Five Common Skincare Ingredients That Worsen Eczema

While skincare items aim to clean, exfoliate, and combat surface odors, many contain synthetic chemicals that can harm sensitive skin. Regular use of sunscreens, moisturizers, and creams with these additives can increase skin irritation and trigger allergic reactions, especially for those with eczema. Choosing organic and natural products is often recommended for sensitive skin. This article highlights five ingredients that are known to exacerbate eczema symptoms and should be avoided.

Parabens
Widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, parabens such as propylparaben and isobutylparaben extend product shelf life. However, these compounds can worsen eczema and irritate sensitive skin.

Moisturizing Ingredients
Ingredients like lanolin, propylene glycol, and petroleum jelly, common in lotions and protective creams, can aggravate eczema. Poorly refined versions may release irritants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), increasing skin sensitivity.

Synthetic Fragrances
Designed to mask odors and provide long-lasting scent, many fragrances are chemically derived and can trigger eczema flare-ups. Even fragrances added to unscented products might contain strong chemicals that irritate sensitive skin.

Essential Oils
Oils derived from plants such as tea tree, mint, citrus, and lavender, often included in skincare, can cause dryness and irritation when used daily. The risk amplifies when combined with synthetic fragrances.

Preservatives
Ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine and hydroquinone, found in shampoos, soaps, and gels, may lead to skin damage if used excessively or in concentrated forms. Avoiding products with these preservatives helps prevent eczema aggravation.

Dermatologists advise consumers with eczema to carefully review product labels to minimize skin irritations and flare-ups.