Beauty
Cameras
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others
If your skin is easily irritated, you might need to switch to a mild soap for sensitive skin. You may have had trouble using different beauty products because they weren't hiyang with your skin type. If you don't have an underlying skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, it's likely that you have sensitive skin.
Using soap that's specifically formulated for sensitive skin can help you avoid the itching and redness that occur when you try new skincare products. With guidance from dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison, we have created a guide to help you choose the best soap for your sensitive skin and offer tips on how to reduce irritation.
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
When buying your soap, be sure to check the ingredients list. Keep an eye out for parabens, which are preservatives that can aggravate skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Avoid soaps that contain fragrances and synthetic ingredients, as these are potential skin irritants that could trigger an adverse reaction such as contact dermatitis.
Also take note of the soap’s pH level—soaps that have a high pH level can cause the skin to dry out, as well as cause possible skin inflammation. Ideally, your soap's pH should range from 4-6, so it is not too harsh.
Syndet cleansers (bar or liquid) are ideal for sensitive skin since their pH is close to that of the skin, which ranges from 5.5-7, in order not to disrupt the skin's slightly acidic pH.
Lipid-free cleansers can also be used for sensitive skin and impaired skin barrier because they are non-foaming and have low surfactant capabilities. These types of cleansers are also fragrance-free; thus, they have fewer chances of causing skin irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, you must look for ingredients that are not too harsh on your skin and will not strip it of its natural oils. You may look for products that contain natural plant oils such as coconut and jojoba oil as well as shea butter to soften and moisturize the skin. Ingredients like Aloe vera soothe the skin and relieve itchiness, while chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties.
Oatmeal is beneficial if you want to remove dead skin cells without any harsh exfoliation. It also has skin healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which is great if you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are powerful humectants that work to draw moisture into the skin, so your skin doesn't feel parched when you step out of the shower.
Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have shown its benefits in dry skin and eczema. Shea butter is also added to skin care products because of its ability to restore the skin barrier. Like coconut oil, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which is especially beneficial for those who have eczema.
Jojoba oil is a wax produced from the Jojoba plant and is added to skin care products because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, antioxidant, antifungal, and barrier repair properties that make it suitable for those with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hand eczema, and skin dryness.
Before we get started on what the soap should contain, we must first decide which formulation we're going to choose. Perhaps you prefer the convenience a bar soap has, or maybe you are more partial to the portability of a body wash.
It goes without saying that bar soap is what we are used to when it comes to soaps. It has an easy method of application that does not require the use of any tools such as loofahs or scrubs. You just lather it between your hands and rub it all over your face and body.
Bar soap is more environmentally friendly as you consume less packaging, and generally, it can last you for more extended periods of time, making it more cost-effective in the long run. Just make sure to keep your bar soap dry after use so it doesn't become a breeding ground for bacteria because of the moisture.
Bar soaps are convenient to use because they are not prone to spillage, unlike liquid soaps. They are classified according to the following types: true bar soaps, combar soaps, and synthetic detergents (syndets).
True bar soaps have an alkaline pH of 9-10 and are made for excessively oily or dirty skin. Combar soaps are milder than true bar soaps and they are alkaline soaps to which surface-active agents have been added. They can be used for normal skin.
Syndets contain less than 10% soap and have a pH of 5.5 to 7 to prevent disruption of the skin's pH during cleansing. They are the least damaging to those with sensitive skin and impaired skin barrier.
On the other hand, body washes contain emollients, which seal in moisture and soften the skin, making them more hydrating and mild. Be aware that due to their creamy formula, they can sometimes leave a sticky film on the skin after use—this actually prevents your skin from being dry, so do not worry!
In addition, they're more travel-friendly, as you can easily store them inside your bag without using a separate container. A body wash is also more hygienic, as you only dispense what you need, and you don't end up contaminating the entire product.
Body washes are formulated to minimize skin barrier disruption as a result of cleansing. They contain both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (lipid-loving) ingredients emulsified in a single phase, which makes it possible to cleanse and at the same moisturize the body.
The ammonium laureth sulfate in body washes solubilizes oil-soluble dirt into the rinse water for removal during bathing while the occlusives and emollients are left behind during rinsing to slow down moisture loss from the skin and improve smoothness.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soap Type | Key Ingredient | Product Highlights | Net Weight | ||||||
1 | Dove Sensitive Beauty Bar|Triple Value Pack | ₱259 Low Mid | Best All-Around Soap for Sensitive Skin | Bar Soap | Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid | Dermatologist-Tested, Fragrance-Free, Hypoallergenic | 135g per Bar | ||
2 | Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash | ₱730 Mid | Ultra Gentle Soap Enriched With Aloe vera and Vitamin B5 | Liquid Wash | Glycerin, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Aloe vera, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein | Dermatologist-Tested, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, Hypoallergenic, Non-comedogenic, Defends Against 5 Signs of Skin Sensitivity | 500mL | ||
3 | CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash | ₱789 High Mid | Restore Skin Hydration With Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides | Liquid Wash | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Emollients | Non-comedogenic, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Soap-Free | 296mL | ||
4 | Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash | ₱777 Mid | Soothe Itchiness With Colloidal Oatmeal | Liquid Wash | Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex, Glycerin, Avena sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour | Dermatologist-Tested, Free of Fragrances, Sulfates, Parabens, Dyes, and Soaps, Hypoallergenic, Non-comedogenic | 354mL | ||
5 | VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Skin-Saving Clear + Clean Body Soap|Non-Drying Glycerin Bar Soap | ₱600 Mid | A Hypoallergenic Soap That's Also Safe for Children | Bar Soap | Triethanolamine, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum | Non-drying, Non-comedogenic, Free From All Types of Fragrances, Dyes, Phthalates, Parabens, Preservatives, SLS, and SLES, Safe for Children 9+ | 135g | ||
6 | Avène XeraCalm A.D Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar Soap | ₱484.95 Mid | Enriched With Patented Moisturizing Ingredients to Relieve Dry, Itchy Skin | Bar Soap | I-MODULIA, Cer-Omega | Soap-Free, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, Suitable for All Ages, Including Infants and Children | 100g | ||
7 | Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash | ₱1,005.45 High Mid | Soybean and Castor Oil to Moisturize and Protect the Skin | Liquid Wash | Soybean Oil, Castor Seed Oil | Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, Dye-Free, Dermatologist-Tested | 500mL | ||
8 | Dermtropics Raw Coconut + Colloidal Oatmeal Hand and Body Wash | ₱1,099 High | A 100% Natural Choice for Delicate Skin | Liquid Wash | Colloidal Oats, Organic Wet-Milled Virgin Coconut Oil, Aloe vera, Argan Oil | Vegan, Non-drying, Non-irritating, Low pH, Dermatologist-Tested, Free From Fragrances, Sulfates, Parabens, and DEA | 490mL | ||
9 | A La Maison Hypoallergenic Unscented Bar Soap | ₱450 Low Mid | French-Milled Fragrance-Free Soap for Extremely Sensitive Skin | Bar Soap | Saponified Palm and/or Coconut Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Mineral Pigments and/or Clay | Cruelty-Free, Fragrance-Free, Made From Natural Ingredients, Suitable for Those With Allergies or Sensitivities to Scents | 396g (100g per Bar) | ||
10 | Human Nature Fragrance-Free Gentle Cleansing Bar | ₱79.75 Low | Cold-Processed, Hypoallergenic Soap From a Trusted Local Brand | Bar Soap | Sodium Cocoate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate | Fragrance-Free, Free From Irritating Colorants and Synthetic Fillers, Non-irritating, Hypoallergenic, Made From Natural Ingredients, Cold-Processed | 120g |
Finding a soap that won't irritate and dry the skin but can still effectively clean the body might be challenging. Look no further, as the Dove beauty bar is specially formulated for sensitive skin! Infused with the brand's signature 1/4 moisturizing cream, it gently cleanses the skin without stripping its natural oils.
This fragrance-free and hypoallergenic beauty bar comes highly recommended and has been dermatologist-tested, ensuring its safety for all skin types. It's not only suitable for the hands but also for the face, body, and intimate areas—a true all-rounder! People with allergies and dry skin have praised its moisturizing properties and expressed their intention to purchase it again.
Soap Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid |
Product Highlights | Dermatologist-Tested, Fragrance-Free, Hypoallergenic |
Net Weight | 135g per Bar |
For those seeking a mild soap to address their sensitive skin issues, consider trying Cetaphil's Ultra Gentle Body Wash, a proven and dermatologist-recommended choice for your skincare needs. It contains Aloe vera and Vitamin B5 that provide nourishment and moisture to your skin.
Also, these ingredients gently cleanse your skin of dirt and other impurities. And it has the skin-soothing effects of Aloe as well as wheat protein that helps maintain skin elasticity. This is great for people with very sensitive skin, as stated in the reviews!
Soap Type | Liquid Wash |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Glycerin, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Aloe vera, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein |
Product Highlights | Dermatologist-Tested, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, Hypoallergenic, Non-comedogenic, Defends Against 5 Signs of Skin Sensitivity |
Net Weight | 500mL |
Are you looking for a non-comedogenic body wash that can gently cleanse your skin while moisturizing it at the same time? CeraVe's body wash offers a refreshing foaming action designed to clean and revitalize your skin without causing any dryness, which most users love. It is uniquely formulated with 3 essential ceramides, working to restore and strengthen your skin's natural protective barrier.
It's also enriched with hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to your skin, ensuring it's free from that tight, uncomfortable feeling post-shower. If you happen to have eczema, rest assured that this product is accepted by the National Eczema Association, offering you a reliable solution for your skincare needs.
Soap Type | Liquid Wash |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Emollients |
Product Highlights | Non-comedogenic, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Soap-Free |
Net Weight | 296mL |
Does your skin tend to feel itchy sometimes? Try using this body wash from Aveeno. Its star ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, which is an emollient, meaning it softens the skin and seals in moisture. It also has soothing properties that help relieve dryness and itchiness.
It also contains coriander, which has antioxidant properties to keep your skin soft and supple and protect it from skin aging. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, as the formulation has been noted to be quite rich. Users praise how this body wash gently cleanses, soothes, and moisturizes dry skin while also relieving itchiness, all without any fragrance and other harsh ingredients.
Soap Type | Liquid Wash |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex, Glycerin, Avena sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour |
Product Highlights | Dermatologist-Tested, Free of Fragrances, Sulfates, Parabens, Dyes, and Soaps, Hypoallergenic, Non-comedogenic |
Net Weight | 354mL |
Don't be fooled by its nondescript appearance—this bar soap can do a good job of cleansing and purifying the skin without drying it out. Users have noted that this soap is really made for those with sensitive skin, as it did not cause any itching, redness, or irritation on their skin. Additionally, it's non-comedogenic and free from most allergens like synthetic fragrances, dyes, and parabens.
Their soap is formulated with glycerin, a gentle ingredient that softens and moisturizes the skin. In case you need any more convincing, homegrown brand VMV prides itself on having products that are proven hypoallergenic, so it's not just a label they use; they also have their own rating system of a product's safety. This makes it safe even for children 9 years old and above.
Soap Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Triethanolamine, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum |
Product Highlights | Non-drying, Non-comedogenic, Free From All Types of Fragrances, Dyes, Phthalates, Parabens, Preservatives, SLS, and SLES, Safe for Children 9+ |
Net Weight | 135g |
Soap Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | I-MODULIA, Cer-Omega |
Product Highlights | Soap-Free, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, Suitable for All Ages, Including Infants and Children |
Net Weight | 100g |
Calm down itching and redness with Eucerin’s body wash. It has a soap-free formulation, which means it is pH balanced; therefore, it is less likely to cause irritation or strip your skin of its natural oils. This way, you can avoid that itchy feeling you experience right after showering.
Despite its gentle formula, satisfied customers mentioned that it can cleanse well and soothe dry, itchy skin, as it is enriched with omega oils and other natural lipids. For instance, soybean oil contains vitamin E, which protects your skin against inflammation, and castor oil has moisturizing properties that promote overall skin health.
Soap Type | Liquid Wash |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Soybean Oil, Castor Seed Oil |
Product Highlights | Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, Dye-Free, Dermatologist-Tested |
Net Weight | 500mL |
Soap Type | Liquid Wash |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Colloidal Oats, Organic Wet-Milled Virgin Coconut Oil, Aloe vera, Argan Oil |
Product Highlights | Vegan, Non-drying, Non-irritating, Low pH, Dermatologist-Tested, Free From Fragrances, Sulfates, Parabens, and DEA |
Net Weight | 490mL |
Soap Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Saponified Palm and/or Coconut Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Mineral Pigments and/or Clay |
Product Highlights | Cruelty-Free, Fragrance-Free, Made From Natural Ingredients, Suitable for Those With Allergies or Sensitivities to Scents |
Net Weight | 396g (100g per Bar) |
Indulge your skin with this 100% natural cleansing bar soap. It contains coconut oil that mildly washes away dirt and leaves the skin clean and refreshed. It is safe for all skin types, especially for sensitive skin, because it is hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, irritating colorants, and synthetic fillers.
Unlike hot-processed bar soaps that contain synthetic additives, which tend to dry the skin, this bar soap is cold-processed. It retains the hydrating benefits of glycerin and is more environment-friendly to produce. Users praised the enduring quality of this eco-friendly bar, which outperforms commercially manufactured moisturizing soaps. It effectively alleviates itchiness and redness on the face, making it a reliable choice for your skincare needs.
Soap Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Sodium Cocoate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate |
Product Highlights | Fragrance-Free, Free From Irritating Colorants and Synthetic Fillers, Non-irritating, Hypoallergenic, Made From Natural Ingredients, Cold-Processed |
Net Weight | 120g |
Do you find yourself frequently changing your beauty and skincare products? Here's what you can do to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction to the products you're using.
The gold standard in determining if one has an allergy to a certain ingredient is through patch testing done at a dermatologist's clinic. This is done by applying a set of allergens (about 25 to 150 depending on the availability of the materials) to the patient's back and determining if there are any reactions after a series of readings (usually after 48 and 96 hours).
Common allergens found in personal care products like cleansers include fragrances, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, Methyldibromoglutaronitrile/Phenoxyethanol (MDGN/PE), among others. It is also recommended to avoid harsh surfactants in soaps to prevent skin dryness and irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Avoid rubbing your skin with a towel after showering to prevent irritation. Make sure to apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing to lock in the moisture in your skin's outermost layer.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by dermatologist Dr. Meg Sison.
Causes of skin irritation are due to a number of factors such as underlying skin conditions characterized by an impaired skin barrier (e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, ichthyosis, etc.), or it can also be due to external causes like fragrances, detergents, alcohols and solvents, and low humidity, among others.
If your skin is sensitive, it is best to limit bathing to once a day and to keep baths short between 5 to 10 minutes to prevent the skin from becoming dry.
It is recommended to apply moisturizers within 3 minutes after bathing to prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin and reapply as often as needed throughout the day.
Nobody wants to feel grimy after a long day, but you must ensure that you use gentle products that won't be too harsh on your skin. Check out these other picks to give your skin some tender loving!
Author: Justine Cuizon
Re-editor: Samantha Tidalgo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Dove|Sensitive Beauty Bar|Triple Value Pack
No. 2: Cetaphil|Ultra Gentle Body Wash
No. 3: CeraVe|Hydrating Body Wash
No. 4: Aveeno|Skin Relief Body Wash
No. 5: VMV Hypoallergenics|Essence Skin-Saving Clear + Clean Body Soap|Non-Drying Glycerin Bar Soap
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Cameras
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others