Written by Sophie Bebeau on Wed Jun 25 2025.
Managing incontinence comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to preventing and treating incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). This uncomfortable skin condition can be a constant battle, which is why perineal cleansers are an essential tool in every caregiver's arsenal. Finding the right cleanser can offer peace of mind, knowing your loved one is comfortable, clean, and protected.
To help you navigate the many options, we've compiled a list of our top-selling perineal cleansers. Below, we highlight what makes each one a winner in our book.
The perineum is the sensitive skin located between the anus and genitals. As you can imagine, this area requires gentle, specialized care, especially when managing incontinence.
Anyone who wears pull-ups or adult diapers, uses a catheter, or needs assistance with toileting is at risk of developing IAD. This occurs when bacteria from urine or feces break down the skin in the genital area, leading to redness, rash, burning, itching, and even infection. IAD can sometimes spread to the thighs and abdomen if not properly managed.
Perineal cleansers are specially formulated skin-cleansing products designed to clean the perineum and genital area. They are ideal for individuals managing incontinence because they contain powerful yet gentle antimicrobial cleaning ingredients, moisturizers, and skin-protecting agents. These ingredients effectively remove urine and feces while keeping sensitive skin healthy and dry.
While choosing a perineal cleanser often comes down to personal preference, most effective products will share these key properties:
pH balanced: Essential for maintaining skin health in sensitive areas.
Non-drying antiseptic cleaning power: Cleans thoroughly without stripping natural moisture.
Gentle, moisturizing ingredients: To soothe and protect delicate skin.
No-rinse formula: Convenient for quick and easy cleanups.
Beyond these core criteria, you might consider variations in scent, bottle type (spray vs. pump), and specific moisturizing ingredients. Like many personal care products, it's often helpful for caregivers to try a few different options to find the one that best suits their loved one's needs and their own preferences.
Our product recommendations are based on thorough product research combined with valuable caregiver and user feedback. The perineal cleansers featured here are among Carewell's best-selling items, consistently backed by positive reviews from those who use them daily.
Effectively clean and refresh sensitive skin with Ameriderm PeriScent Perineal Cleanser. This 8 oz spray, enriched with aloe vera and dermatologist-tested, easily emulsifies dried urine and feces without stripping the skin. Its no-rinse, pH-balanced formula cleanses, deodorizes, and leaves skin moisturized with a fresh, mild fragrance, all while being free of alcohol and dyes.
Key Benefits & Features:
Cleans and deodorizes.
No Rinse Formula.
Fresh and mild fragrance.
pH Balanced.
Free of Alcohol and Dyes.
Customer Review of Ameriderm PeriScent Perineal Cleanser: "I was skeptical but it makes a difference! easier on the skin than soap, and makes clean-up easier as well." - Karen T.
3M Cavilon No Rinse cleanser is another great incontinence cleanser with gentle, moisturizing ingredients plus Dimethicone, which helps create a soothing barrier between the skin and diaper or pull-up. This cleanser also comes in a trigger spray bottle instead of a pump spray bottle.
Key Benefits & Features:
Light, floral scent
pH balanced
No-rinse
Contains non-drying, moisturizing ingredients
Contains protective skin barrier ingredients
Deodorizing formula
Comes in an easy-to-use trigger spray bottle
Customer Review of 3M Cavilon No Rinse Skin Cleanser: "Excellent for incontinence clients!!!! Swear by it." - Julia B.
Many caregivers are familiar with the McKesson brand because they are a leader in making quality caregiving products. Their perineal cleanser is no exception! This is a no-rinse, pH-balanced cleanser that gently cleans and soothes skin with aloe and three different skin-nourishing vitamins.
Key Benefits & Features:
Fresh scent
pH balanced
No-rinse
Contains non-drying, moisturizing aloe, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.
Odor-eliminating
Comes in an 8oz pump spray bottle or a gallon jug to refill your own bottle
Customer Review of McKesson Perineal and Skin Cleanser: "Great Skin Cleanser! Cleans very well without added water as a rinse. No odors after using this skin cleanser. Nice floral clean smell. I purchase the gallon jug and just refill spray bottles that I keep in both of my bathrooms and use it all the time. Very glad I found this skin cleanser!" - Halle V.
Sensi-care Perineal Wash is a great option for anyone who is sensitive to scented products or simply doesn't like fragrance. This is a pH-balanced cleanser with a gentle no-rinse formula containing moisturizing and skin-nourishing collagen and aloe.
Key Benefits & Features:
Ideal for frequent cleansing and moisturizing during continence care when soap and water may otherwise dry the skin.
Suitable for frequent perineal cleansing
Creamy cleanser with 3-in-1 formula
No rinse required
Customer Review of TENA ProSkin Scented Rinse-Free Cleansing Cream: "This is an excellent product . It gently cleans and soothes rashes, and make skin feels smooth and soft. It has a pleasant, clean scent. Great quality. It also comes in a large tube so there is good value for the size." - Beverley M.
Before selecting a perineal cleanser, consider these important factors:
Skin sensitivity: If you or your loved one's skin is sensitive to specific ingredients, opt for a cleanser free of those irritants.
Form: Perineal cleansers come in various forms—from lotions to soapy solutions to no-rinse sprays. Choose one that will work best for your loved one's skin and your specific care situation.
Scent: The scent of a cleanser can significantly impact the user experience. If strong smells are overwhelming for you or your loved one, choose an unscented option.
You'll want to keep a soft washcloth or adult wipes on hand for gentle cleaning to ensure the perineal cleanser is evenly applied to all necessary areas.
While perineal cleansers are gentle and skin-safe, they are generally not recommended as a full body wash unless specifically stated on the product. For effective no-rinse full-body cleansing, consider using no-rinse bath wipes.
For an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide and video on how to apply a perineal cleanser, check out our dedicated article [link to your article here, if applicable].
While all quality perineal cleansers share similar key features, you might need a little extra guidance to choose the best one for your unique situation. If you have questions about perineal cleansers or need help selecting a product, one of our friendly Care Specialists would be happy to assist you!
Reach out to our Caregiving Specialists! Call (800) 696-CARE, email support@carewell.com. We are passionate about serving caregivers with the best possible products and education, and we'd love to help you find something that works for you!
Finding the right cleansing wipes is a key part of comfortably managing incontinence. We’ve put together our roundup of top-rated wipes, washcloths, and towelettes for incontinence care to help you select the best product for your needs.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
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Read More >Sophie Bebeau is a writer, graphic designer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing or making things for the internet, she can be found cross-stitching, writing poetry, and snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and her husband, son, and dog, Buttercup.
