4 Best Shower Gels for Dry, Sensitive & Eczema-Prone Skin (No Harsh Ingredients!)

Disclaimer alert: The RUFI team ensures our products are well-researched, dermatologically tested, and have undergone rigorous patch testing. Our formulas are proudly backed by eczema certification and Oderm approval, reaffirming our commitment to sensitive skin and gentle care.

Is there anything more luxurious than a nice shower or a long restful bath? Well, we think not. What’s even better is when you indulge your body with a shower gel that leaves your skin feeling refreshed, silkier, and smells so good.

But has your skin ever had that problem where you noticed your skin becoming itchy, then red, and eventually breaking out into a rash? That could be eczema or also known as atopic dermatitis, a skin condition that can affect your day-to-day life. What makes it especially annoying is that it doesn’t just go away like a pimple.

According to the National Eczema Association, eczema is a complex condition with various triggers and symptoms, and it can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. 

Anyone at any age can experience eczema, from newborn babies and teens to older adults, however, you have to take note that this is not contagious and cannot be passed by one to another person. 

This condition causes dry and, often, intensely itchy skin that can lead to inflamed and discolored skin, rough or scaly patches, and even oozing and crusting.

In some cases, it’s also possible to experience more than one type of eczema at the same time or at different times on multiple parts of the body, so it’s important to know and get your skin tested too, so you know what to avoid and what not. 

But thankfully, did you know that the right home care essential like shower gel which can help keep the skin clean, calm, and nourished without stripping it of its natural oils? As long as the ingredients used are organic, natural ingredients and are chemical-free.

These are the best choice because it contains fewer synthetic chemicals, reducing the risk of skin irritation, allergies, and other dermatological issues, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin or conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

If you're unsure how to make the right choice, check out this guide on how to choose the best shower gel, which breaks down what to look for in skin-friendly formulas. Also, by knowing and understanding your skin and why it reacts that way, you can understand why you need to avoid such harmful ingredients. 

You can also take a peek at what cleansers actually do and the difference in the role of body wash and shower gels. And if you want a full-body approach from your face to your body, Rufi’s personal care guide covers both hygiene and skincare tips for building a gentle and effective routine.

And with that, we also made sure to tapped board-certified dermatologists and made sure these Rufi nature-inspired shower gels deliver the best of the best. The result: this curated list of the best shower gels that are good for your eczema or sensitive skin. Because now is the right time to enter your itch-free era, adjusted to dry Aussie winters or post-sun exposure.

01 of 04 Best Overall: Rufi Garden House Shower Gel

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Hibiscus Extract, Olive Oil PEG-7 esters, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ectoin

Scent: Fresh garden-inspired floral fragrance | Price: $22.00 AUD | Size: 350 ml

Some of the best formulas for eczema are not only budget-friendly but also widely available online. Case in point: Rufi. “For those looking for a gentle, dermatologist-tested shower gel, I recommend Rufi’s Fragranced Shower Gel Garden House,” says Dr. Lin, a board-certified dermatologist. “It contains ectoin to protect the skin from environmental stressors, and sodium hyaluronate that has the salt form of hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture, promoting hydration and comfort,” she explains.

We also like that it includes saccharide isomerate, a plant-derived moisturizer that binds to the skin for long-lasting hydration while reducing dryness. Best of all, as Dr. Lin notes, the formula features Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle) leaf extract, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to help calm irritated skin. 

Customer Review | "I’ve tried countless shower gel over the years, but this one genuinely stands out, especially because my skin gets very dry and easily irritated during winter. Most products either feel too harsh or leave a residue. But Garden House by Rufi feels like a soft reset for my skin. The scent is light and botanical without being overpowering, and my skin feels smooth and moisturised even hours later. I love it so much and will buy it again!" – Sophie

02 of 04 Best for: Daily use, sensitive or reactive skin, and a spa-like experience

Product: Rufi Fragranced Shower Gel – Smoky Rose

Key Ingredients: Smoky Rose (fragrance), Ectoin, Niacinamide, Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), Urea, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Hibiscus Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hyaluronate

Scent: Smoky rose with floral and woody undertones |  Price: $22.00 AUD | Size: 350 ml

Rufi’s Smoky Rose Shower Gel delivers an elevated cleansing experience that blends skin-soothing care with a luxurious scent. With a silky gel texture and a fragrance that pairs soft florals with a subtle smoky base, it feels like a personal spa moment in your shower, without being overpowering. This formula doesn’t just smell good; it’s backed by dermatologist-approved ingredients designed to calm, hydrate, and protect.

Dermatest conducted rigorous testing, and none of the 30 subjects showed any irritative skin reactions during the study. So, when you use it, you will notice no itchiness, and even without a loofah, it rinses away dirt, sweat, and daily buildup, all while leaving your skin soft, smooth, and lightly scented with the kind of aroma you’d expect from boutique skincare.

Customer Review | “This shower gel is honestly such a treat! Its smoky rose surprised me, as it's so gentle and smells so incredible, it makes me want to use it every minute.” – Bea 

03 of 04 Best for: Purifying, pH-balancing, dry or normal skin

Product: Rufi Fragranced Shower Gel – Forest Ebony

Key Ingredients: Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Trehalose, Saccharide Isomerate, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extract, Glycerin, Erythritol, Mannitol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate

Scent: Warm, woody, and grounding with deep, earthy notes | Price: $22.00 AUD | Size: 350 ml

Calm your mind as well as your skin with the best product for personal well-being and balance, the Rufi Fragrance Shower Gel Forest Ebony. This gentle shower gel delivers hydration and feels lightweight and luxurious, making it ideal for anyone with normal to dry skin.

It also blends asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid, which are active compounds from Centella Asiatica that are known for calming irritation, promoting healing, and supporting collagen synthesis—all of which perfectly nourish your skin, no matter how dry it is.

Additionally, it is formulated to rinse clean without residue, as its oil doesn’t leave a film, making this a perfect shower gel for daily use too, especially during the warmer months. Our favourite part of this product? It’s non-stripping, with its citric acid and sodium citrate, which means a pH-balanced formula that protects your skin barrier and keeps it balanced.

Customer Reviews | “I’ve been using this RUFI personal care product, and it’s strange how this small bottle has lasted. I’ve been using it for two months now, going into three, and my skin doesn’t feel dry anymore. Even though it’s only 350 ml, I’m still not done with the bottle. Plus, I love the scent so much! It brings out the nature-inspired experience I’ve been looking for, and I just can’t get enough of it and I'm gonna recommend this to my friends!”  –  Leah 

04 of 04 Best for: Hydration, barrier repair, and gentle cleansing

Product: Rufi Fragranced Shower Gel – Sirloin Cedar

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, trehalose, pentylene glycol, centella asiatica actives, amino acids, saccharomyces lysate, coco-glucoside, glyceryl polyacrylate, algin

Scent: fresh cedar with a slightly savory, smoky twist | Price: $22.00 AUD | Size: 350 ml

Thanks to its gentle formula, pH-balanced base, and impressive moisturizing power, the Rufi Fragranced Shower Gel Sirloin Cedar is our top pick whenever your skin needs hydration because it is packed with lightweight yet effective humectants that draw water into the skin, helping it stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during summer. 

Aside from that, we also loved this product for its luxurious, moisturizing formula and delightful scent, bringing a bold, woody aroma with a hint of smoky warmth that leaves your skin feeling clean, rich, and refreshed. This shower gel doesn’t just moisturize, it also helps repair and protect your skin’s barrier, thanks to niacinamide, amino acids, and Centella Asiatica extracts. Its gentle, non-stripping formula and all-in-one functionality make it our top choice for daily use, soothing care, and barrier support.

Customer Reviews | “Long story short, it was a bad time, but this shower gel healed something. It helps my skin stay soft and smooth. It feels like showering in a misty forest. It is mysterious and comforting at once.”  –  Alicia 

Types of Moisturizing Shower Gels

We've used, researched, and corresponded with the top clean beauty and skincare brands for years. Our favourite shower gel made us realize that we need a shower gel that is non-toxic, dermatologically tested, and ensures our skin feels nourished and moisturized all throughout the day. Below are the types of ingredients to look for and to avoid: 

1. Hydrating Heroes: It’s best to look for ingredients that offer long-lasting moisture. Ingredients like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, urea, and plant-based moisturizers such as olive oil esters, trehalose, or saccharide isomerate keep the skin soft and smooth. They draw in and lock moisture into the skin without clogging pores or leaving a greasy feel.
2. Barrier Supporting Ingredients: Your skin barrier is your first line of defense and it deserves protection. Showers gels made with Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica compounds (asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid), and amino acids help strengthen your skin barrier and calm inflammation. These are ideal for dry, reactive, or sensitive skin and help reduce redness, and support a more balanced, resilient complexion, especially for sensitive skin types. 
3. Harsh Cleansers (To Avoid): Not all shower gels are created equal. Avoid sulfates like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES, that makes your skin tight, itchy, or dry. Instead, choose gentler, coconut-derived surfactants like coco-glucoside, potassium cocoyl glycinate, or sodium methyl cocoyl taurate for a creamy lather that’s kind to your skin.
4. Watch the Exfoliants: An exfoliating shower gel helps remove dead skin cells, although ingredients like glycolic acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA) can help with body acne or rough texture, they’re not ideal for daily use in moisturizing shower gels. For hydration-first routines, avoid exfoliants unless you’re targeting a specific concern like keratosis pilaris.
5. Stick to Skin-Friendly pH: Our skin seeks for balance to make it a healthy skin and with that shower gels with a pH between 4.5 to 5.5 help maintain your skin’s natural acidity and prevent barrier damage. This is especially important for anyone with eczema, dryness, or sensitivity. A pH-balanced formula ensures your skin stays calm, comfortable, and healthy—shower after shower.

Shower Gel FAQs

1. What Is Shower Gel?

Shower gel is a liquid cleanser designed for the body, used in place of bar soap. Unlike traditional soaps, shower gels often have a gentler, pH-balanced formula that cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils. 

2. Can I use moisturizing shower gel every day?

Yes! Most moisturizing shower gels, especially those with gentle, sulfate-free formulas are designed for daily use. But take note and look for ingredients like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and coconut-derived cleansers as they help in hydration without stripping your skin of natural oils.

3. Does it leave a residue on the skin?

No, high-quality moisturizing shower gels rinse clean without leaving a greasy film. In fact, our formula rinses off cleanly and the presence of lightweight humectants ensures skin feels soft and nourished, not sticky or heavy which are enough for warm weather and daily use. 

4. Do I still need to use body lotion afterward?

Of course yes, while our shower gels hydrate beautifully, applying a body lotion after your shower helps lock in all that moisture. Think of it as a power duo—gentle cleansing followed by lasting nourishment. For best results, apply body lotion after showering for a more nourished and moisturised skin. 

5. Can I use it on my face or intimate areas?

We recommend not to use it since our facial skin is more delicate and prone to sensitivity. Although some moisturizing shower gels are gentle enough for multiple uses, they are still not recommended for facial uses, as shower gels are formulated for the body. That’s also why there are specific facial skincare products designed for use on your face. If you're unsure where to start, check out our 5-step skincare routine for an easy and effective way to care for your skin the right way.