Eucerin · Body Wash
Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash
Lower-concern choice; liquid/cream cosmetics rarely require PFAS, but Eucerin makes no public commitment.
Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash is a water-based emulsion with no known PFAS-bearing ingredients (no Teflon-family coating coatings, water-repellency treatments, or nonstick finishes typical of cosmetics). The brand does not disclose PFAS policy or claim PFAS-free status. No lab data or recalls found.
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Water-based cream and aqueous body wash formulation
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Eucerin Eczema Relief is a water-based cream cleanser, not a traditional soap, formulated to minimize skin barrier disruption in eczema-prone individuals. The base is primarily water, glycerin, and mild surfactants (typically sodium lauryl sulfate or cocamidopropyl compounds at low concentrations), plus emollients like petrolatum or ceramides to restore skin lipids. Aqueous cream formulations lack the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde releasers common in solid soaps or heavily fragranced bar cleansers, reducing inhalation and sensitization risk during use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Eucerin is owned by Beiersdorf and maintains a dermatology-focused ingredient disclosure practice, listing components on packaging and websites. The brand has no major recalls or safety controversies tied to this product line in public records. Eucerin does not make explicit public commitments on PFAS avoidance across its portfolio, though aqueous cleansers rarely require PFAS for performance. No third-party certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Cradle to Cradle) are claimed for this specific product.
How it compares in its category
Body washes formulated for sensitive or eczema-prone skin are among the safest in the broader cosmetics category because they avoid harsh surfactants, dyes, and heavy fragrance loads that trigger dermatitis. Eucerin Eczema Relief is positioned mid-market and offers ingredient transparency comparable to competitors like CeraVe Hydrating Wash or Aveeno Eczema Therapy. Unlike fragrance-heavy commercial body washes, this product's minimal scent profile and ceramide inclusion align with clinical dermatology recommendations for compromised skin.
If you buy it
Use lukewarm (not hot) water when cleansing, as hot water can strip remaining skin oils and worsen eczema; water temperature matters more than the product itself. Apply to damp skin, lather gently, and rinse thoroughly to avoid residue buildup on sensitive areas. Replace the bottle every 6 to 12 months; liquid cleansers in pump or squeeze bottles have lower bacterial contamination risk than bar soaps shared in households. If eczema worsens or new irritation appears after use, discontinue and consult a dermatologist, as even gentle formulas can occasionally trigger reactions in severely compromised skin.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
1,4-dioxane (indirect contaminant from surfactant synthesis)
Water-based body washes may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct if mild surfactants (such as cocamidopropyl compounds) are used without vacuum-stripping during manufacture. Eucerin does not disclose dioxane testing or removal on this product; residual levels in rinse-off cleansers are typically low but not zero.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Although Eucerin Eczema Relief is marketed as lightly scented or fragrance-minimal, cosmetic fragrance blends in most markets need not itemize individual components on labels. For individuals with severe fragrance sensitivity or eczema triggered by perfume compounds, the 'fragrance' ingredient listing provides no transparency into specific allergens like limonene or geraniol.
Preservative sensitization (methylchloroisothiazolinone, parabens, or phenoxyethanol)
Aqueous body washes require preservative systems to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in the bottle and on the skin. Eucerin typically uses parabens or phenoxyethanol; while widely used and regulated, these can trigger contact dermatitis in a small percentage of individuals with severe eczema or sensitive skin.
Bacterial or fungal overgrowth in opened container
Liquid cleansers stored in warm bathrooms and exposed to repeated moisture exposure create conditions for microbial colonization if the bottle is not sealed properly or if shelf life is exceeded. Risk is low if the product is used as directed and containers are kept sealed between uses.
Heavy metals in colorants (if dyes are present)
Eucerin Eczema Relief is typically white or off-white and minimally dyed. No recalls or test data indicating heavy metal contamination in colorants have been published for this product. Rinse-off cleansers pose lower systemic exposure risk than color cosmetics or products left on skin.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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More body wash grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.