11 Best Face Washes For Eczema (2024), According To An Expert
Keep all concerns of eczema-prone skin at bay with these non-comedogenic face washes.
Indeed patchy and dry skin can be very difficult to deal with, and eczema takes the stress to a whole different level. It makes your skin flaky, triggers inflammation and redness, and causes itchiness. Dr. Schwarzburg, a cosmetic dermatologist, says, “Eczema is more than just dry skin and is considered a medical skin condition that often requires medical treatment.” But if you have the best face wash for eczema in place, you can definitely let go of your worries. To help you choose the suitable one, we have prepared a list of the top 11 face washes for those who have eczema. Without further delay, go ahead and check it out.
In This Article
11 Best Face Washes For People With Eczema
1. Best Soap-Free:Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
This super creamy cleanser by Neutrogena has a polyglycerin formula that binds oil and dirt to water and gently cleanses away impurities. The formula protects your natural skin barrier and keeps it hydrated. Thus, it is ideal for acne-prone, rosacea-prone, and eczema-prone skin. It also works wonders on dry and sensitive skin. With regular use, it will refine your pores and make your skin soft and supple.
Dr. Schwarzburg, a cosmetic dermatologist, says, “Neutrogena is a go-to for many of us as many of its products are mild and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. This hydrating cleanser by Neutrogena is a great option for someone who suffers from eczema, keeping the skin clean, refreshed, and hydrated. After cleansing, a great way to give yourself an extra boost of hydration is to apply a unscented, natural moisturizer to lock in the moisture and further help reduce the irritating symptoms of the condition.”
Key Ingredients: Glycerin
Pros
- Oil-free
- Soap-free
- Mild formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy
- Dermatologically-approved
Cons
- Might be itchy
2. Best Moisturizing:Era Organics Cleanse + Restore Sensitive Skin Face + Body cleanser
This hydrating plant-based all-in-one cleanser by Era Organics will soothe, hydrate, and restore your skin. Its gentle formula balances the pH level of the skin. It cleanses your skin thoroughly without stripping away its natural moisture. The aloe vera in the formula deeply hydrates and soothes irritation, while manuka honey boosts collagen production, improves dead skin cell regeneration, and locks in hydration. Vitamin E is a powerful skin healer that strengthens the skin barrier and protects it from free radical damage. “Vitamin E is an ingredient that should frankly be included in all skin care products. Its moisturizing properties aid in scar healing and hyperpigmentation or sun damage. In addition, as this cleanser is fragrance-free, it is less likely to dry out your skin. As such, this particular cleanser is a great option for sensitive or dry skin and of course, for those who suffer from eczema,” says Dr. Schwarzburg, a cosmetic dermatologist.
Cehami extract gives you instant itch relief. These ingredients and the plant-based formula have proven efficacy in treating eczema, psoriasis, dryness, irritation and tackle signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. To know more about the nuances of Era Organics Cleanse + Restore Sensitive Skin Face + Body cleanser, click on this YouTube video for a detailed tester’s experience.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Manuka honey, Cehami, Vitamin E
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Moisturizing
- Organic ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Unscented
- Alcohol-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
- Expensive
3. Best All-Natural:TruKid Truly Natural Easy Eczema Soothing Face & Body Wash
This 2-in-1 cleanser contains gentle ingredients that soothe itchiness, redness, and flaky patches caused due to dryness and eczema. Its all-natural and non-toxic formula works wonders on sensitive skin. This plant-based product is made with ingredients like coconut and aloe vera gel will help in moisture barrier repair and deeply hydrate the skin. It also contains pro-vitamin B5 that nourishes the skin and prevents free radical damage. The soothing combination of lavender and chamomile calms inflammations and gives a rejuvenating feeling. With regular use, this body and face wash heals and protects the skin from further eczema episodes. A patch test is recommended to ensure safe application.
Key Ingredients: Coconut, Palm, Aloe vera
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Non-toxic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-drying
- All-natural ingredients
- Ideal for children
- Steroid-free
- EWG rated
- Accepted by NEA (National Eczema Association)
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- PBA –free packing
Cons
- May cause breakouts in some users
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser Best Soap-Free | Era Organics Cleanse + Restore Sensitive Skin Face + Body cleanser Best Moisturizing | TruKid Truly Natural Easy Eczema Soothing Face & Body Wash Best All-Natural | |
---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | Dry,sensitive skin | All Skin Types, Damaged Skin, Sensitive Skin, Oily Skin, Dry Skin, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Shingles, Dermatitis See more | All, Sensitive |
Dimensions | 1.72 x 3.45 x 6.7 inches | 2 x 2 x 7.5 inches | - |
Weight | 12 Ounces | 0.01 Ounces | - |
Rating | |||
Reviews | 1,312 | 1,907 | 455 |
Price | $9.79 | $27.87 | $9.99 |
4. Best Gentle Formula:Marie Originals The Bioactive Combo For Combating Eczema & Psoriasis
Soaps are notorious for drying out your skin, especially if you have skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. But this all-natural soap by Marie Originals gives you relief from your dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Powered with noni fruit powder, a natural anti-inflammatory component, this soap conditions and detoxifies your skin. It also aids in treating bumps, dry patches, and discoloration on the neck, face, and eyes with ease. The formula helps in redness reduction and prevents any further breakouts The herbal paste remedy is super gentle and safe for sensitive skin. The bentonite clay and organic oatmeal-infused formula calms down any inflammation and gives you instant relief. With regular use, the soap heals, softens, and tones your skin. It can be used on the face as well as the body.
Key Ingredients: Organic oat, Vegetable glycerin, Noni fruit, European natural clay
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- No GMO
- Unscented
- Cruelty-free
- Petroleum-free
Cons
- Soap bar for personal use only; sharing can be unhygienic.
5. Best Dermatologically Tested:SeboCalm Facial Cleansing Soap For Sensitive Skin
This advanced sulfate-free cleansing formula by SeboCalm thoroughly cleanses dryness-prone, sensitive, and dull skin. It gently removes impurities and its water-based formula effectively prevents acne, pimples, redness, blackheads, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and eczema. It is enriched with concentrated chamomile extract that soothes inflammation, swelling, and redness. Cornmeal and coconut-based cleansers prevent irritations and effectively cleanse your skin, while the seaweed extract preserves your skin’s elasticity and deeply conditions it. Perform a patch test to ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients in the formula.
Key Ingredients: Concentrated chamomile extract, Cornmeal extract, Coconut extract, Seaweed
Pros
- Vegan
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight
- Dermatologically tested
- Gentle formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-drying
- Non-oily
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
6. Best Hypoallergenic:LEMYKA Naturals Ultra Gentle Cleanser
This gentle facial cleanser by LEMYKA is pH balanced to suit eczema-prone, sensitive, rosacea, and acne-prone skin. This daily cleanser can be used by people of all ages. The unique plant extracts in the formula remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without causing any irritation. Although it deeply cleanses your skin, the formula does not strip off its natural moisture. Aloe vera and calendula extracts clarify blemishes, prevent breakouts, and calm down redness and inflammation. Panthenol and chamomile are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that heal and protect your skin, whereas algae promote elasticity and alleviate breakouts. This daily face wash will keep your skin clean, smooth, and soft.
Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Calendula, Chamomile, Aloe vera, Algae
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan
- Organic ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
- Petroleum-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Steroids-free
- Phthalates-free
- No artificial color
Cons
- Watery consistency
7. Best Foaming Formula:Thyme Out Face And Body Wash
This face wash by Thyme Out is a 2-in-1 formula that can be used as a facial cleanser and a body wash. The organic formula instantly calms irritation, itchiness, and inflammation. This cleanser also effectively relieves irritation or rashes caused by bug bites and poison ivy. The all-natural formula consists of simple ingredients like coconut and apple juice that nourish and fortify your skin. It comes in an easy-to-pump bottle and is suitable for daily use.
Key Ingredients: Apple juice, Coconut
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Non-irritating
- Easy application
- Foaming formula
- Organic ingredients
Cons
- None
8. Best Fragrance-Free:Kamedis Dermatology Eczema Therapy Wash
This dermatologist-recommended face wash by Kamedis Dermatology can be used by adults and children alike. It provides you with long-lasting relief from facial eczema and dermatitis. The expert-recommended foaming cleanser gently cleanses your skin, strengthens your skin’s natural barrier, and soothes irritations. It is enriched with ingredients like soapberry extracts, purslane, and Chinese rhubarb that have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients alleviate inflammation and act as natural cleansers.
Key Ingredients: Chinese Rhubarb, Purslane, Soapberry extract
Pros
- Dermatologist recommended
- Botanical ingredients
- Foaming formula
- Steroids-free
- Fragrance-free
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Dyes-free
- Cruelty-free
- Safe for babies above 6 months of age
- Suitable for adults
Cons
- May not be effective on severely eczema-prone skin
9. Best Anti-Inflammatory:Natrulo Truly Natural Eczema & Psoriasis Soap
Enriched with botanical extracts, this all-natural soap by Natrulo is ideal for acne-prone and dry skin. It has cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, ground oat, and calendula to soothe and moisturize your skin. Cocoa butter and olive oil restore lost moisture, while coconut oil and calendula have anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties to control breakouts. Ground oats exfoliate and combat inflammation. This soap is safe to use for dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, cradle cap, fungal infection, and diaper rash. This nutrient-enriched soap is safe for both adults and children. It reduces itching, scaling, irritation, flaky skin, and redness with ease.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Olive oil, Cocoa butter, Ground oats, Calendula
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- Handmade
- Anti-microbial
- Easy to use
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- SLS-free
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
- No artificial scent
- Suitable for both adults and children
Cons
- Bar soap, not ideal for sharing
10. Best Hydrating:Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Formulated and recommended by dermatologists, this facial cleanser by Cetaphil is a must-buy. It removes makeup, surface oils, and dirt without making your skin dry or tight. The castor oil in this clinically-proven formula hydrates your skin, while the glycerin locks in moisture. With regular use, you get super refreshed, clean, and flawless-looking skin. The cleanser is ideal for sensitive and oily skin, and works wonders on eczema-prone skin. Check out the review of the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for more information.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrogenated castor oil.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Strong odor
11. Best Non-Drying:Dove DermaSeries Dry Skin Relief Face Wash
The DermaSeries Dry Skin Relief Face Wash by Dove is ideal for severely dry skin. This face wash provides long-lasting comfort from eczema, itching, psoriasis, and dryness. It gently cleanses your skin without stripping away its natural moisture. The formula is allergy-tested and replenishes the lost moisture in your skin and forms a protective barrier to prevent dryness. The amino silk proteins make your skin soft and supple. You can get visibly healthier skin after just 4 washes.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Ascorbic acid, Silk amino acid
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Creamy texture
- Fragrance-free
- Non-irritating
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Gentle formula
- Non-drying
Cons
- None
Eczema-prone skin deals with inflammation, redness, inflamed skin, and itchiness if incorrect or harsh cleansers and face washes are used. A suitable face wash that is endorsed by medical professionals can reduce the irritation on the skin caused by eczema. There are a variety of formulas available in face washes for eczema, but you should consider some factors to pick the right one. So, here is a buying guide for you to choose the best face wash for eczema.
How To Pick The Right Face Wash For Eczema
- Skin Type
Along with eczema, consider your skin type while choosing the best face wash. If you have dry skin, choose the face wash rich in hydrating ingredients and fatty acids. For oily skin, select face washes with salicylic acid, niacinamide, etc., to gently cleanse the skin and eliminate excess oil. If you have combination skin, choose the ultra-gentle cleanser that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and has mild ingredients.
- Ingredients
For eczema, you must choose gentle face washes with gentle and hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide, glycerin, salicylic acid, shea butter, prebiotics, and other non-comedogenic harmful ingredients. You must avoid harsh face washes that include harsh chemicals such as drying alcohol, fragrances, propylene glycol, artificial colorants, GMOs, gluten, petroleum, sulfate, paraben, steroids, phthalates, mineral oils, and artificial colors.
- Formula
Opt for a non-comedogenic, fuss-free, mild formulation in your face wash for eczema. Eczema-prone skin is sensitive, and a face wash should be devoid of any skin irritants that may trigger the condition. Avoid overly drying formulations in face wash. Instead, opt for hydrating, fragrance-free formulas. Face wash for eczema should also be safe, dermatologist-tested, and approved to avoid skin inflammation. Ensure the products are tested for allergies as well.
- Reviews
To select the best face wash for your type of eczema condition, you can compare the reviews of different products and different reviewers’ experiences to choose accordingly.
Dr. Schwarzburg, a cosmetic dermatologist, says, “Keep in mind that eczema is a medical skin condition that can be helped with specialized face washes. However, in more severe cases, you may need medical attention and prescription-grade formulas prescribed by your dermatologist. If you feel like the product you are using is not helping, seek advice from a medical professional who can further direct you in choosing the best option for your unique skin type and condition.”
Infographic: Ingredients To Look For In A Face Wash For Eczema
People with eczema-prone skin deal with a variety of skin issues, including frequent flare-ups, redness, dryness, acne, and itching. It is critical to maintain hygiene and take extra care of your skin to avoid such problems. You can easily manage eczema with the right face wash containing the right ingredients. The infographic below lists some amazing ingredients to look for when purchasing an eczema face wash. Check it out!
The Bottom Line
Most often, dry skin is prone to eczema. To keep eczema-prone skin concerns like inflammation, redness, and itchiness at bay, try the best face washes for eczema. The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is suitable for dry and sensitive skin, while those with wrinkles and eczema-prone skin may try the Era Organics Cleanse + Restore Sensitive Skin Face + Body Cleanser. But if you are looking for something that deals with oily and irritated skin, try the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. These face washes are enriched with powerful hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which work wonders on dry and sensitive skin. The listed face washes have a hypoallergenic, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and non-greasy formula. These cleanse all the dirt, oil, and impurities that might cause skin irritation. Besides being fit for eczema-prone skin, these also make your skincare routine more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which facial cleanser is good for eczema?
CeraVe is one of the most recommended skin care brands, especially for people experiencing eczema. It is non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and proven to deliver visible results. It is also a certified skin care brand by the NEA (National Eczema Association).
Is salicylic acid good for eczema?
Yes. Salicylic acid is good for treating acne and eczema. It loosens the dry and scaly skin caused due to eczema, reduces clogged pores, and prevents acne breakouts.
Can I use essential oils for eczema?
No. Essential oils such as chamomile, tea tree, geranium, and clove oils can cause skin irritations and aggravate eczema symptoms.
What cleansers should you avoid if you have eczema?
People with eczema-prone skin must avoid retinol-based cleansers and ingredients like fragrances, urea, lanolin, essential oils, ethanol, and propylene glycol, as they dry out the skin and lead to redness, burning sensations, and eczema flare-ups. You can also check if they are validated by leading dermatologists or not.
What laundry detergent should I use to clean my clothing if I have eczema?
It is better to use homemade laundry detergent from baking soda, borax, and washing soda. Chemical-based laundry detergents can worsen eczema.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach, who has gone through in-depth reviews and customers’ feedback to bring you a specially curated list of the best face cleansers for eczema-prone skin. These soap-free face washes are specially formulated with natural oils and skin-friendly ingredients that help it regain its natural oil and moisture balance while nourishing and cleansing your skin effectively.
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