One in 10 people will experience eczema at some point in their life.1 “Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a condition caused by a defect in the barrier of the skin in combination with inflammation in the skin,” explains Charlotte Birnbaum, MD, FAAD, at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. “Because the barrier is defective in eczema, the skin is more sensitive to allergens and irritants.” That’s where soaps for eczema come in.

Cleansing soaps are a great way to help soothe some of the symptoms of eczema while keeping the skin clean and healthy. When looking for soap for eczema, consider how the skin reacts to avoid future irritation and outbreaks. We researched dozens of soaps for eczema and evaluated them based on their reviews, active ingredients, additional ingredients, and application directions.

Best Overall

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar

Pros

• Specialized formula for sensitive skin
• Like a cleanser and moisturizer in one
• Can be used daily

Cons

• Bar soap can be harder to lather
• Some users complain of leftover residue after washing

We chose this mild, non-alkaline bar as our top pick because it was specifically designed for dry, sensitive skin. It moisturizes and cleans your skin simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for full-body cleansing while caring for your eczema. Its neutral pH formula and lack of harsh detergents allow your skin to heal without stripping away any natural oils or barriers, making it safe for adults and children alike. 

Price at time of publication: $12

Key Ingredients: Glycerin | How to Use: After wetting face and hands, work soap into a lather, wash face, and rinse.

Best Body Wash

CeraVe Soothing Body Wash

Pros

• Protects the skin barrier
• Contains omega oils for extra dry skin
• Free of parabens and sulfates

Cons

• Some users dislike the thin consistency
• Doesn’t lather well

CeraVe’s Soothing Body Wash works to cleanse and calm the skin with a formula designed by dermatologists to restore skin to its natural, healthy state, thanks to omega oils, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides. With no parabens or sulfates, individuals can feel safe using this product on their skin while avoiding allergens and irritants. CeraVe is fragrance-free and safe for both children and adults, and this product is also recommended by the National Eczema Association.

Price at time of publication: $26

Key Ingredients: Ceramides and omega oils | How to Use: Cleanse body during showering or bathing as needed.

What the Experts Say

“A patient with eczema or atopic dermatitis has an impaired skin barrier: the proteins that make up the skin’s barrier are mutated, which means they let too much moisture out of the skin and too many environmental [irritants] like allergens into the skin.”—Caren Campbell, M.D., San Francisco-based board-certified dermatologist

Best Budget

Basis Sensitive Skin Bar

Pros

• Affordable
• Can be used as hand or body soap
• Free of fragrances and dyes

Cons

• Bar soap can be harder to lather
• Some users with sensitive skin reported reactions

Specialized soap, while worth it, can often get expensive. Basis’s Sensitive Skin Soap lets you take care of skin sensitivities without breaking the bank. It’s full of natural, soothing ingredients like chamomile tea and aloe vera, while avoiding irritants like fragrances, dyes, and other harsh chemicals. This soap is dermatologist-recommended and leaves your skin feeling clean, calm, and replenished—it’s an excellent, easy addition to your daily routine.

Price at time of publication: $8

Key Ingredients: Chamomile and aloe vera | How to Use: Use as needed in shower/bath or as a hand soap; lather, cleanse, and rinse.

Best Facial Cleanser

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Pros

• Can be used as a daily cleanser or makeup remover
• Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
• Can be used with acne, eczema, and rosacea

Cons

• May be too drying
• May not remove dark or layered-on makeup
• Some users with sensitive skin reported reactions

Recommended by the National Eczema Association, this mild, creamy cleanser helps remove dirt, makeup, and other blemishes from your face without adding harsh chemicals and irritants to your skin. Its small ingredients list ensures that your face is only coming into contact with helpful tools to calm your eczema, thanks to its skin-nourishing polyglycerin formula. It doesn’t contain any fragrances, parabens, or allergens, making it safe for even the most sensitive skin.

Price at time of publication: $9

Key Ingredients: Glycerin | How to Use: Wet face, pump a small amount of soap into hands, massage onto face, and rinse.

What the Experts Say

“[Don’t use] loofahs or washcloths to put soap on your skin, as those can harbor bacteria and just abrade the skin or worsen the skin barrier issue.”—Caren Campbell, M.D., San Francisco based board-certified dermatologist

Best Hand Soap

Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser

Pros

• Can be used by the whole family, including kids
• Free of irritating ingredients like sulfates, fragrances, and dyes
• May also be used as face or body wash

Cons

• Some users complain that pump is faulty or hard to use
• Could be too drying for some people

Free & Clear’s hand soap is exactly how it sounds—simple, without any irritating additives that could set off your hand eczema. It’s dermatologist-recommended and only contains ingredients found to be effective while remaining gentle to your skin. It is paraben-free, oil-free, gluten-free, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free, leaving you with a formula that’s cleansing and calming on your skin.

Price at time of publication: $8

Key Ingredients: None | How to Use: Lather onto wet skin, rinse, and dry.

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Source: verywellhealth