LIST OF 19 THE BEST SOAPS FOR DRY SKIN

If you struggle with dry, itchy skin, you know the importance of finding a gentle cleanser that hydrates instead of stripping away moisture. Regular soap can be too harsh for sensitive skin, so opting for a specially formulated option can make a big difference. Here’s a look at some of the best soaps for dry skin that will leave you feeling soft and comfortable.

OUR TOP PICKS 

DOVE DEEPLY NOURISHING ADVANCED CARE BODY WASH SHOWER GEL

Dove Deeply Nourishing Advanced Care Body Wash is a shower gel designed to be gentle on dry skin. It contains ingredients that mimic your skin’s natural moisturizers, so it cleanses without leaving your skin feeling tight or itchy. This body wash claims to provide 24 hours of hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth for a whole day. It also has a rich lather, which can make showering more enjoyable.

NATURIUM THE GLOW GETTER MULTI-OIL BODY WASH

If you’re looking for a luxurious shower experience, Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash might be a good fit. This body wash is unique because it starts out as a silky oil, then transforms into a gentle lather when you wash. The special oils in this wash are meant to cleanse your skin without drying it out. They also claim to leave your skin feeling hydrated and nourished. This could be a good option for those with dry skin who want a body wash that provides a touch of moisture.

E45 BODY WASH FOR DRY, SENSITIVE & ITCHY SKIN

E45 Body Wash is a fragrance-free and gentle cleanser specifically designed for dry, sensitive, and itchy skin. Unlike some soaps that can irritate sensitive skin, E45 is free of harsh detergents and perfumes. Instead, it uses calming ingredients to soothe itchiness and redness. It also contains emollients, which are like lubricants for your skin, that help lock in moisture and prevent dryness. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with flaky or uncomfortable skin. Because it’s fragrance-free, E45 is less likely to trigger allergies or further irritate sensitive skin.

CERAVE HYDRATING BODY WASH

CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash is another great option for dry skin. This fragrance-free cleanser is designed to cleanse your skin without stripping away moisture. It contains three special ceramides, which are like tiny bricks that help rebuild your skin’s natural barrier. This barrier helps keep your skin hydrated and protects it from irritants. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash also contains hyaluronic acid, which acts like a magnet for moisture, attracting and holding onto water in your skin. This can leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated all day long.

AVEENO DAILY MOISTURISING BODY WASH

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash is a fragrance-light option that’s gentle on dry skin. The key ingredient is prebiotic oat, which is known for its calming and moisturizing properties. It helps soothe irritation and itchiness often associated with dry skin. This body wash cleanses your skin without leaving it feeling stripped or tight. It also boasts a formula that helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is important for keeping dryness at bay. Many users report feeling noticeably nourished skin after using Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, making it a good choice for those seeking a simple and effective cleanser for dry skin.

BIODERMA ATODERM CLEANSING SHOWER OIL

If you have very dry or even sensitive skin, Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Shower Oil might be a perfect choice. Unlike most soaps, it’s an oil-based cleanser. This means it gently cleanses your skin without leaving it feeling dry or itchy. Instead, Bioderma Atoderm replenishes your skin’s natural oils, which helps lock in moisture and keep dryness away. It also contains calming ingredients to soothe irritation and tightness. This shower oil is suitable for the whole family, even babies, because it’s so gentle. It’s also fragrance-free, so it’s less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

CLINIQUE DISHLESS FACIAL SOAP – EXTRA STRENGTH 150G

Clinique Dishless Facial Soap – Extra Strength is a bar soap specifically designed for the face. This soap is meant to be gentle enough for everyday use, even on oily skin. However, the “extra strength” label indicates it might be more powerful than some other facial soaps. While it cleanses dirt and oil, it claims to do so without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. It’s also hand-milled, which means it’s made using a traditional method that can sometimes create a gentler product. However, it’s important to note that some people with very dry skin might find this soap too cleansing. If you have concerns about dryness, it might be best to choose a different option on this list or speak to a dermatologist about what facial cleanser is right for you.

SEEN BODY WASH

SEEN Body Wash is designed to be gentle on all skin types, including dry skin. It’s formulated by a dermatologist, so you can trust it to be effective yet kind to your skin. This fragrance-free body wash cleanses without stripping away moisture, leaving your skin feeling fresh and balanced. It’s also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. SEEN Body Wash is a good option for those looking for a simple, fragrance-free cleanser that hydrates and soothes dry skin.

FENTY SKIN COCOA CLEANS’R SOOTHING ALL-OVER CLEANSING BAR

Fenty Skin Cocoa Cleans’r Soothing All-Over Cleansing Bar is a bar soap that promises to be gentle on dry skin for both your face and body. It’s made with ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which are known for their moisturizing properties. These ingredients aim to cleanse your skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight. The soap also boasts a beach-inspired scent, so you can enjoy a tropical feel in your shower. It’s designed to be suitable for all skin types and tones. Keep in mind that bar soaps can sometimes be drying, so if you have very dry skin, you might want to consider another option on this list or try it out on a small area first.

PALOROMA CLEAN BEAN WASH

Paloroma Clean Bean Wash is a gentle and effective facial cleanser. It’s designed to clean your face thoroughly without harsh chemicals. This wash removes dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving your skin feeling fresh and smooth. Its formula includes natural ingredients that are kind to your skin, making it suitable for daily use. Paloroma Clean Bean Wash helps maintain a healthy complexion by keeping pores clear and minimizing breakouts.

AESOP RESURRECTION HAND WASH 500ML

Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash in the 500ml size is a luxurious liquid soap for your hands. It’s known for its refreshing scent and gentle cleaning power. This hand wash effectively removes dirt and grime while leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Made with botanical extracts, it nourishes your hands and helps maintain their natural moisture balance. Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash comes in a convenient pump bottle, making it easy to use and a stylish addition to any bathroom or kitchen. It’s a popular choice for those who appreciate quality skincare products that also provide a pleasant washing experience.

LA ROCHE-POSAY LIPIKAR WASH AP+ GENTLE FOAMING MOISTURIZING WASH

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash is a gentle cleanser specially formulated for sensitive and dry skin. It creates a soft foam that cleanses without drying out your skin. This wash helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier and provides long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin feeling comfortable and smooth. It’s suitable for the whole family, including babies and children. With a soap-free formula and enriched with niacinamide and shea butter, it helps soothe irritation and protects against the drying effects of hard water. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ is recommended by dermatologists for its effectiveness and gentle care.

KOSAS GOOD BODY SKIN AHA + ENZYME EXFOLIATING BODY WASH

Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash is a skincare product designed to cleanse and exfoliate your skin gently. It contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and enzymes that help remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. This body wash is formulated with hydrating ingredients to keep your skin moisturized and nourished. It’s suitable for all skin types and can help improve the appearance of rough or dull skin over time. Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash aims to leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after each use.

HELLO KLEAN NOURISHING MICRONUTRIENT WASH 400ML

Hello Klean Nourishing Micronutrient Wash in the 400ml size is a gentle and nourishing body wash designed to care for your skin. It contains essential micronutrients and vitamins that help cleanse and replenish the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and healthy. This wash is formulated without harsh chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It provides a soothing lather that effectively cleans away dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Hello Klean Nourishing Micronutrient Wash aims to promote skin hydration and maintain a balanced skin barrier, leaving you with soft and smooth skin after each wash.

RED FLOWER PURIFYING BODY WASH IN ICELANDIC MOONFLOWER

Red Flower Purifying Body Wash in Icelandic Moonflower is a luxurious cleansing product for the body. It features a refreshing scent inspired by moonflowers from Iceland. This body wash is designed to gently cleanse your skin while leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. It contains natural botanical extracts that help purify and revitalize the skin, promoting a healthy glow. The formula is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Red Flower Purifying Body Wash in Icelandic Moonflower aims to provide a spa-like experience at home, leaving your skin delicately scented and rejuvenated after each use.

L’OCCITANE SHEA LAVENDER SOAP 250G

L’Occitane Shea Lavender Soap in the 250g size is a luxurious bar soap enriched with shea butter and lavender essential oil. It gently cleanses the skin while moisturizing and leaving a soothing lavender scent. This soap is crafted using traditional methods and natural ingredients, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The shea butter helps to nourish and protect the skin, keeping it soft and supple. L’Occitane Shea Lavender Soap is ideal for a relaxing bathing experience, offering both cleansing and aromatic benefits in one bar.

WELEDA CALENDULA SOAP 100G

Weleda Calendula Soap in the 100g size is a gentle and soothing bar soap designed for sensitive skin, including babies and children. It is made with organic calendula extract, which helps to calm and nourish the skin. This soap is free from synthetic fragrances, colors, and preservatives, making it ideal for those with delicate skin. Weleda Calendula Soap produces a creamy lather that cleanses effectively without drying out the skin. It provides gentle care while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. This soap is dermatologically tested and recommended by midwives and dermatologists for its mildness and effectiveness in caring for sensitive skin.

FRESH FREESIA OVAL SOAP

Fresh Freesia Oval Soap is a fragrant and luxurious soap known for its delightful scent of freesia flowers. This oval-shaped soap is designed to cleanse the skin gently while leaving a lingering floral fragrance. It produces a rich lather that effectively removes dirt and impurities without drying out the skin. The Fresh Freesia Oval Soap is crafted with care to provide a pampering experience during each use. It is suitable for daily use and is a favorite choice for those who enjoy floral-scented skincare products that leave the skin feeling refreshed and lightly perfumed.

MOROCCANOIL SHOWER GEL CLEANSING HYDRATION ARGON OIL 250ML

Moroccanoil Shower Gel Cleansing Hydration with Argan Oil in the 250ml size is a nourishing shower gel designed to cleanse and hydrate the skin. It features the benefits of argan oil, known for its moisturizing properties, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed. This shower gel creates a creamy lather that gently cleanses away impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It has a luxurious scent that lingers lightly on the skin, providing a pleasant and rejuvenating shower experience. Moroccanoil Shower Gel is suitable for daily use and is ideal for those looking to indulge in a hydrating and aromatic shower routine.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SOAPS FOR DRY SKIN

Choosing a body wash for dry skin requires focusing on ingredients and scents. 

For ingredients, prioritize those that hydrate and support the skin barrier. Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides for moisture retention, and emollients like shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil for softening. Gentle cleansers like sodium lauroyl sarcosinate or coco-glucoside effectively cleanse without stripping natural oils. Finally, simpler formulas with minimal ingredients minimize irritation.

Regarding scent, fragrance-free is generally best for dry skin, as synthetic fragrances and foaming agents can irritate. However, some scented options exist, so we’ve noted which ones have a fragrance.

CONCLUSION

In addition to soaps, consider using additional products for dry skin such as face oil or toner. In conclusion, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to find a body wash that works best for you. If you have any concerns about your dry skin, be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist.

what is vegetable glycerin & how to use it in skincare routine

Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol or VG, is a colorless and odorless liquid that is derived from plants. This versatile and natural substance has a myriad of uses in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its health benefits and environmentally friendly properties. 

In this article, we will answer the question of what vegetable glycerin is, how it is used, and why it is so beneficial.

What is Vegetable Glycerin?

Vegetable glycerin is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is derived from vegetable oils, such as palm oil, coconut oil, and soybean oil. It is a viscous and sweet-tasting liquid that is commonly used as a food additive, preservative, and humectant (a substance that helps retain moisture). Glycerin is also a natural byproduct of the soap-making process, where it is produced when fats are broken down into their component parts.

Glycerin is unique in that it is both a water-soluble and oil-soluble compound, meaning that it can dissolve in both water and oil-based substances. This makes it an ideal ingredient for a wide range of applications, from moisturizing creams and lotions to soap and shampoo formulations.

What is Vegetable Glycerin Used for?

Vegetable glycerin is used in a variety of ways, both in commercial products and as a standalone ingredient. Here are some of the most common uses of vegetable glycerin:

Food and Beverages

Vegetable glycerin is commonly used as a sweetener and preservative in a variety of foods and beverages, including:

  • Baked goods
  • Chewing gum
  • Ice cream
  • Soft drinks
  • Wine and beer

Because vegetable glycerin is a natural ingredient that is derived from plants, it is often used as an alternative to artificial sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup or aspartame.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Vegetable glycerin is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products due to its moisturizing properties. It is often used in products such as:

  • Moisturizing creams and lotions
  • Lip balms
  • Shampoos and conditioners
  • Soaps and body washes

Because vegetable glycerin is a humectant, it helps to draw moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.

Pharmaceutical and Medical Products

Vegetable glycerin has several medicinal properties that make it useful in pharmaceutical and medical products, including:

  • Cough syrups and expectorants
  • Suppositories and enemas
  • Toothpaste and mouthwash

Additionally, vegetable glycerin is sometimes used as a carrier for medicine and herbal remedies, as it can help to facilitate the absorption of these substances into the body.

Benefits of vegetable glycerin for skin

Vegetable glycerin is a versatile and effective ingredient that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions,” said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist based in New York City. As you know, vegetable glycerin functions as a humectant, attracting moisture into the skin and retaining it. This property is highly beneficial for enhancing the skin’s barrier function and overall skin health.

  • Hydrates and moisturizes the skin and hair: Vegetable glycerin can help to draw water into the skin and hair, which can help to keep them hydrated and moisturized. This is especially beneficial for people with dry, flaky skin or dry, brittle hair.
  • Improves skin barrier function: Vegetable glycerin can help to strengthen the skin barrier, which can help to protect the skin from environmental toxins and irritants. This can be especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
  • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines: According to a 2021 study published in the journal “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”: vegetable glycerin can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The study found that vegetable glycerin helped to plump up the skin and increase collagen production. This is because it helps to increase the production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that give the skin its structure and elasticity.
  • Soothes irritated skin: Vegetable glycerin has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe irritated skin. This can be helpful for people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, or for people who have irritated skin from shaving or waxing.

potential side effects of vegetable glycerin

Vegetable glycerin, while widely used in skincare and various products, can trigger several potential concerns. Skin irritation is a common issue, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin, often manifesting as redness, itching, and a burning sensation. Additionally, as a sugar alcohol, vegetable glycerin may not be completely digested by the body, potentially leading to digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea in some individuals. 

Allergic reactions are possible, with symptoms ranging from hives and swelling to more severe manifestations like difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. It’s essential to be aware of these potential reactions and seek medical attention if any adverse symptoms arise after using products containing vegetable glycerin.

How to Use Vegetable Glycerin in your skincare routine

Add it to your moisturizer

Vegetable glycerin can help to hydrate and plump up the skin, making it a great addition to your daily moisturizer. To add vegetable glycerin to your moisturizer, simply mix a few drops with your regular moisturizer and apply it to your skin.

Use it as a toner

Balance your skin’s pH and eliminate residual dirt and oil by preparing a toner with equal parts vegetable glycerin and water. Spray this mixture onto your face after cleansing and gently pat it dry.

Make a face mask

Formulate a simple DIY face mask by combining one part vegetable glycerin with two parts water. Apply this mixture to your face, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off. You can also add other ingredients to your face mask, such as honey, oatmeal, or yogurt.

Add it to your bath

Vegetable glycerin can also be added to your bath to help hydrate and soften your skin. To add vegetable glycerin to your bath, simply add a few drops to the running water.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol? Propylene glycol is a synthetic compound that is often used as a humectant in cosmetic and personal care products. While it shares some similarities with vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol is derived from petroleum and can be potentially harmful when ingested or applied topically. Vegetable glycerin, on the other hand, is a natural and safe alternative to propylene glycol.
  2. Is vegetable glycerin safe to consume? Yes, vegetable glycerin is safe to consume in moderation. It is often used as a food additive and sweetener, and it has no known negative side effects when consumed in reasonable amounts.
  3. Can vegetable glycerin be used on sensitive skin? Yes, vegetable glycerin is gentle and non-irritating, making it an ideal ingredient for those with sensitive skin. It can help to soothe dry or irritated skin without causing any adverse reactions.
  4. Can vegetable glycerin be used as a substitute for alcohol-based extracts? Yes, vegetable glycerin can be used as a substitute for alcohol-based extracts in certain applications. It can help to extract the beneficial compounds from herbs or other plant materials without the harshness or drying effects of alcohol.
  5. Does vegetable glycerin have a shelf life? Yes, vegetable glycerin has a shelf life of approximately two years if stored properly in a cool, dry place.