Best Cleaning Products for Eczema (and What to Avoid)

If you or your child has eczema, you may have noticed that flare-ups don’t just come from skincare products—cleaning products can play a role too. That’s because many cleaners leave behind residues on surfaces that come into contact with your skin throughout the day.

This guide focuses on which cleaning products and formulas are least likely to trigger eczema, what ingredients to avoid, and how to reduce everyday exposure at home—without overcomplicating your routine.

What “Best” Cleaning Products for Eczema Really Means

When it comes to eczema, the “best” cleaning products aren’t just about cleaning power—they’re about how they interact with your skin.

The goal is to choose products that:

• Don’t leave behind irritating residues
• Avoid known skin triggers like fragrance and certain preservatives
• Minimize repeated skin exposure throughout the day
• Still clean and disinfect effectively

What to Avoid in Cleaning Products for Eczema

Some cleaning product ingredients are more likely to trigger eczema flare-ups.

• Fragrance: A common trigger for skin irritation and allergic reactions. Due to regulatory loopholes, the one word “fragrance” on a product label can actually be a cocktail of dozens of chemicals. Learn more about fragrance in cleaning products.
• Preservatives like MIT and CMIT: These are well-known contact allergens that can trigger skin reactions, especially with repeated exposure. These preservatives are common in cleaning products labeled “natural”. You can learn more about MIT and CMIT.
• Dyes: Added colors don’t improve cleaning performance and can be an unnecessary source of irritation for sensitive skin.
• Surfactants like SLS: This can trigger irritation, so surfaces cleaned with products containing SLS should be rinsed with water.
• Harsh disinfecting chemicals: Ingredients like quats and bleach can be irritating when they come into contact with skin or leave behind residue.

Best Types of Cleaning Products for Eczema

Instead of focusing on brands, it’s more helpful to choose cleaning products that minimize skin exposure and irritation.

1. Fragrance-Free Products

Fragrance-free formulas reduce exposure to common skin irritants and are one of the simplest ways to minimize triggers.

2. Dye- and Preservative-Free Formulas

Fewer unnecessary additives means fewer potential irritants, especially for skin that’s already sensitive.

3. Low-Residue or No-Rinse Cleaners

Products that don’t leave behind residue can help reduce ongoing skin contact throughout the day.

4. Hypochlorous Acid–Based Cleaners

Hypochlorous acid is commonly used in wound care and skincare because it’s gentle on skin while still being effective for cleaning and disinfecting.

You can learn more about how hypochlorous acid works.

Because hypochlorous acid is also used in skincare and wound care, it’s often recommended for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. You can learn more about how hypochlorous acid is used for skin and why it’s considered gentle.

If asthma or allergy triggers are also a concern in your home, here’s how to choose cleaning products that are safer for asthma and allergies.

A Simpler Approach for Sensitive Skin

Force of Nature is designed to clean and disinfect without added fragrance, dyes, preservatives, surfactants, quats, or bleach. It uses hypochlorous acid, which makes it a gentler option for homes managing eczema or sensitive skin.

It also has the highest possible rating from the Mayo Clinic’s SkinSAFE allergy rating system and is the only disinfectant and cleaner with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.