Washing your hands with soap is crucial to keeping them clean and free of bacteria and preventing the spread of infections. If you have eczema, it’s important to choose hand soaps that are gentle and don’t aggravate the symptoms. Suyud Issa, a licensed aesthetician and the founder of All Skin Care Talk, says, “If you have eczema, washing your hands frequently and with the wrong hand soaps can strip the natural oils that protect your skin and trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups.” Thus, we have compiled a list of the best hand soaps for eczema. Keep scrolling and choose the right hand soap that is nourishing and free of harsh chemicals.
10 Best Hand Soaps For Eczema
1. Best For Sensitive Skin:Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This hydrating cleanser from Cetaphil is gentle and ideal for dry or sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses the hands and face of dirt, make-up, and excess sebum without stripping the skin off its natural oils. It also soothes irritation and balances the skin’s natural pH level by locking in moisture, making it great for keeping eczema under control. Moreover, it is blended with vitamin B3 and B5, along with glycerin, to improve your skin’s resilience. Pros
Fragrance-free Hypoallergenic Cleanses without water Soap-free Paraben-free
Cons
May contain alcohol
2. Best Dye-Free:Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
This body wash is infused with oat extracts that gently exfoliate the skin to remove dirt, dead cells, bacteria, and oil. Allergy-tested, it soothes the skin and nourishes it with moisture. You can use it daily to make your skin smooth, healthy, and soft. Here’s a video with a detailed review of the product to help you decide. Pros
Soap-free Dye-free Fragrance-free FDA-approved oatmeal
Cons
May contain sulfates Some may find it difficult to wash off
3. Best Natural Formula:Puracy Natural Hand Soap
Puracy’s plant-powered hand wash has the goodness of lavender, vanilla, aloe vera, vitamin E, and sea salt, offering hydration and balancing the skin’s pH levels. This 99.6% natural formula has a thick, honey-like consistency, and the gel foams quickly and softens the skin It is free of all harmful chemicals making it perfect for those with eczema. If you want to know more about this product, here’s a video worth watching. Pros
Mineral-based ingredients Phthalate-, paraben, and sulfate-free Hypoallergenic Muddled cucumber and mint scent Phosphates-free Dye-free Vegan
Cons
May dry out the skin Pump mechanism may not work properly
4. Best Soap-Free:Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser
If you’re looking for a cleanser recommended by dermatologists, then this is it! This mild soap-free cleanser is free of chemical irritants and additives. As a result, it is gentle on the skin and can be used daily. This formula keeps the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Pros
Sulfate- and paraben-free Lanolin-free Fragrance- and dye-free Formaldehyde-free
Cons
Some may find the quantity less than expected Some may not find it hydrating enough
5. Best Cruelty-Free: Tom’s Of Maine Prebiotic Moisturizing Natural Liquid Hand Soap
The subtle lavender-scented hand soap from Tom’s Of Maine is a prebiotic liquid formula. It promotes the growth of good bacteria while fighting off harmful bacteria to balance your skin’s health, cleanses the skin thoroughly, and locks in the skin’s natural moisture. Take a look at this review video to know more about the product and make an informed buying decision. Pros
Microbiome-friendly pH Biodegradable No foaming agents or artificial fragrances Free of parabens and artificial preservatives
Cons
May contain soybean oil Dispenser may not work efficiently
6. Best Moisturizer:Southern Natural Lavender Goat Milk Soap Bars
If you have sensitive skin, prone to eczema and other skin diseases, the Southern Natural goat milk soap bar is a good pick. It can treat dryness, itchiness, and other issues. This soap includes sustainable palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, lavender oil, and goat milk to clean and moisturize the skin effectively, leaving the skin soft and nourished. Pros
All natural Handmade Dye-free Cruelty-free Zero harmful chemicals
Cons
May not be suitable for extremely sensitive and dry skin Some may find the scent overwhelming
7. Best Plant-Based:Live Clean Liquid Hand Soap
Live Clean’s coconut milk-infused hand soap is 98% plant-based and vegetarian. Suitable for sensitive skin, this cruelty-free liquid soap is free of parabens, and other harmful chemicals. It contains coconut milk and apricot oil to soothe, cleanse, and hydrate the skin. Pros
Organic botanical blend Dye-free Phosphate-free SLS-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Fragrance may not be liked by all Few may experience dryness
8. Best Chemical-Free:Natrulo Eczema & Psoriasis Soap Bar For Face And Body
Suitable for eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and dry, flaky skin, the soap’s mild formula has healing and detoxifying properties. It deep cleanses the skin while nourishing and hydrating it with coconut oil, olive oil, calendula, and cocoa butter. Rich in nutrition, the olive oil blends with dry calendula to optimize absorption. This formula does not include harsh chemicals and helps make the skin supple and healthy. Pros
Free from petroleum products Non-GMO ingredients Free of dyes and artificial scents Free of parabens and phthalates
Cons
Soap size may seem small to some May not be suitable for extremely dry skin
9. Best Vegan:Attitude Natural Hand Soap
The dermatologist-tested wash from Attitude is suitable for sensitive, eczema-prone skin. This vegan formula contains chamomile extract that stimulates the senses and oatmeal to soothe irritations and sensitivity. It can also soften the skin and is free of SLS, chemicals, synthetic additives, and animal products. Pros
Hypoallergenic Triclosan-free Biodegradable packaging Ecologo certified Free of synthetic fragrance
Cons
Few may experience dryness May not lather well
10. Best Nourishing Formula: O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Moisturizing Hand Soap
O’Keeffe’s unscented hand soap is a two-in-one creamy, rich formula that cleanses impurities and hydrates your hands. The nourishing formula instantly locks in moisture and replenishes the skin’s natural balance. You can use the soap frequently as it does not dry out your hands, leaving your skin healthy and soothed. Pros
Moisture-rich formula Sensitive-skin friendly Suitable for frequent hand-washers Winter-friendly
Cons
May contain petroleum-based ingredients
Disclaimer: The information given in this section has been taken from manufacturers’ sources. MomJunction is not responsible for any of the claims made here. We recommend readers’ discretion.
How To Choose The Right Hand Soaps For Eczema?
Here are a few details to consider when choosing the right hand soaps for eczema. Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, a renowned New York-based dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, has the following recommendations, “Choose fragrance-free products as they are free of alcohol that dries out the skin. You may also choose a soap made of natural plant extracts and essential oils, as they help hydrate the skin, lock in moisture, and serve as a protective barrier.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Amrit S, our in-house writer, loves reviewing skincare and beauty products that are healthy for the skin and hair. He has rounded up this list of the best hand soaps for eczema after carrying out extensive research and considering numerous product reviews. He has handpicked those soaps that are gentle on the skin to meet your requirements. Besides, he has also included a buying guide to help you pick the right soap.