Bathing is essential for skin health, especially when you’re experiencing symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis). However, the type of body wash you use can greatly impact your bath time when you have a skin condition. After all, you don’t want your body wash to make your symptoms worse!

If you live with eczema and are struggling to find a gentle wash that doesn’t trigger flare-ups, here are some points to consider. You may need to try several products before you find one that works for you.

How Does Body Wash Affect Skin With Eczema?

Some ingredients in skin care products can worsen eczema or trigger a flare. The difficult part is that no single ingredient affects everyone the same way, and there isn’t a single dermatologist-recommended body wash that works for everyone with eczema.

Skin care products can cause eczema flares because people with eczema have a different kind of skin barrier than those without eczema. For people with eczema, skin dries out easily because it loses too much moisture. Eczema-prone skin also struggles to keep out certain ingredients that can cause irritation.

Some members of MyEczemaTeam have experienced flare-ups after using certain products. One shared, “I have been using scented shampoo, and I think that is the problem.”

Fragrances

Fragrances can cause problems both for people with eczema and those without it. Fragrances often contain many chemical compounds that aren’t found outside of a laboratory. These compounds or ingredients can cause irritative or allergic contact eczema.

Because most companies don’t disclose the specific ingredients in their fragrances, it’s hard to figure out exactly what causes symptoms. It’s often better to avoid fragrances entirely. Sometimes, even products labeled “unscented” or “fragrance-free” have ingredients that can cause skin symptoms.

Other Triggering Ingredients

Many other ingredients can trigger your eczema flare-ups. The National Eczema Association (NEA) keeps a list of these ingredients. Some are likely to cause skin allergies, while others often irritate the skin. You can refer to this list whenever you buy skin care products like body wash. Ingredients to watch out for include certain alcohols, sulfates, and more. The NEA has done extensive research and product testing to compile this list.

Remember that anything can trigger a flare-up of your eczema. If you’re avoiding these ingredients and still experiencing eczema flare-ups, you may need to work with your health care provider to identify other possible causes. Always choose products that are fragrance-free, free of irritants and allergens, and that provide the moisture your skin needs.

What Body Soap Is Best for Eczema?

There’s no single body wash or body soap that will work for everyone with eczema. Even natural body wash for eczema won’t help every individual. The National Eczema Association keeps a database of soaps and body washes that it endorses with its Seal of Acceptance. You can search the database to find suitable skin care products.

Whatever you choose should contain an emollient, which is a highly effective moisturizer. Emollients help restore the skin’s barrier, which is damaged in skin with eczema, causing dry skin. You can find hydrating emollients in lotions, sprays, gels, creams, and ointments. Make sure these products are free of the triggering ingredients mentioned above.

Several brands are often recommended for body cleansers that help with eczema. Here are a few of the most popular options.

CeraVe Eczema Body Wash

CeraVe has several body wash options recommended by the National Eczema Association. Some are suitable for children as well.

Some members at MyEczemaTeam like these body washes. One member said, “I use CeraVe, which the doctor told me to use.” CeraVe body wash may help because it contains ceramides. These help support your skin barrier by keeping moisture in and unwanted substances out.

Cetaphil Eczema Body Wash

Cetaphil is another brand that is highly recommended by the National Eczema Association. Cetaphil’s products contain glycerin, which helps the skin attract and retain moisture in its outer layers. One of their products, Cetaphil Baby Soothing Wash, is recommended for kids, too. Some people compare them to CeraVe products, although they have significant differences.

Cetaphil is popular on MyEczemaTeam. One member shared, “I take a lukewarm shower (or just wash my legs) before bed. I use Cetaphil Flare-Up Relief Body Wash.” Another member added, “I switched from [another brand] to Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash.”

Aveeno Eczema Body Wash

Aveeno’s Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash is recommended by the National Eczema Association and is popular with MyEczemaTeam members.

One member reported, “I started using Aveeno baby lotion for eczema along with the baby body wash and shampoo. This is what helps the best.” Another shared, “I just switched to Aveeno’s body wash for sensitive skin and have been moisturizing as soon as I get out of the shower. I have noticed a difference!” Aveeno also contains ceramides and glycerin, as well as ingredients from oats. These may help relieve itching.

Other Popular Brands

Several other popular skin care brands make products for eczema that are not included on the National Eczema Association’s list. However, they might still be worth trying if you like that brand, or if your health care provider recommends it. Consider products like Dove’s Soothing Relief Body Wash and Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash. Popular European brands with products for eczema include Avène and La Roche-Posay.

MyEczemaTeam members have tried some products with mixed results. “Dove’s body wash for sensitive skin works great in the shower,” one shared. While some members of MyEczemaTeam love Eucerin’s creams, one member has concerns about their body wash. “Just showered with Eucerin cream body soap for eczema and it burns,” they said.

MyEczemaTeam Members on Choosing the Right Body Wash for Your Skin

In addition to considering the brands and ingredients mentioned above, MyEczemaTeam members have some tips for finding the best body wash for your eczema.

Test Different Products

One member advised, “If one product doesn’t work, or makes you itch more, try another.” You can do the same. If a product causes problems, switch to a different one. Over time, you’ll find the skin care routine that works best for you.

Start Small With a Patch Test

Another member suggested, “If you try it, start with a small area of your body first.” Doing a patch test like this is smart. When trying something new, apply it to just a small spot. That way, if it triggers a flare-up, you won’t get eczema all over your skin. If it doesn’t cause any issues, you can use it on a larger area next time.

Talk to a Dermatologist

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your dermatology team. They can help you find products with the right ingredients for your needs. If you don’t have a dermatologist, ask your primary health care provider for a referral.

Find Your Team

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, more than 53,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Are you wondering what kind of body wash to use on your skin with eczema? Have you found one that works for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.