Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a body wash if I have eczema?
If you have atopic dermatitis, keep your skin-care products simple. “If you are going to use a body wash, look for one free of artificial fragrances and dyes,” says Dr. Duffy, since those are common triggers for irritation. Instead, prioritize formulas with barrier-friendly ingredients like “colloidal oatmeal (to soothe itch), ceramides (to replenish the skin barrier), and glycerin (to draw in hydration), along with calming extras like niacinamide and aloe vera,” says Dr. Duffy. The goal isn’t just to cleanse—it’s to avoid stripping your skin and reinforce the barrier so it stays calm, comfortable, and less reactive.
Is a cream, oil, or gel body wash better for eczema-prone skin?
For atopic dermatitis-prone skin, texture really matters. “Creamy and oil-based washes are better than foaming gels as they are less disruptive to the skin barrier,” says Dr. Reed. These richer formulas cleanse without stripping away moisture, which is key when your barrier is already compromised.
Foaming gels, on the other hand, can sometimes leave skin feeling tight or dry—with a few exceptions. One standout on our list is La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, which delivers a satisfying lather while still prioritizing hydration, thanks to barrier-supporting ingredients like shea butter and the brand’s soothing thermal spring water. So if you love the lather of a foam but still need something eczema-friendly, it shows you don’t always have to choose.
Can a body wash actually treat eczema, or just help manage it?
“Body washes do not treat the eczema and the underlying inflammation; however, they can be a supportive tool to manage eczema and minimize flares,” says Dr. Reed. In other words, the right formula keeps your skin calm and prepped for the products that do treat it, while the wrong one (think: harsh, fragranced, or overly stripping) can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Meet the experts
- Nana Duffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in Rochester, New York
- Danny Guo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Danny Guo Dermatology based in Calgary, Canada
- Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology based in Austin
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best body washes for eczema, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
