I need a cleanser, but I have a very specific set of requirements.

[StepAwayFromCake]

I don't use makeup, but I do use sunscreen or moisturiser, and I get a sweaty head and face. I'm early 50s and, on the whole, have good skin. It's just very sensitive because of my allergies.

I find Simple products too harsh (except, oddly enough, their exfoliating facial wash - but I don't want to exfoliate several times a week!).

I need a cleanser that:

• is fragrance-free. Not just artificial fragrances, all fragrances. This includes essential oils.

• has no bee products in it. No honey, beeswax, royal jelly or propolis.

• has no coconut products in it. Frustratingly, I can use coconut oil sparingly, but commercial preps generally have far too much for me to tolerate.

• is SLS-free. I could possibly compromise on this.

• is not exfoliating.

• can be used in the shower or bath.

Does such a cleanser exist?

I use an oil cleanser like DHC. Feels a bit weird putting oil onto a dry face but it's done wonders for me. Don't ever use exfoliate with bits in, instead a liquid one like AHA liquid gold or clarins gentle brightening exfoliator toner a couple of times a week. These apparently work by dissolving the 'glue' that holds dead skin cells on your face rather than roughing it up. Avoid foaming washes too!

I have oily skin so have been dubious of oil cleansers but combined with a lighter moisturiser (I use Avene light with spf20) it's a lot better

www.carolinehirons.com/2013/07/clinique-take-day-off-cleansing-balm.html

Clinique take the day off cleansing balm. Since getting this I can't bring myself to use anything else. I have very sensitive skin particularly round the eyes and this doesn't irritate at all. Also is just so lovely to use.

I have allergy prone skin as well. I use coconut oil to wash my face in the shower, just plain virgin stuff so I don't know if you're skin could handle it?
I also use a cream cleanser by Sukin, an organic Australian brand (you can buy it in the U.K.) and I'd highly recommend it but don't know if it fits your shower credentials. It's very light and I use it with a cotton pad.

Hmm tricky, what about something like this - www.greenpeople.co.uk/shop/by-collection/scent-free/organic-scent-free-skin-care-products/neutral-scent-free-cleanser-150ml

If DHC oil cleanser is a pain to get then the Body Shop chamomile oil one is supposed to be very good too.

I don't know if it fulfils all your requirements, but Cetaphil products are supposed to be very gentle, I have a couple of colleagues who swear by them.

Oh how I love Mumsnet! Thank you for these recommendations.

I look at the price of stuff and don't buy it because i can't bear the thought of having an allergic reaction to it - and spending ££££ for the privilege!

I've tried Waitrose Pure Hot Oil Cleanser, and it does feel lovely, but I've never been convinced that it really is a cleanser. Felt more like a post-cleanser treatment. And has anyway been appropriated by my teenagers.

I use VCP coconut oil as a moisturiser when my allergies flare up and my skin is too sensitive for anything else.

I shall try the Green People one first. May ask for the Clinique one for Xmas.

Second Clinique
Or this? British allergy approved https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/toleriane-dermo-cleanser?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5pXLx4yu1QIVbbXtCh3VOwN9EAAYASAAEgLpovD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CNPJnNSMrtUCFQQT0wodBzsCwg
There's a website that sells it cheap in bulk if you like it

I came on to suggest the Green People scent free one too, it's lovely. Plus this weekend they've got a 20% off code, PAYDAY, which I wish I'd known about because I ordered yesterday!

Also, if you did have a reaction to it you could send it back.

Second for the LRP Toleriane linked above - this is the one I use when my skin's having a particularly sensitive moment & it's lovely. It says to wipe off but I always use with water/flannel. Might be worth checking out Avene too.

Here's the cheap bulk link BTW if anyone likes the LRP!
https://www.easyparapharmacie.co.uk/la-roche-posay-toleriane-fluide-dermo-nettoyant-visage-et-yeux-2x400ml.html

This LRP one is also lovely.

Body shop Camomile oil and the solid balm in a tin are both lovely. I've used loads of different cleansers but always go back to these.

Trilogy Cream Cleanser is lovely and (I think) meets all your requirements. They do a sensitive skin version as well.

The problem with SLS free is that gentle products will use coco betaine as a surfactant which is derived from coconut oil.

Cerave Hydrating Cleanser should fit your criteria. I can't tolerate scent and it's fragrance free & very gentle.

Derma Sukin Daily Hydrating Wash is probably the least aggravating cleanser I've found but it does contain coco betaine.

Cetaphil also gets my vote. I think it's a fairly strong cleanser, but basic ingredients

Cetaphil or LRP/Avene as their main format is gentle and non foaming

I'd be cautious with some oil formulations if they contain essesntial oils. I'm acne prone and there's no way in hell I'd be putting coconut oil anywhere near my face

In general I'm a fan of three already mentioned, namely TBS chamomile, Clinique TTDO and Cetaphil. All three seem quite light to me compared with others tried and I have had no reaction to them.

I suspect that Cetaphil is the gentlest. I'm currently using TBS mostly myself as with the regular TBS discounts it's great value, a little bit more luxurious than Cetaphil and cheaper than TTDO.

Thirding the La Roche Posay Toleriane. I use a flannel to remove it so I get a bit of very gentle exfoliation each day too.

Clinique TTDO balm made my skin feel tight and itchy and then I broke out a day later. Plus I feel like it's better as a first cleanse to remove make up rather than a main cleanser.

"I look at the price of stuff and don't buy it because i can't bear the thought of having an allergic reaction to it - and spending ££££ for the privilege!"

A lot of shops are happy to let you have a small sample. I find the staff in Debenhams, Lush, Boots and The Bodyshop really helpful for this.

My skin is too sensitive to use Clinique take the day off balm - I wake up itchy & red.

Body Shop chamomile cleansing butter contains fragrance - three different types!

I'm really similar to you in terms of only using sunscreen and not make up. I no longer use a cleanser as I have become reactive to things that started out ok, anything that foams in anyway has always been instantly irritating. I now use Nip+Fab pads instead, Dragon's Blood at night and Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing pads in the morning. I give my eyes a gentle wipe with a damp flannel.

I was very nervous about trying the Nip+Fab stuff, with it being acid, but actually I haven't had any reaction at all to it and my skin looks good.

I agree with Clinique TTDO.
Just bought my 2nd lot of it. Lasts for ages but I wait until there is an offer on at John Lewis- either 10 or 20% off- or buy at Boots with Double Points coupons.

OP If you want to try the Clinique one they do a travel size for £7 though it's not value for money compared to the full size one.