The Personal Care Supplies Guide for Caregivers and Families

Health information notice. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911.

Quick answer. Personal care is comfort, cleanliness and dignity: gentle skin care, clean hands, mouth care, hair and nail care, and supplies for new parents. Choose fragrance-free products for sensitive skin, ask first before helping with a task, and ask the person's provider about skin, mouth and nail care for diabetes or fragile skin.

How should I care for skin that is thin or dry?

Skin can change with age, illness and medicines, and can become thin and dry.

• Cleanse gently with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and warm water.
• Pat dry, do not rub.
• Moisturize regularly. The American Academy of Dermatology advises applying moisturizer after washing your hands, and after bathing while skin is still damp. It also advises pat-drying instead of rubbing and choosing products labeled fragrance-free.
• Protect skin that is exposed to moisture, such as under incontinence products, with a barrier product, which can help protect it. Examples: Tena ProSkin Barrier Cream and 3M Cavilon Barrier Cream.
• Check the skin regularly for redness, sores and breaks, especially over bony areas such as the heels and lower back, and tell the care team about any.

Browse Skin Care. People with diabetes or fragile skin should ask their provider about a daily routine.

Why does hand hygiene matter?

The CDC advises washing with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap is not available. Caregivers should clean their hands before and after personal care tasks. Example: Lobana Liquid Hand Soap. Browse Hand Sanitizers. See Hand Hygiene and Skin Care for Cold and Flu Season.

How do I help with mouth care?

Mouth care matters for comfort and eating. If a person cannot brush on their own, a caregiver can help with a soft toothbrush, mild toothpaste and a gentle routine. Ask the person's dentist or provider to show you the best technique, including how to clean dentures. Examples: the Colgate Plus Manual Soft Toothbrush and Efferdent Denture Cleaner. Browse Mouth Care.

What about hair and nail care?

Brushing, washing and trimming help people feel like themselves. No-rinse products help people who cannot get to the shower. Nail care needs extra care for people with diabetes or poor circulation, so ask the care team before trimming. Browse Hair Care and Nail Care.

What hygiene accessories are there?

Wash basins, washcloths, wipes and other everyday items help with bed baths and daily washing. Browse Personal Hygiene Accessories. For help with toileting and leakage, see The Complete Guide to Daily Living Aids and the Incontinence category.

What are feminine supplies?

Pads, liners and other menstrual and personal supplies. Browse Feminine Supplies.

What do new parents need?

Supplies for new parents, such as wipes and skin care for diaper changes. Examples: Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes and Desitin 40% Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Ointment. Follow product labels and your pediatrician's advice. Browse Mom & Baby.

What is in the over-the-counter category?

Over-the-counter items are sold without a prescription. Always read the label and follow the directions. Ask your pharmacist or provider if you are not sure an item is right for you, and before you combine products. Browse Over the Counter.

What is a gentle caregiver routine?

1. Ask first. Explain what you will do before you do it.
2. Keep it private and warm. Close the door, have towels ready, and keep the room comfortable.
3. Let them do what they can. Support independence.
4. Consider gloves for personal care (Micro-Touch Nitrile Exam Gloves), and wash your hands afterward.
5. Look after yourself too. Caregiving is hard work.

How do I choose?

1. Sensitivity. Pick fragrance-free products if skin is sensitive.
2. Ease of use. Pump bottles and no-rinse products are easier than tubs and bars for some people.
3. Allergies. Check labels.
4. Volume. For regular use, a larger UOM can make sense. Compare by UOM (Each, Box, Case).

For facilities: keep a supply of personal care items on each unit, label them by resident, and review products with your nursing team and infection-control policy.

Frequently asked questions

How often should skin be moisturized? Dermatologists advise moisturizing several times a day, including right after bathing (while skin is damp) and after washing your hands. Ask your provider about your own needs.

What strength hand sanitizer should I use? Alcohol-based with at least 60% alcohol, per the CDC.

Who can show me how to help with mouth care? The person's dentist or healthcare provider.

Next steps

Read Hand Hygiene and Skin Care for Cold and Flu Season and browse the Personal Care menu.

Sources

1. American Academy of Dermatology, "Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin": https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
2. CDC, "About Handwashing": https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html
3. CDC, "Hand Sanitizer Guidelines and Recommendations": https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/hand-sanitizer.html

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911. Last reviewed October 2026.