Have you ever come out of the shower and then dried your skin only to realize that it’s itchy, smelly, and oily?
I had those problems too, until I realized that it wasn’t that I missed some spots; it was because I was using soaps and body wash with fragrance.
You may have read that and said, “But isn’t fragrance good since it makes your skin smell good?” You may say that, but in reality, fragrance in soaps is one of the most powerful irritants. If you’re struggling with buildup and/or irritation, I recommend looking for fragrance-free products. Let me explain why.
Why is using scented soaps bad?
Now, don’t get me wrong, scented soaps are not bad for everyone. However, if your skin becomes easily irritated by perfumed soaps, that might be a wake-up call for you. People who are allergic to fragrances may experience problems with their skin health due to the hidden chemicals that can cause skin breakouts, dermatitis, and other issues.
How does fragrance contribute to oil buildup?
Have you ever heard of smegma? Yeah, it’s something you don’t want to mess with. Smegma is a buildup of oils, sweat, and dead skin cells that causes the genital area to have a foul smell.
Fragranced soaps do not directly cause smegma, but they can irritate the area, making it harder for you to clean properly, which in turn can lead to smegma.
I consulted Dr. Eleonora Fedonenko, dermatologist and medical director of Your Laser Skin Care, and she recommended the best fragrance-free soaps that can help reduce oil buildup and irritation. Read more for details!
Vanicream Cleansing Bars
I used Vanicream when I had eczema, and this product can help you with your persistent issue too! It is free of common irritants, moisturizes skin, and is suitable for individuals with dry to sensitive skin. With this bar soap, you will hydrate your skin, and it will feel softer than a silk pillowcase.
“It also has a pH of 5.5 and no additional fragrance additives to confuse things,” notes Fedonenko. If you’re concerned about your pH, you’ll be in luck with this product.
Best review: “It is gentle, and it is able to rid my body of the scents of the stronger cleansers… it also leaves my skin feeling clean, but neither tight nor slippery. It is a mild soap meant for gentle skin, but I think it has a mild scent—it does not smell perfumy at all, though. I might repeat the above process a couple of times, but then I continue my daily showers with the Vanicream. Of the cleansers meant for sensitive skin, it is the one that I prefer in terms of scent and how my skin feels afterward.” –
Joyi Kraus
Price: $14.43 at Amazon
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar
“The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar introduces three ceramides that repair the damage of the barriers,” says Fedonenko.
Not only does it repair the natural barriers and work well with normal to dry skin, but it also cleanses and hydrates the skin without disrupting the skin barrier.
Users from Amazon have reported that the bar soap has given them soft and smooth skin, reduced redness and irritation, and a calm, subtle scent.
Best review: “I bought this CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar for my little girl, who has very sensitive skin, and it has worked amazingly well. She used to get redness and irritation, and after switching to this cleanser bar, her skin looks calm, hydrated, and so much healthier.” – Danayay Barahona
Price: $29.97 at Amazon
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bars
I personally have mixed feelings about Dove, but this product is a wonderful alternative to scented soaps as it contains clean ingredients such as glycerin, lauric acid, and sodium lauroyl isethionate. These ingredients are gentle, moisturizing, and cleansing, and are less likely to cause irritation and redness.
Best review: “Dove Sensitive Beauty Bar Soap cleans well, has no scent, leaves my body refreshed, is always a great value for the price, has a refreshment value, and leaves my skin soft without a soapy film or stripping of my natural oils while moisturizing! I love the classic white ovular bar appearance, and my skin is left moisturized afterward!” – Dollcraze
Price: $8.97 at Amazon
Neutrogena Transparent Facial Bar
The last thing your skin needs is excess oil, clogged pores, and allergies. Luckily, this hypoallergenic product washes away excess oil, removes dirt or other residue from your face and skin, and is highly recommended for individuals with oily skin.
Tons of reviewers from Amazon praised this product for being lathering to the skin, not stripping away natural oils, and not irritating sensitive skin, while leaving the skin clean and fresh.
Best review: “This facial bar is a miracle! After trying many products, I finally found one that works perfectly for my skin. Neutrogena’s original formula is gentle and effective and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. The lack of fragrance is a huge plus, as I can use it without worrying about adverse reactions. My skin feels clean and fresh after using it, and I don’t have to worry about dryness or irritation. It’s the best facial care product I’ve ever found! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a simple and effective solution for their facial care routine.” – Jalitze Soto
Price: $2.97 at Amazon
Personal favorite: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Magic Bar Soaps
I chose this product because I wanted to get rid of the oil buildup that was causing my skin to smell. When I started using this product and used it for 5-6 days, my skin smelled nicer, became gentler, and reduced my oil buildup. I highly recommend using this product for a rich lather that leaves your skin softer and more moisturized.
Best review: “Not only does it not cause any irritation, but it has actually improved the texture of my skin. I used to have patches of what looked like “chicken skin” on my arms, chest, and stomach—even though I eat clean and exercise regularly. After switching to this soap, that rough texture is completely gone. My skin is smooth, clear, and calm.” – Aman Singh
Price: $8.56 at Amazon
Conclusion
Aside from scented soaps, using hot water can be a big reason for your eczema, redness, and discomfort. That is because it strips away natural oils from your skin, causing inflammation, breakouts, and dry skin. Using unscented soaps is highly recommended, but it’s best to keep the water lukewarm or cool to allow the product to work optimally on your skin.
If you are struggling with dry and itchy skin and want to change your lotion, check out this article for more information and expert-recommended products you can buy to fix your skin!
