Extra Hydration Gentle Soap-Free Wash
Extra Hydration Gentle Soap-Free Wash
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, non-foaming, soap-free body and face wash formulated with colloidal oatmeal (OatActiv+) to cleanse, soothe and hydrate dry to extra dry, itchy and sensitive skin without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. pH-balanced, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested for the whole family, including infants.
OatActiv+ Colloidal Oatmeal
100% natural colloidal oatmeal scientifically proven to soothe, hydrate, protect and restore the skin barrier. Used therapeutically since ancient times.
Texture & feel
SENSORYOatActiv+ Colloidal Oatmeal
100% natural colloidal oatmeal scientifically proven to soothe, hydrate, protect and restore the skin barrier. Used therapeutically since ancient times.
Soap-Free & Sulfate-Free
Uses gentle surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside) instead of harsh soaps or sulfates to cleanse without stripping natural oils.
Triple Hydration Complex
Glycerin, Sodium PCA and Colloidal Oatmeal work together to attract and retain moisture, keeping the skin barrier intact after cleansing.
Ultra-Minimal Formula
Only 13 carefully selected ingredients. Free from fragrances, parabens, SLS/SLES, lanolin, artificial dyes and alcohol for maximum compatibility.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEConfirmed safe by DermaVeen. Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters. Gentle enough for use throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free of fatty acids, esters, oils, polysorbates and ferments that feed Malassezia yeast. Verified fungal acne safe by SkinSort ingredient analysis.
Contains no pore-clogging oils, silicones or heavy emollients. Rinse-off formula means minimal residue. Extremely low risk of clogging pores.
Dermatologically tested and suitable for skin prone to eczema and dermatitis. Hypoallergenic and free from the most common allergens and irritants.
Gentle enough for babies, children and the elderly. pH-balanced to match skin's natural pH and maintain optimal skin barrier function.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs. As a gentle rinse-off cleanser, it won't interfere with or destabilise active ingredients in your routine.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSColloidal Oatmeal (Avena Sativa Kernel Flour)Proven
The star ingredient and DermaVeen's proprietary OatActiv+ complex. Finely milled oat flour rich in beta-glucan, lipids and antioxidant avenanthramides that soothe irritation, reduce itch and restore the skin barrier.
- FDA Recognized: Colloidal oatmeal is an FDA-approved skin protectant for relief of minor skin irritations and itching due to eczema.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Contains avenanthramides shown to inhibit NF-kB activation and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in clinical studies.
- Barrier Repair: Rich in ceramide-like lipids that help replenish the skin's fatty matrix between cells.
Glycerin ~5-10%Proven
A powerful humectant naturally found in the skin. Listed second in the formula, indicating a generous concentration. Draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain hydration even after rinsing.
- Hydration: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and even hyaluronic acid.
- Barrier Support: Helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier and has antimicrobial properties.
Sodium PCAProven
The sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a key component of the skin's own Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). A skin-identical humectant that helps the skin retain water and stay hydrated.
- NMF Component: Naturally occurs in human skin as part of the stratum corneum's moisture-retaining system.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Provides skin conditioning and anti-inflammatory benefits alongside hydration.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven
Pure Vitamin E acting as a potent antioxidant in the formula. Protects skin from oxidative stress and UV-induced free radical damage while providing conditioning benefits.
- Antioxidant: Significant photoprotection against UVB rays and works synergistically with Vitamin C.
- Skin Conditioning: Helps maintain skin softness and supports barrier repair processes.
Gentle Surfactant BlendSupportive
Three ultra-mild surfactants work together: Cocamidopropyl Betaine (amphoteric, derived from coconut oil), Decyl Glucoside (glucose-based, plant-derived) and Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (extremely mild amphoteric). This combination cleanses effectively without disrupting the skin barrier.
- Ultra-Gentle: All three surfactants rank among the mildest available in cosmetic chemistry, suitable even for baby skin.
- No SLS/SLES: Unlike many "gentle" cleansers, this formula completely avoids sulfate-based surfactants.
13 ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Sodium PCA, Avena Sativa (Colloidal Oatmeal) Kernel Flour, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in both your morning and evening routine. For best results, follow immediately with your preferred DermaVeen moisturiser while skin is still slightly damp. Suitable for both face and body.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Skin
Wet your face and/or body with lukewarm water. You can also apply onto a wet washcloth or bath puff.
Apply & Massage
Dispense a small amount onto your hands, washcloth or puff. Gently massage over wet skin using circular motions. The non-foaming formula will feel silky and smooth.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse well with lukewarm water and gently pat skin dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing to minimise irritation.
Moisturise Immediately
For optimal hydration, apply your preferred DermaVeen Body Moisturiser or lotion within 2-3 minutes of cleansing while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry to extra dry, itchy or sensitive skin
- You suffer from eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis
- You want a cleanser safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
- You need a whole-family wash safe for babies and children
- Your skin reacts to fragrances, sulfates or common irritants
- You want a minimal, science-backed ingredient list
- You need a fungal acne (malassezia) safe cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You prefer a rich foaming or lathering wash experience
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal (use a dedicated makeup remover first)
- You want active acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in your cleanser
- You prefer a scented or fragranced body wash
- You have very oily skin and want a deep-cleansing, oil-controlling wash
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically designed for dry to extra dry skin. Glycerin, Sodium PCA and Colloidal Oatmeal hydrate while cleansing. Won't strip natural oils.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, soap-free and dermatologically tested. One of the gentlest cleansers available with only 13 ingredients.
Gentle enough for dry areas but may feel insufficiently cleansing on oilier zones. Best used as a morning wash or on the body.
Very mild formula may not remove excess sebum effectively. Oily skin types may prefer a foaming or gel cleanser with stronger surfactants.
Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe. A great gentle base cleanser, but lacks active acne-fighting ingredients. Pair with targeted treatments.
Formulated specifically for eczema-prone skin. Colloidal oatmeal is clinically proven to soothe itch and restore the compromised skin barrier.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean without tightness or dryness. No stinging, burning or irritation. Dry patches feel noticeably soothed right after first use.
95% noticed immediate comfortReduced Dryness & Itching
Skin starts to feel more balanced and less reactive. Itch and flakiness begin to diminish as the barrier is no longer being stripped by harsh cleansers.
80% noticed less itch and drynessBarrier Restoration
The skin barrier starts to strengthen with consistent use. Skin retains moisture better and feels softer, smoother and more resilient overall.
70% noticed improved skin textureLong-Term Skin Health
With continued use, the skin maintains a healthier, calmer baseline. Flare-ups of dryness and irritation become less frequent and less severe.
85% reported sustained improvementRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — no tightness, stinging or dryness after use
- Safe for the whole family, including newborns and infants
- Only 13 ingredients — one of the cleanest formulas available
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe with no problematic actives
- Fungal acne safe and non-comedogenic
- Excellent for eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis-prone skin
- Affordable and widely available in Australian pharmacies
- Large sizes (1L, 1.25L) offer great value for daily family use
Criticized
- Non-foaming formula feels unfamiliar to some users
- Not moisturising enough on its own — needs follow-up with lotion
- Neutral scent described as slightly clinical by some reviewers
- Not effective for heavy makeup removal
- May not feel cleansing enough for very oily skin types
- Less widely available outside Australia and New Zealand
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Another Australian pharmacy brand with a similarly gentle, soap-free formula. Uses a comparable mild surfactant base but lacks colloidal oatmeal. Slightly more affordable per litre.
A global cult favourite for sensitive skin. Non-foaming cream cleanser with glycerin and panthenol. Lacks oatmeal soothing benefits but has a well-proven track record. Contains cetyl alcohol (not fungal acne safe).
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for enhanced barrier repair. More ingredients overall (20+) and contains fatty alcohols, so not fungal acne safe. Better for facial use specifically.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Pump bottle (500ml, 1L, 1.25L) or squeeze tube (250ml). Opaque plastic to protect formula integrity.
250ml size is suitable for checked luggage. For carry-on, decant into a container under 100ml. Available in a handy 250ml travel-friendly size.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. DermaVeen has confirmed their products are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide or chemical sunscreen filters — the ingredients most commonly flagged as potentially unsafe during pregnancy. All 13 ingredients are considered pregnancy-safe by dermatologists.
Yes. This wash is verified fungal acne safe by SkinSort. The formula is free from fatty acids, esters, oils, polysorbates and fermented ingredients that are known to feed Malassezia yeast. Unlike many competitors (including CeraVe and Cetaphil), this product does not contain fatty alcohols or other malassezia triggers.
Absolutely. As a gentle, pH-balanced rinse-off cleanser with no active exfoliants or treatment ingredients, it pairs perfectly with all active ingredients in your routine. In fact, using a gentle cleanser like this is recommended when you're using potent actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs or BHAs, as it minimises the risk of over-stripping or irritating your skin barrier.
This wash is specifically formulated for dry to extra dry, itchy and sensitive skin. It excels for those with eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis-prone skin. It also works well for normal and combination skin as a gentle morning cleanser. It may feel too mild for very oily skin types who prefer a deeper clean.
Most users notice immediate comfort from the first use — no tightness, dryness or stinging. Within 1-2 weeks of daily use, reduced itching and flakiness become apparent as your skin barrier begins to recover from harsh cleansers. After 3-4 weeks of consistent use, many users report noticeably softer, smoother and more resilient skin.
This cleanser is always Step 1 in your routine, used both morning and evening. Apply to wet skin, massage gently, and rinse. Follow immediately with toner, serum and moisturiser. It's suitable for both face and body use. For best results, apply your DermaVeen moisturiser right after cleansing while skin is still slightly damp.
No. This wash has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. It contains no oils, silicones, fatty alcohols or heavy emollients that could clog pores. As a rinse-off product, the ingredients have minimal contact time with the skin, further reducing any pore-clogging risk. It is safe for acne-prone skin.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Store it below 30°C in a cool, dry place. The preservative system (Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid and Caprylyl Glycol) keeps the formula fresh and effective throughout this period. If the product changes colour, consistency or smell, discontinue use.
Verdict: DermaVeen Extra Hydration Gentle Soap-Free Wash is an outstanding choice for anyone with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin seeking the gentlest possible cleanser. With only 13 ingredients, clinically proven colloidal oatmeal and a formula free from virtually every common irritant, it delivers on its promise of cleansing without compromise. It earns top marks for safety — pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe and non-comedogenic with a 0/5 rating. The only reason it doesn't score a perfect 5 is the lack of lather (which some find unusual) and the fact that very oily skin types may need something stronger. For its intended audience — families, sensitive skin sufferers and those with compromised barriers — this is one of the best soap-free washes on the Australian market.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
|
|