourish the skin. The formula also contains glycerin, a humectant that hydrates the skin, as well as soothing Aloe barbadensis leaf juice and chamomile extract. This product is vegan and cruelty-free, and contains no artificial fragrances or parabens.

5. Tom’s of Maine Natural Beauty Bar Fragrance Free Sensitive

A bar soap we highly recommend for sensitive skin comes from natural grooming brand Tom’s of Maine. The budget-friendly, dermatologist-tested soap is made with high-quality ingredients that support the skin’s natural moisture levels, leaving it smooth and supple. It’s made to be gentle on the skin, and is vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without artificial colors, fragrances or preservatives.

The gentle Natural Beauty Bar is crafted with organic Aloe barbadensis leaf juice. This natural ingredient soothes the skin as it lightly hydrates and provides antioxidant benefits.
It is joined by glycerin, which draws moisture to the skin and locks it in so that it stays adequately hydrated. The bar also features mild surfactants derived from palm and coconut that effectively cleanse without causing irritation or dryness.

6. Native Unscented Body Wash

We’ve always been impressed by Native’s formulas, and this body wash is no exception. It comes in a variety of scent options; however, for those with easily aggravated skin that is sensitive to fragrances, we recommend the unscented version.

The Unscented Body Wash has a simple, no-frills formula. It contains quality ingredients that refresh the skin, leaving it feeling clean and soft rather than irritated or dry. The formula is powered by two cleansers derived from coconut oil, as well as a gentle cleansing salt. Together, these ingredients effectively wash away dirt, debris and impurities without causing irritation, itchiness, dryness or redness.

Like many of our other recommended body washes, this product has a clean formula that is vegan, cruelty-free and made without sulfates, phthalates or dyes. Best of all, it’s offered at an affordable price.

7. Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser

Drunk Elephant is one of our go-to clean skin-care brands, and the company’s Kamili Cream Body Cleanser does not disappoint. This body wash is packed with powerful ingredients that replenish the skin’s moisture levels as they calm and comfort. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, and is made without potential irritants, including fragrances, sulfates, dyes and drying alcohols.

This body wash works into a mild, creamy foam that thoroughly yet gently cleanses the skin. It is powered by coconut-derived surfactants, which are packed with fatty acids that hydrate and soften the skin. These surfactants are joined by an amino acid blend that strengthens the skin’s barrier as it calms and moisturizes.

Additionally, this formula features sacha inchi seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids. It deeply moisturizes as it soothes sensitive skin to reduce irritation. It’s joined by marula oil, which is loaded with fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish and defend the skin. Maracuja oil further moisturizes and calms, while ingredients like glycerin, sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil and panthenol lock in hydration and nourish. All of these ingredients work to seal in moisture and protect the skin against environmental aggressors. The skin is left feeling soft, healthy and calm.

8. Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap

The Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap is one of the most affordable products on this list. The budget-friendly bar soap is specifically created for skin prone to irritation, itchiness and other signs of sensitivity. It contains no fragrances, dyes or other potentially aggravating ingredients, and has a mild formula that leaves the skin feeling comfortable and clean.

This soap is made with anti-inflammatory aloe vera extract, which hydrates and soothes the skin. Chamomile extract works alongside the aloe, further working to reduce irritation for healthy and comfortable skin.

Additionally, this formula features almond oil, a hydrating ingredient known for its ability to soothe the skin. It is rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals. Glycerin also works to draw hydration to the skin, while beeswax helps soften and prevent water loss. These skin-supporting ingredients work alongside gentle cleansers that purify the skin.

9. Nécessaire The Body Wash, Fragrance Free

Nécessaire has swiftly gained popularity in the skin-care and body-care world because of their high-performance products. For those with sensitive skin, one of our favorite products is the unscented version of the company’s body wash. This gel-oil formula is loaded with highly effective ingredients that replenish, fortify and calm the skin as they gently whisk away debris. The non-stripping and hypoallergenic body wash is made without sulfates, phthalates or parabens.

Nécessaire’s The Body Wash is formulated with niacinamide, a soothing ingredient known for its ability to restore skin barrier health and promote a more even skin tone. It works alongside marula oil, which is loaded with omega fatty acids and vitamins C and E. This oil deeply moisturizes and conditions the skin as it nourishes and protects against free radical harm. It is joined by meadowfoam seed and cacay oils, which further boost moisture levels and fortify the skin.

Additionally, this formula features the antioxidant vitamin E, and glycerin, which draws hydration to the skin. Antioxidant-rich sugarcane extract hydrates as it gently exfoliates to soften the skin, while plant-derived surfactants work into a mild foam that thoroughly cleanses the skin.

Clinical study results show that 92% of participants agreed their skin felt healthy after 14 days of using the product. Eighty-seven percent noted that their skin felt nourished, while 85% said their skin felt balanced.

10. Odele Soothing Body Wash

This Odele body wash is specifically made for sensitive skin that is prone to dryness, itchiness and other signs of aggravation. It balances moisture levels and supports barrier health as it calms for happy, healthy skin. We love the affordable price point and the clean formula, which is vegan, cruelty-free and free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances.

The allergy-tested Soothing Body Wash is formulated with oat kernel flour that moisturizes and strengthens the skin as it soothes and reduces irritation and itchiness. It works alongside glycerin, which hydrates, as well as mild surfactants that are able to effectively whisk away dirt and debris without negatively impacting sensitive skin.

The Odele wash has a calming, subtle scent that is made using 100% naturally derived materials. The fresh scent features notes of cucumber and aloe, and doesn’t overpower the senses.

11. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash

Aveeno is known for creating top-quality formulas that are particularly effective for sensitive skin. Their Skin Relief Body Wash is made to restore and soothe dry and itchy skin, and is formulated to be suitable for those prone to eczema. It is hypoallergenic, and made without fragrances, parabens, dyes or soap.

This mild body wash, which is sold at a budget-friendly price, features a complex made of three oat-derived ingredients. Oat extract works to dramatically reduce irritation, itchiness and redness. Oat flour and oat oil work in tandem to moisturize and condition dry skin while restoring barrier health.

As these ingredients get to work, Commiphora myrrha oil works to reduce eczema symptoms and other signs of sensitivity for a more comfortable complexion. Cardamom seed and coriander fruit oils also provide antibacterial benefits, while glycerin attracts moisture to the skin and locks it in.

12. Saltair Fragrance Free Body Wash

This Saltair body wash is loaded with botanicals and other ingredients that ensure the skin is left feeling smooth, soft and comforted. It has a clean formula that is vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without parabens or sulfates. The company offers several fragrance options, but for sensitive skin, we recommend the fragrance-free version.

The Saltair Fragrance Free Body Wash is made with a fermented oil complex, which features olive, sunflower seed and argan oils. Along with coconut water, this complex works to replenish the skin with moisture as it supports barrier health and nourishes the skin. These ingredients are joined by sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid, which are both humectants. They work to attract water to the skin and lock it in for long-term hydration.

Additionally, this formula features niacinamide, which soothes as it enhances barrier health and improves the appearance of uneven skin tone. At the same time, biodegradable cleansing agents help thoroughly wash the skin without stripping away moisture or causing irritation or itchiness.

Beyond the high-quality formula, what we love about this body wash is the eco-friendly packaging, which includes a recyclable 100% aluminum bottle. You can also order the body wash without a pump to reuse the pump from your initial order, ultimately helping to cut down on waste.

13. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Eczema and Psoriasis Therapy

This SheaMoisture bar soap is one of our top recommendations for anyone with sensitive skin that is prone to eczema or psoriasis. The affordable product is formulated with natural ingredients that work together to calm the skin and reduce symptoms of these conditions. This cruelty-free and clean formula is made without potential irritants, including sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

One of the star ingredients of the African Black Soap Eczema and Psoriasis Therapy bar soap is organic shea butter, a nourishing, fatty acid-rich ingredient that seals moisture into the skin to counteract dryness. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and will ensure the skin stays calm and comfortable. It works alongside cocoa pod ash, willow bark extract and tea tree oil, which heal, soothe and repair the skin as they purify and cleanse.

Additionally, this bar soap is made with oat-derived ingredients that help moisturize as they calm the skin and reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions. Glycerin also helps hydrate, while coconut, palm and sunflower seed oils condition, nourish and moisturize for healthy and soft skin.

14. Acure Seriously Soothing Fragrance-Free Body Wash

If you’re looking for a drugstore brand that offers clean, high-quality products at an affordable price, check out Acure. For those with sensitive skin, one of our favorite products from the brand is the Seriously Soothing Fragrance-Free Body Wash. As the name indicates, the gentle formula is crafted to calm and reduce signs of aggravation as it hydrates, softens and cleanses the skin. It contains no potential irritants such as fragrances, sulfates and parabens.

This creamy vegan and cruelty-free body wash is made with camellia seed oil, a natural ingredient loaded with fatty acids and antioxidants. It not only defends the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals, but also seals moisture into the skin to fight against moisture loss. This oil works alongside anti-inflammatory Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, which hydrates as it soothes the skin, as well as calendula flower extract, another anti-inflammatory ingredient that moisturizes and nourishes as it reduces irritation.

This formula also features argan kernel oil, which nourishes and moisturizes, as well as glycerin, which works to hydrate the skin. The body wash is infused with other ingredients that further work to soothe, soften and fortify the skin, including blackberry fruit, Rosa canina fruit and matricaria flower extracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you buy one of the soaps from the list above, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about caring for sensitive skin.

What triggers aggravate sensitive skin?

Everyone’s skin is different, which means certain triggers may cause irritation for one person but not another. That said, there are some common elements that are known to aggravate sensitive skin.

If you have sensitive skin, it is important to make sure that the skin-care and grooming products you use in your routine – such as body washes, lotions and makeup – are free of the irritating ingredients outlined above. These include synthetic fragrances, sulfates, drying alcohols and parabens. If you know certain ingredients irritate your skin, you’ll want to avoid formulas with those as well.

There are other external factors that may aggravate sensitive skin. Hot water can trigger sensitive skin, so it’s best to shower in warm water to keep your skin comfortable. Speaking of showering, scrubbing your skin with a loofah or washcloth may also irritate the skin.

Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can affect the skin, as can pollution. Some people may also find that their skin reacts when they eat spicy food, as it can cause inflammation in the body.

How can you soothe sensitive skin?

The first step is to stop using any products that might be contributing to flare-ups, and to avoid exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures. After that, you’ll want to start treating the skin to calm it down. Soothing moisturizers made with ingredients like colloidal oats, green tea extract and Centella asiatica can help reduce signs of sensitivity while restoring moisture to the skin. You can also try natural remedies, such as aloe vera or an oatmeal mask. In more extreme cases, a medical professional may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription-strength steroid cream.

How can you tell if a grooming product will irritate your skin?

Even if you’ve chosen a product that appears to be safe for sensitive skin, you might be worried it will still cause irritation. The best way to determine whether a formula is safe for your skin is by doing a patch test. Simply apply a small amount of the product to clean and dry skin. Pick an inconspicuous spot, like your inner elbow.

Cover the spot with a bandage to avoid accidentally removing the product, and leave it alone for 24 hours (unless you experience an immediate negative reaction, in which case you should wash it off). If your skin doesn’t show any signs of sensitivity, you should be able to use the product without issues. You can repeat this process over a few days to be 100% certain the formula is safe for your skin.