Best Soaps and Cleansers for Sensitive, Eczema-Prone Skin

Understanding Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed, cracked and rough skin. It often first appears in infants and children but can continue into adulthood. Eczema causes the skin to be very sensitive and easily irritated.

The exact cause of eczema is not known but contributing factors include:

• Genetics
• Immune system dysfunction
• Environmental triggers like irritants, allergens or microbes
• Disruption of the skin barrier
• Stress

There is no cure for eczema, but avoiding triggers and using proper skincare can help manage flare-ups. This includes being careful which soaps and cleansers you use.

Choosing the Best Soaps for Eczema Prone Skin

When you have eczema, it’s important to avoid harsh soaps and cleansers. These can strip the skin of protective oils, disrupt the acid mantle, and worsen dryness. Opt for gentle, moisturizing products without irritating fragrances or chemicals.

Avoid Harsh Ingredients

Steer clear of soaps, body washes and cleansers containing:

• Fragrance
• Alcohol
• Sulfates (SLS/SLES)
• Antibacterial ingredients
• Essential oils
• Harsh preservatives

These compounds can further dry and irritate sensitive eczema prone skin. Even products labeled “unscented” may contain masking fragrances.

Choose Gentle Surfactants

Surfactants help water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Gentler options include:

• Coco glucoside
• Coco betaine
• Decyl glucoside
• Sodium cocoyl isethionate

These are plant-derived, non-toxic and less likely to strip natural oils than sulfates.

Look for Soothing Ingredients

Seeking products with healing, anti-inflammatory botanicals can be beneficial. These may include:

• Oats
• Chamomile
• Aloe vera
• Calendula
• Green tea
• Licorice root
• Feverfew

Oatmeal cleansers are particularly good at restoring moisture and protecting the skin barrier.

Opt for Creamy Foaming Cleansers

Bar soaps can be harsh and drying for eczema prone skin. Gentler creamy and foaming cleansers are typically a better option. Light foams still cleanse effectively while providing more moisture.

Hypoallergenic and Fragrance Free

Seek out products labeled hypoallergenic and fragrance free. These undergo testing to minimize potential irritants and allergens.

The Best Soaps and Cleansers for Eczema Prone Skin

Here are some top-rated, dermatologist recommended soaps and cleansers ideal for sensitive eczema prone skin:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil cleanser is a mild, non-foaming lotion that gently cleans without stripping or drying. It contains skin-soothing aloe vera and is clinically shown to be non-irritating for sensitive skin types.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

This hydrating cream cleanser contains ceramides to help restore the skin barrier. The non-foaming formula won't over-strip or provoke eczema flares. It's fragrance, soap and paraben free.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, sulfates and other common irritants, Vanicream cleanser is ideal for easily provoked skin. It effectively cleanses while supporting the acid mantle.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Soothing Bath Treatment

This powdered oatmeal bath soak helps soothe dry, itchy skin while cleaning dirt away. Natural colloidal oatmeal relieves irritation and improves the skin's moisture barrier.

Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash

Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash is a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula that gently cleanses sensitive skin prone to irritation and dryness. It contains moisturizing cream and nutrium moisture technology.

Attitude Sensitive Skin Natural Body Wash

This plant-based body wash uses naturally derived surfactants like decyl glucoside to wash without drying the skin. It's free of irritants like fragrance, gluten and parabens.

Seventh Generation Sensitive Skin Body Wash

Seventh Generation's vegan body wash uses a coconut-derived formula free of dyes, fragrance and common allergens. It gently foams to remove dirt without disturbing the delicate skin barrier.

Alaffia Everyday Shea Gentle Soap

Alaffia's handcrafted shea butter soap cleans and gently moisturizes skin. It is fragrance free and contains skin-soothing extracts of papaya leaf, coconut oil and neem.

Puracy Natural Body Wash

Puracy's sulfate-free citrus and sea salt body wash is designed for sensitive skin. It contains moisturizing plant-based cleansers like coco glycoside and glycerin.

Tips for Reducing Irritation from Bathing

In addition to choosing gentle soaps and cleansers, follow these tips to avoid bathing-related flare-ups:

Limit Bath Time

Take quick, lukewarm showers or baths instead of long, hot ones which can worsen dryness. Try to limit time in the water to 5-10 minutes.

Use Cleansing Alternatives

On extra dry areas, use a cleansing oil, micellar water or gentle wipe to remove dirt instead of soap and water.

Pat Dry

After bathing, gently pat skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing vigorously.

Moisturize Immediately

Apply your moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing while skin is still damp. This helps seal in moisture.

Add a Bath Oil

Try adding a few drops of olive, coconut or avocado oil to your bath water. This can supplement the skin's protective barrier.

Use Oatmeal

Toss colloidal oatmeal into a bath or use oatmeal cleansers to relieve itching and redness.

Soak and Seal

For very dry skin, soak for 10-15 minutes in a lukewarm tub before using soap. Afterward, pat dry and apply thick ointment or balm immediately.

Other Tips for Eczema Prone Skin

In addition to using the right soaps and being mindful during bathing, there are other ways to prevent irritating fragile skin prone to eczema flares:

• Moisturize twice daily and immediately after washing hands
• Use thicker ointments or creams on problem areas
• Avoid irritants like wool, fragrances, harsh detergents
• Wear gloves for cleaning and wet work
• Take shorter, cooler showers; limit baths
• Use a humidifier during dry winter months
• Wear breathable cotton clothing
• Reduce stress and practice self-care
• Identify and avoid personal triggers

With attentive skincare and avoidance of potential irritants, those with eczema prone skin can keep flares in check.

When to See a Doctor

Severe, widespread eczema flare-ups may require prescription steroid creams or oral medications. See your physician or dermatologist if you experience:

• Intense, widespread itching and inflammation
• Eczema unresponsive to over-the-counter treatments
• Signs of skin infection like oozing or yellow crust
• Trouble sleeping due to itchiness

A doctor can help devise a treatment plan to manage flare-ups when they occur. Getting eczema under better control allows you to use gentler soaps and bathe comfortably.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.