Dealing with eczema in children can be a real challenge for parents. That persistent itch, the redness, and those dry, flaky patches can make your little one uncomfortable and even upset. When it comes to managing eczema, what you use to bathe your child is just as important as the creams you apply afterward. Harsh soaps can strip natural oils, leading to more irritation and flare-ups, which is the last thing any parent wants.
That’s why finding the best soap for eczema kids isn’t just about cleansing; it’s about soothing, protecting, and restoring their delicate skin barrier. You need a gentle cleanser that nourishes rather than irritates, helping to calm the skin and keep moisture locked in. But with so many options out there, how do you choose?
Don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive guide to the top seven soaps specifically formulated for children with eczema. Our goal is to help you find the perfect product to make bath time a relief, not a trigger.
Understanding Eczema in Kids
Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition that affects millions of children. It often presents as dry, itchy, red patches, and can sometimes lead to cracked or thickened skin. While there’s no cure, managing symptoms effectively is key. Triggers can vary, from environmental factors like pollen and pet dander to certain foods, stress, and, importantly, harsh skincare products. A gentle, moisturizing bath routine is a cornerstone of eczema care, helping to reduce dryness and support the skin’s natural protective barrier.
What to Look For in an Eczema Soap for Kids
Choosing the right soap for your child’s sensitive skin can feel overwhelming, but keeping a few key characteristics in mind can simplify the process:
- Gentle and Hypoallergenic: Look for products labeled “hypoallergenic” or “for sensitive skin.” They’re less likely to cause allergic reactions.
- Fragrance-Free and Dye-Free: Artificial fragrances and dyes are common irritants. Opt for unscented formulas.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin help to soothe and hydrate the skin.
- pH-Balanced: Skin has a naturally acidic pH. Soaps that match this pH can help maintain the skin’s barrier function.
- Free from Harsh Chemicals: Avoid sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, and harsh preservatives that can strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Pediatrician and Dermatologist Tested: Products recommended by skin experts provide an extra layer of reassurance.
Our Top 7 Best Soaps for Eczema Kids
Let’s dive into our top picks for the best soap for eczema kids, each offering unique benefits to help manage your child’s delicate skin.
1. Baby Dove Derma Care Soothing Wash Skin Care
This gentle wash from Baby Dove is a fantastic option for babies and kids with eczema-prone skin, specifically designed to provide ultra-gentle cleansing while actively helping to retain essential moisture. What makes it truly stand out is its 100% skin-natural nutrients and its acceptance by the National Eczema Association, giving parents peace of mind that they’re choosing a product rigorously tested for sensitive skin. It’s a tear-free formula, which means no stinging eyes during bath time – a huge plus for little ones!
Key Features:
– MOISTURIZING CARE: Provides ultra-gentle cleansing and helps retain moisture in baby’s skin.
– 100% NATURAL NUTRIENTS: Formulated with 100% skin natural nutrients, just for baby skin.
– GENTLE FORMULATION: Paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, dye-free, fragrance-free, and steroid-free.
– TEAR-FREE: Made with colloidal oatmeal and is tear-free.
– NEA ACCEPTED PRODUCT: Accepted by the National Eczema Association, gentle enough for newborn skin.
Pros:
– Highly moisturizing and helps prevent dryness.
– Free from a long list of potential irritants.
– Accepted by the National Eczema Association for effective care.
– Tear-free formula ensures a comfortable bath experience.
– Gentle enough for newborns.
Cons:
– Some parents prefer a bar soap format.
– May not be readily available in all local stores.
User Impressions: Parents consistently praise this wash for its ability to calm their baby’s irritated skin without causing dryness. Many note a significant improvement in their child’s eczema symptoms after regular use, appreciating its gentle nature and the absence of harsh chemicals or fragrances. It’s often described as a go-to for sensitive skin.
2. Codex Labs Eczema Soap for Kids & Adults – 2-Pack
The Codex Labs Eczema Soap is a powerhouse, offering clinical validation and recognition from both the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation. This makes it an incredibly trustworthy choice for gentle cleansing. It’s designed to be incredibly nourishing, formulated with skin-loving natural ingredients like Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Calendula, and Olive Oil that deeply moisturize and calm irritated skin, all while supporting the skin barrier without causing dryness. Plus, it’s pH-balanced and microbiome-friendly, making it ideal for maintaining healthy skin.
Key Features:
– Clinically Tested Eczema Soap for Sensitive Skin: Recognized by the National Eczema Association and National Psoriasis Foundation.
– Nourishing Eczema Hand Soap – Non-Drying & Non-Stripping: Supports the skin barrier and retains hydration.
– Natural Ingredients: Infused with Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Calendula, and Olive Oil for deep moisturizing.
– pH-Balanced & Microbiome-Supporting: Helps restore skin’s natural balance.
– Baby-Safe, Family-Friendly & Eco-Conscious: Plastic-free packaging, plant-based, and cruelty-free.
Pros:
– Dual recognition from major eczema/psoriasis organizations.
– Exceptionally nourishing with a rich blend of natural butters and oils.
– Clinically proven to help skin retain hydration and natural sebum.
– pH-balanced and supports a healthy skin microbiome.
– Eco-conscious choice with plastic-free packaging.
Cons:
– Bar soap format might not be preferred by all.
– As a premium product, it might be pricier than some alternatives.
User Impressions: Users rave about this soap’s ability to provide lasting hydration and soothe intensely itchy or dry skin. Many appreciate its natural ingredient list and the fact that it doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped or tight. The gentle yet effective cleansing action and its suitability for the whole family are frequently highlighted.
3. Eczema Soap Bar for Face and Body – All Natural (Goat Milk & Oatmeal)
This handcrafted goat milk soap bar is a gem for families seeking truly natural relief for eczema and other sensitive skin conditions. What truly stands out is its blend of soothing oatmeal and calendula within a goat milk base, known for its gentle moisturizing properties. It’s specifically designed to calm that relentless itch and irritation, making it one of the best soap for eczema kids when you’re dealing with dry, flaky, or sensitive skin. Made with pure essential oils and herbs, it offers a luxurious, yet natural, cleansing experience without harsh chemicals.
Key Features:
– RELIEVES ITCH AND IRRITATION: Crafted with soothing oatmeal soap and calendula in a goat milk base.
– IDEAL FOR DAILY USE: Lathers easily, providing a luxurious cleansing experience for face and body.
– SAFE FOR ADULTS AND KIDS: Versatile relief for eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin.
– 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Free of harsh chemicals and artificial additives, made with pure essential oils and herbs.
– HANDCRAFTED IN THE USA: Handmade with care using high-quality natural ingredients.
Pros:
– Excellent for soothing itch and irritation from various skin conditions.
– Goat milk base is naturally moisturizing and gentle.
– Purely natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals or artificial additives.
– Versatile for use on both face and body, by kids and adults.
– Handcrafted quality from the USA.
Cons:
– Bar soap format might require a soap dish for proper storage.
– Natural essential oil scent might not be for everyone, though gentle.
User Impressions: Many parents turn to this bar for its incredibly soothing effects, often reporting reduced redness and itching after just a few uses. They appreciate its natural composition and how soft and supple it leaves their child’s skin feeling, without any residue. It’s a favorite for those seeking a holistic approach to eczema care.
4. Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Baby Body Wash
Aveeno is a name synonymous with soothing sensitive skin, and their Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Body Wash lives up to the reputation. This formula is a top contender for the best soap for eczema kids because it’s packed with natural oatmeal and provitamin B5, known for their calming and nourishing properties. It’s not just a cleanser; it’s a therapeutic wash designed to leave irritated, dry, and eczema-prone skin feeling comfortable and moisturized. Plus, it comes from a pediatrician and dermatologist-recommended brand, offering that extra layer of trust.
Key Features:
– Moisturizing Baby Body Wash: Cleanses and soothes irritated, dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin.
– Natural Oatmeal & Provitamin B5: Formulated with natural oatmeal for soothing and nourishing properties, along with provitamin B5 and rich emollients.
– Expert Tested: Pediatrician and dermatologist tested, from a recommended brand.
– Gentle Formula: pH-balanced, hypoallergenic, tear-free, and free of sulfates, soap, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol.
Pros:
– Highly recommended by pediatricians and dermatologists.
– Contains natural oatmeal and provitamin B5 for excellent soothing and moisturizing.
– Extremely gentle, with a comprehensive list of avoided irritants.
– pH-balanced and tear-free for baby’s comfort.
– Trusted brand for sensitive skin care.
Cons:
– Liquid wash, which some might find runs out faster than bar soap.
– The 8-ounce bottle might be smaller than some expect for the price.
User Impressions: Parents consistently praise this Aveeno wash for its effectiveness in managing their children’s eczema, often noting a visible reduction in dryness and itching. The tear-free formula is a huge hit, making bath time less stressful. Many loyal users consider it an essential part of their child’s daily skincare routine.
5. Keika Baby Soap Bar Oat & Shea Unscented for Eczema
Keika offers a baby soap bar that’s not only fantastic for sensitive skin but also comes from a carbon-negative company, adding an ethical bonus to your purchase! This unscented bar is a brilliant choice for children with eczema, thanks to its nourishing blend of colloidal oatmeal and shea butter. These ingredients work together to soothe dry, irritated skin, leaving it feeling incredibly soft and comfortable. What sets it apart is its triple-milled quality, meaning a denser, longer-lasting bar that produces a rich, creamy lather – great value for money and a pure, gentle cleanse for the whole family.
Key Features:
– Carbon Negative Company: Supports sustainable projects that reduce carbon emissions.
– Safe for the Whole Family: Unscented, perfect for babies, kids, and adults with sensitive skin.
– Ideal for Sensitive Skin: Formulated with colloidal oatmeal and shea butter for soothing dry, irritated skin.
– Triple-Milled for Premium Quality: Denser, longer-lasting bar with a rich, creamy lather.
– Fragrance-Free & Gentle: Free from artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives.
– 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Ensures customer delight.
Pros:
– Environmentally friendly brand with carbon-negative practices.
– Long-lasting and high-quality due to triple-milling.
– Excellent for soothing and hydrating sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
– Completely unscented and free from common irritants.
– Backed by a strong customer satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
– Bar soap format, which requires proper storage to last.
– Might be perceived as less “medicated” than some dedicated eczema washes.
User Impressions: Customers love the long-lasting nature and rich lather of this soap, often commenting on how soft and moisturized their skin feels after use. The fact that it’s unscented and gentle enough for their children’s eczema is a frequently highlighted benefit. The company’s eco-conscious mission also resonates positively with many users.
6. Eczema Soap Bar for Face and Body – All Natural (Oatmeal & Calendula)
This all-natural eczema soap bar is a true multi-tasker, offering relief not just for eczema but also for psoriasis, bug bites, sunburn, and other skin irritations. It’s an excellent choice for the best soap for eczema kids because of its core blend of soothing oatmeal and calendula, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This bar gently protects and cleanses, leaving skin refreshed without stripping away vital moisture. Crafted with pure essential oils and herbs, it’s a wholesome solution for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective way to manage sensitive skin.
Key Features:
– RELIEVES ITCH AND IRRITATION: Crafted with soothing oatmeal soap and calendula to protect and calm skin.
– IDEAL FOR DAILY USE: Lathers easily, providing a luxurious cleansing experience for face and body.
– SAFE FOR ADULTS AND KIDS: Therapeutic benefits for eczema, psoriasis, or general sensitive skin.
– 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Free of harsh chemicals and artificial additives, made with pure essential oils and herbs.
– HANDCRAFTED IN THE USA: Handmade with care using the highest quality natural ingredients.
Pros:
– Addresses a wide range of skin irritations beyond just eczema.
– Combines oatmeal and calendula for powerful soothing benefits.
– Leaves skin soft, supple, and refreshed, without stripping.
– Made with entirely natural ingredients, ideal for chemical-averse families.
– Handmade in the USA, ensuring quality and care.
Cons:
– Bar soap requires careful storage to prevent softening.
– The “natural” scent from essential oils may not appeal to every user.
User Impressions: Users frequently commend this soap for its ability to significantly reduce the discomfort of itchy, irritated skin, especially for those with severe eczema and psoriasis. The natural ingredients are a big draw, and many report feeling a noticeable difference in their skin’s hydration and texture after incorporating it into their routine. It’s often praised for its gentle effectiveness.
7. ECZEMA HONEY Soothing Body Wash – Daily Shower Gel & Eczema Treatment
Eczema Honey’s Soothing Body Wash stands out with its unique blend of colloidal oatmeal, honey, and chamomile extract, specifically formulated to provide fast comfort from dry patches and itchiness. This daily shower gel gently removes dirt without harsh exfoliating, leaving skin feeling smooth and refreshed. It’s a wonderful choice for the best soap for eczema kids who need targeted relief and a nurturing formula. Plus, it’s Leaping Bunny Certified, meaning it’s cruelty-free and made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or fragrances, making it an honest and gentle option for all ages.
Key Features:
– Relieve Eczema & Irritation: Formulated to help keep you clear from dry patches and comfort itchy skin fast.
– Honest Shower Gel for Dry Skin: Gently removes dirt from eczema-prone skin without harsh exfoliating.
– Natural Ingredients: Nurtures skin with soothing colloidal oatmeal, honey, and chamomile extract.
– No Harmful Chemicals & Cruelty-Free: Made with no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or fragrances; Leaping Bunny Certified.
– Sensitive Enough for Daily Use: Dermatologist-tested, helps hydrate dry and irritated skin with calendula extract.
Pros:
– Unique combination of colloidal oatmeal, honey, and chamomile for enhanced soothing.
– Provides fast comfort from itch and irritation.
– Gentle cleansing that won’t strip or over-exfoliate.
– Free from common harsh chemicals and fragrances, plus cruelty-free.
– Dermatologist-tested and safe for daily use by all ages.
Cons:
– Liquid body wash format may be used up faster than bar soaps.
– The inclusion of honey, while beneficial, might be a minor consideration for extremely sensitive skin, though it’s a wash-off product.
User Impressions: Customers love how quickly this body wash calms their skin, often remarking on the soothing sensation it provides during and after a shower. The natural ingredients, especially the honey and chamomile, receive high praise for their comforting effects. Many find it to be a reliable product for daily eczema management, leaving their skin feeling hydrated and less irritated.
FAQs About Choosing the Best Soap for Eczema Kids
Navigating eczema care can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some common ones parents ask:
Q1: How often should I bathe my child with eczema?
A: It’s generally recommended to bathe children with eczema daily or every other day. Short, lukewarm baths (5-10 minutes) are best. Prolonged hot baths can strip the skin of its natural oils. Always follow with a gentle moisturizer immediately after patting the skin dry.
Q2: Can I use regular soap on my child with eczema?
A: No, it’s strongly advised to avoid regular soaps. Many standard soaps contain harsh detergents, fragrances, and dyes that can strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leading to increased dryness, itching, and potential eczema flare-ups. Always opt for a specialized, gentle, fragrance-free cleanser designed for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Q3: What ingredients should I avoid in eczema soap for kids?
A: Key ingredients to avoid include artificial fragrances, dyes, sulfates (like SLS or SLES), parabens, phthalates, and strong exfoliants. These can be irritating and drying for delicate, eczema-prone skin.
Q4: Is “fragrance-free” truly scent-free?
A: Not always. “Fragrance-free” means no synthetic fragrances have been added. However, some products might contain natural ingredients that have their own scent. For truly no scent, look for “unscented” and check the ingredient list for essential oils if your child is sensitive to them.
Q5: What’s the best way to bathe a child with eczema?
A: Use lukewarm water, not hot. Limit bath time to 5-10 minutes. Use a gentle, eczema-friendly cleanser (like the ones reviewed above). Avoid scrubbing; gently wash with your hands. Pat the skin dry with a soft towel, leaving it slightly damp, and then immediately apply a thick, emollient moisturizer to “lock in” the moisture.
Q6: When should I see a doctor for my child’s eczema?
A: You should consult a pediatrician or dermatologist if your child’s eczema is severe, persistent, causes significant discomfort, interferes with sleep, shows signs of infection (like pus, crusting, or fever), or if over-the-counter remedies aren’t providing relief.
Q7: Are natural ingredients always safe for eczema?
A: While many natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and calendula are excellent for eczema, “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “safe” for all. Some natural essential oils or plant extracts can still trigger reactions in very sensitive individuals. Always patch test a new product on a small area of skin first, and consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Conclusion
Finding the best soap for eczema kids is a crucial step in managing their sensitive skin and providing them with comfort. The right cleanser can make a world of difference, turning bath time into a soothing ritual rather than a source of irritation. From highly-recommended brands with clinical backing to handcrafted natural options, there are many excellent choices designed to hydrate, calm, and protect your child’s delicate skin.
Remember to always look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas packed with moisturizing ingredients, and don’t hesitate to consult with your pediatrician or dermatologist if you have ongoing concerns. With the right soap and a consistent skincare routine, you can help your child find relief and enjoy happier, healthier skin.