Deciphering ingredient labels to find gentle products, potential red flags, and why a skin-neutral pH matters.
What exactly is sensitive skin and how do I know if I have it?
Sensitive skin is simply skin that’s more reactive than usual, playing the greatest hits of irritation—redness, itching, flakes, etc. The number of people who report having sensitive skin is on the rise… way on the rise: 71% up from 55% in the past 20 years, according to a meta-analysis from Johns Hopkins.
All of that to say, you’re in good company!
Curious about exfoliating sensitive skin? Read our gentle exfoliation guide here.
What causes sensitive skin?
Common causes include:
Chronic skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis
Environmental triggers like harsh soaps, hot water, pollution, cold air, or wind
A weakened skin barrier, which makes it easier for irritants to get in and moisture to escape
How to choose a safe, soothing body lotion for sensitive skin
You’re looking for a routine that will actively soothe irritation while not causing any more. That’s where choosing a good body lotion for sensitive skin can make a difference.
🚩 Red flags—things to avoid when looking for the best body lotion for sensitive skin.
✖️ Synthetic fragrance and essential oils - Fragrances can contain hidden irritants—known contact allergens and drying alcohols. This can be true even for “natural” fragrances or essential oils.
✖️ Alcohols and solvents - Sometimes used as preservatives or to adjust texture, ingredients like alcohol denat or SD alcohol can strip your skin’s moisture, leaving it tight, red, or flaky.
✖️ Potent actives like acne fighters or exfoliants - Leave ingredients like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or exfoliating acids out of your daily lotion.
✖️ Parabens - While considered safe in low doses, many choose to avoid these preservatives as they can mimic estrogen and cause allergic reactions. Go with a paraben-free body lotion instead.
✅ Green flags—what makes the best body lotion for dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
✔️ Fragrance-free body lotion (not just “unscented”) - Even ‘unscented’ products can contain masking fragrances. Fragrance-free is a safer bet.
✔️ A pH-balanced body lotion - A slightly acidic pH that mimics your skin’s (about 4.7 - 4.9) helps keep your skin barrier intact and your microbiome thriving. 💅
✔️ Non-comedogenic moisture - A lotion that won’t clog pores is great for those with acne-prone or KP-prone skin. Bonus—this means you can use it on your face.
✔️ Barrier boosters and hydration heroes - Look for ingredients that support a strong skin barrier and lock in moisture:
Glycerin - a powerful hydrator
Shea butter - repairs and nourishes the skin barrier
Caprylic/capric triglyceride - a coconut-derived emollient
Tocopherol Acetate (aka Vitamin E) - protects lipids in the skin barrier
Jojoba oil - structurally similar to human sebum, which makes it extra barrier-compatible. It’s also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Why Boie is a better lotion for sensitive skin
Boie’s Body Lotion is specifically formulated and clinically proven safe for sensitive skin. Dermatologist-approved with no harsh ingredients and no filler.
Boie’s skincare is:
✔️ Fragrance-free, dye-free, and paraben-free
✔️ No unnecessary additives
✔️ Balanced to your skin’s natural pH
✔️ Non-comedogenic (face-safe!)
Make the switch to our non-toxic, non-irritating, made-for-sensitive-skin Body Lotion.