The 20 Best Body Wash and Soap for Folliculitis
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Which is the best body wash and soap for folliculitis?
To answer that, it helps to know the reason for the condition.
The way to get rid of folliculitis is to understand what causes it.
Then you can choose the correct treatment, which may be an anti-fungal body wash or anti-acne soap.
Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash
- Oil & Fragrance-Free
- High Concentration of Glycolic Acid
- Smooths rough bumps for soft, supple skin
IMAGE Skincare, CLEAR CELL
- Removes excess oil and sebum
- No harsh ingredients
- Mild enough for sensitive skins
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide
- Protective Moisturizer
- Works great at unclogging pores and exfoliates
- No flakes at the end of the day
What causes folliculitis?
Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles are infected or inflamed. Frequently, it looks like acne. Sometimes it turns into cysts or boils (1).
It can happen after you shave, spend time in a hot tub, or wear tight clothing.
Sometimes it’s a fungus or bacteria that causes the inflammation. That means that persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to suffer from folliculitis.
Other times, it’s just irritated skin, and it will clear up on its own if the surface isn’t injured further.
It’s smart to speak to a doctor if you suspect that you have folliculitis. They can analyze the cause and recommend the correct solution.
I also understand that you may have your own reasons for treating the problem at home. But please, if it worsens, seek medical aid.
The 20 Best Body Wash and Soap for Folliculitis
Now, let’s go through the different categories of soaps and body washes for folliculitis.
1. Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash
Product Overview
You might not be able to tell if it’s folliculitis acne. But don’t worry, some treatments take care of both problems.
This body wash is formulated to clear up severe cases of cystic acne. You’ll need to leave it on your skin for a minute or two before rinsing.
- The abundant presence of Glycolic Acid facilitates the removal of dead skin cells through exfoliation.
- Moisturizing and nourishing effect
- Free of sulfates, parabens and other toxic chemicals
Fortunately, this is a mild and moisturizing body wash without harsh sulfates or artificial fragrances. It has a coconut-based cleanser plus glycerin to protect against moisture loss.
The manufacturer also offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Repairs damaged hair
- Controls frizziness and split ends
- Protects your hair from folliculitis
The Cons
- The package might be broken
2. IMAGE Skincare, CLEAR CELL Salicylic Gel Cleanser
Product Overview
IMAGE Skincare’s cleanser is based on salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates and reduces excess oil without stripping moisture from the skin.
- Assists in diminishing the occurrence of acne breakouts.
- Moisturizing and nourishing effect
- Only natural ingredients
- Works amazing with folliculitis
But on the bright side, it’s very effective against acne and certain kinds of folliculitis.
This formula is mild enough to use on your face, not just your body.
Pros
- Prevents hair damage
- Strengthens your hair
- Moisturizes and hydrates your scalp and hair
The Cons
- Doesn’t smell so great
3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide
Product Overview
Designed for sensitive skin, this non-greasy facial moisturizer provides hydration and soothing benefits. With a simple composition and weightless consistency, it aids in enhancing skin comfort by delivering optimal moisture.
- Plenty botanicals and natural ingredients
- Perfect for daily usage
- No harsh chemicals
But next, you’ll notice at the list of ingredients includes sodium hypochlorite, a.k.a. bleach. It’s surprisingly useful for treating a variety of skin conditions.
There’s also a warning that you should keep this cleanser away from your eyes. It can cause excessive dryness and irritation if you’re currently taking acne medication, too. Try washing with it just once a day or once every other day at first.
Pros
- Nourishes hair follicles
- Repairs damaged hair
- Works great at unclogging pores
The Cons
- The packaging might be broken
4. CeraVe Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
Product Overview
CeraVe is a well-known manufacturer of products for sensitive skin. Their body wash with salicylic acid takes care of folliculitis and keratosis pilaris, among other things.
Not only does it remove dead skin, but it also moisturizes without clogging pores. The hydrating effects last for 24 hours after you use it.
- Great for sensitive skin
- Perfect for skin inflammation
- Does great with flakes
- Works amazing with folliculitis
Sometimes, with folliculitis, it’s recommended that you avoid lotion while your skin recovers. That’s uncomfortable if you have dry skin. Therefore, the long-term moisturization offered by this body wash is a bonus.
Furthermore, it contains ceramides to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier against infection and moisture loss. Also, it has hyaluronic acid to attract water into the skin and niacinamide to promote healing.
Happily, the formula doesn’t have artificial fragrances or parabens.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses and moisturizes
- Leaves no flakes or dandruff
- Fights folliculitis pretty well
The Cons
- Contains sulfates
5. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
Product Overview
Whether it’s body acne or folliculitis, Neutrogena’s shower gel can help. It has a perky pink grapefruit fragrance to help you wake up in the morning.
Salicylic acid penetrates into the follicles to relieve inflammation and remove excess oil and impurities. It’s delivered by Microclear technology, which dissolves clogs without drying out the skin.
- Infused with vitamin C
- Nice and pleasant scent
- Perfect for skin inflammation
- Leaves no frizziness
Finally, the body wash delivers a dose of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant.
On the downside, there is an artificial fragrance, and there are synthetic dyes.
Pros
- Reconstruct hair fibers
- Deep moisturizing effect
- Gets away the frizziness and hair damage
The Cons
- Doesn’t help with extremely dry hair
6. Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash
Product Overview
PHisoderm, on the other hand, offers a Bodywash that’s free of dyes, soap, alcohol, and oil. It’s non-comedogenic and rinses clean without leaving a residue.
It contains 2% salicylic acid plus aloe, chamomile, and Vitamin E. While aloe and chamomile soothe irritation, vitamin E encourages healing.
- Only natural ingredients
- Contains aloe vera and chamomile
- Fast and visible results
- Infused with vitamin E
But if you’re trying to avoid perfumes, parabens, and sulfates, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
I try to point out potential problematic ingredients because they can worsen the folliculitis.
Pros
- Treats and hydrates your hairs
- Protects your hair and its color
- Deeply cleanses your skin and hair follicles
The Cons
- A bit pricey
7. SAL3 Salicylic Acid Sulfur Soap Bar
Product Overview
Not everyone is a fan of liquid body wash, and I respect that. But you have to understand that some kinds of bar soap are harsh and drying. They are alkaline, which strips the skin of its natural oil.
This bar of soap is based on saponified plant oils with 10% colloidal sulfur and 3% salicylic acid. It has moisturizers like glycerin and lanolin, too.
- 3% salicylic acid
- Contains 10% colloidal sulfur
- Ideal for damaged hair
- Infused with glycerin and lanolin
There’s no artificial fragrance.
It’s a dermatologist-recommended formula designed to treat a variety of infections. It can help with Tinea Versicolor, Dermatomycosis furfuracea, jock itch, demodex mites, and more.
It’s potent, so take it slow when you start using it. Please follow the directions.
Pros
- Protects your hair against damage
- Nourishes and moisturizes
- It’s not overly hydrating
The Cons
- Powerful scent
8. DermaHarmony 10% Sulfur 3% Salicylic Acid Bar Soap
Product Overview
If you’re interested in sulfur soap but concerned that it will dry out your skin, try this bar instead.
It helps clear up acne, folliculitis, dermatitis, and other sorts of blemishes.
- With moisturizing natural oils
- Great for acne and folliculitis
- Perfect for daily usage
- Perfect for skin and hair care
This US-made product is safe enough for children to use, but please keep it out of the eyes. It needs to stay in contact with the skin for at least 60 seconds.
Pros
- Makes dry and weak hair healthy again
- Gives your hair the hydration it needs
- Ensures healthy and good-looking hair follicles
The Cons
- Smell filled with overwhelming perfume
9. Alpha Skin Care Moisturizing Body Wash
Product Overview
People who find that salicylic acid is too drying can turn to alpha-hydroxy acids instead. Glycolic acid, for example, exfoliates the skin at the same time that it moisturizes.
It’s a more gentle option.
- Plenty botanicals and natural ingredients
- Unique formula
- Works great with curly and wavy hair
- Infused with glycolic acid
The formula also has a low pH plus Vitamin E and aloe to promote healthy skin.
One of the side effects of this body wash is that it can make your skin look younger by smoothing lines and wrinkles.
Pros
- Moisturizes and nourishes hair follicles
- Deeply cleanses and hydrates
- Makes your hair more healthier
The Cons
- You might not like the scent
10. DermaHarmony 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) Liquid Castile Soap
Product Overview
You’ve heard of dandruff shampoo. Well, you can use the same active ingredient to treat folliculitis on your skin.
Pyrithione zinc is an anti-fungal that clears up dandruff, scaling, itching, and flaking.
- Contains pyrithione zinc
- Leaves no frizziness
- Works amazing with eczema
- Ideal for damaged hair
In this shower gel, the pyrithione zinc can relieve symptoms of folliculitis anywhere on your body. You can use it as shampoo, face wash, or even shaving lather.
It’s made with sustainably-sourced oils, and it’s free of artificial dyes and fragrances.
Pros
- Leaves your hair silky smooth and soft
- Penetrates deeply into your skin and hair
- Repairs damaged follicles
The Cons
- Strong perfume
11. DermaHarmony 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) Bar Soap
Product Overview
If you prefer bar soap, the same advantages of the body wash above are available right here.
The 2% concentration of pyrithione zinc is the maximum over-the-counter concentration. It fights folliculitis, dandruff, acne, and other skin conditions. Yet, it’s mild enough for children.
- Get rid of excessive natural oil
- Deeply cleanses your scalp and hair
- 2% concentration of pyrithione zinc
- Perfect for daily skin and hair care
The soap is free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
Pros
- Repairs and prevents future damage
- Reduces frizziness and dryness
- Does a great deal moisturizing
The Cons
- The packaging might be broken
12. Hibiclens Antimicrobial Skin Liquid Soap
Product Overview
If you need an antibacterial soap to get rid of folliculitis, Hibiclens is highly recommended. It eliminates bacteria, fungi, and viruses for up to 24 hours after you use it.
It can get rid of MRSA on your skin. That’s excellent as Staphylococcus is one of the leading causes of folliculitis infections.
- Eliminates bacteria and fungus
- Based on chlorhexidine gluconate
- Works great with folliculitis
What makes it so effective? It’s based on chlorhexidine gluconate. It’s a surgical-grade product used in hospitals.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizing effect
- Works great with flakes and dandruff
- Leads to a silky smooth hair
The Cons
- Contains some chemicals
13. Dettol Anti-Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash
Product Overview
Dettol provides an antibacterial body wash based on chloroxylenol. It’s an ingredient used to disinfect equipment before surgery.
But this is not a harsh chemical soap. The body wash contains glycerin to hydrate the skin. It also has a mild clean fragrance.
- Infused with moisturizing natural oils
- Contains salicylic acid
- Works great with damaged hair
- Doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
Also, it has salicylic acid to open clogged pores.
Pros
- Moisturizes and reduces itchiness
- Strengthens your hair with extra proteins
- Leaves your hair shinier and better-looking
The Cons
- Doesn’t work great with dried out hair
14. Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Bar Soap
Product Overview
As you know, triclosan has been phased out of antibacterial soap. Now, Dial uses benzalkonium chloride instead.
- Antibacterial soap
- No chemicals
- Moisturizing and nourishing effect
- Only natural ingredients
What’s more, this soap has odor protection. It keeps you smelling fresh all day long.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes and nourishes your scalp
- Restores and rejuvenates your hair
- Prevents breakage and split ends
The Cons
- The package might get broken
15. Ovante Folliculit Solution Medicated Body Wash
Product Overview
The Ovante folliculitis body wash doesn’t require a prescription. It’s free of parabens and sulfates and safe for all skin types.
It’s uniquely engineered to alleviate the characteristic red rash and itchiness.
- Free of sulfates, parabens and other chemicals
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Perfect for light hair colors
- Contains trolamine and an analgesic
I looked at the label to see what makes the magic happen. What I noticed is that it has sulfur, tea tree oil, and trolamine. That latter ingredient is an analgesic to relieve pain.
Pros
- Doesn’t need a lot of product
- Eliminates impurities and dirt
- Detoxifies your scalp and hair
The Cons
- Be attentive with the scent
16. Defense Soap Oatmeal Bar
Product Overview
Have you heard of Defense Soap? It comes in liquid or bar format.
It was invented by a wrestling coach whose team was struggling with skin infections.
- Infused with peppermint
- Contains rosemary and tea tree
- Has eucalyptus oil
- Plenty of other minerals and vitamins
It combines exfoliating ingredients like oatmeal with essential oils. Tea tree, peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils attack the fungus at the root of the problem. They also provide a refreshing feeling.
Of course, natural soap has no need for artificial dyes, fragrances, sulfates, or parabens.
Pros
- Cleanses and makes your hair smooth
- Works amazing with folliculitis
- Does well with dry hair
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
17. Defense Antifungal Medicated Bar Soap
Product Overview
If you need something a little more substantial, this bar soap contains 1% Tolnaftate. It’s an anti-fungal available without a prescription.
Because this medicated soap is so powerful, it comes with a safety case to prevent it from mixing with other stuff in your gym bag.
- Powerful formula
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Contains eucalyptus oil
- Perfect choice for fungal infections
Besides that primary active ingredient, there are also tea tree and eucalyptus oil. Those are natural solutions for jock itch and athlete’s foot.
Since folliculitis is sometimes caused by fungal infections, this soap is an excellent choice for treating it.
Pros
- Treats folliculitis very well
- Contains 1% Tolnaftate
- Comes with a safety case
The Cons
- Can be to strong
18. Almond Clear Face & Body Wash
Product Overview
It’s possible to have folliculitis right along your hairline and on your face. Just ask any guy who shaves.
Therefore, you might find that this gel cleanser with mandelic acid fixes the problem.
Mandelic acid comes from almonds. It’s a natural exfoliant that clears up acne breakouts and redness. It also helps relieve ingrown hairs and razor rash.
- Infused with mandelic acid
- Perfect for sensitive scalp
- Fights folliculitis very well
Yes, if your razor rash is in a more sensitive area, you can use this body wash their as well.
Oh, by the way, mandelic acid can help fade scars and hyperpigmentation caused by previous infections.
Pros
- Fights folliculitis and other conditions
- Can be used as a body wash
- Perfect for guys who shave
The Cons
- Can be too strong
19. Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
Product Overview
Plain old tea tree oil is a natural anti-fungal. In this body wash, you’ll find tea tree oil in a blend of other essential oils that blast away folliculitis.
If you prefer botanical solutions over chemicals, you’ve got to give it a try. It will make your skin feel fresh and tingly.
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Contains rosemary and peppermint
- Has eucalyptus and camphor oil
- Botanical other chemicals
There are no artificial fragrances. The woodsy scent comes from eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, and camphor oils.
Pros
- Blasts away folliculitis
- There are no artificial fragrances
- Makes your skin fresh
The Cons
- Not the best scent
20. Sensitive Skin Body Wash by Tree to Tub
Product Overview
Wild soapberry is a traditional remedy for healing the skin. It protects the body by respecting the natural acidity.
Not only that, but it also cleanses without drying.
- Works great with eczema and folliculitis
- Infused with soapberry
- pH balanced formula
- Infused with aloe and shea butter
You can use this body wash to relieve symptoms of eczema, folliculitis, psoriasis, and allergic reactions.
It contains soothing aloe, cucumber, chamomile, and shea butter. There are no harsh artificial ingredients.
Pros
- Hydrating properties
- Packed with nutrients and vitamins
- Cleanses away without drying
The Cons
- Doesn’t work with oily hair
What are the best treatments for folliculitis?
You might get relief with antibacterial soap for a simple case of razor bumps or acne-like folliculitis (2).
The same ingredients that clear up acne breakouts on the face can help heal folliculitis. These include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur.
Another option is anti-fungal soap or shampoo with pyrithione zinc or ketoconazole.
In any case, it’s crucial to keep the affected area of skin clean and comfortable. If you’re not sure which treatment to follow, start with mild soap.
Don’t use aggressive treatments unless your doctor recommends them. Don’t shave, either.
The idea is to avoid scarring by promoting healing.
If you’re extra itchy, use a warm compress to calm the skin. Stay away from greasy moisturizers, too. You won’t want to clog the pores and aggravate the situation.
In the future, if you have folliculitis that results from shaving, try using a single blade razor or electric shaver that doesn’t cut as close to the skin (3).
Conclusion
Pretty much everyone will experience folliculitis at some point. It may go away on its own.
If you’re struggling to keep your skin clear, you may need to switch soaps. Try a body wash that alleviates the symptoms and fixes the problem at the source.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a one size fits all situation. You may need to experiment with more than one to find the perfect bath soap. But when you do, I hope you’ll come back and tell us about it in the comments below.
Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash
Contains 10% benzoyl peroxide
Coconut-based cleanser
Get’s your hair a nice, glowy look
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!
Sources:
1. https://www.drugs.com/cg/folliculitis.html published Feb 3, 2020, accessed June 2, 2020
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634 accessed June 2, 2020
3. https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/folliculitis/ by Hon. Assoc. Prof. Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, published April 2014, accessed June 2, 2020