8 Body Washes for Eczema That Won’t Irritate Skin, According to a Dermatologist
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If you get rough, dry, itchy patches of skin that flare up out of nowhere and seem nearly impossible to soothe, then you’re likely already familiar with the term eczema. This skin condition differs from a sunburn, pimple, or dark spot in that it can’t simply go away with the use of a targeted product. Eczema is persistent and therefore needs quality products and constant application to give some relief to your skin.
But finding the perfect eczema-friendly formulations for your unique skin is no walk in the park, especially body washes. For those who haven’t had any luck finding products that actually get a thorough job done without inflaming your skin further, we have a good feeling this list of expert-approved picks is just what you need.
Best Body Washes For Eczema 2025, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream & Body Wash, $15
- Best for Face & Body: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Body & Face Wash, $17
- Best for Stressed Skin: Cetaphil RESTORADERM Soothing Wash
, $20 - Best for Ultra-Sensitive Skin: Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel
, $19 - Best Dermatologist-Tested: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash, $11
- Best Oil Formulation: Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
, $26
We chatted with Dr. Tiffany J. Libby, a Mohs Surgeon and board-certified dermatologist, about this skin condition and the body washes that won’t further aggravate your eczema. Keep in mind that everyone’s skin reacts to products differently, but based on ingredients, Dr. Libby’s eight faves are promising options for soothing eczema.
Give any of the following body washes for eczema a chance to keep your dry, itchy patches at bay. After all, you’ve probably been chasing after a smooth, soft, healthy, moisturized canvas for the rest of your skincare and makeup products to glide right onto. Among our expert’s top picks, you’ll find everything from Eucerin’s cream and body wash
to Avene’s cleansing oil
, so get reading (and shopping)!
What is eczema?
“Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that presents as pink to red-brown rough patches of skin that are often dry, itchy, and irritated,” according to Dr. Libby. And what tends to cause eczema, you might also ask? “It is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors,” she adds.
What are the benefits of using a body wash for eczema?
Similar to how folks with acne-prone skin require a specific body wash that targets specific concerns, the same applies to people with eczema. Those with this skin condition already have a compromised skin barrier that is more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. Because of this, “Eczema-specific body washes contain more hydrating and moisturizing ingredients that focus on restoring and repairing the skin’s moisture barrier for healthier and less inflamed skin.”
What ingredients should I look out for in a body wash for eczema?
When looking at eczema body wash ingredient lists, scan the labels for colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, allantoin, and niacinamide. These skin-saviors focus on moisturizing, hydrating, nourishing, and soothing skin.
What ingredients should I avoid in a body wash for eczema?
Because people with eczema already have compromised skin barriers, there are absolutely ingredients you should stay far away from. Per Dr. Libby, “Avoid fragrance, harsh dyes, essential oils, exfoliating beads, and acids like salicylic acid or glycolic acid.”
How often should I use a body wash for eczema?
Since eczema-friendly body washes usually contain moisturizing and hydrating ingredients, it’s safe and recommended by Dr. Libby to use one every day to cleanse your skin. “Ideally for those with eczema-prone skin, I recommend just using the body wash on the ‘dirtier’ parts of the body like the armpits, groin, and feet.”
Ahead, find the eight best eczema body washes that have our derm expert’s stamp of approval. They come from brands you likely already know and love, like Cetaphil, Avene, and La Roche-Posay. They’re also, for the most part, super affordable.
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La Roche-Posay
Image Credit: La Roche-Posay. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Body & Face WashThis La Roche-Posay option relies on ceramides, which are lipids that are naturally present in your skin and promote moisture retention, per Dr. Libby. Restore your skin’s barrier with this formula that’s meant for both your body and face and is ready to order at Amazon
, Dermstore and Target.Size: 13.52 fl oz, 6.76 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter, thermal spring water
Pros: Provides 24-hour hydration, great for sensitive skin, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Cons: Reviewers have had issues with the bottle’s pump -
Cetaphil
Image Credit: Cetaphil. Cetaphil RESTORADERM Soothing Wash“This Cetaphil body wash
uses shea butter and filaggrin technology, which helps restore an irritated and compromised skin moisture barrier, leaving skin clean and nourished,” according to our expert. The brand claims it also promises hydration for a full 24 hours after washing.Size: 8 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal
Pros: Repairs skin barrier in 24 hours and helps relieve symptoms after one use
Cons: Reviewers note issues with getting product out of the bottle -
Eucerin
Image Credit: Eucerin. Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream & Body WashOn Sale 8% off“This is a non-foaming cleanser
that is formulated with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides to help skin retain moisture,” says Dr. Libby. The body wash is also non-drying and non-irritating, for those looking for a classic, no-frills option.Size: 13.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramide-3 and licorice root extract
Pros: Gentle enough for baby skin, fragrance free, dye free and soap free
Cons: We can’t think of any! -
Vanicream
Image Credit: Vanicream. Vanicream Gentle Body WashOn Sale 8% offPer Dr. Libby, “This cleanser
is free of dyes, fragrances, lanolin, and sulfates, and helps gently cleanse without drying out skin.” The dermatologist-tested formula is ideal for dry skin, since it’s gluten-free, sulfate-free, and soap-free.Size: 12 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, avocado perseose
Pros: Dermatologist-tested, no harsh cleaning agents, ideal for sensitive skin
Cons: Some reviewers prefer the Vanicream bar soap -
Bioderma
Image Credit: Bioderma Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing OilOn Sale 19% offBioderma’s Atoderm Cleansing Oil
works best for very dry and sensitive skin, which is great news for those with eczema. It “helps soothe skin through a gentle cleanse and helps increase skin’s hydration for up to 24 hours,” explains Dr. Libby. Add this eczema-friendly cleanser to your cart at Amazon
, Dermstore or Target.Size: 33.8 fl oz, 16.9 fl oz, 6.7 fl oz, 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Vegetal biolipids, vitamin B3
Pros: Gentle enough for kids and babies, provides hydration for up to 24 hours, soap-free and non-comedogenic
Cons: Ideal for those who prefer an oil formulation -
Iota
Image Credit: Iota. Iota Supervitamin Body Wash+ Soothing“This is a fragrance-free, award-winning body wash that addresses not only skin’s hydration but also skin’s overall appearance by using a blend of microbiome-balancing prebiotics and postbiotics for improved skin health and radiance,” our expert notes. You can also count on superfoods, multivitamins, and multi-minerals to calm and soften skin.Size: 10 fl oz
Key Ingredients: vitamins A, C, D and E, chamomile flower, aloe, probiotics and postbiotics, jujube fruit
Pros: Good for aging and acne-prone skin, vegan, supports your skin microbiome
Cons: You get a smaller amount of product for the price compared to other options -
Avène
Image Credit: Avene. Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing OilOn Sale 9% offThis cleansing oil
is “fragrance-free, pH-balanced, and gently cleanses and soothes dry skin that is prone to eczema and itching,” Dr. Libby explains. While it’s completely sold out on Avene’s site (so you know it’s good), it’s available to shop right now on Amazon
.Size: 13.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water, omega-6,
Pros: Gentle enough for kids and babies, protects against drying effects of water
Cons: Pricey -
Mustela
Image Credit: Mustela. Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel“This cleansing gel
is designed for use on baby skin and uses avocado perseose to help protect and hydrate skin while cleaning skin,” says our derm expert. If it’s safe enough to apply to a baby’s ultra-sensitive complexion, then it’s sure as heck gentle enough to lather on your body. Scoop up a single bottle or two-pack on Amazon
or a single bottle at Target and Walmart.Size: 16.9 fl oz, 25.35 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, avocado perseose
Pros: Gentle enough for baby skin, hypoallergenic, free of parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol, doubles as a shampoo
Cons: We can’t think of any!
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