The One Ingredient That Should NEVER Be In Your Body Wash, According To A Dermatologist

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.