For people who cannot walk on their own, a wash in bed is sometimes the only bathing option, and it is traditionally done with water and soap (Groven et al., 2017). A no-rinse cleansing lotion is applied to a soft cloth to wipe each area of skin and then left to dry, with no water poured over the body. Because the product stays on the skin, the formula must follow the rules for leave-on products: very mild cleansing agents at low concentration, humectants, and a preservative system within the limits for leave-on use. A systematic review of washing without water by Groven et al. (2017) found only 6 controlled studies, of which the 2 high-quality studies came from the same research group and used the same dataset, and concluded that there is limited moderate to high quality evidence that washing without water is not inferior to the traditional bed bath. The review was funded by a company, and its first author was employed by that company. That evidence covers the whole care routine, not any single formula, so the label claims only cleansing and moisturizing. Butter-C provides full-service OEM/ODM manufacturing, from formula development and testing to labeled finished goods with the cosmetic product notification, for both households and nursing homes or care facilities.

Formula base

Very mild cleansing agents, humectants and a leave-on preservative system

In principle, a no-rinse body cleanser is closer to micellar water than to body wash: low levels of cleansing agents help transfer oil and soil onto the cloth, and the rest stays on the skin.

Low-level cleansing agents

Very mild nonionic micelle formers and amphoteric surfactants (Poloxamer 184, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate); glucosides only in small amounts, since higher levels feel sticky.

Humectants

Glycerin, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol — keep skin moisturized after wiping; amounts are balanced so skin dries without feeling sticky.

Emollients (lotion format)

A thin oil-in-water emulsion with a light oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride) and emulsifiers; leaves a thin, non-greasy layer.

Preservation and pH

Preservatives within the leave-on limits of ASEAN Annex VI; mildly acidic pH measured on the finished product; a chelating agent supports the preservative system.

Key technical points

Four factors that determine the quality of a no-rinse body cleanser

Leave-on rules apply

Some preservatives are allowed only in rinse-off products, such as Methylisothiazolinone (ASEAN Annex VI, Ref 57). Benzoic acid and its sodium salt: maximum 0.5% (as acid) in leave-on products, versus 2.5% in rinse-off products (Ref 1).

Gentle wiping, no scrubbing

The liquid wets well enough to lift soil with gentle wiping using a soft cloth. Older skin is thin: in the trial by Carville et al. (2014), skin tears often occurred while moving people in and out of bed or helping them bathe.

Dries clean, not sticky

Glucoside, humectant and oil levels are balanced so skin dries quickly after wiping and nothing sticks to clothing or bed sheets.

Fragrance-free, few ingredients

The product stays on a large area of skin and is used daily: no fragrance and no unnecessary ingredients (practice suggestion).

Three formulation directions

Three no-rinse cleansing formats

Lotion applied to a cloth

A thin emulsion with a light oil and humectants; pumped onto a soft cloth or wash glove and used to wipe one area of skin at a time.

No-rinse cleansing foam

A dilute solution dispensed through a foam pump; the foam is easy to dose and does not run, suiting small areas and home use.

Solution for single-use wipes

A clear, dilute solution pre-loaded into cloths or wash gloves. As general practice, compatibility between the cloth material and the preservative system is tested, and the challenge test is run on the loaded cloths; this format is discussed project by project.

Packaging is planned with the formula

Pump bottles, foam-pump bottles, wipe packs with resealable lids so the cloths do not dry out; large sizes for care facilities; large label text with pictures showing how to use (practice suggestion).

Parameters we monitor

What our R&D lab measures on every sample

Below are the parameters Butter-C monitors during formula development and scale-up to production. Specific limits are agreed with you on the approved sample and then written into the product's in-house specification.

pH: Measured at 25°C on the finished product (for wipes: on liquid pressed from the cloth); kept within the agreed range and within the effective range of the preservative system.
Viscosity or foam quality: Lotion: viscosity measured at 25°C. Foam: fineness and stability of the foam through the exact foam pump chosen.
Stability: Freeze–thaw cycling and storage at 40°C; separation, color change and base odor change are tracked.
Microbiology: Tested at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.
Preservative challenge: Per ISO 11930 on the final product format; for wipes, on loaded cloths in their pack.
After-dry feel: Drying time, stickiness and white residue on skin and fabric, compared with the approved sample.
Packaging compatibility: Pump force, leakage and seal of the resealable lid; for wipes: how much liquid the cloths retain over time.

Claims

Writing claims within the cosmetic scope

The product stays on the skin, but its main function is cleansing. Studies on washing without water evaluate the whole care routine (single-use wash gloves, how the wiping is done), not your specific formula, so they are not used as support for label claims.

Cleanses skin without rinsing

Instead of: claims of an effect on bacteria on the skin.

Moisturizes skin after wiping

Instead of: prevents dry skin, skin tears or pressure sores.

For use when bathing with water is difficult

Instead of: replaces nursing care, wound care.

Fragrance-free

Stated when the formula contains no fragrance.

Directions for use

Apply to a soft cloth and wipe each area gently, without scrubbing; let dry or pat dry gently; use a clean cloth for each area of skin (practice suggestion).

Warnings

For external use only; avoid contact with eyes; do not use on open wounds or skin tears — their care belongs to nurses or health professionals. Stop use if skin becomes irritated.

Manufacturing specifications

Current capabilities

Texture: Lotion, foaming solution; wipe solutions discussed project by project.
Format: Pump bottles, foam-pump bottles, large bottles for care facilities. Volume agreed during packaging selection.
Minimum order quantity: Agreed per order.
Testing: Performed at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory; a certificate of analysis is delivered with every batch.
Documentation: The Product Information File (PIF), with a safety assessment for a leave-on product used over large areas of body skin, and the cosmetic product notification are prepared by Butter-C.
Packaging and labels: Large label text with pictures showing how to use; label design, printing and packing run in parallel with formula development.

No-rinse cleansing lotion for bedridden people

A product concept to help you picture the possibilities — not a ready-made product for sale. The actual formula is developed around your brand's positioning and price range.

Very mild, glucoside-free cleansing

Poloxamer 184 at a low level in a thin emulsion.

Moisturizing after wiping

Glycerin and Panthenol; skin dries clean, not sticky.

Fragrance-free, preserved for leave-on use

No fragrance; preservatives within leave-on limits, challenge-tested on the final formula.

Large pump bottle

For nursing homes and care facilities; large label text with pictures showing how to wipe.

Customization options

What you can specify

Within the same product type, each brand targets a different customer group. Tell us your requirements in the areas below, and our team of pharmacists will develop a matching formula.

Product format

Lotion or foam; wipe solutions discussed project by project.

Users and channel

Families caring for a bedridden relative, or nursing homes and care facilities.

Cleansing system

With or without glucosides; a glucoside-free version for people with a known allergy to this group.

Level of moisturizing

Quick-drying, or richer for very dry skin.

Scent

Fragrance-free (recommended).

Area of use

The concepts on this page are for body skin. If the product is also meant for the area covered by adult incontinence briefs, please say so from the outset: that area needs its own safety assessment and regulatory scope.

From idea to finished batch

Eight steps and three milestones signed off by both sides: approved sample, notification number, finished batch. Step-by-step details (in Vietnamese) →

01 Brief & direction 02 Formula development 03 Samples & adjustments 04 Stability & packaging compatibility 05 Final quotation & contract 06 Notification dossier & PIF 07 Packaging & labeling 08 Production, batch testing & delivery

1Approved sample after step 3 2Notification number after step 6 3Finished batch after step 8

No-rinse body cleansing lotion OEM/ODM manufacturing