How to Choose a Soap for Eczema-Prone Skin

Soap is one of the easiest things to overlook in an eczema-prone routine, and one of the most common reasons skin feels tight and itchy after washing. Here's how to choose a soap or cleanser for hands, body and our kids' baths.

Why regular soap can bother eczema-prone skin

Many traditional bar soaps and heavily foaming washes are designed to remove oil. On skin that already struggles to hold moisture, that can leave it feeling dry and rough. Strong fragrances are another frequent irritant. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends gentle, fragrance-free cleansers for people with eczema.

What to look for in a soap for eczema-prone skin

• Fragrance-free or very lightly scented. If you're unsure, start fragrance-free.
• Gentle, low-stripping cleansers rather than harsh detergents.
• Moisturizing ingredients such as oatmeal, glycerin or plant oils.
• The National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. The NEA reviews products for people with eczema or sensitive skin.
• A short ingredient list makes it easier to spot your personal triggers.

What to avoid

• Strongly perfumed soaps, bubble baths and "antibacterial" washes used all day long
• Gritty scrubs on irritated or broken skin
• Very hot water and long soaks

Hands: frequent washing without the dry, cracked feeling

Hands get washed the most, so they often feel it first. Use lukewarm water, a gentle foaming soap like our Gentle Foaming Hand Soap, pat dry, and follow with a hand cream every time. Keeping a pump at each sink makes the habit stick.

Body: a shower routine that's kinder to skin

1. Keep showers short (about 5 to 10 minutes) and lukewarm.
2. Use a gentle wash such as our Gentle Body Wash or Gentle Oatmeal and Lavender Soap, mainly where you need it. Our guide to the best body wash for eczema-prone skin covers what to look for.
3. Pat dry and moisturize within 3 minutes with a cream like our Original Skin Soothing Cream.

Our kids: bath time basics

For babies and kids with eczema-prone skin, keep baths short and warm (not hot), use a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, and moisturize right after. Our Child Eczema Starter Kit bundles the basics. For more, see our baby eczema bath routine. Always check with your pediatrician before starting new products on a baby.

How to patch test a new soap

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

Frequently asked questions

Is bar soap bad for eczema-prone skin?

Not always. Gentle, moisturizing bars can work well. Harsh, highly fragranced bars are more likely to leave skin feeling dry. See our guide to the best soap for eczema-prone skin for what to look for in a bar.

Should I use soap every day if I have eczema-prone skin?

Many people only use cleanser where it's needed (hands, underarms, feet) and rinse the rest with water. Ask your doctor what's right for you.

What's the best soap for eczema-prone hands?

Look for a gentle, fragrance-free or lightly scented hand soap, and always follow up with a hand cream. More in our guide to the best hand soap for eczema-prone skin.

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.

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