Updated July 13, 2026
People with eczema often spend more time searching ingredient labels than shopping for skincare. When our founder's son struggled with severe eczema, she quickly realized that products marketed as "dermatologist approved," "made for eczema," "gentle" and "natural" sometimes contained ingredients that irritated his skin even more.
While every person with eczema has different triggers, learning which ingredients commonly cause irritation can help you choose products that better support your skin barrier.
In this guide you'll learn:
- Common skincare ingredients to avoid with eczema
- Ingredients that may help soothe irritated skin
- How to read skincare ingredient labels
- Tips for choosing natural eczema-friendly products
How to Read Skincare Ingredient Labels
Reading ingredient labels can feel overwhelming, especially when products are marketed as "natural," "gentle," or "made for sensitive skin." Claims like this don't always mean a product will work for your skin.
A few simple tips can make ingredient labels much easier to understand:
- Ingredients are listed from the highest concentration to the lowest. The first few ingredients usually make up most of the product.
- Fragrance may appear as fragrance or parfum, even if individual fragrance ingredients are not listed.
- Natural ingredients are not automatically safe for eczema. Some botanical extracts and essential oils can still trigger irritation in sensitive skin.
- Everyone's eczema is different. An ingredient that works well for one person may not work for someone else. If you're trying a new product, consider patch testing it on a small area of skin first.
The more familiar you become with ingredient labels, the easier it becomes to choose skincare that supports your skin instead of irritating it.
Ingredients To Avoid
If you experience eczema flare-ups, there are a few ingredients that you'll want to avoid to prevent an allergic reaction or irritated skin.
Alcohols
Not all alcohols are harmful for eczema. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol help moisturize the skin, while drying alcohols such as denatured alcohol and SD alcohol can strip moisture and worsen irritation in some people with eczema.
Essential Oils
Not all are irritating, but some (peppermint, cinnamon, citrus, clove, tea tree for some people) may trigger eczema flare-ups. And some are not safe for babies and children. Learn more in our post all about essential oils for eczema.
Fragrances
While it might be tempting to purchase those delicious vanilla-scented body washes or that soothing rose-scented face oil, be sure to check the labels first for artificial fragrances, which are notorious for aggravating sensitive skin.
Lanolin
Lanolin is a natural moisturizer derived from sheep's wool. Despite being natural, however, studies have shown that people with eczema may experience an allergic reaction to this type of natural grease in rare circumstances. So, to be safe, we recommend you give lanolin a miss.
Retinols
Retinols have recently created a lot of hype across the skincare market, particularly for their anti-aging and anti-acne properties.
However, this Vitamin-A derivative can trigger eczema flares, so avoid this ingredient when checking your skincare labels.
Preservatives
Preservatives help keep skincare products safe by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold. While most are well tolerated, certain preservatives, including methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), are more likely to trigger irritation or allergic reactions in some people with eczema.
Sulfates
Sulfates are cleansing ingredients that help products lather, but stronger sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can remove the skin's natural oils and weaken the skin barrier. If your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing, a gentle sulfate-free cleanser may be a better choice.
Sunscreens (Chemical based)
Some people with eczema find that chemical sunscreens sting or irritate their skin, especially during a flare-up or when the skin barrier is damaged. Certain UV filters, including oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate, are also more likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Not everyone with eczema reacts to these ingredients, but if sunscreen consistently causes burning or worsens your eczema, it may be worth trying a mineral sunblock instead.
Skincare Ingredients That Help Eczema-Prone Skin
Aloe Vera
Apply aloe vera to sensitive skin to help ease irritation and aid the healing of any cuts or wounds. Aloe vera is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and many people find relief for their eczema with this plant based ingredient. Aloe can be found in a gel format or a liquid to drink.
Try our Aloe Skin Soothing Spray with Calendula
Calendula
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been used for centuries to help soothe dry, irritated skin. Rich in naturally occurring plant compounds, it is often included in creams, balms, and oils formulated for sensitive or eczema-prone skin because of its calming and moisturizing properties.
While many people with eczema tolerate calendula well, it belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. If you have a known allergy to plants in this family, such as ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds, introduce calendula-containing products cautiously and patch test first.
Visit our Collection of Calendua Containing Skincare from Bodyceuticals
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is one of the most well-researched natural ingredients for eczema. It helps soothe itching, supports the skin barrier, and locks in moisture while calming irritated skin. It is commonly found in creams, lotions, and bath products designed for dry, sensitive skin.
Try this Eczema Relief Lotion with Colloidal Oats
Ceramides
Ceramides are natural lipids that help hold your skin barrier together. People with eczema often have lower levels of ceramides, making it easier for moisture to escape and irritants to enter the skin.
Using skincare that contains ceramides may help improve hydration and support a stronger skin barrier.
Try the double hitting Eczema Relief Lotion above that contains colloidal oats AND ceramides.
Emu Oil
Emu oil is a natural oil rich in essential fatty acids that has traditionally been used to moisturize dry, irritated skin. Many people with eczema appreciate its lightweight feel and ability to soften rough, flaky skin without leaving a heavy residue.
Although research on emu oil for eczema is still emerging, it may help support the skin barrier by improving hydration and reducing moisture loss. Choose high-quality, purified emu oil products formulated for sensitive skin, and patch test any new product before applying it more broadly.
Visit our Collection from EmuJoy
Honey
Honey, especially medical-grade honey and Manuka honey, has been used for centuries to help soothe dry, irritated skin. Naturally rich in sugars and beneficial compounds, it helps attract moisture to the skin while supporting a healthy skin barrier. Many people with eczema find honey-based balms and creams especially comforting for dry, cracked, or rough patches.
Not all honey products are created equal. Look for skincare made with high-quality medical-grade or Manuka honey that is formulated specifically for topical use rather than raw kitchen honey.
If you have a known allergy to honey, bee products, or pollen, introduce honey-based skincare cautiously and patch test first.
Visit our products containing Honey
Hyaluronic Acid
This popular skincare ingredient improves your skin barrier function, helping your skin absorb and retain more moisture.
Visit our products containing Hyaluronic Acid
Hypochlorous Acid
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally occurring molecule produced by your body's immune system to help defend against bacteria and support wound healing. In skincare, it is commonly used to help cleanse irritated skin, reduce bacteria on the skin's surface, and support a healthy skin barrier without the stinging associated with many traditional antiseptics.
Many people with eczema find hypochlorous acid sprays especially helpful during flare-ups when the skin feels inflamed, itchy, or prone to infection. It can also be used after scratching to gently cleanse the skin before applying moisturizer. Look for fragrance-free hypochlorous acid sprays that contain a simple ingredient list.
Shop Hypochlorous Acid Products → (link to your hypochlorous acid collection or product)
Try this Topical Eczema Hydrogel Spray with Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer for many people with dry, eczema-prone skin. It absorbs easily and helps reduce moisture loss without leaving a greasy feeling.
Visit our products containing Jojoba Oil
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a deeply moisturizing natural ingredient that seals moisture within the skin's top layer and keeps bacteria out. Shea butter is also high in linoleic acid, a type of fatty acid found within the skin barrier that people with eczema tend to lack.
Visit our products containing Shea Butter
Sunblock (Mineral based)
For many people with eczema, mineral sunblocks are often a gentler option. Active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on the surface of the skin to help protect against UV rays and are generally well tolerated by eczema-prone skin.
Choose a fragrance-free mineral sunblock with a simple ingredient list whenever possible. As with any new skincare product, patch test first to make sure it works well for your skin.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids that help support the skin barrier without feeling heavy. Many people with eczema find it to be a gentle moisturizing ingredient that helps soften dry skin.
Visit our products containing Sunflower Oil
Tallow
Grass-fed beef tallow has become increasingly popular in natural skincare because its fatty acid profile is similar to some of the lipids naturally found in healthy skin. Many people with eczema find tallow-based balms deeply moisturizing and helpful for relieving dry, cracked skin.
While research on tallow for eczema is still limited, its rich texture helps reduce moisture loss by creating a protective barrier over the skin. If you choose a tallow product, look for one made with high-quality, grass-fed tallow and minimal added ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation.
Visit our products containing Tallow
Natural Doesn't Always Mean Better
At The Eczema Company, we believe natural ingredients have an important place in eczema care. Many natural oils, butters, and plant-based ingredients can help soothe dry, irritated skin while supporting a healthier skin barrier.
At the same time, "natural" doesn't automatically mean every ingredient is right for every person. Essential oils, botanical extracts, and even naturally derived ingredients can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people with eczema.
The goal isn't to avoid every synthetic ingredient or only choose natural products. The goal is to choose ingredients that are gentle, well tolerated, and appropriate for your own skin. Paying attention to how your skin responds will always be more important than whether an ingredient is natural or synthetic.
Choosing Skincare for Eczema
When shopping for skincare, it helps to look beyond the marketing claims on the front of the package and focus on the ingredient list.
Look for products that are:
- Made with skin-supporting, moisturizing ingredients
- Free from added fragrance whenever possible
- Formulated for sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Designed to help strengthen the skin barrier
It also helps to introduce one new product at a time. That way, if your skin reacts, it's much easier to identify which ingredient may be responsible.
Build an Eczema-Friendly Skincare Routine
Finding the right skincare routine often starts with understanding what your skin needs and what it doesn't. Choosing products made with gentle, skin-supporting ingredients while avoiding common irritants can help reduce flare-ups and support a healthier skin barrier over time.
At The Eczema Company, every skincare product is carefully selected with sensitive skin in mind. We prioritize natural ingredients whenever possible and evaluate each product for its ability to support eczema-prone skin.
Explore our collections to build a routine that's right for you:
Start here:
Natural eczema creams, balms, oils
Skin Quiz to find products for your eczema
