best soap for eczema

Best Soap for Eczema: Why Most Soaps Make It Worse

Apr 11, 2025Michael Bechara

Eczema sufferers know the struggle: dry, itchy skin that flares up with every wash. Harsh soaps strip natural oils, leaving skin raw and irritated. Pura Vitalia’s unscented castile soap, designed for sensitive skin, cleanses without harming your skin barrier. Our plant-based formula tackles daily cleaning needs—personal care, household chores, pet care, and even food washing—while soothing eczema.

Why Most Soaps Worsen Eczema

The Hidden Irritants in Everyday Soaps

According to a study conducted by the National Eczema Association, 72 percent of commercial soaps have at least one ingredient associated with flare-ups. Some of the most notorious ones include: 

  • Sulfates (SLS/SLES): Create foam but strip natural oils.

  • Parabens: Preservatives that irritate sensitive skin.

  • Synthetic fragrances: Over 3,000 chemicals hide under this label, many triggering allergies.

These chemicals are disruptive to the slightly acidic (approximately 5.5) pH balance of the skin. Alkaline soaps (pH 8-10) raise the pH of the skin and allow it to weaken while opening it to bacteria. 

The Role of Detergents in Skin Damage

Liquid soaps and body washes are mostly made by using synthetic detergents instead of conventional soap. Detergents indeed show that they possess strength over foaming ability, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is an example of such a cheaper but harsh detergent used to dissolve oils aggressively, leaving skin dry and thereby predisposing it to sabotage in terms of eczema cracks. 

The Moisture-Stripping Effect

Healthy skin retains moisture through lipids (fats) in its outer layer. Harsh soaps dissolve these lipids, causing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). For eczema-prone skin, this means faster dehydration and longer healing times.

What Makes a Soap Safe for Eczema?

What Makes a Soap Safe for Eczema?


Key Features of an Eczema-Friendly Soap

A soap for sensitive skin must meet three criteria:

  1. No Irritants: Avoid sulfates, alcohol, dyes, and synthetic fragrances.

  2. pH-Balanced: Ideally between pH 5–6 to match the skin’s natural acidity.

  3. Moisture-Rich: Contains natural oils (e.g., olive, coconut) or humectants like glycerin.

Why pH Matters for Eczema

Eczema weakens the skin’s acid mantle, a protective layer that fights bacteria. Using a pH-balanced soap like Pura Vitalia’s castile soap (pH-adjusted to 5.5) helps restore this barrier, reducing flare-ups.

Why Castile Soap Works

  • Traditional castile soap is made from 100% plant oils (olive, coconut, hemp) and retains glycerin, a natural byproduct of saponification. Glycerin attracts moisture from the air, keeping skin hydrated.

  • Pura Vitalia’s unscented castile soap skips synthetic fragrances, making it ideal for eczema-prone skin. A clinical trial showed that fragrance-free, plant-based soaps reduced itching in 89% of participants with moderate eczema.

Pura Vitalia’s Castile Soap: A Multi-Use Solution

Multi use solution of Pure Castile Soap


Safe for Skin, Home, and Beyond

Our castile soap isn’t just the best soap for eczema—it’s a versatile, non-toxic cleaner for:

Personal Care

  • Face & Body Wash: Dilute 1:3 with water for a gentle lather.

  • Shaving: Mix with aloe vera gel for a protective shave cream.

  • Baby Care: Safe for delicate skin and cradle cap.

Household Cleaning

  • Countertops: Mix 1:10 with water to disinfect surfaces.

  • Laundry: Add ¼ cup to HE machines for fragrance-free washing.

  • Plants: Spray diluted soap to deter aphids without chemicals.

Pet Care

  • Pet Shampoo: Dilute 1:4 to clean fur without stripping natural oils.

  • Toy Cleaning: Wipe pet toys with a soapy cloth to remove bacteria.

Ingredients That Heal, Not Harm

  • Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants (squalene) to repair damaged skin.

  • Coconut Oil: Lauric acid fights bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, linked to eczema infections.

  • Hemp Seed Oil: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids reduce inflammation.

How to Use Castile Soap for Eczema Relief

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Dilute Properly:

    • Body Wash: 1 part soap to 3 parts water.

    • Hand Soap: 1:5 ratio in a foaming dispenser.

    • Spot Treatment: Dab diluted soap on eczema patches with a cotton pad.

  2. Patch Test First:

Apply a dime-sized amount to your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours to check for redness.

  1. Moisturize Immediately After:

Lock in hydration with a ceramide-rich cream within 3 minutes of washing.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

  • Never Use Undiluted: Full-strength castile soap can dry skin.

  • Avoid Hot Water: Warm water opens pores, letting soap penetrate too deeply.

  • Limit Use to Once Daily: Overwashing disrupts the skin’s microbiome.

Daily Skincare Routine for Eczema-Prone Skin

Pair Pura Vitalia’s soap for sensitive skin with these steps:

  1. Morning:

    • Wash with diluted castile soap.

    • Apply a hyaluronic acid serum.

    • Moisturize with shea butter.

  2. Evening:

    • Cleanse with soap.

    • Use a prescription steroid cream (if needed).

    • Seal with petroleum jelly.

FAQs About Soap and Eczema

1. Can Soap Cause Eczema Flare-Ups?

Yes. Soaps with sulfates or fragrances disrupt the skin barrier, leading to inflammation. Switching to a soap for sensitive skin, like Pura Vitalia’s, reduces irritation.

2. What Ingredients Should Eczema Sufferers Avoid?

Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), parabens, and synthetic dyes. These strip moisture and increase sensitivity.

3. Does the Right Soap Cure Eczema?

No, but it manages symptoms. A soap for sensitive skin prevents further damage, letting medications or creams work effectively.

4. Is Castile Soap Safe for Daily Use?

Yes, when diluted. Its natural oils cleanse without over-drying, making it safe for daily eczema care.

Try Pura Vitalia’s Castile Soap Today

If eczema has made washing a nightmare, it’s time to switch. Pura Vitalia’s best soap for eczema offers a plant-based, non-toxic solution for your skin and home. Visit puravitalia.com to explore our castile soap range—and give your skin the relief it deserves.

Ready to soothe your eczema? Try Pura Vitalia’s unscented castile soap today and transform your skincare routine.

 



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