How to choose products that are actually gentle, red flags for sensitive skin, and why pH matters.
What exactly is sensitive skin and how do I know if I have it?
The term ‘sensitive skin’ gets thrown around a lot… and it’s on the rise! A meta-analysis from Johns Hopkins found that 71% of adults report having sensitive skin—up 55% in the past 20 years (yikes).
If your skin is prone to stinging, flaking, and flushing you may fall into the category of sensitive skin-haver! Don’t worry, you’re in good company.
Curious about exfoliating sensitive skin? Read our gentle exfoliation guide here.
What can cause or irritate sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is simply skin that’s more reactive than usual—think redness, itching, flakes—all that fun stuff.
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
The right body wash can help
While we can’t do much about pollution and wind, we can control what we wash our skin with. The right routine can strengthen, soothe, and hydrate.
🚩 Red flags— things to avoid when looking for a sensitive skin body wash.
✖️ Synthetic fragrance and essential oils - Fragrances can contain hidden irritants—known contact allergens and drying alcohols. They’re especially abrasive when combined with your hot shower water.
✖️ Drying alcohols and solvents - Ingredients like alcohol denat or SD alcohol can strip your skin’s moisture, leaving it tight, red, or flaky.
✖️ Sulfates & Harsh Surfactants - Sulfate cleansing agents can be just as irritating on your skin as your hair. Look for formulas without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
✖️ Potent actives like acne fighters or exfoliants - Leave ingredients like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or exfoliating acids out of your daily body wash.
✖️ Parabens - While these preservatives are considered safe in low doses—many choose to avoid them as they can mimic estrogen and cause allergic reactions. Go with a paraben-free body wash instead.
✅ Green flags— what makes the best body wash for dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
✔️ Fragrance-free body wash (not just “unscented”) - ‘Unscented’ products may still contain masking fragrances. Fragrance-free is a safer bet.
✔️ pH skin neutrality - A slightly acidic pH that mimics your skin’s (about 4.7 - 4.9) helps keep your skin barrier intact and your microbiome thriving. 💅
✔️ Careful cleansers, barrier boosters, and hydration heroes - Look for ingredients that cleanse effectively but also support a strong skin barrier and lock in moisture:
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine - a mild cleanser made from coconut oil that helps reduce irritation.
Decyl Glucoside - derived from coconut and sugar, cleanses without stripping to preserve the skin barrier.
Glycerin - a powerful hydrator that keeps the skin barrier moisturized and flexible.
Citric acid - makes the formula's pH slightly acidic to better match your skin's.
Why Boie is a better choice for sensitive skin
Boie’s Body Wash is specifically formulated and clinically proven safe for sensitive skin. Dermatologist-approved with no harsh ingredients and no filler.
Boie 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 Wash.