Soaps & shower gels | Eczema Eaze 2

Soaps, Shower Gels & Eczema – Why They Might Be Making Your Skin Worse

When you have eczema, keeping your skin clean is important—but what you clean it with matters even more. Many soaps and shower washes that claim to be "fresh," "deep-cleaning," or "moisturising" are actually packed with ingredients that can dry out, irritate, or inflame eczema-prone skin.

Let’s break down why most soaps and body washes are bad for eczema—and what you should be using instead.

Why Regular Soap Isn’t Eczema-Friendly

Traditional soaps, whether bar or liquid, are designed to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin. The problem is, they’re often too good at their job—they strip away not just dirt but your skin’s natural protective oils, leaving it exposed, dry, and irritated.

Here’s what makes regular soap harsh for eczema:

Harsh Detergents

Many soaps contain ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulphate, which create a lather but are very drying and irritating for sensitive skin.

Artificial Fragrances & Colours

Fragrances and dyes can make products smell nice and look appealing, but they’re also some of the most common skin irritants—especially for those with eczema.

High pH Levels

Traditional soap is alkaline, but your skin is naturally slightly acidic. Using high-pH products disrupts your skin’s balance, making it easier for irritants and bacteria to cause flare-ups.

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Shower Gels Aren’t Always Better

Don’t be fooled by fancy packaging or terms like "moisturising" or "gentle." Many commercial shower gels and body washes contain the same problematic ingredients as bar soaps—just in liquid form.

Look out for:

Sulphates
Parabens
Alcohol
Fragrance
Preservatives like Methylisothiazolinone (MI)

Even some "natural" or "organic" products can still include essential oils or plant extracts that are too harsh for reactive skin.

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What You Should Use Instead

When choosing a soap or shower product for eczema, go for fragrance-free, soap-free, and sulphate-free options. Look for words like:

"Non-irritating"
"Dermatologist-approved"
"For sensitive skin"
"pH balanced"
"Emollient wash" or "soap substitute"

Ingredients to look for:

Colloidal oatmeal
Glycerin
Ceramides
Shea butter
Aloe vera
Petrolatum (in washes designed for very dry skin)

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Tips for Showering with Eczema

Keep showers short—5 to 10 minutes max
Use lukewarm water (not hot!)
Pat skin dry gently with a soft towel
Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser immediately after drying
Avoid using loofahs or rough sponges that irritate the skin

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Final Thoughts

It’s easy to assume that all soaps and body washes are safe—but for eczema-prone skin, the wrong product can cause serious flare-ups. Switching to a gentle, eczema-friendly cleanser can make a huge difference in keeping your skin hydrated, calm, and comfortable.