If you have sensitive skin, here’s what you should keep in mind..

Sick of feeling like a detective in the shower, trying to crack the code of chemical-laden labels while your body wash schemes against your skin's health? Yeah, decoding those labels can feel like you're tackling a crossword puzzle! But fear not, we've got your back. In this guide, we will learn together how to pick a natural body wash for you and make your shower time much easier. 

What to Avoid and Look Out for in Body Wash for Sensitive Skin: The Fun Edition!

Whether you're new to skincare or a pro, knowing what body wash to use can get tricky. However, you can go by the following list to see if you are on the right track. 

• The Sneaky Scent: Fragrances in your body wash may seem like a sweet deal, but they can cause allergies, make breathing difficult, or lead to irritation for sensitive skin. They are also known to contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors (messes with hormones), neurotoxic chemicals (damage the nervous system), and environmental toxicants (harm the environment). 

Skip the perfumed potions and opt for an unscented natural body wash to keep your skin singing a happy tune. Look for body washes labelled "fragrance-free" or "unscented". Sometimes, these labelled body wash can still have fragrances to mask other smells. Watch out for words like “parfum” or “perfum”. Also, make sure there are no "Phthalates" on the label, as they're often used with fragrances to make them last longer.

• The Harsh Chemicals: Body washes containing chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) or Cocamidopropyl betaine can strip away natural oils faster than a speedster in a sprint, leaving your skin feeling dry and irritated. 

Instead, look for gentler alternatives like plant-based ones (eg: Coco glucoside, Decyl glucoside, Lauryl glucoside, Sucrose cocoate) that won't leave your skin feeling parched. Also, don’t forget to check for paraben (they are a group of chemicals that are used as artificial preservatives and can be under the name of propylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, etc) and artificial colours (with names like dye, lake, pigment, etc)

• The Moisture Mission: Seek out body washes packed with moisturising heroes like glycerin, aloe vera, or natural oils like coconut or jojoba. They cleanse and moisturise all in one splash, making your skin feel softer and cleaner. 

• The Dermatologist Assured: Body washes that have been “dermatologist-tested” or “allergy-tested” should be your desired partner in the shower. They've been put through the skin safety test and passed with flying colours!

• Watch Out for Allergens: Some body washes may contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, or soy, which can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. Check the ingredient list carefully and make sure your natural body wash doesn't have anything that could trigger an allergic reaction.

• Steer Clear of Overly Rough Exfoliants: While exfoliating can be tempting, abrasive particles can be too rough for delicate skin. Go for gentle exfoliating options like Hibiscus Monkey’s Rice and Shine which has rice powder to buff away dead skin without irritation. Keep in mind to exfoliate only 2-3 times a week.

• Don't Fall for False Promises: Beware of body washes that promise the world but deliver disappointment. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Stick to trusted brands and products tailored specifically for sensitive skin to avoid any skincare mishaps.

Signing off! 

Next time you go shopping for body wash, don't just look at the packaging. Flip the bottle and check the ingredients. Choose a brand that offers effective and natural body wash that not only plays well on your skin but also for the environment. Hibiscus Monkey is one such trusted brand for your skincare needs. Explore our store and discover what we have for you (because we surely do)!