If you are struggling with eczema, you may have already tried a number of products that claim to soothe the irritation but only ended up with even more itchy, red, and irritated skin. Why did that happen?

The answer is the ingredients in those skincare products. Products often contain harsh ingredients and chemicals that can exacerbate your eczema. So what ingredients are good for eczema?

Natural ingredients like licorice root extract, oatmeal extract, and aloe vera are some of the best ingredients for eczema. At Dermal Defense, we use these skin-friendly ingredients to develop a body wash that is good for eczema and an eczema moisturizing cream that actually helps soothe the eczema symptoms.

Read this blog to discover how these natural ingredients for eczema can help you.

Why the Ingredients Matter in Eczema Care?

People who have eczema or are experiencing a flare-up have a weak skin barrier. What is a skin barrier? It is a natural protective barrier on the topmost layer of our skin, also known as the epidermis or stratum corneum. This barrier helps prevent excess moisture loss from the skin and protects it against outside irritants and allergens.

But with eczema, you have a compromised skin barrier. The barrier does not work properly, and as a result, skin becomes dry more often, and coming in contact with irritants, even the ingredients in your skincare products, can trigger eczema.

This is why choosing the right ingredients for eczema is very important. So, what are the best ingredients for eczema?

Best Ingredients for Eczema

One of the common frequently asked questions about eczema is, “What ingredients help with eczema?” Yes, you have heard that right; there are some ingredients that can actually help with your eczema.

Here are the top picks.

Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root extract goes by many names when used in products, such as

• Glycyrrhetinic Acid
• Potassium Glycyrrhetinate
• Glycyrrhizic Acid
• Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
• Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
• Ammonium Glycyrrhizate

It is actually the concentrated form of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra. The roots are first boiled, and then other manufacturing processes are performed on them to make them pure and safe for use.

It has been used for centuries due to its skin-soothing and healing properties. It can help with eczema in many different ways, which is why it is added to both Dermal Defense Eczema Shampoo and Dermal Defense Moisturizing Cream.

• Soothes Redness and Irritation:

Licorice root extract contains naturally occurring compounds such as glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and licochalcone, which are known for their calming and antioxidant properties. These components help comfort stressed skin and reduce the appearance of redness and irritation, promoting a smoother, more balanced complexion.

• Strengthens the Skin Barrier: 

A weakened skin barrier is often linked to many of the challenges experienced by eczema-prone skin. That’s why supporting the barrier is essential for maintaining calm, healthy-looking skin. Licorice root extract helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier by promoting lipid balance and helping to minimize transepidermal water loss (TEWL), allowing the skin to retain vital moisture and stay resilient against environmental stressors.

• Helps Retain Moisture: 

Licorice root extract is known for its hydrating and conditioning properties. It helps the skin attract and retain moisture, supporting a soft, supple feel while preventing excessive water loss.  This is why it is often used in a gentle fragrance-free face wash for sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin.

• Calms Visible Redness and Sensitivity: 

Licorice root extract contains naturally soothing compounds that help comfort the skin and reduce the appearance of redness and irritation. These properties make it a valuable ingredient for maintaining a balanced, healthy-looking complexion, especially for those with sensitive skin concerns.

Oatmeal Extract

If you’re wondering, “Does oatmeal help with eczema?” the answer is yes. Oatmeal and eczema care have a long history together. For centuries, colloidal oatmeal has been used to help soothe dry, irritated skin and support skin comfort.

You may have heard of taking an oatmeal bath to calm sensitive skin, but thanks to modern formulation science, you can now experience the same benefits conveniently in Dermal Defense Body Wash for Eczema-Prone Skin.

Here’s how oat extract supports healthier-looking skin:

• Soothes Itching and Dryness:

According to research, oat extracts contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in eczema-prone skin, leading to a reduction in itching, redness, and dryness.

• Moisturizes the Skin:

Oatmeal extract contains beta-glucans and proteins that help attract and retain moisture in the skin. According to research, moisturizers containing oatmeal extract are great for skin hydration and elasticity.

• Restores the Natural Barrier:

Studies show that oat extract can help restore and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier by improving the activity of genes that support the skin’s hydration and strength.

• Promotes a Healthy Skin Microbiome:

Oat extract also supports a balanced skin environment, helping minimize the conditions that allow certain surface bacteria to thrive. A healthy microbiome plays an important role in maintaining calm, comfortable skin, especially for those with eczema-prone or sensitive skin.

Aloe Vera

The scientific name for aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis, and it has been used in skincare for centuries. But is aloe vera good for eczema-prone skin? The answer is yes. Rich in polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, aloe vera helps soothe, hydrate, and support healthy-looking skin—making it a trusted ingredient in products like Dermal Defense Body Wash for Eczema.

• Soothes and Calms the Skin:

Aloe vera provides a natural cooling and comforting effect, helping to ease feelings of irritation and leave the skin refreshed. Using products enriched with aloe vera can help keep eczema-prone skin calm and comfortable after cleansing.

• Promotes Skin Comfort and Balance:

Compounds such as aloesin and aloenin in aloe vera are known for their skin-conditioning and calming properties. They help support a visibly even and balanced complexion, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

• Hydrates the Skin:

Research shows aloe vera contains mucopolysaccharides, naturally occurring sugars that help the skin retain water and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This helps maintain long-lasting hydration and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.

• Supports the Skin’s Protective Barrier:

With its blend of soothing and antioxidant components, aloe vera helps support the skin’s natural defenses against environmental stressors. A well-hydrated, balanced skin barrier is key to maintaining comfort for those with eczema-prone skin.

What Ingredients to Avoid for Eczema

Now we know that aloe, licorice, and oatmeal can help with your eczema, but it is also important to understand that there are a few ingredients that you should always stay away from if you have eczema. The 7 worst ingredients for eczema are

1. Fragrances
2. Parabens
3. Sulfates
4. Alcohol
5. Artificial Dyes
6. Formaldehyde
7. Phthalate 

Avoiding certain ingredients in your skincare routine, including your moisturizer, face wash, and body wash for sensitive skin, can help keep eczema-prone skin calm and comfortable while also reducing the risk of future flare-ups.

Licorice, Oatmeal, and Aloe in Dermal Defense

At Dr. Eddie’s Demal Defense, we believe in creating products that do more than just cleanse or moisturize; they nurture and protect sensitive skin. That’s why our fragrance-free body wash for eczema-prone skin is infused with licorice root extract, aloe vera, and oatmeal extract. This soothing trio helps comfort the skin, support the natural barrier, and lock in long-lasting hydration.

Our hydrating cream for eczema also features licorice root extract, known for its ability to calm and replenish dry, sensitive skin while helping reduce the appearance of redness and maintain a healthy-looking complexion.

What makes these products truly special is that they’re pediatrician-developed, clinically tested, and free from the seven common irritants that people with eczema-prone skin should avoid.

Conclusion

When it comes to eczema-prone skin, the ingredients in your skincare routine make all the difference. Using products with harsh chemicals or fragrances can weaken the skin barrier and make symptoms worse. Choosing science-backed, skin-friendly ingredients can help keep your skin calm, hydrated, and balanced.

Three of the best ingredients for eczema, licorice root extract, aloe vera, and oatmeal extract, are proven to help support the skin’s natural barrier, maintain hydration, and soothe visible redness and discomfort.

At Dr. Eddie’s Dermal Defense, we formulate every product with these gentle yet effective ingredients to nurture and protect sensitive skin. Our Fragrance-Free Body Wash and Eczema Moisturizing Cream are both pediatrician-developed, clinically tested, and free from the seven common irritants most likely to trigger flare-ups.

Because at Dermal Defense, we don’t just care for your skin, we defend your skin with real, dermatologist-trusted ingredients that matter.
Shop our eczema-safe body wash and moisturizing cream today to help your skin feel soft, calm, and cared for every day.

FAQs

1. Is aloe vera good for eczema?
   Yes. Aloe vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural polysaccharides that help hydrate and soothe sensitive skin. It’s especially helpful for eczema-prone skin when used in gentle, fragrance-free products like Dermal Defense Body Wash.
2. How should I use aloe vera for eczema?
   Instead of applying raw aloe directly to your skin, use a formulated skincare product that contains aloe vera, like the Dermal Defense Body Wash for Sensitive Skin, to experience its soothing and hydrating benefits safely.
3. Does licorice root help with eczema?
   Licorice root extract contains naturally calming compounds that help support the skin’s barrier and reduce the appearance of redness. It’s a trusted ingredient for maintaining balanced, comfortable skin.
4. Is oatmeal good for eczema?
   Yes. Colloidal oatmeal is one of the most well-researched natural ingredients for eczema and dry skin. It helps soothe discomfort, retain moisture, and support a healthy skin barrier. That’s why it’s a key ingredient in Dermal Defense Body Wash for Eczema.
5. What ingredients should I avoid if I have eczema?
   If you have eczema, avoid products containing fragrances, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, artificial dyes, formaldehyde, and phthalates. Those ingredients are among the worst ingredients for eczema-prone skin. Instead, look for hypoallergenic, pH-balanced products with gentle, natural ingredients like licorice root, aloe vera, and oatmeal.