How to Make Soap for Eczema-Prone Skin: A Comprehensive Guide

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Finding effective skincare solutions can be a lifelong quest for those who suffer from it. While there’s no cure, managing symptoms is crucial, and one of the most impactful changes you can make is switching to a soap specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Commercial soaps often contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can exacerbate eczema. The good news is that you can create your own soap at home, tailored to your specific needs. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to making soap for eczema-prone skin.

Table of Contents

Understanding Eczema and Its Triggers

Before diving into soap making, it’s essential to understand eczema and its triggers. Eczema is a complex condition influenced by genetics, environment, and immune system function. The skin barrier in individuals with eczema is often compromised, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens.

Common triggers include: harsh soaps and detergents, fragrances, certain fabrics (like wool), extreme temperatures, stress, and allergens (such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander). Identifying and avoiding these triggers is crucial for managing eczema symptoms.

Choosing the right soap is a significant step. Many commercial soaps contain sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and further irritate eczema. Gentle, natural soaps made with moisturizing ingredients are a better option.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Selecting the right ingredients is paramount when crafting soap for eczema-prone skin. The goal is to create a soap that gently cleanses without stripping away the skin’s natural oils, while also providing moisturizing and soothing benefits.

Base Oils

Base oils form the foundation of your soap and contribute to its cleansing, moisturizing, and lathering properties. Here are some excellent choices for eczema-prone skin:

Olive Oil: Known for its mildness and moisturizing properties, olive oil produces a gentle soap that is suitable for sensitive skin. It creates a soft, conditioning lather.
Coconut Oil: This oil provides a good lather and cleansing power. However, it can be drying in high concentrations, so it’s best used in moderation (around 20-30% of the total oil blend).
Palm Oil (Sustainable): Palm oil contributes to a hard bar of soap with a stable lather. Ensure that you are using sustainably sourced palm oil. Palm oil contributes to a creamy and stable lather.
Shea Butter: This luxurious butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it incredibly moisturizing and soothing for dry, irritated skin. It helps to reduce inflammation and improve the skin barrier function.
Cocoa Butter: Similar to shea butter, cocoa butter is highly moisturizing and helps to create a hard, long-lasting bar of soap.
Avocado Oil: Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, avocado oil is a wonderful addition to soap for eczema-prone skin. It’s deeply moisturizing and helps to soothe inflammation.

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)

Lye, or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is an essential ingredient in soap making. It reacts with the oils in a process called saponification, which transforms the oils into soap. It is important to handle lye with care, as it is a caustic substance. Always wear gloves, goggles, and a long-sleeved shirt when working with lye.

Water

Distilled water is best for soap making to avoid any mineral contamination.

Additives for Eczema Relief

Adding specific ingredients to your soap can enhance its benefits for eczema-prone skin. Here are some beneficial additives:

Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal is a finely ground oatmeal that is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to relieve itching and irritation.
Honey: Raw honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to draw moisture to the skin. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Calendula: Calendula petals are known for their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Infusing your oils with calendula or adding dried petals to your soap can help to soothe irritated skin.
Chamomile: Chamomile is another herb with anti-inflammatory and calming properties. You can use chamomile tea instead of water in your soap recipe, or add chamomile essential oil (in small quantities and carefully selected for sensitive skin).
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel is soothing and moisturizing for the skin. You can add aloe vera juice to your soap recipe or use aloe vera gel as a swirl.

Essential Oils (Use with Caution)

While essential oils can add a pleasant scent and therapeutic benefits to your soap, they should be used with caution when formulating for eczema-prone skin. Some essential oils can be irritating to sensitive skin. If you choose to use essential oils, select gentle ones and use them in very low concentrations (0.5-1% of the total recipe).

Lavender: Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender essential oil is a popular choice for sensitive skin.
Chamomile (Roman or German): Chamomile essential oil is gentle and soothing for irritated skin.
Tea Tree (Use Sparingly): Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties but can be irritating to some. Use it in very low concentrations if you choose to include it.

Avoid: Strong, spicy, or citrusy essential oils like cinnamon, clove, peppermint, and lemon, as these are more likely to cause irritation.

Basic Soap Making Process (Cold Process Method)

The cold process method is a popular way to make soap at home. It involves mixing lye with water, then combining it with oils at a relatively low temperature. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Safety Precautions

Wear protective gear: Always wear gloves, goggles, and a long-sleeved shirt when working with lye.
Work in a well-ventilated area: Lye fumes can be irritating.
Never add water to lye: Always add lye to water to avoid a dangerous chemical reaction.
Keep children and pets away: Soap making supplies should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Ingredients and Equipment

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide – NaOH)
Distilled Water
Base Oils (Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, etc.)
Additives (Oatmeal, Honey, Calendula, etc.)
Essential Oils (Optional, use with caution)
Digital Scale
Stainless Steel or Heat-Resistant Plastic Bowls
Stick Blender
Thermometer
Silicone or Wooden Spatulas
Soap Mold (Silicone or lined wooden box)
Gloves
Goggles
Long-Sleeved Shirt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Lye Solution: Carefully measure the lye and distilled water separately. Slowly add the lye to the water, stirring constantly with a stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic spoon. The mixture will heat up. Continue stirring until the lye is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Oils: Weigh out the base oils according to your recipe. Combine them in a stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic bowl. Gently heat the oils until they are melted and combined. Allow the oils to cool.
Combine the Lye Solution and Oils: Once the lye solution and oils have cooled to around 100-110°F (38-43°C), slowly pour the lye solution into the oils, stirring constantly with a stick blender.
Reach Trace: Continue blending the mixture until it reaches “trace.” Trace is when the mixture thickens slightly and leaves a faint trail on the surface when you drizzle some of it.
Add Additives: Once you’ve reached trace, add any desired additives, such as colloidal oatmeal, honey, calendula petals, or essential oils. Stir well to combine.
Pour into Mold: Pour the soap mixture into your prepared mold.
Insulate: Cover the mold with a lid or wrap it in a towel to insulate it. This helps the soap to saponify evenly.
Cure: Allow the soap to sit in the mold for 24-48 hours. After this time, it should be firm enough to unmold. Cut the soap into bars and place them on a wire rack to cure for 4-6 weeks. Curing allows excess water to evaporate, resulting in a harder, longer-lasting bar of soap.

Sample Recipe for Eczema-Prone Skin

This recipe is a guideline and you can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and skin needs.

| Ingredient | Percentage | Weight (grams) |
| —————— | ———- | ————— |
| Olive Oil | 50% | 500g |
| Coconut Oil | 20% | 200g |
| Shea Butter | 20% | 200g |
| Avocado Oil | 10% | 100g |
| Lye (NaOH) | Calculate | Calculate |
| Distilled Water | Calculate | Calculate |
| Colloidal Oatmeal | 3% | 30g |
| Honey | 2% | 20g |
| Lavender Essential Oil | 0.5% | 5g |

Important: Use a lye calculator to determine the exact amount of lye and water needed based on the specific oils you are using. Lye calculators are readily available online.

Tips for Soaping Success

Use a lye calculator: Always use a lye calculator to accurately calculate the amount of lye and water needed for your recipe. This is crucial for ensuring that the soap is safe to use and doesn’t contain excess lye.
Superfatting: Superfatting is the process of adding extra oil to your recipe. This ensures that there is some unsaponified oil left in the finished soap, which provides additional moisturizing benefits. A superfat of 5-8% is recommended for eczema-prone skin.
Test a small batch: Before making a large batch of soap, it’s a good idea to test a small batch to ensure that you like the recipe and that it doesn’t irritate your skin.
Be patient: Soap making takes time and patience. Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect. Keep experimenting and learning, and you’ll eventually create a soap that works perfectly for your eczema-prone skin.
Proper Curing: Ensuring the soap cures for the right amount of time is critical for its longevity and mildness. Insufficiently cured soap can be harsh.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Soap is too soft: This can be caused by using too much liquid oil or not enough hard oils. Adjust your recipe accordingly.
Soap is too drying: This can be caused by using too much coconut oil or not enough superfat. Reduce the amount of coconut oil and increase the superfat.
Soap is crumbly: This can be caused by using too much lye. Double-check your lye calculations and ensure that you are using accurate measurements.
Soap is irritating: This can be caused by using irritating essential oils or not allowing the soap to cure properly. Choose gentle essential oils and allow the soap to cure for at least 4-6 weeks.

Beyond Soap: A Holistic Approach to Eczema Management

While using homemade soap can significantly improve eczema symptoms, it’s important to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A holistic approach to eczema management involves addressing all potential triggers and maintaining a consistent skincare routine.

Moisturize Regularly: Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to your skin several times a day, especially after bathing. Look for moisturizers that contain ceramides, which help to repair the skin barrier.
Avoid Irritants: Identify and avoid common eczema triggers, such as harsh soaps, fragrances, and certain fabrics.
Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate eczema symptoms. Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Diet: Some people find that certain foods can trigger their eczema. Consider keeping a food diary to track any potential triggers. Common food triggers include dairy, gluten, nuts, and shellfish.
Humidifier: Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, especially during the winter months. Dry air can worsen eczema symptoms.

Making your own soap for eczema-prone skin is a rewarding process. It allows you to control the ingredients and create a product that is tailored to your specific needs. By following these guidelines and tips, you can create a gentle, moisturizing soap that helps to soothe and protect your skin. Remember to always prioritize safety and be patient with the process. With a little practice, you’ll be crafting beautiful and beneficial soaps in no time.

What ingredients should I avoid when making soap for eczema-prone skin?

You should avoid any ingredients that are known irritants or allergens. This includes strong fragrances, artificial dyes, sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS), and harsh preservatives. These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and eczema flare-ups. Focus on hypoallergenic and gentle ingredients to ensure the soap is suitable for sensitive skin.

Additionally, be cautious with certain essential oils, as some can be irritating for eczema-prone individuals. Citrus oils and clove oil, for instance, are often better avoided. Conduct a patch test with any new essential oil before incorporating it into your soap recipe. Prioritize calming and anti-inflammatory oils such as chamomile or lavender, but always in very low concentrations to minimize the risk of irritation.

What are the best oils to use in soap for eczema relief?

Oils rich in fatty acids, especially linoleic and oleic acids, are ideal for eczema-prone skin. These fatty acids help to restore the skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture. Examples include olive oil, which is highly moisturizing and gentle; coconut oil, used sparingly to provide lather; shea butter, known for its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties; and avocado oil, which is rich in vitamins and beneficial fatty acids.

Consider using oils with anti-inflammatory properties like calendula-infused oil or hemp seed oil. These can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and itching. Remember that each oil contributes different properties to the final soap, so experiment with different ratios to find a combination that works best for your skin or the skin of the person you’re making soap for.

How can I test the pH of my homemade soap to ensure it’s safe for eczema-prone skin?

After the saponification process is complete and the soap has cured, testing the pH is essential. You can use pH test strips or a digital pH meter. Mix a small amount of your soap with distilled water to create a solution, and then test the pH. The ideal pH range for soap intended for eczema-prone skin is between 8 and 10.

If the pH is too high (more alkaline), it can be harsh and irritating. Let the soap cure for a longer period; this process naturally lowers the pH. Avoid using soap with a pH outside the recommended range on sensitive skin. Alternatively, you could rebatch the soap, adding a small amount of citric acid to adjust the pH down.

What is the best method for curing soap designed for sensitive skin?

Curing is a critical step in soapmaking, especially for soap intended for sensitive skin. This process allows excess water to evaporate, making the soap harder, milder, and longer-lasting. Cure your soap in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Place the bars on a wire rack, allowing air to circulate freely around them.

The ideal curing time is typically 4-6 weeks. The longer the soap cures, the gentler it will be on the skin. Turn the bars occasionally to ensure even drying. As the soap cures, the pH will naturally decrease, making it less alkaline and therefore less likely to cause irritation.

How do I incorporate beneficial additives like colloidal oatmeal or honey into my soap recipe?

Colloidal oatmeal and honey are excellent additives for eczema-prone skin due to their soothing and moisturizing properties. To incorporate colloidal oatmeal, add it to your soap mixture during the trace stage, just before pouring it into the mold. A common ratio is 1-2 tablespoons of colloidal oatmeal per pound of oils. Mixing it in well ensures it’s evenly distributed throughout the soap.

Honey, being a natural humectant, attracts and retains moisture. Add honey to your soap batter at the same stage as colloidal oatmeal. Use a small amount, typically 1-2 teaspoons per pound of oils, as too much honey can cause the soap to overheat. Ensure it’s thoroughly mixed to avoid separation or stickiness in the finished product.

Can I use essential oils to add fragrance to my eczema soap? If so, which ones are safest?

Essential oils should be used with caution when making soap for eczema-prone skin, and ideally avoided altogether. If you choose to use them, select gentle and well-tolerated options such as chamomile, lavender, or calendula essential oils. These oils are known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties, but patch testing is still recommended.

Always use essential oils sparingly, typically at a concentration of 0.5% to 1% of the total soap weight. Dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil before adding them to the soap batter to minimize the risk of skin irritation. Be aware that even gentle essential oils can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals, so start with a very small amount and monitor for any adverse effects.

How do I perform a patch test with my homemade soap before using it regularly?

Before using your homemade soap extensively, perform a patch test to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions. Choose a small, discreet area of skin, such as the inner forearm. Wash the area with the soap, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.

Observe the area for any signs of irritation, redness, itching, or rash over the next 24-48 hours. If no adverse reactions occur, it’s likely that the soap is safe for you to use on a larger area of your body. However, if any irritation develops, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist if necessary.