The Best Soaps for Eczema: Our Favorite Gentle Soaps for Sensitive Skin
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that produces itchy, red and dry patches. For people with eczema, a simple soap choice can feel overwhelming. The wrong soap could trigger flare-ups while the right soap can help calm skin irritation and healing.
This article notes the best soaps for eczema-prone skin, as well as insight from a dermatologist on the ingredients to include and need to be avoided. If you are facing mild irritation or persistent symptoms, we want to help find the right soap that makes your skin calm, clean, and comfortable.
What to Look for in a Soap for Eczema
When shopping for soap for eczema, these features need to be considered:
Fragrance-Free: Synthetic fragrances may be irritating for skin.
Dye-Free: Artificial dyes may worsen symptoms of eczema.
Moisturizing ingredients: Look for soap with glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera, or oatmeal.
pH Neutral: A mild pH level will help preserve the skin’s protective barrier.
Dermatologist-tested or Dermatologist-recommended: This is especially important for sensitive skin.
Top 5 Eczema Soaps
1. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
Why it’s great: Non-soap formula, hypoallergenic, suitable for dry sensitive skin.
Best for: Daily face and body use.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol.
2. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash (Fragrance-Free)
Why it’s great: Colloidal oatmeal included, a soothing agent for inflamed skin.
Best for: Itchy and dry skin.
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin.
3. Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
Why it’s great: A good, reliable, cheap soap that also contains ¼ moisturizing cream.
Best for: All over use for eczema-prone, reactive skin.
Key Ingredients: Sodium lauroyl isethionate, stearic acid, moisturizing cream.
4. Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser
Why it’s great: Soap-free, fragrance-free, and developed with dermatologists.
Best for: Compromised, sensitive skin barriers.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol.
5. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Eczema Therapy
Why it’s great: All natural with a specific focus on eczema.
Best for: Those that like natural products
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, oats.
Ingredients to Avoid When You Have Eczema
Avoid using soaps that contain:
Fragrance/parfum
Alcohol cleansers
Sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
Dyes or artificial colorings
These ingredients strip the skin of its natural oils and break down the skin barrier causing increased sensitivity and flare ups.
🌿 Bonus Tips to Follow When Using Soap on Eczema-Prone Skin
Use tepid, not hot water.
Do not scrub – use a mild washcloth or your hands.
Do not rub your skin dry; pat your skin dry gently with a clean towel.
Moisturize immediately after washing.
Use soap on as few areas as possible: underams, groin, feet and hands.
Conclusion: Soap That Soothes is Essential, Soap That Stresses is not
The best soap for eczema is simple, gentle and nourishing. Avoiding harsh chemicals and proactively selecting products recommended by dermatologists is the best way to give your skin the best opportunity to heal and stay healthy.
Everyone’s skin is different and skin reactions are unique so there may be some trial and error. However, using the products and with the careful consideration and habits outlined above, relief is absolutely attainable
