Clean eczema products: what to look for

“Clean” isn't a regulated term, and some “clean” products are full of plant extracts that irritate eczema. Here's what clean should mean for sensitive skin.

What "clean" should mean for eczema

• Fragrance-free. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of skin irritation and allergy. Look for "fragrance-free," not "unscented."
• Dye-free. Color adds nothing for the skin.
• Few ingredients. The shorter the list, the easier it is to spot a trigger.
• Gentle cleansers. Soap-free or very mild, used only where needed.

Natural isn't always gentler

Many "clean" brands rely on plant extracts and essential oils. On eczema skin, those can sting or cause allergic reactions. Lavender, tea tree and citrus oils are common culprits, and some kids react to calendula and chamomile. If you use a plant-based product, patch test on a small spot for a few days first.

The clean products I use

Skin

• Briotech Topical Skin Spray: hypochlorous acid, fragrance-free, to lower staph on the skin.
• CLn BodyWash: fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-drying wash for infection-prone eczema.
• CURAD Petroleum Jelly: a single ingredient to seal in moisture.

Around the house

• Charlie's Soap Fragrance-Free Laundry Liquid: no scent residue left in clothes and sheets.
• The Unscented Company Hand Soap: for every sink, since the hands that touch your child count too.
• Winner Disposable Cotton Face Towels: a fresh, unscented towel every time.

Sleep

• Bamboo Bubby Scratch Sleeves and a Bella Coterie bamboo crib sheet: soft, breathable fabrics that keep sweat and scratching down.

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