This page contains information on Moisturisers, Soap Substitutes, and Hair Care for those with Dry and Sensitive skin conditions.

Moisturisers - General Information

Many people suffer from dry and flaky skin conditions whether in a mild form as a result of exposure to a range of temporary factors, or in a more severe form as a result of more complicated situations which may include hereditary factors, continued exposure to harsh environmental and weather conditions, use of household soaps and detergents, medication, or as a result of a poor skin care maintenance programme.

Many moisturising products are available on the market, but often these products are "cosmetic" type products which are designed to provide a temporary "feel good" quality. Also, these products will only provide very short term benefits for dry skin sufferers as they can often contain low quality moisturising agents, or other ingredients including fragrances, which can cause irritation to people with dry, sensitive skins.

Most skin specialists agree and recommend that when someone has a dry skin condition, that a quality moisturising cream or lotion which provides a high level of moisturising ability, and is also free of known irritants such as Fragrance, Colouring, Propylene Glycol, Lanolin, and harsh preservatives, is preferred.

A very effective moisturiser and emollient for dry, cracked or scaly skin, containing 10% Glycerin, which is known for it's moisture retaining qualities, and is often recommended by specialists for those people with dry, sensitive skins. Dermasoft Sorbolene cream combines Glycerin with the emollient properties of Mineral Oil and also contains a mild anti-pruritic as a soothing agent and to reduce itching. The neutral pH range (pH 5.5 to 6.0) helps preserve the natural and protective acid mantle of your skin.

The mild formula is suitable for body, face and hands, and is safe for most sensitive skins as it does not contain any fragrance, colouring or lanolin, which can cause allergic reactions.

Use as a daily moisturiser for dry, cracked skin conditions, or as an aid to help relieve dry skin conditions associated with atopic eczema and detergent based dermatitis. Also suitable for dry aging skin and for infant care in cases of dry skin and nappy rash.

Available in: 375g Dispenser pack, 375g Refill, 100g Tube (travel pack)

Dermasoft Sorbolene Cream with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E is a natural and soothing moisturiser which is effective for the relief and protection of dry, flaky or cracked skin conditions.

Dermasoft Sorbolene cream combines Glycerin with the emollient properties of Mineral Oil and also contains a mild anti-pruritic as a soothing agent and to reduce itching.

The mild formula is suitable for body, face and hands, and is safe for most sensitive skins as it does not contain any fragrance, colouring or lanolin, which can cause allergic reactions.

The neutral pH range (pH 5.5 to 6.0) helps preserve the natural and protective acid mantle of your skin.

Use as a daily moisturiser for dry, cracked skin conditions, or as an aid to help relieve dry skin conditions associated with atopic eczema and detergent based dermatitis. Also suitable for dry aging skin and for infant care in cases of dry skin and nappy rash.

Available in: 375g Dispenser pack

This moisturising lotion is effective for the relief and protection of dry, or itchy skin conditions. The mild formula is suitable for the body, face and hands, and the neutral pH (5.5) helps preserve the natural and protective acid mantle of your skin.

Beneficial not only as a moisturiser, this product also contains an antipruritic (soothing) agent to help relieve itching, and is suitable for a wide range of dry and itchy skin conditions.

Dermasoft Dry Skin Lotion also contains Lactic Acid to help promote normal skin exfoliation.

Use as an everyday moisturiser and as an aid to help relieve dry skin conditions associated with atopic eczema, aging skin, and for infant care in cases of dry skin, nappy rash, and following measles and chickenpox.

Available in: 250ml Flask

This oil disperses in water and is a soothing emollient for dry and flaky skin. Add to the bath or apply directly to wet skin after showering or bathing.

As well as softening and moisturising the skin, Dermasoft Bath Oil will provide a protective film which helps prevent further moisture loss.

Use this bath oil for large areas of dry skin, and for infant care in cases of dry skin, nappy rash and cradle cap.

Available in: 250ml Flask

Most normal soaps, cleansers, body washes, and shower gels contain a mixture of foaming agents (surfactants) and detergents, which are often very harsh for dry and sensitive skins. These foaming agents are often derived from tallow, coconut oil or vegetable oil. A commonly used ingredient, for example, is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, which is known to irritate sensitive skin.

Although these cleansers will cleanse the skin, they are often very drying, and can cause irritation.

Because they are high in alkaline value they will alter the pH balance of your skin and damage the natural barrier protection of your skin. Alternative products such as Soap Substitutes are recommended for dry and sensitive skins.

Those who suffer from dry skin, may aggravate their skin condition by using normal soap based products. Therefore the use of a quality Soap Substitute is recommended.

Dermasoft Liquid Soap Substitute is a gentle yet thorough cleanser, suitable for body, face, hands and scalp, and is also ideal as a low irritant shampoo. It is a non - alkaline cleanser with a neutral pH of 5.5, which helps maintain the normal protective acid mantle of your skin.

The formulation is "soap free" and contains no Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. This product also contains Lactic Acid to help promote normal skin exfoliation.

Use Dermasoft Soap Substitute daily as an alternative to soap, especially in cases of dry, sensitive skin conditions. Also ideal as a body or skin cleanser for those who may have a temporary fungal infection, when used in conjunction with an antifungal cream.

Children who react to normal bubble bath products can often use Dermasoft Soap Substitute as an alternative.

Available in: 250ml Flask, 500ml Dispenser Pack

Did you know that virtually all Shampoos available in New Zealand have normal soap based formulations and foaming agents? They are therefore very high in alkaline value, and also very drying to the skin. As a result, they are not ideal for anyone who suffers from a dry and itchy scalp or for someone who washes their hair frequently.

Although these shampoos clean your hair and scalp, they are drying, may cause irritation and because they are high in alkaline value they will alter the natural pH balance of your scalp, and damage the natural barrier protection of your scalp and hair.

For those who suffer from a dry, itchy or flaky scalp, a quality "Soap Free" Shampoo is recommended, and it will often offer real benefits.

Dermasoft Moisturising Shampoo contains no soap. It contains one of the newest and most gentle foaming agents available. This ingredient is called Lauryl Polyglucose and is usually only found in some baby shampoos. Consequently this product provides a gentle yet effective cleansing action without irritating sensitive skin and scalps.

Dermasoft Moisturising Shampoo will help prevent dry flaky scalp conditions which often occur as a result of using normal soap based shampoos, and at the same time the neutral pH 5.5 helps preserve the natural and protective acid mantle of your scalp.

This shampoo can be used in conjunction with medicated or anti-dandruff shampoos to help prevent dry, or flaky scalp conditions. It is also ideal as an everyday shampoo for those who wash their hair frequently.

The formulation contains no Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, colouring, Parabens or Sodium Chloride (salt), and may benefit eczema sufferers.

Available in: 375ml Dispenser Pack

Dermasoft Cream Rinse Conditioner has been formulated to moisturise, condition and protect your hair and scalp, using ingredients which provide a low level of irritation to your skin.

As well as adding shine and body to your hair, this product contains D-Panthenol to nourish hair and emollients to help restore a healthy moisture balance to your hair and scalp.

A natural pH of 5.5 helps preserve the natural acid mantle of your hair and scalp.

Use Dermasoft Cream Rinse Conditioner as required after shampooing hair to provide nourishment and shine to your hair, and to help moisturise your scalp.

Available in: 375ml Dispenser Pack