Dealing with eczema on your child’s delicate skin can be tough, leaving both of you feeling frustrated and uncomfortable. The constant itching, dryness, and redness are no fun, and finding the right products feels like a never-ending quest. But here’s a little secret: one of the biggest allies in managing your child’s eczema is often found right in their bath time routine. Choosing the best soap for eczema for kids can make a world of difference, helping to soothe their skin, reduce flare-ups, and bring back those happy, comfortable moments.
We know how overwhelming the options can be, which is why we’ve done the digging for you. In this guide, we’ll explore seven top-notch soaps designed specifically for children with eczema, focusing on gentle, effective solutions that prioritize their skin’s health.
Why Choose a Special Soap for Eczema for Kids?
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, makes a child’s skin barrier weaker, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to get in more easily. Regular soaps often contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and sulfates that can strip natural oils, further drying out sensitive skin and triggering flare-ups. A specialized eczema soap is formulated with soothing, hydrating ingredients that clean gently without causing irritation, helping to protect and support their fragile skin barrier.
What to Look for in the Best Soap for Eczema for Kids
When you’re on the hunt for a gentle cleanser for your little one, keep these key features in mind:
- Fragrance-Free: Artificial fragrances are common irritants. Opt for unscented or naturally scented (e.g., lavender, if your child isn’t sensitive to it) options.
- Hypoallergenic: Products labeled hypoallergenic are formulated to minimize allergic reactions.
- Dermatologist-Tested/Recommended: This stamp of approval offers extra peace of mind.
- NEA Accepted: Look for the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which verifies products are suitable for eczema-prone skin.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, calendula, and glycerin help to soothe and hydrate.
- Free from Harsh Chemicals: Avoid sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, and harsh dyes.
- pH-Balanced: Soaps with a pH similar to healthy skin (around 5.5) help maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Ready to find the perfect match? Let’s dive into our top picks for the best soap for eczema for kids!
Our Top 7 Picks for Eczema Soaps for Kids
1. ECZEMA HONEY Gentle Oatmeal and Lavender Soap
This gentle bar soap from Eczema Honey is a real standout, especially for families looking for a natural approach to soothing irritated skin. Infused with colloidal oatmeal, honey, and grapeseed oil, it’s designed to hydrate and comfort your child’s skin without harsh exfoliation. The subtle, natural lavender scent can also add a calming touch to bath time, making it a more pleasant experience for everyone. It’s even Leaping Bunny Certified, so you can trust its cruelty-free promise.
- Key Features:
- Formulated with honey and grapeseed oil to relieve eczema & irritation.
- Gentle oatmeal soap for daily body wash, removes dirt without stripping moisture.
- Natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, coconut, and safflower oil help itching.
- No parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or fragrances; Leaping Bunny Certified.
- Sensitive enough for daily use, gentle for all ages and skin types.
- Pros:
- Natural, soothing ingredients perfect for sensitive skin.
- Hydrating formula prevents dryness.
- Cruelty-free and free from common irritants.
- Pleasant, natural lavender scent (if not sensitive to lavender).
- Cons:
- Lavender scent might not be suitable for all extremely sensitive children.
- Bar soap format might not be preferred by everyone.
- User Impressions: Parents frequently highlight how this soap effectively calms their child’s irritated skin, noting the soothing sensation and the subtle, relaxing lavender aroma that helps make bath time a peaceful ritual.
See it on Amazon here
2. Eczema Soap Bar for Face and Body – All Natural (Oatmeal & Calendula)
When it comes to versatility and pure, natural goodness, this goat milk eczema soap bar truly shines. Handcrafted in the USA, it combines the power of soothing oatmeal soap with healing calendula and nourishing goat milk to deliver gentle relief for dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. It’s perfect for both face and body, making it a go-to choice for the whole family, and its ability to soothe various skin irritations, not just eczema, makes it a valuable addition to any sensitive skin care routine.
- Key Features:
- Crafted with soothing oatmeal soap and calendula for itch and irritation relief.
- Goat milk base gently soothes and protects dry, flaky, sensitive skin.
- Ideal for daily use as a face and body wash, leaves skin soft and refreshed.
- Safe for adults and kids, providing versatile relief for eczema, psoriasis, and sensitive skin.
- 100% natural ingredients, free of harsh chemicals and artificial additives.
- Pros:
- Highly effective for itch and irritation.
- Versatile for face and body, suitable for all ages.
- Made with 100% natural, pure ingredients.
- Handcrafted in the USA.
- Cons:
- Bar form might require a soap dish for proper storage.
- May not lather as heavily as some conventional soaps.
- User Impressions: Families are often impressed by its gentle yet powerful ability to calm severe itching and dryness, praising its natural composition and effectiveness for various skin woes from eczema to bug bites.
See it on Amazon here
3. Codex Labs Eczema Soap for Kids & Adults – 2-Pack
Codex Labs brings a clinically tested and dermatologist-approved option to the table, and it’s recognized by both the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation. This pH-balanced eczema hand soap (which is great for the body too!) focuses on supporting the skin barrier with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, calendula, and olive oil. It’s a smart choice for parents who appreciate scientific backing and eco-conscious packaging, ensuring gentle care for even the most delicate skin.
- Key Features:
- Clinically tested and dermatologist-approved for sensitive skin, NEA & NPF recognized.
- Nourishing, non-drying formula supports the skin barrier (45% hydration retention clinically shown).
- Infused with Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Calendula, and Olive Oil for deep moisture.
- pH-Balanced & microbiome-supporting for skin’s natural balance.
- Baby-safe, family-friendly, plant-based, cruelty-free, and plastic-free packaging.
- Pros:
- Strong clinical and organizational endorsements.
- Actively supports and maintains the skin’s natural barrier.
- Rich in moisturizing natural butters and oils.
- Eco-friendly packaging and cruelty-free.
- Cons:
- Might be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
- A 2-pack might be a larger initial investment.
- User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight their trust in this soap due to its clinical validations, noting how it leaves their children’s skin feeling hydrated and balanced without any irritation, making it a staple for managing eczema flare-ups.
See it on Amazon here
4. Keika Baby Soap Bar Oat & Shea Unscented for Eczema
If “unscented” is at the top of your priority list, the Keika Baby Soap Bar is an excellent choice. This triple-milled soap is not only fragrance-free but also carbon negative, showcasing a commitment to both your child’s skin and the planet. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal and shea butter, it provides gentle, nourishing care that soothes dry, irritated skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Its premium quality means a denser, longer-lasting bar that delivers a rich, creamy lather every time.
- Key Features:
- Carbon Negative certification – offsets more carbon than produced.
- Safe for the whole family: babies, kids, and adults.
- Formulated with colloidal oatmeal and shea butter for soothing sensitive skin.
- Triple-milled for premium quality, denser, longer-lasting, and consistent lather.
- Fragrance-free, free from artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives.
- Pros:
- Environmentally conscious brand.
- Truly unscented, ideal for extremely sensitive noses and skin.
- High-quality, long-lasting bar.
- Hydrating and soothing for dryness.
- Cons:
- Might be perceived as a more basic formulation compared to some others with complex active ingredients.
- Availability might vary.
- User Impressions: Many parents praise this soap for its absolute purity and gentle efficacy, often stating it’s the only soap that doesn’t cause a reaction on their child’s ultra-sensitive, eczema-prone skin, appreciating its luxurious lather and eco-friendly mission.
See it on Amazon here
5. Eczema Soap Bar for Face and Body – All Natural (Oatmeal & Calendula)
This all-natural eczema soap bar is a consistent performer for families seeking a versatile and soothing solution for dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. Crafted with oatmeal soap and calendula, it provides gentle yet effective relief for a range of conditions, from eczema and psoriasis to everyday irritation. Its rich lather makes daily cleansing a comfortable experience for both face and body, ensuring skin feels soft and refreshed without stripping away vital moisture, making it a reliable best soap for eczema for kids and adults alike.
- Key Features:
- Crafted with soothing oatmeal soap and calendula to relieve itch and irritation.
- Gentle goat milk soap base soothes and protects dry, flaky, sensitive skin.
- Ideal for daily use as a face and body wash, keeps skin soft and refreshed.
- Safe for adults and kids, offering therapeutic benefits for the whole family.
- 100% natural ingredients, free of harsh chemicals and artificial additives.
- Pros:
- Excellent for relieving various forms of skin irritation.
- Suitable for daily use across different body parts.
- Made with natural, pure essential oils and herbs.
- Provides a luxurious cleansing experience without drying.
- Cons:
- As a bar soap, it needs proper drying to last.
- May not be readily available in all local stores.
- User Impressions: Users consistently report significant improvements in their child’s skin texture and a noticeable reduction in itching, often calling it a “miracle bar” for its effectiveness and mildness, particularly for children with multiple skin sensitivities.
See it on Amazon here
6. All Terrain Kids Eczema Soothing Soap Bar
For the adventurous little ones whose skin needs extra care, the All Terrain Kids Eczema Soothing Soap Bar is a fantastic choice. This soap is specifically formulated to cleanse and soothe itchy, irritated skin with a blend of naturally derived ingredients like neem, tea tree, soybean, and sunflower seed oils. It’s a great natural alternative to chemical options and even features Rainforest Alliance Certified palm oil, reflecting a commitment to sustainable sourcing. It’s designed to work best when paired with their eczema cream and spray for comprehensive relief.
- Key Features:
- Naturally derived ingredients like neem, tea tree, soybean, and sunflower seed oils.
- Specially formulated to cleanse & soothe itchy, irritated skin, discomfort & rashes.
- Non-irritating formula, suitable for dry & sensitive skin areas.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified palm oil for sustainable sourcing.
- Works synergistically with All Terrain Kids Eczema Cream and Spray.
- Pros:
- Unique blend of botanical soothing oils.
- Designed specifically for kids’ eczema and outdoor lifestyles.
- Environmentally conscious ingredient sourcing.
- Offers a chemical-free alternative.
- Cons:
- The natural scents from oils like tea tree might not be appealing to all.
- Best results often require using companion products.
- User Impressions: Parents with active children love how this soap helps to manage eczema after outdoor play, appreciating its natural, soothing properties and its ability to reduce redness and irritation without harsh chemicals.
See it on Amazon here
7. TruKid Bubble Podz Bubble Bath for Kids, Toddlers, & Babies
Let’s be honest, sometimes kids just want bubbles! The TruKid Bubble Podz offer a genius solution for making bath time fun for children with eczema. These NEA-accepted, plant-based, and fragrance-free pods create a bubbly bath experience that’s gentle on sensitive skin. Say goodbye to messy liquids and hello to convenient, pre-measured pods that dissolve quickly. It’s a tear-free, non-toxic, and truly kid-friendly way to enjoy bath time without fear of irritation, proving that even a bubble bath can be a best soap for eczema for kids.
- Key Features:
- Bubbly Bath Time They’ll Love: Single-use pods create lasting bubbles.
- Gentle Care for Sensitive Skin: NEA accepted, hypoallergenic, plant-based, non-toxic.
- No Mess, Just Bubbles: Single-use pods dissolve quickly, cutting back on plastic waste.
- Pure, Natural, and USA-Made: Crafted with six clean ingredients, fragrance-free, tear-free.
- Family-Trusted Since 2008: Developed by parents for kids’ skincare essentials.
- Pros:
- Makes bath time enjoyable and fun for kids.
- NEA Accepted for eczema-prone skin (rare for bubble baths!).
- Convenient, mess-free pod format.
- Extremely gentle, tear-free, and free from common irritants.
- Cons:
- It’s a bubble bath, not a traditional cleansing bar/liquid soap, though it does cleanse.
- Can be pricier per bath compared to solid bar soaps.
- User Impressions: This product is a huge hit with kids and parents alike; families consistently praise how it allows their children with eczema to enjoy bubble baths without any subsequent flare-ups, celebrating its convenience and skin-friendly formula.
See it on Amazon here
Tips for Bath Time with Eczema-Prone Skin
Choosing the right soap is a fantastic first step, but how you bathe your child can also significantly impact their eczema. Here are a few quick tips:
- Lukewarm Water is Key: Hot water can strip natural oils. Stick to lukewarm temperatures.
- Keep it Short: Aim for baths no longer than 5-10 minutes to prevent further drying.
- Pat Dry, Don’t Rub: Gently pat your child’s skin dry with a soft towel, leaving it slightly damp.
- Moisturize Immediately: Within three minutes of bathing, apply a thick emollient or eczema-friendly moisturizer to “lock in” moisture.
- Avoid Washcloths: If your child’s skin is particularly sensitive, gently use your hands to apply soap rather than a rough washcloth.
Conclusion
Finding the best soap for eczema for kids doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By focusing on gentle, hydrating, and irritation-free formulas, you can significantly improve your child’s comfort and help manage their sensitive skin. Whether you opt for a soothing oatmeal bar, a clinically-backed formula, or even a fun, eczema-friendly bubble bath, the goal is always the same: happy, healthy, and itch-free skin. Here’s to more comfortable bath times and clearer skin days ahead!
FAQ Section
Q1: What exactly is eczema in kids?
A1: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition in children that causes patches of skin to become dry, red, itchy, and sometimes inflamed. It’s often linked to a compromised skin barrier and can be triggered by various environmental factors.
Q2: Why can’t I just use regular soap for my child with eczema?
A2: Regular soaps often contain harsh detergents, fragrances, dyes, and sulfates that can strip the skin of its natural oils, further drying it out and irritating already sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Specialized eczema soaps are formulated to be much gentler and more hydrating.
Q3: What ingredients should I look for in an eczema soap, and what should I avoid?
A3: Look for soothing and moisturizing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, calendula, glycerin, and natural oils (e.g., grapeseed, sunflower). Absolutely avoid fragrances, sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, and harsh dyes.
Q4: How often should I bathe my child if they have eczema?
A4: Daily baths are often recommended for children with eczema, but they should be short (5-10 minutes) and in lukewarm water. The key is to moisturize immediately afterward (within 3 minutes) to seal in hydration.
Q5: Can these “kids” eczema soaps be used by adults too?
A5: Absolutely! Most of the soaps designed for kids’ sensitive, eczema-prone skin are also excellent choices for adults with similar skin concerns. They prioritize gentleness and effective moisturizing, which benefits all sensitive skin types.
Q6: My child reacts to almost everything. Are “natural” ingredients always safe?
A6: While natural ingredients are often preferred, “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “allergy-proof.” Some natural ingredients, like certain essential oils (e.g., lavender for some individuals, though usually mild), can still cause reactions in extremely sensitive individuals. Always patch test new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have concerns.
Q7: How can I make bath time more enjoyable for my child with eczema?
A7: Use lukewarm water, keep baths short, and choose a fun, eczema-friendly product like a gentle bubble bath (like the TruKid Bubble Podz). Incorporate calming routines, play soft music, or offer bath toys to distract from any discomfort. Remember to moisturize generously right after!