Some household cleaners can make eczema worse. Fragrance-free, dye-free products and those without added chemicals, like white vinegar or baking soda, are safer alternatives to harsh cleaners.

“Eczema” is a broad term that includes several chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema.

Eczema is characterized by dry, scaly skin and intense itching. It can develop anywhere on the body but often affects the face, neck, and creases of major joints.

People with eczema can experience triggers (factors or exposures) that can make their symptoms worse. Triggers can be anything that irritates the skin directly, like certain clothes or sweat, as well as anything that increases inflammation in the body, like stress or infections.

Some people notice that household cleaners with harsh chemicals, irritating dyes, and fragrances can trigger an eczema flare.

This article explores safer alternatives and how to find eczema-safe commercial products.

All-purpose cleaners can contain harsh chemicals that irritate sensitive eczema skin and can release toxic pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Aerosol sprays, cleaners with chlorine bleach, and detergents are just a few examples of cleaners that can contain irritating substances.

Specialty products designed with sensitive skin and allergies in mind are available for people looking for a commercial all-purpose cleaner that will not irritate eczema. Different brands offer unique ingredients and claims, but some may still be triggers for certain people.

For a gentle, all-purpose DIY cleaner, try combining:

  • 1/2 cup pure Castile soap
  • 1 gallon of hot water
  • 1/4 cup of lemon juice (exclude if sensitive to citrus)

Soap and water are among the most basic household cleansers and can be eczema-friendly when made with the right type of soap.

Liquid castile soap, a vegetable-based soap, is considered nonirritating in mild concentrations. Its main ingredient is olive oil, and it is often recommended for use by people with dry skin.

Liquid castile soap can be diluted in water for small cleaning tasks at a ratio of 1 tbsp of soap to 1 cup of water.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a baking ingredient that also works as a mild household cleaner. Its fine grit makes it mildly abrasive, and its alkaline pHTrusted Source helps it break down acidic, fatty residues.

When combined with white vinegar, baking soda will bubble, which can help loosen stuck-on surface grime. Unlike many commercial products, it does not release VOCs or contain dyes and fragrances.

According to a 2024 research review, baking soda has promising antimicrobial properties. Plus, when diluted below 5%, it shows no evidence of causing skin irritation. That said, directly applying pure baking soda to the skin can cause irritation and may make eczema symptoms worse in some people.

As a cleaner, baking soda is often mixed with water until it forms a paste-like consistency and is then applied directly to a surface for scrubbing. Baking soda (1/2 cup) can also be mixed with liquid Castile soap (1 tbsp) and white vinegar (1 tbsp) for a foamy paste.

White vinegar is a solution of acetic acid diluted in water. In the form of white vinegar, acetic acid is safe and can be used for cooking, cleaning, and other household purposes.

It does not contain artificial fragrances, dyes, or added chemicals like many commercial products. Its acidity makes it effective for removing stains and residue.

While the disinfecting power of white vinegar is often debated, one study from 2020 found that it was effective against a variety of microorganisms at a dilution of 10% acetic acid and 90% water. Most white vinegar used for cooking contains between 5% to 7% acetic acid, while 10% solutions are marketed for cleaning, not consumption.

White vinegar is acidic, so it may cause skin irritation with prolonged contact, especially at higher concentrations.

Steam is vaporized water. While its heat can harm skin with direct contact, the steam itself contains no harmful chemicals or additives.

Steam cleaning can be used for upholstery, carpets, floors, windows, mirrors, and bathroom surfaces. Due to its high temperatures, steam can kill microorganisms effectively enough to be a viable cleaning option, even for locations like hospitals.

It is not always easy to find eczema-friendly household cleaners. Products marketed specifically for eczema or sensitive skin are a good place to start. If these are not readily available, products labeled dye-free, fragrance-free, and allergen-free may be safer choices.

There is never a guarantee that a product will not worsen eczema. Everyone’s eczema triggers are unique, and some people may be more sensitive to specific ingredients than others.

Some commercial products carry the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which indicates that they are free of fragrances, UV absorbers, formaldehyde releasers, and other known skin irritants such as citrus extract, benzocaine, and triclosan.

Products with the Seal of Acceptance can be found on the National Eczema Association website.

Each person’s eczema triggers can be different, but certain chemicals and ingredients are known irritants or allergens.

Potential irritants to avoid include:

  • fragrances
  • chemical UV absorbers (as found in sunscreens)
  • formaldehyde releasers
  • alpha-amyl cinnamic alcohol
  • bacitracin
  • benzocaine
  • cinnamic alcohol
  • cinnamic aldehyde
  • citrus aurantifolia (lime) peel powder
  • citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
  • citrus extract
  • citrus limon (lemon) peel powder
  • citral
  • citronellol
  • coumarin
  • eugenol
  • farnesol
  • formaldehyde
  • geraniol
  • hexyl cinnamic aldehyde
  • hydroxycitronellal
  • isoeugenol
  • lidocaine
  • lyral
  • methylchloroisothiazolinone
  • methyl dibromo glutaronitrile
  • methylisothiazolinone
  • Myroxylon balsamum
  • Myroxylon pereirae resin
  • neomycin sulfate
  • oak moss absolute
  • polymyxin B sulfate
  • propolis
  • shellac
  • triclosan

How to stay safe

Even mild household cleaners can irritate skin with eczema when they come in direct contact. To help reduce the chance of a cleaner triggering an eczema flare, general safety recommendations include:

  • wearing protective rubber gloves while cleaning
  • working in a well-ventilated area
  • washing hands after cleaning and applying an eczema-safe moisturizer
  • limiting direct contact between your bare skin and any cleaner by wearing long sleeves, pants, and a face shield, if necessary

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can be made worse by triggers, which can cause irritation and inflammation. Fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals in household cleaners can trigger eczema flares in some people.

Using simple, homemade cleaners with basic ingredients like baking soda and vinegar can help reduce the chance that a cleaner will cause an eczema flare. Because everyone’s skin sensitivities are different, all cleaning products — no matter how mild — should be used with appropriate protective gear.