Can Plant-Based Surfactants Replace SLS Without Irritating Eczema?

TL;DR Quick Answers

Plant Based Hand Soap

Plant-based hand soap uses surfactants derived from plants (like coconut or sugar) instead of harsh sulfates like SLS.
At Nowata Clean, we’ve found the best formulas rely on mild glucosides and amino acid–based cleansers—because “plant-based” only works when the full blend is truly barrier-safe.

Top Takeaways

1. Plant-based surfactants can replace SLS
   – But only when they’re formulated to be gentle and non-irritating.
   
   

2. “Natural” doesn’t always mean safe
   – Some plant-derived surfactants can still trigger eczema flare-ups.
   
   

3. Choose proven mild surfactants
   – Look for glucosides (e.g., decyl, coco-) and amino acid–based options (e.g., sodium cocoyl glutamate).
   
   

4. Formulation > Marketing
   – Skin safety depends on the full blend, not just one ingredient. Understanding the difference between natural soap and biodegradable soap helps you read beyond the label.
   
   

5. Transparency builds trust

    – Pick products with full ingredient lists and evidence-backed claims. 

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common synthetic surfactant used for its strong cleansing and foaming power. But for people with eczema, it’s often too harsh—damaging the skin barrier, stripping natural oils, and triggering irritation or flare-ups. Its low molecular weight and ability to penetrate skin make it especially problematic for sensitive or compromised skin types. If you're looking for gentler options, natural soap alternatives for contact dermatitis are worth exploring as a starting point.

Are Plant-Based Surfactants Truly Gentler?

Not all plant-based surfactants are created equal. While many are marketed as “natural” or “eco-friendly,” some can still be irritating. However, certain non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants derived from coconut, sugar, or amino acids—like coco-glucoside, decyl glucoside, or sodium cocoyl glutamate—have shown excellent skin compatibility and low irritation potential in lab and real-world testing.

What We’ve Learned at Nowata Clean

Through formulation testing and working directly with individuals who have eczema-prone skin, we’ve seen that thoughtfully selected plant-based surfactants can absolutely replace SLS without causing irritation. Our research shows that the key isn’t just going “natural,” but choosing the right surfactant blend, at the right concentration, and supporting it with skin-soothing ingredients like colloidal oats or calendula.

It's also worth knowing how waterless hand soap cleans without water—a process that relies entirely on surfactant quality to physically lift and remove dirt, oil, and germs without a rinse cycle to compensate for formula shortcomings.

When eczema causes repeated scratching, the skin barrier breaks down, and in more severe cases open wounds or raw skin can result. In those situations, what you apply to your hands matters even more—harsh surfactants are simply not an option. Similarly, anyone dealing with open wounds or medicated treatments needs a cleanser that won't interfere with healing or increase inflammation.

What to Look for on Labels

When shopping for eczema-safe products, skip anything with SLS or SLES. Instead, look for:

• Mild glucosides (e.g., decyl glucoside, coco-glucoside)
  
  

• Amino acid–based surfactants (e.g., sodium cocoyl glutamate)
  
  

• Low-foaming formulas labeled for sensitive or atopic skin
  
  

Avoid vague "plant-based" claims without a full ingredient list. Sensitivity depends on formulation—not marketing. It also helps to understand the real-world difference between waterless soap and hand sanitizer before settling on a routine—especially for eczema management, since the two products interact with compromised skin very differently. And for households dealing with hard water, vegan zero-waste hand soaps formulated specifically for hard water are worth investigating, since mineral content can reduce surfactant effectiveness and alter how the formula feels on skin.

Bottom Line

Yes—plant-based surfactants can replace SLS without irritating eczema, but only when they’re carefully chosen and well-formulated. Based on our direct testing at Nowata Clean, we’ve found that the safest options prioritize barrier support, low pH, and simple, transparent ingredients. 

Essential Reads for Choosing the Right Plant-Based Hand Soap—Backed by Real Insight

At Nowata Clean, we believe informed choices start with trustworthy resources—not marketing hype. Whether you’re switching to plant-based soaps for eczema care, ingredient safety, or sustainability, these curated sources offer clarity, credibility, and next steps you can act on.

1. Why Plant-Based Ingredients Can Be a Skin-Safe Game Changer

Homecourt – The Benefits of Plant-Based Ingredients in Hand Soap

Breaks down how common plant-derived surfactants clean without stripping your skin barrier—ideal for anyone with dryness or sensitivity. 

2. Decode Labels with Confidence Using This Non-Toxic Soap Guide

Green With Less – Natural & Non-Toxic Hand Soap Brands

A practical overview of safe hand soap brands, with a focus on transparency, irritant-free formulas, and what “natural” actually means.

3. Go Vegan Without Compromising Skin Health or Ethics

Vegan Avenue – Best Vegan Hand Soaps

Highlights plant-based, cruelty-free soaps that perform well—and explains how to vet vegan claims that don’t always equal skin safety.

4. Hands-On Reviews That Go Beyond the Hype

Organic Beauty Lover – Best Non-Toxic Hand Soap

Real-world testing meets ingredient analysis—great for those who want low-irritation options that align with both health and values.

5. Eczema-Friendly Picks That Actually Work

Everything Eczema – 5 Best Hand Soaps for Eczema

Recommended by eczema specialists, this list zeroes in on soaps that clean effectively while minimizing the risk of flare-ups.

6. Avoid Greenwashing: What to Watch for in ‘Natural’ Soaps

Essential Moves to Wellness – Best Natural Hand Soap

Teaches you how to spot misleading labels and understand what separates a truly gentle formula from a “greenwashed” one.

7. Eco-Forward Hand Soaps That Don’t Cut Corners

Appliance Mind – Best Plant-Based Hand Soaps

Offers a high-level view of environmentally conscious soaps that balance skin benefits with biodegradable formulations.

Want help decoding a specific product label or surfactant list? Contact the Nowata Clean team for ingredient reviews or product formulation support. We’ve got your skin’s back—literally.

Supporting Stats That Reinforce Why Gentle Surfactants Matter

At Nowata Clean, we’ve seen how sensitive skin reacts to common soaps—especially with SLS. These stats support what we’ve experienced firsthand in formulation testing and customer feedback.

1. Eczema Affects Millions

• 31.6 million people in the U.S. have eczema.

• That’s nearly 1 in 10 Americans.

• Source: National Eczema Association

2. Hands Are Often the First to Suffer

• 14.5% of the population will experience chronic hand eczema.

• Frequent washing and harsh surfactants are top triggers.

• Source: National Eczema Association

3. Diagnosed Cases Keep Climbing

• 7.7% of U.S. adults have a diagnosed eczema condition.

• Highlights growing need for gentle, barrier-safe products.

• Source: CDC – FastStats

✅ These numbers confirm what we see in the field: people need better, safer cleansing options. That's why we use mild, plant-based surfactants that support—not strip—the skin barrier. For users whose eczema has progressed to open or post-surgical skin, knowing how long it takes for stitches to heal after surgery gives critical context for when it's safe to reintroduce new products. And for anyone managing wound care alongside a skin condition, understanding how to correctly apply mupirocin ointment on an open wound can prevent cleansers from interfering with treatment.

Final Thought & Opinion: What Experience Has Taught Us

At Nowata Clean, we’ve worked directly with people managing eczema—and we’ve tested dozens of surfactants ourselves. Here's what we’ve learned:

✅ Can Plant-Based Surfactants Replace SLS?

Yes—but only when carefully chosen. Not all “plant-based” options are created equal, and some can be just as irritating as SLS.

🧪 What Actually Works (Based on First-Hand Testing)

The most effective, non-irritating formulas rely on:

1. Low-irritation surfactants
   
   

   • Glucosides (like coco- and decyl-glucoside)
     
     

   • Amino acid–based (like sodium cocoyl glutamate)
     
     

2. Barrier-supporting ingredients
   
   

   • Colloidal oats
     
     

   • Glycerin
     
     

   • Calendula
     
     

3. Transparent formulations
   
   

   • No vague “natural” claims
     
     

   • Full ingredient disclosure
     
     

💡 Our Takeaway

• Don’t trust a label just because it says “plant-based.”
  
  

• Look for proven, gentle, well-formulated products—especially if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
  
  

• Real-world testing + science-backed ingredients = clean that doesn’t compromise skin health.
  
  

That’s the Nowata Clean approach—where every ingredient earns its place. 

FAQ on Plant-Based Hand Soap

Q: What is plant-based hand soap?

A:

• Uses plant-derived surfactants (from coconut, sugar, corn)

• Avoids harsh synthetics like SLS

• Cleans effectively without stripping skin barrier 

Q: Is it better for eczema or sensitive skin?

A:

• Often yes—when formulated with low-irritation ingredients

• We’ve seen better skin tolerance with glucosides and amino acid–based cleansers

• Must support the skin barrier to truly help eczema-prone users

Q: What ingredients should I look for?
A:

Mild surfactants: decyl glucoside, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate. Barrier-supportive: glycerin, aloe vera, colloidal oats.

Q: Can it still cause irritation?

A:

Yes, if poorly formulated. Essential oils and certain preservatives can be triggers. "Plant-based" ≠ automatically safe—real-world testing is key. If your skin is actively healing, review the day-by-day stages of skin healing with pictures to understand which phase your skin barrier is in before reintroducing any new cleanser.

Q: Does it clean as well as regular soap?

A:

Yes, when well-formulated. Removes dirt and oil without over-drying—backed by our own lab and user testing results.

Q: How does it compare to hand sanitizer?

A:

Unlike hand sanitizers that kill germs and leave chemical residue, rinse-free soap physically removes germs through clumping technology. 

✔️ Summary: Look beyond the “natural” label. Choose products with tested, skin-friendly surfactants that deliver real results.

Ready to Switch to a Gentler Clean?

If you’re wondering whether plant-based surfactants can replace SLS without irritating eczema, the answer is yes—when formulated right. Explore our eczema-safe solutions and take the first step toward a cleaner, calmer routine.