These Derm-Approved Body Washes for Eczema Soothe and Cleanse Itchy Skin (2024)

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Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides | Size: 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Some of the best formulas for eczema are not only budget-friendly but also widely available online and at most drugstores. Case in point: Eucerin. "For those looking for a nonfoaming gentle cleanser, I recommend Eucerin's Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash, which contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe itching and irritation" says Dr. Mack. We also like that the fragrance-free formula contains ceramides, which, as Dr. Mack notes, help to replenish the skin barrier.

Lu, tester: “My skin felt nice, smooth, hydrated, and radiant after using it; I was especially glad I didn’t need to lotion my body right after drying myself with a towel. I encountered no irritation.”

Key Ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine, palm kernelate | Size: 3.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While bar soaps are having a resurgence, Dove's beauty bar has been winning over editors and skin experts for decades thanks to how it effectively cleanses and moisturizes the skin. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., cleansers should be gentle and free of harsh detergents that strip natural oils from the skin and should contain moisturizing ingredients. This one checks both boxes. While the original bar has fragrance, you can also opt for the sensitive skin version, which is fragrance-free.

Key Ingredients: Oat flour, oat oil, oat extract, glycerin | Size: 33 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Containing oat flour, oil, and extract, this hefty 33-ounce pump bottle from Aveeno pulls out all the stops to soothe dry, itchy skin while gently cleansing your body. It cleanses, offers itch relief, and leaves skin feeling much more hydrated after use. If you enjoy a lot of bubbles, just be prepared that this one doesn't produce as many.

Anna, tester: “A little goes a long way in this formula. The packaging is a large squeeze bottle, which makes it easy to control how much comes out. My skin felt hydrated with natural oils in place, but not greasy.”

Key Ingredients: Collagen, niacinamide, glycerin, petrolatum | Size: 17.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Looking for a body wash with all of the benefits of your skincare ingredients? Look no further. "Olay Body Wash contains a vitamin B3 pro-glycerin complex that helps the skin absorb moisture and petrolatum to lock in moisture," says Dr. King. "It's formulated to cleanse gently, removing dirt and grime but not beneficial skin lipids." While the brand claims the body wash increases since firmness, we didn't notice that ourselves, which isn't a dealbreaker for us.

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're looking for something that provides itch relief and ample moisture, go with Honest. Formulated specifically for eczema-prone skin, this plant-based body wash combines colloidal oatmeal with coconut oil to soothe, hydrate, and gently cleanse.This body wash is also free of parabens and sulfates. Our only complaint is that it can be difficult to squeeze the product out of the bottle.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate commerce editor: “The creamy, milky consistency isn't super thick and easily disperses across the skin. It cleansed my body gently and effectively without drying out my skin or causing a reaction.”

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic Thermal Water, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide | Size: 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

La Roche-Posay's Lipikar AP+ Body & Face Wash is a wonderful option for individuals suffering from dry, eczema-plagued skin. It's Packed with niacinamide (vitamin B3) and the brand's proprietary Prebiotic Thermal Water (naturally rich in minerals with scientifically demonstrated antioxidant properties) to soothe dry, itchy skin.

Rachel, tester: “This body wash was soft and smooth. It did not leave any feelings of dryness or tightness on my skin. One full pump was enough for my entire body. I experienced results very quickly!”

Key Ingredients: Lauric acid, water, soybean oil, shea butter, avocado oil | Size: 20 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re dealing with dry, sensitive skin, Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash might be your new shower essential. It has a creamy, rich texture that feels amazing while using it, and it immediately leaves your skin feeling silky and soft. Packed with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and soybean oil, it locks in hydration for 24 hours, so you don’t have to worry about that tight, dry feeling after your shower. Plus, it’s dermatologist-tested and totally free of fragrance, parabens, and sulfates.

Lauren Pardee, senior commerce editor: “I would describe this body wash as ‘milky’ and the consistency as ‘light but not runny.’ When dispensed into your hand, it holds its shape and smooths nicely over the skin. The huge container lasts a long time, and I like the pump because it's easy to use and mess-free.”

Key Ingredients: Honey, aloe vera juice, calendula extract, colloidal oatmeal | Size: 13 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Eczema Honey's Soothing Body Wash is a game-changer for those with sensitive skin. The formula is very mild, so it cleanses without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. The result? Clean, soft, and hydrated skin that feels cared for, not irritated. The lather is luxurious, and this product is packed with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba seed oil, and lavender oil, which hydrate and leave your skin feeling pampered. And the best part? It’s safe, nontoxic, cruelty-free, and made right here in the USA—so you can feel good about what you're using.

Courtney, tester: “This body wash was nourishing enough that if I forgot to put on lotion after the shower, my skin wouldn't be tight or flaky for a day. It's hydrating—not enough to ditch the lotion altogether, but pretty solid for a body wash, especially at this price point.”

Edited byCaitlyn Martyn

1. 1. Sobhan M, et al.The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13: 241–251. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S246021
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