Best Body Wash for Eczema-Prone Skin: What to Look For

If your skin feels tight, itchy or squeaky after a shower, your body wash is one of the first things to look at. In our house, we learned this the hard way with our kids: the "fresh scent" washes that everyone else used were the ones that left their skin feeling the driest. Here's how we think about the best body wash for eczema-prone skin: what to look for, what to skip, and a simple shower routine that's kinder to dry, sensitive skin.

Why your body wash matters for eczema-prone skin

People with eczema tend to have very dry skin, and the National Eczema Association notes that a dry or inflamed skin barrier is more vulnerable to irritants and allergens. A wash that strips away too much oil can leave skin feeling even drier once you step out of the shower.

That doesn't mean you should skip washing. The NEA recommends bathing or showering once a day as part of a regular routine, followed by moisturizer. The goal is a cleanser that removes dirt and sweat without leaving skin feeling tight.

What to look for in an eczema body wash

• Fragrance-free and dye-free. The NEA recommends fragrance- and dye-free products for bathing and showering. If a wash contains essential oils or added scent, patch test it first.
• Gentle, low-lather formulas. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, but not so much that you see a thick lather.
• Moisturizing ingredients. Look for ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, aloe or plant oils.
• The NEA Seal of Acceptance. The NEA's Seal of Acceptance product directory lists products reviewed for people with eczema or sensitive skin.
• A short ingredient list. Fewer ingredients make it easier to spot a personal trigger.

What to skip

• Heavily perfumed washes and bubble baths
• Waterless or antibacterial cleansers with alcohol and solvents, which the NEA says can be very hard on skin, especially during flares
• Loofahs, washcloths and gritty scrubs. The NEA advises against rubbing or scrubbing eczema-prone skin.
• Hot water and long soaks

A simple shower routine for eczema-prone skin

1. Keep it short and lukewarm. The AAD recommends limiting baths and showers to 5 to 10 minutes and using warm, not hot, water.
2. Wash only where you need it. The AAD suggests using cleanser mainly on areas like the underarms and groin, and simply rinsing the rest.
3. Use your hands, not a loofah. A small amount of gentle wash in your palms is plenty.
4. Pat, don't rub. Gently pat skin with a clean, soft towel, leaving it a little damp.
5. Moisturize right away. Both the AAD and NEA recommend applying moisturizer while skin is still damp. For our kids, we use our Original Skin-Soothing eczema cream, made with 1% colloidal oatmeal, right after every bath.

If skin still feels itchy after you dry off, our guide to itchy skin after a shower covers more common causes.

Body wash vs. soap: which is better for eczema?

Either can work. What matters most is how gentle the formula is, not whether it comes as a bar or a liquid. Many people find a liquid wash easier to use in small amounts, while gentle, moisturizing bars can work well too. For hand washing, see our guide to the best hand soap for eczema-prone skin. For more on bars, see our guide to choosing soap for eczema-prone skin.

Our kids and bath time

For babies and kids, keep baths short and warm (not hot), use only a small amount of gentle cleanser, and moisturize right after. Our baby eczema bath routine walks through it step by step. Always check with your pediatrician before trying a new product on your baby.

The body wash we use at home

We made our Eczema Honey Gentle Body Wash as a daily, ultra-mild wash for dry, sensitive skin. It's made with honey, colloidal oatmeal, calendula, chamomile, aloe and jojoba oil, and it's designed to cleanse without leaving a residue. After the shower, we follow with our Oatmeal Body Lotion, and at the sink we use our fragrance-free Gentle Foaming Hand Soap. It does contain lavender oil, so if you need a completely fragrance-free wash, patch test it on a small area first. Eczema Honey is rated 4.6 stars from more than 6,500 reviews and has been used by more than 500,000 customers.

How to patch test a new body wash

Before switching your whole routine, try a new wash on a small area, such as the inner forearm, for a few days. If you notice redness, burning or more itching, stop using it and talk to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best body wash for eczema-prone skin?

Look for a gentle, fragrance-free and dye-free wash with moisturizing ingredients, used in small amounts. Products with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance have been reviewed for people with eczema or sensitive skin.

How often should I shower if I have eczema?

The National Eczema Association recommends bathing or showering once a day, using lukewarm water and moisturizing right after.

Should I use body wash all over?

Not necessarily. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using cleanser mainly where you need it, such as the underarms and groin, and rinsing the rest of your body with water.

Is a loofah OK for eczema-prone skin?

The National Eczema Association advises against rubbing or scrubbing eczema-prone skin with a washcloth or loofah. Use your hands and a small amount of gentle wash instead.

When should I moisturize after a shower?

Right away. Gently pat skin dry, leave it slightly damp, and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer within a few minutes.

Is body wash or bar soap better for eczema?

Either can work if it's gentle. A mild, moisturizing formula used in small amounts matters more than the format. If you prefer a bar, see our guide to the best soap for eczema-prone skin.

Sources

• National Eczema Association: Bathing and Eczema
• American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologists' tips for dry skin
• National Eczema Association: Seal of Acceptance products

This article is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pediatrician about your skin or your child's skin.