7 Best Body Washes For Hard Water (2024): Approved By An Esthetician

Hard water causes itchiness, rashes, and dryness. Protect your skin by using these body washes.

Medically reviewed by Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD Patricia Gaile Espinosa Patricia Gaile EspinosaMD facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Last Updated on
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If you live in a place with hard water, you are probably aware of the hassles of showering using regular gels, soaps, and other bath products available in the market. One of the biggest problems of having hard water is that the soap does not lather enough. The best body washes for hard water can be your best bet in such cases.

If you shower in hard water, its buildup residue might cause acne, eczema, and inflammation and clog your pores. Clarifying body washes especially meant for hard water prevent all these issues, and leave the skin residue-free. So, save yourself from all the above issues and check out our top picks now. Scroll down!

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best Cruelty-Free Formula:TRISWIM Body Wash
Price on Amazon
Best Organic: Zealios Swim & Sport Body Wash
Price on Amazon
Best Alcohol-Free Formula:deep steep Premium Beauty Coconut - Lime Body Wash
Price on Amazon
Best Hypoallergenic:CLn BodyWash
Price on Amazon
Best pH-Balance:Ivory Coconut Water Scent Body Wash
Price on Amazon
Best In Budget:BURT'S BEES Extra Energizing Body Wash
Price on Amazon
Best Moisturizing Formula:Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
Price on Amazon

7 Best Body Washes For Hard Water

1. Best Cruelty-Free Formula:TRISWIM Body Wash

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4.4
TRISWIM Chlorine Removal Body Wash Image: Triswim

The TRISWIM Body Wash is your best choice for all age groups to eliminate chlorine, bromine, salt water, and chemical odors encountered post-swimming. This gentle formula soothes extra dry skin, eczema, and pool rashes. The body wash contains vitamin E and provitamin B5 which heal the skin and organic aloe vera and vitamin A that provide your skin with essential hydration and nourishment. The grapefruit yuzu citrus scent leaves you with a refreshing feeling.

Skin Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 3 x 1.5 x 8 inches | Weight: 8.8 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, Vitamin E, Provitamin B5, Yuzu citrus, Chamomile, and Watercress

Pros

  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Healing benefits
  • Gentle
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Expensive

Our Tester's Experience

"As a frequent swimmer, I've been troubled by chlorine-induced rashes and that is when I decided to give this body wash a try. It effectively removes chlorine odor and soothes the skin. I can now swim daily without discomfort. The fragrance is pleasant as well and not overpowering."


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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 2,799 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

2. Best Organic: Zealios Swim & Sport Body Wash

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3.6
Best Organic: Zealios Swim & Sport Body Wash Image: Zealios

The Zealios Swim & Sport Body Wash is a moisturizing body wash suitable for swimmers, athletes, and hard water. The body wash is formulated with white tea, lavender, arnica, and calendula extracts that deliver visible results, such as repairing and restoring skin and gently removing saltwater residues, sweat, and chlorine from the skin. Additionally, the body wash formula is infused with organic hydrating extracts like jojoba oil and aloe juice, which helps to nourish dry skin and make you feel fresh. The hydrating body wash is free of drying sulfates and is formulated with ingredients that make it suitable for everyday use.

Skin Type: Dry

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Citrus scent
  • Hydrating
  • Safe for daily use
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • None

Our Tester's Experience

"As a swim instructor, I've found this body wash to be effective in removing chlorine. The best part is it does not dry out my skin, allowing me to continue my swims without the discomfort of rashes. It helps me achieve itch-free, softer skin."


protip_icon Quick Tip
Instead of using your palm or fingertips, use a washcloth or sponge to massage it into your skin.

3. Best Alcohol-Free Formula:deep steep Premium Beauty Coconut – Lime Body Wash

This body wash is a great addition to your at-home spa routine to rejuvenate your congested skin. It also adds a sense of luxury and comfort with its refreshing fragrance of essential oils and plant extracts. It is hard water-safe and suits all skin types and ages. This foaming body wash is formulated using organic coconut oil, shea butter, argan oil, and aloe vera that gently soothes, hydrates, and nourishes the skin. Reviewers on Amazon absolutely love its fragrance and recommend its use.

Skin Type: All, Oily, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.7 x 7 inches | Weight: 1.2 Pounds

Key Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, Shea butter, Argan oil, Aloe vera, and Citrus lime peel oil

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • MEA-free
  • DEA-free
  • TEA-free
  • EDTA-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Dye-free
  • Triethanolamine-free
  • Sodium benzoate-free

Cons

  • Strong scent

Our Tester's Experience

"I've been enjoying my showers more since I started using this Deep Steep body wash. The scent is quite pleasing. It is completely free from harmful chemicals, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin as well. My skin feels moisturized and does not feel greasy at all."


4. Best Hypoallergenic:CLn BodyWash

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4.5

The CLn BodyWash is specifically created for people struggling with bumpy skin and conditions like folliculitis, acne, eczema, and infections. It minimizes dryness, irritation, rashes, redness, and flakiness with a gentle non-drying formula that suits both kids and adults. It is infused with sodium hypochlorite, a clinically proven and safe bleach bath alternative used to treat several fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. This non-irritating acne-targeting body wash is ideal for daily use and works as a head-to-toe wash. Several reviews on Amazon suggest that this dermatologist-tested body wash helps manage severe eczema.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 2 x 2 inches | Weight: 9.6 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Sodium hypochlorite

Pros

  • Clinically-proven formula
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Steroid-free
  • Antibiotics-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Triclosan-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Expensive

Our Tester's Experience

"I've found relief from ingrown hairs and experience clearer skin with this body wash. A little goes a long way with it so make sure to shake it well before pouring. I love how it's fragrance-free. It's now become a staple in my routine."


protip_icon Quick Tip
Take just a palmful of product for the whole body to avoid leftover stickiness.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 2,226 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

5. Best pH-Balance:Ivory Coconut Water Scent Body Wash

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4.7

The body wash from Ivory is a gentle moisturizing formula that is a great option for people with sensitive skin. Its rich and refreshing lather cleanses impurities and hydrates the skin thoroughly, making it one of the best body cleansers to tackle dryness and flakiness in sensitive skin. It also calms down irritation and inflammation, making the skin soft and supple. This body wash is pH-balanced and dermatologist-tested and made with clean and simple ingredients.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.25 x 9.32 inches | Weight: 2.24 Pounds.

Key Ingredients: Coconut and Aloe vera

Pros

  • pH-balanced
  • Skin-softening agents
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Anti-dryness formula
  • Dye-free
  • Perfume-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-freeGluten-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Value for money

Cons

  • None

6. Best In Budget:BURT’S BEES Extra Energizing Body Wash

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4.4
Burt's Bees Extra Energizing Citrus and Ginger Body Wash Image: Burt's Bees

The Extra Energizing Body Wash from BURT’S BEES is made with 97.8% natural and organic ingredients to energize and rejuvenate all skin types. The 2-in-1 formula is designed to cleanse and shave even the most sensitive areas. It is formulated with a plant-based deep cleansing complex with lauryl glucoside and decyl glucoside blended with ginger root oil, essential citrus oils, and sweet orange oil that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It moisturizes the skin and keeps it from drying out. The citrus and ginger-infused scent leaves your skin feeling fresh while the antioxidants impart anti-aging benefits.

Skin Type: All

Key Ingredients: Lauryl glucoside, Decyl glucoside, Ginger root oil, and Sweet orange oil

Pros

  • Mild fragrance
  • Suits sensitive skin
  • Value for money
  • Phthalate-free
  • Petrolatum-free
  • Paraben-free
  • SLS-free

Cons

  • Leaves a sticky feeling.

Our Tester's Experience

"This body wash has become a staple in my routine. It lathers well and leaves my skin feeling clean without any residue or irritation. It has a fresh scent that's not too overpowering, reminiscent of luxury hotel soaps. It is gentle on sensitive or winter-itchy skin as well."


7. Best Moisturizing Formula: Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash

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4.6

The Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash is infused with the soothing triple oat blend that comprises oat flour, oat extract, and oat oil. It is a fragrance-free formula that gently removes dirt and impurities from your pores while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier and moisture levels. This body wash helps to nurture your skin and soothe inflammation, calms itchiness and restores the skin’s natural shine and smooth texture. This ultra-lathering body wash is an allergy-tested formula, free of common irritants like parabens, dyes, and soaps, making it completely safe for sensitive skin. Reviewers say that they love this product’s ability to provide relief to dry skin, especially during the winter months.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Item Weight: 1 pounds | Product Dimensions: 2.25 x 4.5 x 9.5 inches.

Pros

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Gentle
  • Shine-restorative property
  • Lathers well
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Paraben-free
  • Dyes-free
  • Soap-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Recyclable packaging

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Quick Tip
Use lukewarm water to wash your body and avoid hot water to prevent dryness.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 46,237 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

There are a few things to consider before you buy a body wash for hard water. Let us look at some of them in the next section.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Body Wash For Hard Water

  • Fragrance: It is important to note that if you buy a product with fragrance, it shouldn’t be synthetic or artificial fragrance as that can further sensitize your skin. Check if the product has natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin instead of chemicals. Choose body washes that are infused with honey, milk, therapeutic dead sea minerals, a blend of coconut and jojoba oils, and olive oil. These have antibacterial, anti-aging, skin-clarifying properties and healing benefits that nourish and soothe your skin.
  • Skin Type: Ensure the specialized body wash you choose is compatible with your skin, as using products with strong astringents can be harmful for sensitive skin. It is best to seek consultation from a board-certified dermatologist to get your hands on the most suitable one to target your skin concerns.
  • Cost-effectiveness: As hard water tends to dial down the amount of suds created with regular soaps, you may end up using a lot more product than required to produce more lather. Therefore, opt for a product that offers value for your money.

Infographic: Key Ingredients In Body Washes For Hard Water

If your locality has a hard water supply, washing your skin with regular soaps isn’t going to cut it. You need effective body washes that lather easily and deep cleanse your skin without causing product buildup. These body washes are infused with potent ingredients that benefit your skin in several aspects. To know more about these ingredients and their effects on the skin, check the infographic below.

Key Ingredients In Body Washes For Hard Water

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

One of the many aspects of using hard water is that your soap would not be able to lather enough. There are many body washes available in the market that are mainly made to work wonders on hard water. The deep steep Premium Beauty Coconut – Lime Body Wash is ideal for all skin types, while the TRISWIM Body Wash is suitable for dry skin. For sensitive skin, the CLn Body Wash is a perfect choice. These washes can also be effectively used to treat skin issues, including eczema, acne, and inflammation. You can also get rid of clogged pores with the help of these body washes. They can be your go-to body washes for gentle nourishment and to keep the skin hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to bathe in hard water?

No, it is not recommended to bathe in hard water. Over time, the calcium and magnesium in hard water form a layer of soap scum on your skin that causes dryness and irritation.

Is Dove soap good for hard water?

No, soaps like dove don’t bind with hard water and cause soap scums to clog your skin and make your skin itchy.

Is Zest soap good for hard water?

Yes, soaps like Zest are made of synthetic chemicals and are hard water softening.

Can hard water cause itchy skin and scalp?

Yes, the high mineral content of hard water can make your skin and scalp dry and itchy.

Why does hard water not lather with soap?

Hard water contains calcium and magnesium ions that mix with the soap chemicals and form insoluble salts that resist the formation of lather.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who has an in-depth knowledge of skincare brands, their products, and formulations. She understands the science behind these formulations and how they affect the skin. That is why she has done her share of research and reviewed several customer feedback before curating this list of the 7 best body washes for hard water. The body washes are specially formulated to clear hard water residue on your skin.

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Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology.

Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Aditi Naskar
Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

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Ramona Sinha
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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