The 12 Best Body Washes for Sensitive Skin of 2021

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While most of us likely keep an eye on the ingredients we put on our faces, those with sensitive skin will know the importance of choosing soothing, calming products for our bodies as well. When you've got itchy, red, or inflamed skin to contend with, avoiding chemical-laden lotions and heavily perfumed body scrubs isn't just a preference but a necessity.

If this sounds like you, we understand, which is why we've rounded up a few tried-and-true sensitive skin-friendly body wash picks. After all, keeping your skin freshly scrubbed is the first step in any well-rounded body care regimen.

Here, the best body washes for sensitive skin available on the market. These formulas were sourced from far and wide, and real customers say they're effective at cleansing the skin without making it angry.

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Rahua's shower gel is clean beauty–certified at Sephora—it's vegan, cruelty-free, and made with USDA-certified organic ingredients. We love its scent, which is equal parts earthy and floral thanks to the essences of lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla, and palo santo.

'A Rose By Any Other Name' Body Cleanser

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Aesop is a favorite among clean-beauty enthusiasts—just take one step into its clean, minimalistic brick-and-mortar stores and you'll see why. Its products are effortless, pared-back, and effective, yet also kind of decadent. We know that doesn't make sense, but hopefully, this body wash clears things up. The rose scent is light and lovely, and the formula is gentle and hydrating.

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As for a drugstore pick, you can't go wrong with this Alba Botanica shower gel. The affordable pick has oatmeal, turmeric, and antioxidants to soothe skin and calm inflammation—no parabens, phthalates, harsh sulfates, artificial colors, or synthetic fragrances.

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The name of this body wash is Get Happy, and rest assured, there isn't a happier scent out there. The geranium and peppermint awaken, enliven, and uplift, which is why it's best for morning shower people (at least we think so). The best part is that it's literally made with only eight ingredients—that's it.

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Dr. Bronner's Castile soap is one of my secret weapons. I rarely talk about it, but I've been a loyal fan since I first tried it all the way back in high school. I use it every single day, without fail, as a body wash (and sometimes as a face wash too).

While I initially fell in love with the peppermint version, I've found the unscented version to be much more gentle on my sensitive skin. It thoroughly cleanses without stripping or irritating my skin, and it's made with good-for-skin, fair-trade ingredients. I'm genuinely obsessed. (Plus, it's a bargain. One bottle lasts me months.)

1851 Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-To-Foam Body Cleanser 2.5 oz/ 75 mL

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This Kiehl's product is another favorite. What starts out as a moisturizing oil slowly transforms into a sudsy foam as you rub it into your skin. One of the key ingredients is castor oil, which is known for its super-moisturizing properties.

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If the brand name doesn't tell you already, the ingredient list will. This shower gel is formulated without harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin. Instead, it uses eucalyptus, green tea, and seaweed to refresh, hydrate, and soothe.

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Weleda is the same company that makes the cult-favorite moisturizer celebrities like Rihanna, Adele, and Victoria Beckham swear by. This sensitive skin-friendly body wash uses organic almond oil, along with other mild plant-derived ingredients to cleanse without stripping.

Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash 6.8 oz/ 200 mL

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Here's another body wash (this one made from rose essential oil to calm, cleanse, and moisturize) that's earned Sephora's clean beauty certification.

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If luxuriousness is the main selling point for you, try this cult-favorite cleansing oil from French company L'Occitane. It transforms from an oil to a milky texture as you rub it between your hands, working to soften, smooth, and moisturize the skin. If your main concern is dryness, this one might be for you.

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Bioderma's shower oil is specifically formulated for use on sensitive skin. It's ultra-moisturizing, smoothing, and works to leave skin feeling comfortable and soft for upward of 24 hours (which means it's comparable to the aforementioned L'Occitane product).

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This body wash is made with a small number of wholesome ingredients we can actually pronounce, like jojoba oil, aloe, honey, and various essential oils (which sounds lovely, no?).

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