Eczema-prone skin can have a weakened skin barrier, which makes it harder to hold onto moisture and defend against everyday irritants (healthdirect, 2024). As moisture escapes, skin can become dry, itchy and more reactive, so keeping it hydrated is a big part of daily care.
Cleansing plays a role here too. A body wash with harsh detergents can strip away the skin's natural oils along with everyday dirt. A gentle, moisturising cleanser does the same job of cleaning the skin, without working against its natural barrier.
What To Look For In The Best Body Wash For Eczema
Choosing the best body wash for Eczema comes down to what's in the formula, particularly the cleansing agents, fragrance and preservatives.
Mild Cleansing Ingredients
Gentle cleansers derived from ingredients like Coconut and Glucose can lift away everyday dirt and oil without being harsh on sensitive skin. They're also kinder to the skin's natural oils, which help support the moisture barrier.
SLS-Free Formulas
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a strong cleansing detergent that can leave sensitive skin feeling dry or stripped back (Eczema Support Australia). An SLS-free formula is often a gentler choice for Eczema-prone skin, especially if dryness is already a concern.
Consider The Type Of Fragrance
Fragrance is worth considering for sensitive skin, but it comes down to the type and how it's formulated. Carefully chosen, Phthalate-free fragrant oils can add a pleasant scent while still keeping sensitivity in mind.
Thoughtful Preservative Choices
Preservatives are what keep water-based products safe to use, so it's worth knowing which ones are in your body wash. Some formulas use alternative preservation systems rather than synthetic preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Parabens.
Gentle Body Wash For Eczema Australia
For Eczema-prone skin, cleansing should lift away everyday build-up without stripping the natural oils that help protect the skin barrier. A soap-free body wash uses milder cleansing agents in place of traditional soap, so skin gets properly clean while holding onto more of its natural moisture.
Our Milk Wash follows this same gentle approach, with Coconut and Glucose-derived cleansers chosen with dry and sensitive skin in mind. It's SLS-free and suitable for face and body, which makes everyday cleansing that little bit simpler.
How To Wash Eczema-Prone Skin
A little extra care when washing can go a long way in reducing dryness and supporting your skin's natural moisture barrier.
- Keep The Water Lukewarm: Very hot water can strip natural oils and leave already dry or sensitive skin feeling uncomfortable
- Keep Showers Short: Limiting how long skin is exposed to water helps, and using a gentle, Eczema-friendly body wash makes this an easy habit to keep.
- Cleanse Without Scrubbing: Use clean hands rather than a rough washcloth or exfoliating tool, which can irritate sensitive areas.
- Pat Skin Dry: Gently pat dry with a soft towel, then follow up with our Eczema & Psoriasis Cream for targeted care, or browse our Eczema, Psoriasis & Dermatitis for more options.
Choosing A Body Wash For The Whole Family
A shared body wash needs to work for everyone under one roof, from little ones with delicate skin to adults managing dryness or sensitivity. A gentle formula that suits regular use for the whole family keeps skin care refreshingly simple.
Skin needs can also shift with age, the seasons and individual triggers, so it's worth paying attention to how everyone's skin responds. Our guide on How To Treat Dry, Sensitive Skin Naturally has more on caring for skin that needs a bit of extra attention.
Some family members may be managing a specific skin concern alongside their everyday routine. If that's Psoriasis, our guide on What The Benefits Of Using Natural Treatments For Psoriasis Are is a helpful place to start.
Sources:
- Eczema Support Australia. Eczema management. https://www.eczemasupport.org.au/eczema-management/
- healthdirect Australia. (2024). Eczema — symptoms, causes and treatment. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eczema
