Natural Ingredients Can Be Harmful Too
You’re a parent who wants the best for your child and their skin. Eczema can turn something as simple as bath time into a moment of anxiety. The redness, the itching, the sleepless nights—it’s heartbreaking to see your child suffer. And with so many brands claiming their “natural” products are the miracle cure for eczema, it’s easy to feel tempted. After all, natural means safe, right?
Not necessarily. As appealing as “natural” sounds, not all products labelled this way are safe for your child’s delicate skin. Many parents unknowingly make their child’s eczema worse by using these products. Today, we’re diving deep into why you should be cautious, how to spot genuinely safe skincare products for your child, and how to soothe their skin the right way.
The Truth About “Natural” Skincare for Eczema
The word “natural” has become a buzzword in skincare, but it often doesn’t mean what you think. When scanning the shelves or scrolling through an online store, seeing the word “natural” on a label gives you a sense of comfort. It feels like a better, healthier choice than synthetic, chemical-laden options. But here’s the problem: “natural” isn’t regulated; in most cases, it’s a marketing term.
Brands slap the word “natural” onto their products because they know it sells, but the truth is that many of these so-called “natural” ingredients can trigger eczema flare-ups. A plant-based extract might sound soothing, but it can be as damaging as any synthetic product if it contains harsh essential oils or irritants. Some “natural” ingredients, no matter how pure they claim to be, are not meant for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
Why Your Child’s Skin Needs More Than Just “Natural”
Due to eczema, your child’s skin barrier is already compromised and is much more vulnerable to external irritants. Products that contain common allergens or harsh ingredients, even if labelled as natural, can worsen their condition. Many parents see a product with a “natural” tag, and after just a few uses, they notice their child’s skin becomes inflamed, itchy, or even develops new patches of dryness.
This happens because some natural ingredients are potent allergens. Essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil are common in natural skincare but can irritate sensitive skin. Other natural ingredients, like alcohol-based preservatives or certain plant extracts, are far too harsh for a child with eczema.
So, how can you know which natural ingredients are safe for your child’s skin and which to avoid? Let’s break it down.
Ingredients to Watch Out For
- Essential Oils: While commonly found in natural products, essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can be highly irritating for eczema-prone skin. While they might smell amazing, the concentration of these oils can cause severe skin reactions.
- Citrus Extracts: Lemongrass, orange, and other citrus oils are often marketed as refreshing and calming. Unfortunately, when applied to sensitive skin, they can cause itching, redness, and flare-ups.
- Alcohol-Based Ingredients: Many natural products use alcohol as a preservative. Alcohol dries out the skin, stripping it of its natural oils. This is disastrous for eczema-prone skin, leading to more dryness and irritation.
- Fragrances: Even natural fragrances derived from plants can trigger eczema. If you see “fragrance” or “parfum” on a label, that’s a red flag. Fragrances are among the most common causes of allergic reactions in children with eczema.
What Makes a Product Truly Safe?
Now that you know which natural ingredients can harm your child’s skin, let’s focus on what to look for. You don’t need to avoid natural products altogether, but you need to be incredibly selective. Here’s how to identify products that are genuinely safe and effective for your child’s skin:
- Look for “Fragrance-Free,” Not “Unscented”: There’s a difference between these two terms. Fragrance-free means no synthetic or natural fragrances are added. On the other hand, unscented can tell a product contains chemicals to mask its natural scent.
- Opt for Products with Minimal Ingredients: The shorter the ingredient list, the better. Products with too many active ingredients—even natural ones—can overwhelm your child’s skin. Fewer ingredients mean there’s less chance of irritation.
- Hypoallergenic Label: Although it’s not guaranteed, choosing products labelled hypoallergenic gives you a better chance of avoiding allergens that could trigger your child’s eczema.
- Test on a Small Patch of Skin First: Even when you think you’ve found a safe product, it’s essential to test it first. Apply a small amount to a less sensitive area, like your child’s inner arm, and wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
The Power of Dermatologist-Approved Formulas
While many natural products can harm children with eczema, dermatologist-approved products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind. They are designed to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, soothe inflammation, and protect against future flare-ups.
Dermatologist-recommended products often contain ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and glycerin—gentle, skin-loving components that nourish the skin without irritation. These ingredients retain moisture and create a protective barrier, helping your child’s skin heal and become more resilient.
The Danger of Falling for Marketing Hype
So, how did we get here? How did so many parents end up buying products that are making their child’s eczema worse?
Marketing.
Brands know that parents are desperate for a solution. They use emotional language, colourful labels, and the word “natural” to pull you in. They promise results that seem too good to be true because, in many cases, they are.
You’ve probably been there. You buy a product that promises to relieve your child’s eczema, only to find that it does nothing—or worse, it causes a flare-up. Then you try another and another. It’s exhausting, disheartening, and expensive.
But when you know better, you can do better. By understanding the difference between products truly designed for eczema and those simply using buzzwords, you can make informed decisions that will finally give your child the relief they need.
Imagine Your Child’s Skin Clear and Healthy
Take a moment to picture your child’s calm and clear skin. Imagine their relief as the itching subsides, their sleep undisturbed by discomfort. Picture bath time as a soothing ritual, not a dreaded task. Think about the joy of seeing your child run and play without constantly scratching or wincing in pain.
That’s what safe, effective skincare can do. And it’s within reach when you know what to look for and avoid.
A Real Solution for Your Child’s Eczema
You don’t have to go it alone. We’re here to help you make sense of the overwhelming number of choices in the skincare aisle. At Ẹwàderm, we’ve developed products that meet the unique needs of African children with eczema and dry skin. Every ingredient is chosen carefully, ensuring it soothes, hydrates, and protects your child’s delicate skin. Your child’s skin deserves the best care, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Have you ever had an unpleasant experience with a “natural” skincare product? Please share your story in the comments below or ask us any questions you may have about safe skincare for your child. Let’s get the conversation started!
This isn’t just about skincare—it’s about helping your child live a more comfortable, happier life.
Stop falling for “natural” skincare scams—they're damaging your child’s skin.