Eczema-prone skin is sensitive and reactive, making it crucial to choose skincare products carefully. Certain ingredients can trigger flare-ups, causing itching, redness, and irritation. If you have eczema, here are some harmful ingredients to avoid in your skincare routine.
1. Fragrances (Parfum)
- Why it’s harmful: Synthetic and natural fragrances are common irritants that can cause allergic reactions and worsen eczema symptoms.
- Where it’s found: Moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and even “unscented” products (which may still contain masking fragrances).
- Alternative: Look for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic skincare products.
2. Alcohol (Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol)
- Why it’s harmful: Alcohol can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and increased irritation.
- Where it’s found: Toners, astringents, and some serums.
- Alternative: Opt for hydrating alcohol-free toners with ingredients like aloe vera or rose water.
3. Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate – SLS & SLES)
- Why it’s harmful: These harsh cleansing agents strip the skin of natural oils, causing dryness and worsening eczema symptoms.
- Where it’s found: Soaps, body washes, shampoos, and facial cleansers.
- Alternative: Use sulfate-free, gentle cleansers like cream or oil-based formulas.
4. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, etc.)
- Why it’s harmful: Parabens are preservatives that may cause skin irritation and disrupt the skin barrier in people with eczema.
- Where it’s found: Moisturizers, lotions, serums, and shampoos.
- Alternative: Choose preservative-free or paraben-free products.
5. Essential Oils & Botanical Extracts
- Why it’s harmful: While they are natural, essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil can be too harsh for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
- Where it’s found: Natural skincare products, serums, and facial oils.
- Alternative: Use dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic skincare products without essential oils.
6. Harsh Exfoliants (Physical Scrubs & Strong Acids)
- Why it’s harmful: Scrubs and strong acids can damage the skin barrier, making eczema worse.
- Where it’s found: Facial scrubs, exfoliating cleansers, and chemical peels.
- Alternative: Use mild chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or PHA (polyhydroxy acids) in low concentrations.
7. Urea & Strong Retinoids
- Why it’s harmful: High concentrations of urea and retinoids can cause irritation, dryness, and stinging sensations.
- Where it’s found: Anti-aging creams and foot creams for rough skin.
- Alternative: Use gentle retinol alternatives like bakuchiol or low-strength retinoids formulated for sensitive skin.
8. Propylene Glycol
- Why it’s harmful: This ingredient can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive skin and worsen eczema symptoms.
- Where it’s found: Moisturizers, serums, and hair care products.
- Alternative: Look for glycerin-based moisturizers instead.
Conclusion
If you have eczema, always read ingredient labels and opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested products. Sticking to gentle, hydrating, and soothing ingredients can help protect your skin barrier and prevent flare-ups.