Top Ingredients the National Eczema Association Recommends Avoiding

If you deal with eczema, you know how tricky it can be to find products that don’t make your skin worse. Some ingredients that are totally fine for most people can cause stinging, itching, or full-blown flare-ups for those with sensitive skin. That’s why it’s so important to know what not to use for eczema.

Why Certain Ingredients Trigger Eczema

Eczema makes your skin more reactive. That means it can get irritated or inflamed by things other people’s skin can handle just fine. This includes common skincare ingredients, household products, and even some natural substances.

The National Eczema Association (NEA) has studied this closely. They’ve identified a list of ingredients that people with eczema should avoid. These substances can dry out your skin, mess with your skin barrier, or trigger allergic reactions. Let’s break down the most common offenders.

1. Fragrance: A Top Skin Irritant

Fragrance might smell nice, but it’s one of the most common eczema irritants. The NEA recommends avoiding both synthetic and natural fragrances in skincare, body wash, laundry detergent, and even deodorant.

Why it’s a problem:

• Often contains dozens of unknown chemicals
• Can cause allergic reactions or skin inflammation
• Doesn’t add any skin benefit just scent

Look for products labeled “fragrance-free” instead of “unscented.” Unscented products can still contain masking agents that cause irritation.

2. Alcohol: Dries Out and Irritates

Many skincare products contain alcohol to create a lightweight feel or help ingredients absorb faster. But alcohol is bad for eczema because it strips away moisture.

Why it’s a problem:

• Dries out your already-sensitive skin
• Can sting or burn on open or inflamed areas
• Weakens your skin’s protective barrier

Watch out for ingredients like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or denatured alcohol. These are especially harsh. Not all alcohols are bad some are fatty alcohols that help hydrate skin but it’s best to know the difference.

3. Baking Soda: Not as Gentle as It Seems

You’ll find DIY recipes all over the internet using baking soda, but it’s not great for eczema. In fact, eczema and baking soda don’t mix well at all.

Why it’s a problem:

• Disrupts your skin’s natural pH balance
• Can cause burning or redness, especially on broken skin
• Often used in deodorants that claim to be “natural” but are not eczema-safe

Even though it’s natural, baking soda is too alkaline for sensitive skin. That makes it one of the skincare ingredients bad for eczema.

4. Synthetic Dyes: Color Doesn’t Equal Care

Color additives are used in soaps, lotions, and even makeup. They don’t offer any benefit to your skin and can trigger allergic reactions or irritation.

Why it’s a problem:

• May contain harsh chemicals or metals
• Can inflame sensitive or broken skin
• Often listed as FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number

Stick with products that are dye-free, especially if they’re going on large areas of your body or face.

5. Aluminum: Found in Deodorants and More

Aluminum is a common ingredient in antiperspirants. It works by blocking your sweat glands. But for eczema-prone skin, this can cause big problems.

Why it’s a problem:

• Can clog pores and lead to irritation or bumps
• May cause itching or burning, especially after shaving
• Not necessary sweating is natural, and there are gentler ways to fight odor

When choosing deodorant, look for eczema safe products that are free from aluminum and baking soda. Gentle alternatives like magnesium can help keep odor away without irritation.

6. Sulfates: Harsh Cleansers That Strip Skin

Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are foaming agents found in soaps and shampoos. They make things lather, but they also dry out your skin fast.

Why it’s a problem:

• Strips away natural oils your skin needs
• Can worsen dryness, flaking, and itching
• Often found in body wash even the “gentle” ones

Instead, look for sulfate-free cleansers that use milder surfactants. Your skin will feel clean without the tight, itchy aftermath.

7. Preservatives Like Parabens and Formaldehyde

Preservatives help products last longer, but some are known irritants. Harmful ingredients for eczema include parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents like DMDM hydantoin or quaternium-15.

Why it’s a problem:

• Can trigger contact dermatitis a type of eczema caused by allergic reaction
• Often hidden in ingredient lists under complex names
• Linked to skin sensitization over time

Choose products with simpler, safer preservatives or ones that are officially certified by the NEA.

8. Essential Oils: Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Safe

Essential oils sound gentle, but many are too strong for eczema-prone skin. Lavender, peppermint, citrus, and tea tree oil are common culprits.

Why it’s a problem:

• Can cause allergic reactions or stinging
• Often used in “natural” products without proper dilution
• May worsen sensitivity over time

Be cautious with any product that uses essential oils. Even a small amount can trigger a flare-up.

How to Choose Eczema-Safe Products

Now that you know the eczema ingredients to avoid, here are some quick tips for finding the right products:

• Check the National Eczema Association recommendations or look for their Seal of Acceptance
• Always read the ingredient list, even for “natural” or “gentle” products
• Patch test new products before applying them all over
• Go fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and dye-free whenever possible

Less is more when it comes to sensitive skin. Choose simple formulas with proven, soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, or magnesium hydroxide.

Quick Takeaway: Eczema Irritants List

Here’s a simple cheat sheet of common eczema triggers to avoid:

• Fragrance (natural or synthetic)
• Alcohol (especially denatured or isopropyl)
• Baking soda
• Aluminum
• Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
• Parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
• Artificial dyes
• Essential oils like lavender, citrus, or peppermint

Knowing what not to use for eczema is half the battle. The other half is finding products that actually help your skin heal. That’s where MAGS Skin comes in. Our formulas are designed with your sensitive skin in mind no irritants, just results.

Final Thoughts

Living with eczema means being extra careful about what you put on your skin. But once you know which ingredients to avoid, it gets easier to make smart choices. Stick to the National Eczema Association recommendations, avoid common triggers, and look for products that are truly gentle. Your skin will thank you.