Using a body wash is a no-brainer. Despite being a shower essential for millions, most people still don’t know which body wash ingredients are bad for their skin. “Before applying any product to your skin, especially the face, you should be aware of all the ingredients that the product contains. Many skin care ingredients can potentially cause more damage than good,” dermatologist Kristina Goldenberg tells DermStore. “Depending on your skin type some ingredients may be right for you that would not work well for someone else and vice versa.” So, what are the worst ingredients in body wash? Experts say that sulfates are the biggest ingredients to avoid in a body wash. Here’s why:
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Find Out More About The Ingredients To Avoid In Body Wash
Skincare experts warn that sulfates can be very irritating to the skin, especially now that studies suggest that they can strip the skin of its natural oils.
"[These are] cleansing agents that help create a rich, foaming lather,” explains RealSelf contributor Joel Schlessinger, M.D. “They can prove too harsh for some, drying out skin and hair and contributing to rashes and blemishes.”
Fragrance Is One Worst Ingredients In Body Wash
But, wait--there's more! Dr. Schlessinger also says it's best to steer clear of body washes that aren't fragrance-free. “An artificial fragrance could contain 200 or more different chemical or botanical components, and your skin could react to any one of them," he adds.
But, that doesn't mean you should opt for an "unscented" body wash instead. Dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., says that unscented body washes still contain fragrance, but use additional ingredients to mask the scent.
"'Unscented’ usually means that an ingredient was added to mask the scent of ingredients in the product that contains a strong odor. Unfortunately, those with sensitive skin may be sensitive to that ingredient," she tells SELF.
