What is QV? Why use QV?
QV is a range of soap-free, dermatologically tested cleansers and moisturisers specifically developed for sensitive skin. The QV range is suitable for use with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and a range of dry skin conditions.
There’s a product to suit every skin type and all times of day, from light moisturisers to intensive ointments.
How does QV work?
The QV range consists of a variety of products. Each product contains a mixture of moisturising ingredients that help to increase skin hydration and reduce water loss.
What ingredients are in QV?
Everything that goes into QV products has been carefully considered to help reduce potential irritants and increase its skin-friendly credentials, as common ingredients such as soap, colour and fragrance can be irritating to the skin.
QV is free from:
- SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulphate)
- Fragrance
- Colour
- Lanolin
- Propylene glycol
QV contains glycerol*
Glycerol is a naturally occurring humectant which helps the skin retain moisture. It is non-greasy, won’t block pores, and leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. 30
* Excludes QV Bath Oil
The hidden ingredients in some cosmetic products could be doing more harm than good. Here’s how QV stacks up against some of the biggest offenders…
The hidden ingredients in some cosmetic products could be doing more harm than good. Here’s how QV stacks up against some of the biggest offenders…
QV v. Aqueous Cream
Many doctors used to prescribe aqueous cream for eczema and dermatitis sufferers. Researchers have since found that aqueous cream containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) may increase water loss and cause thinning in healthy skin.31
QV UK products are free from SLS, and uses glycerol in its products. This naturally occurring humectant helps skin to retain moisture which in turn helps to support the skin barrier.
QV v. Soap
Eczema-prone skin loses water and natural oils more easily than healthy skin. Soap, being alkaline, dries the skin out and is therefore not ideal for eczema or dry skin sufferers32. Using an emollient-rich liquid cleanser, like QV Gentle Wash, helps to support the skins natural barrier function, offering better protection against dehydration.
Many soaps also contain the popular ingredient Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. SLS can cause contact dermatitis and aggravate eczema by breaking up the layer of oil that prevents skin from drying out33. All QV UK products are free from Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
QV v. Shower Gels
It’s tempting to choose a shower gel that looks natural and has a great fragrance. All QV products are free from fragrance. QV Gentle Wash is designed for sensitive skin, so it can be used if you suffer from eczema, dermatitis or sensitive skin.
QV v. Other Moisturisers
Surprisingly, even creams that are specifically designed for eczema can contain ingredients that irritate the skin. Many cosmetic moisturisers contain ingredients such as fragrance, lanolin and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate).
Lanolin is an effective moisturiser that has been used for centuries for skin, nails and hair. But it is also mildly comedogenic, which means it sticks to the skin and can block pores – not good news for people with sensitive skin34. QV Skin Lotion, QV Intensive Ointment, and QV Cream do not contain lanolin or propylene glycol.
QV v. Bubble Bath
The fragrances found in bubble bath can be skin allergens, irritants and photosensitizers36. All QV products are fragrance-free to help reduce potential irritation. Some emollient bath products may work by resting on the surface of water, coating your skin only as you get in and out of the bath. Unlike these, QV Bath Oil will fully disperse in water, which means your skin will be fully coated while you soak, offering long-lasting hydration.