Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, affects nearly 10 million children in the United States. Babies and young children have delicate, sensitive skin that tends to become dry, which can be especially tough to manage if they also live with atopic dermatitis. That’s why it’s important to choose products that help keep your child’s skin clean, soothed, and less likely to flare up.

Here, we’ll explore what goes into the best soaps and cleansers for little ones with eczema — and which ingredients to avoid. As always, consult your child’s dermatologist or pediatrician before incorporating a new product into their skin care routine. This is the case even if it's a soap or moisturizer approved for use with eczema.

What To Look for in Soaps for Kids With Atopic Dermatitis

A baby’s skin starts off slightly acidic and becomes even more so as they grow. A balanced pH level helps keep skin healthy — but many soaps aren’t acidic. Most are alkaline (basic), which can disrupt the skin’s natural balance. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic something is, ranging from 0 to 14. A balanced pH for skin means it stays close to its natural, slightly acidic level — usually around 5.5 — which helps it fight off irritation and infection. When pH levels are off, the result can be sensitivity, irritation, or flare-ups (periods of worse symptoms) of eczema.

Many dermatologists recommend using synthetic cleansers instead of soap-based cleansers for children and others with atopic dermatitis.

Standard soaps can also be very drying. They’re often made with harsh ingredients that strip away moisture and natural oils. Because of this, many dermatologists recommend that children with dry or sensitive skin use nonsoap cleansers instead of traditional soaps.

Of course, kids get messy — and skipping bath time isn’t usually an option. The goal is to clean the skin without triggering eczema symptoms. That’s why using a gentle, skin-friendly cleanser can make a big difference.

Here are a few things to look for when shopping for soap for your child with eczema.

Syndet

One study found that washing two times a day with a traditional alkaline soap can damage the skin barrier, leading to dry skin and irritation. That’s why many dermatologists recommend using synthetic cleansers instead of soap-based cleansers for children and others with atopic dermatitis.

These cleansers are made with synthetic detergent (or syndet for short). Syndet bars or liquids are a good choice for cleansing. Their mildness and hydrating properties are both helpful for dry, atopic dermatitis-prone skin.

The primary ingredient of syndet bars is surfactant — a compound that allows liquid to mix with detergents. Soap-free cleansers may also contain emollients, which are ingredients that help soften, smooth, and protect the skin.

Glycerin

The ingredient glycerin can counteract the drying impact of soap and help preserve moisture. Many natural soaps contain glycerin. But it’s important to note that naturally made soaps are only a good option as long as they aren’t heavily fragranced or colored with dye.

National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance

The National Eczema Association (NEA) reviews ingredients to determine whether certain products are suitable for people with eczema. The NEA’s Seal of Acceptance program helps people with atopic dermatitis and other chronic skin conditions choose products. Their list includes items that are less likely to cause allergic reactions or make eczema symptoms worse.

Although sulfates are good at cleansing, they can harm the skin, especially in people with atopic dermatitis.

Even if you find a cleanser for your child that appears to have the right ingredients, it’s a good idea to check whether the NEA has approved it for people with eczema. Additionally, if you’re having trouble finding the right cleanser, visit the NEA’s website. There, you’ll find products that have been tested and approved by the NEA for eczema-prone skin in children.

What To Avoid in Children’s Soaps

Now that you have an idea of some of the ingredients and properties found in good cleansers for babies and children with atopic dermatitis, let’s take a look at some of the ingredients you may want to avoid.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Like syndet, sulfates are surfactants. This means they attract both oil and water. Due to that, they’re commonly used as foaming agents in soaps, shampoos, and detergents. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is one particular type of sulfate.

Although sulfates are good at cleansing, they can also harm the skin, especially in people with atopic dermatitis. It’s a good idea to opt for sulfate-free soaps for your child. Look for soaps labeled “SLS-free.”

Fragrance

Fragrance blends can contain hundreds of different chemicals, but many manufacturers simply list “fragrance” or “perfume” on the label. That makes it difficult to know which specific ingredients could be irritating.

As many as 15 percent of people with contact dermatitis have sensitivities to fragrances.

An estimated 1 percent to 4 percent of the general population is sensitive to fragrances. As many as 15 percent of people with contact dermatitis (a type of eczema caused by skin contact with an irritant or allergen) have fragrance sensitivities.

Even ingredients labeled as “natural fragrance” — such as essential oils or plant extracts — can still trigger irritation, especially in children with eczema-prone skin. “Natural” doesn’t always mean gentler or safer.

That’s why it’s best to choose soaps and cleansers that are fragrance-free and list their ingredients clearly, so you know exactly what’s in the product. As one MyEczemaTeam member shared about their child’s routine: “Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.”

When it comes to choosing soap for eczema, simple is better.

Over-the-Counter Child-Friendly Soaps for Eczema

It’s important to look for a bodywash or cleanser that will hydrate your child’s skin without aggravating their atopic dermatitis symptoms. The following are some nonprescription options that have been formulated with a child’s sensitive skin in mind. All of these products have received the NEA Seal of Acceptance.

Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash

Aveeno’s Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash is formulated with colloidal oatmeal. This oatmeal-derived extract can help soothe itchy skin in babies with atopic dermatitis.

Raw Sugar Living Kids Body Wash and Bath Soak

This bodywash is specifically formulated for children with sensitive skin. Designed for children 3 and up, the product can be used as a bath soak as well. It contains moisturizing oils, chamomile, and calendula extract to lock in moisture and reduce skin irritation.

Baby Dove Derma Care Soothing Wash

This liquid bodywash is formulated with colloidal oatmeal and prebiotic moisturizers. It contains no parabens, phthalates, fragrances, or sulfates. It was developed by pediatric dermatologists.

CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo

“CeraVe baby products worked great for my daughter when she was a baby,” wrote one MyEczemaTeam member.

With a formula designed by dermatologists, CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo is made to cleanse and calm your child’s skin. It’s pH-balanced and soap-free, with no parabens, sulfates, or fragrances.

TruKid Bubble Podz

Some commercial bubble baths can be irritating for kids with sensitive skin. TruKid Bubble Podz is a bubble bath developed for children with very sensitive skin, including those with eczema. It includes plant-based ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and corn starch.

Other SLS-Free Cleansers

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes the importance of looking for nonsoap cleansers that are free of SLS if you or a loved one has atopic dermatitis.

Talk to Your Child’s Dermatology Team

Make sure you confirm that a cleanser is safe for your child by talking with their pediatrician or dermatologist. They can help confirm whether a product is free of allergens and won’t cause an eczema flare. If your pediatrician isn’t well-versed on eczema care, ask for a referral to a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating atopic dermatitis.

Hear From Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, more than 55,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

What cleansers do you use for your child with eczema? Share your thoughts in the comments below or by posting on MyEczemaTeam.