The Best Soap for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)? Try a Nonsoap Cleanser Instead

The Best Soap for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)? Try a Nonsoap Cleanser Instead

The Best Soap for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)? Try a Nonsoap Cleanser Instead
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Updated on July 15, 2025
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If you have atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, chances are you’re looking for a way to clean your skin that won’t aggravate your symptoms.

“Ultimately the wrong cleanser can make eczema worse, contributing to dryness, irritation, and inflammation,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and an associate professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

While the wrong cleanser can do more harm than good, “the right cleanser can actually leave the skin hydrated,” he adds.

Read on for our experts’ recommendations for the best cleansing methods for atopic dermatitis, so you can feel your best even if you’re experiencing a flare-up.

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Why You Should Skip the Soap

If you love a classic soap, here’s the bad news: Traditional soaps can be too harsh for people with atopic dermatitis, because they strip the skin of natural oils that help retain moisture.

“When you wash away these oils, the skin dries out, which can make you prone to eczema flares,” says Benjamin Ungar, MD, the director of the rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis clinic and an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

On top of that, the average pH level of a bar of soap is about 10, which is considered alkaline, while the skin’s normal pH hovers between 4 and 6, which is closer to neutral, according to research.

 “True soaps have an alkaline pH and can further disrupt the outer skin layer,” Dr. Zeichner says.
One additional concern is that soaps may contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which creates lather, and is a compound that can irritate eczema-prone skin.

Seek Out Fragrance-Free Cleansers Formulated for Sensitive Skin

If you have eczema, grabbing any old nonsoap cleanser at the drugstore won’t do. “Because people with atopic dermatitis have sensitive skin that can be dried out and irritated easily, it’s important that the cleansing products used are directed toward sensitive skin,” says Dr. Ungar.

You’ll want to steer clear of cleansers with added fragrance, too. “People with eczema are often sensitive to fragrances, so it’s generally advisable to select products that are fragrance-free when possible,” Ungar notes.

Bottom line: Look for a fragrance-free cleanser designed for sensitive skin. “This doesn’t guarantee that it will be the right product, as everyone is different and should see how their skin responds, but it’s a very good starting point,” says Ungar.

Watch Out for Ingredients That Can Trigger Allergies or That Are Drying

In addition to red flags like fragrance, people should be mindful that a cleanser may contain ingredients that trigger allergy symptoms on the skin or elsewhere in the body. “If someone notices that a product worsens the eczema, then it may be worthwhile to see a dermatologist to assess whether further testing for allergies to certain ingredients might make sense,” Ungar says.

The following ingredients may be irritating to people with eczema:

  • Tea tree oil
  • Urea
  • Retinoids
  • Lanolin
  • Cocamidopropyl betaine
  • Propylene glycol
  • Ethanol

Also beware of super-sudsy cleansers. “Lathering or foaming cleansers generally are more drying than hydrating,” Zeichner notes.

The Takeaway

  • Nonsoap cleansers can reduce the risk of dryness and irritation for people with atopic dermatitis, as soaps can strip the skin of moisturizing skin oils and their alkaline pH can disturb its outer layer.
  • Choose fragrance-free cleansers without foaming action derived from sodium lauryl sulfate, formulated for sensitive skin to avoid worsening your eczema.
  • Always patch test new products to confirm they’re not irritating to your skin, and consult a dermatologist if you’re responding poorly to certain products.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Atopic Dermatitis. National Eczema Association. January 27, 2025.
  2. Alsalhi A et al. Exploring pH Levels and Environmental Impacts on Handwash Products in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. January 2024.
  3. Van Onselen J. National Eczema Association. Haircare and Eczema.
  4. 8 Skincare Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Eczema, According to Dermatologists. National Eczema Association. September 28, 2022.
Meet Our Experts
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Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Skincare Junkie. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist, specializing in leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques, including injectable fillers and botulinum toxin injections, advanced laser procedures, noninvasive body contouring, and removing lumps and bumps with precision. She is an expert in the treatment and detection of medical conditions, including skin cancer, acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Dr. Rose believes in a comprehensive approach to skin health and incorporating a skin-care routine tailored specifically for each individual and utilizing a wide array of tools to target specific skin concerns.

Rose has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Surgery, and Pediatric Dermatology, and has been featured in numerous publications, including Vogue, Elle, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Self, Women’s Health, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

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Leslie Barrie

Author
Leslie Barrie is a health and nutrition writer and editor who loves running marathons and attempting to cook healthy meals for her family (even if they don’t always turn out as planned). She received her bachelor of science degree at UCLA and her master of science degree at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has written and edited for publications like Health magazine, Seventeen, and Woman’s Day. Leslie won a Hearst Spotlight Award for her work in 2018 at Woman’s Day, and helped plan the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards, an event honoring changemakers fighting to end heart disease in women.

When she isn’t writing, Leslie loves chasing her daughter and son around outside, going on family hikes, and starting her day with a big bowl of muesli.
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