If you have eczema or psoriasis, you already know the cruel irony: the very act of keeping your hands clean often makes your skin worse.

We understand because we lived it. As doctors—and parents of children with sensitive skin—we watched traditional soaps strip away protective barriers and alcohol-based sanitizers trigger painful flares. We refused to accept that clean hands required skin suffering.

That's why we created NOWATA.

Our plant-based formula works differently from anything else on the market. Instead of killing germs with harsh chemicals that stay on your skin, NOWATA's clumping technology physically lifts and removes 99.9% of germs, dirt, and oil.* What leaves your hands? The irritants—not a chemical residue left behind to aggravate sensitive skin.

No fragrance. No alcohol. No rinse required—which means no repeated water exposure drying out already-compromised skin.

We tested this on our own family first. Swiss laboratories verified what we experienced: effective antibacterial protection that's genuinely gentle enough for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin.

Clean hands and calm skin can finally coexist.

TL;DR Quick Answers

Hand soap for eczema

The short answer:

The best hand soap for eczema is fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and ideally rinse-free to minimize wet-dry cycles that damage skin barriers.

What to look for:

• Zero fragrance (not "unscented"—truly fragrance-free)

• No sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

• No alcohol, parabens, or dyes

• Gentle enough for multiple daily uses

What we learned developing NOWATA for our own children:

Traditional hand soap requires water. Research shows washing hands 8-10+ times daily increases eczema risk by 51%. The problem isn't just harsh ingredients—it's the repeated wetting and drying that disrupts compromised skin barriers.

A different approach:

NOWATA is a rinse-free, plant-based soap that physically removes 99.9% of germs without water.* No wet-dry cycles. No chemical residue. Nothing left behind to trigger flares.

Bottom line:

Eczema-prone skin needs effective cleaning without repeated irritation. Look for products designed specifically for sensitive skin—not standard soaps with irritants removed.

Top Takeaways

1. This isn't a niche problem.

• 31.6 million Americans have eczema

• 7.5 million adults have psoriasis

• 14.5% of people experience hand eczema in their lifetime

• Combined, nearly 40 million people are underserved by conventional products.

2. Traditional handwashing makes sensitive skin worse.

• Washing 8-10+ times daily increases eczema risk by 51%

• The culprits: wet-dry cycles, friction, chemical residue

• Standard advice ("use gentle soap, moisturize after") is damage control—not prevention

3. NOWATA removes germs differently.

• Clumping technology physically lifts contaminants off the skin

• Brush away the clumps—germs leave with them

• 99.9% germ removal verified by Swiss lab testing*

• Nothing irritating stays behind

4. Rinse-free is the point.

• No water = no wet-dry cycles damaging skin barriers

• No rinsing = no chlorine or minerals drying compromised skin

• Not a convenience feature—a clinical necessity

5. We made this for our own kids first.

• Created by Dr. Ruslan Maidans (DDS) and Dr. Yalda Shahriari (PhD)

• Developed for our children's sensitive skin

• Tested on our family before sharing with yours

• Swiss lab-verified. 30-day guarantee. Zero risk.

Why Traditional Hand Soaps Fail Eczema and Psoriasis-Prone Skin

Most "gentle" hand soaps still contain hidden irritants that compromise already-sensitive skin. Fragrances—even those labeled "natural"—rank among the top triggers for eczema flares. Sulfates strip away the lipid barrier your skin desperately needs. Alcohol-based sanitizers deliver a double blow: they kill germs but leave behind chemical residue while simultaneously dehydrating cracked, inflamed tissue.

Then there's the washing process itself. The National Eczema Association notes that repeated water exposure and the friction of traditional hand washing can exacerbate symptoms. For the estimated 31.6 million Americans living with eczema and the 7.5 million with psoriasis, standard hand hygiene routines often create a painful cycle of clean hands followed by irritated skin.

We designed NOWATA to break that cycle entirely.

How NOWATA's Clumping Technology Protects Sensitive Skin

NOWATA works through a fundamentally different mechanism than conventional soaps or sanitizers. Our plant-based formula uses proprietary clumping technology that physically binds to dirt, oil, and germs on your skin's surface. When you brush away the clumps, the contaminants leave with them.

This distinction matters for eczema and psoriasis sufferers. Traditional antibacterial products kill germs chemically—then leave that chemical residue sitting on your skin indefinitely. NOWATA removes the problem completely. Nothing harsh remains behind to trigger inflammation or further compromise your skin's protective barrier.

Swiss laboratory testing using ASTM E1174 protocols verified that NOWATA physically removes over 99.9% of bacteria and viruses from skin.* Effective antibacterial protection without antibacterial irritation.

Formulated Without Common Eczema and Psoriasis Triggers

Every ingredient in NOWATA was chosen with reactive skin in mind. Our formula is 100% plant-based and completely free from the ingredients most likely to cause problems:

What you won't find in NOWATA:

• Fragrances or perfume (synthetic or natural)

• Alcohol that burns and dehydrates

• Sulfates (SLS/SLES) that strip skin oils

• Parabens and phosphates

• Harsh preservatives

What you will find:

• Gentle, biodegradable plant-derived cleansers

• A formula tested and developed by doctors for their own children's sensitive skin

• Swiss lab-verified effectiveness without compromise

No Rinse Required: Less Water Exposure, Less Irritation

Here's something most people don't consider: rinsing itself can aggravate eczema and psoriasis. Tap water contains chlorine and minerals that dry skin. The physical act of repeated wetting and drying disrupts the skin barrier. Hot water—what most of us instinctively reach for—makes everything worse.

NOWATA eliminates this variable. Apply, rub until clumps form, and brush off. Your hands are clean without ever touching water. For people whose skin reacts to their local water supply or who wash their hands frequently throughout the day, this rinse-free approach can significantly reduce cumulative irritation.

Doctor-Made Means Clinically Informed

NOWATA wasn't developed in a marketing department. Dr. Ruslan Maidans (DDS) and Dr. Yalda Shahriari (PhD in Biomedical Engineering) created this formula in response to a problem in their own household. Their children needed effective hand hygiene without the harsh ingredients found in conventional products.

Two years of development. Rigorous Swiss laboratory testing. A formula they trusted for their own family before ever offering it to yours.

This clinical background shapes every decision—from ingredient sourcing to efficacy testing. When we say NOWATA is gentle enough for sensitive skin, that claim is backed by both scientific verification and first-hand experience raising children with reactive skin.

Clean Hands and Calm Skin: What to Expect

NOWATA delivers effective germ removal in three simple steps:

1. Apply a small amount to dry hands

2. Rub hands together until the formula clumps, binding to dirt and germs

3. Brush off the clumps—contaminants leave with them

Your hands feel clean, soft, and calm. No tight, stripped sensation. No lingering chemical smell. No anxiety waiting to see if this product will be the one that triggers a flare.

For eczema and psoriasis sufferers who've learned to dread hand washing, NOWATA offers something rare: hygiene without hesitation.

Shop NOWATA Gentle Antibacterial Hand Soap Online

Experience the relief of truly gentle antibacterial hand cleansing. NOWATA is available exclusively at NowataClean.com with:

• 80-100 uses per bottle—long-lasting value

• Free shipping on qualifying orders

• 30-day satisfaction guarantee—because we're confident your skin will thank you

• Subscribe and save options for ongoing relief

Your sensitive skin has suffered enough false promises. NOWATA delivers doctor-made, Swiss-tested, plant-based protection designed specifically for people who thought effective and gentle couldn't exist together.

"As doctors, we knew the science—alcohol and harsh chemicals don't belong on compromised skin. As parents of children with sensitive skin, we felt the frustration every time a 'gentle' product failed. NOWATA exists because we refuse to choose between protecting our kids from germs and protecting them from irritation."

— Dr. Ruslan Maidans (DDS) & Dr. Yalda Shahriari (PhD, Biomedical Engineering), NOWATA Founders

Seven resources we trust—and think you will too.

We get it. When your hands are cracked, irritated, and dreading the next wash, you need answers you can trust—not marketing fluff. As doctors and parents who've navigated sensitive skin challenges in our own home, we've bookmarked these resources ourselves. They're science-backed, non-commercial, and written by people who genuinely understand what eczema and psoriasis families go through.

Consider this your research starter kit.

1. Get the full picture on hand eczema

National Eczema Association

Before you can solve the problem, you need to understand it. The NEA's hand eczema guide explains why your skin reacts the way it does—and which ingredients make things worse. We referenced resources like this when developing NOWATA's fragrance-free, plant-based formula.

Explore the guide: https://nationaleczema.org/types-of-eczema/hand-eczema/

2. Find products that have actually been tested for sensitive skin

National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™

Not all "gentle" claims are created equal. Products with the NEA Seal have been reviewed by dermatologists and allergists—and they can't contain fragrance, formaldehyde releasers, or other common triggers. It's the kind of rigorous standard we hold ourselves to.

Browse certified products: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-products/seal-home/

3. Understand what makes hand psoriasis different

National Psoriasis Foundation

Psoriasis on your hands isn't just uncomfortable—it can make everyday tasks genuinely difficult. The NPF's dedicated resource addresses the unique challenges of palmoplantar psoriasis, from cracking and scaling to finding cleansers that don't make things worse.

Learn more: https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-on-hands/

4. Discover products vetted specifically for psoriatic skin

National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition

The NPF maintains a directory of products tested as non-irritating for people living with psoriasis. When your skin is already fighting inflammation, you need products designed to stay out of the way—not add fuel to the fire.

Search the directory: https://www.psoriasis.org/seal-of-recognition/

5. Dive into the research behind eczema treatments

National Institutes of Health (NIAMS)

Sometimes you want to go straight to the source. The NIH's eczema resource explains what researchers actually know about skin barrier dysfunction, why certain treatments work, and where the science is heading. Peer-reviewed, evidence-based, no sales pitch attached.

Read the research: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis

6. See what dermatologists recommend

American Academy of Dermatology

The AAD's clinical guidelines represent the gold standard in atopic dermatitis treatment—developed by dermatologists using rigorous evidence review. When we say NOWATA was created by doctors, this is the kind of research that informed our approach.

Review the guidelines: https://www.aad.org/member/clinical-quality/guidelines/atopic-dermatitis

7. Master the art of washing sensitive hands

Allergy & Asthma Network

Here's the practical guide we wish we'd had when our kids' eczema was at its worst. It covers soap selection, when sanitizer makes sense, moisturizing strategies, and how to keep hands clean without triggering flares. Real advice for real daily challenges.

Get the tips: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/eczema-and-washing-hands-frequently/

Why we're sharing these resources

We could have filled this page with nothing but reasons to try NOWATA. But here's the thing—we're parents first, scientists second. We created NOWATA because we couldn't find what our family needed. And we know that informed families make better decisions.

These resources helped shape our thinking. We hope they help you too.

And when you're ready for a hand soap that removes germs without the irritation? We'll be here—no water needed. 🧴

Supporting Statistics: Why the numbers demanded a better solution

We didn't create NOWATA on a hunch. We followed the data.

As a dentist and biomedical engineer raising children with sensitive skin, we needed to understand the scope of the problem before we could solve it. What we found was a public health gap hiding in plain sight.

31.6 Million Americans Live with Eczema

The CDC's National Health Interview Survey confirmed our suspicions. Eczema isn't rare—it's widespread.

The data:

• 7.3% of U.S. adults had eczema in 2021, CDC

• 10.8% of children aged 0-17 had diagnosed eczema, CDC

• Combined: approximately 31.6 million Americans affected

What this meant to us:

We weren't alone. Millions of families face the same daily calculation: How do we keep our hands clean without making skin worse?

The hand hygiene industry wasn't answering that question. So we did.

Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics. NCHS Data Brief No. 460-461, January 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db460.htm

7.5 Million Adults Have Psoriasis

Eczema wasn't the only condition we researched. Psoriasis affects millions more.

The data:

• 7.55 million U.S. adults aged 20+ have psoriasis, PubMed Central

• 3.0% of the adult population affected PubMed Central

• 12-16% experience symptoms on their hands

What we noticed:

Both conditions share the same core needs:

• Compromised skin barriers require gentle care

• Sensitivity to fragrances and harsh chemicals

• Aggravation from repeated water exposure

We designed NOWATA to serve both populations. One formula. Zero compromise.

Source: Armstrong AW, et al. JAMA Dermatology, June 2021. NIH/PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8246333/

Frequent Handwashing Increases Eczema Risk by 51%

This finding fundamentally shaped NOWATA's development.

The data:

• Handwashing 8-10+ times daily increases hand eczema risk by 51%, PubMed Central (RR: 1.51)

• Handwashing 15-20+ times daily increases risk by 66% PubMed Central (RR: 1.66)

• Alcohol-based sanitizers showed no significant association with increased risk

Our interpretation as healthcare professionals:

The problem wasn't just what people used. It was the washing itself:

• Repeated wet-dry cycles

• Friction from rubbing

• Cumulative chemical exposure

• Water strips natural oils

The solution we built:

NOWATA is rinse-free by design—not for convenience, but for clinical necessity. Eliminating water removes a primary driver of hand eczema while still delivering effective germ removal.

Source: Yew YW, et al. Contact Dermatitis, 2022. NIH/PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9111880/

Our Take: Clean Hands and Calm Skin Shouldn't Be Mutually Exclusive

Two years of research. A lifetime of clinical experience between us. One conclusion:

People with eczema and psoriasis deserve hand hygiene products designed for them—not adapted for them. Not "gentle enough." Actually designed for them from the ground up.

The Problem Nobody Was Solving

The hand hygiene industry knew about this problem. The data was public. The evidence was clear.

What the research showed:

• 40 million Americans live with eczema or psoriasis

• Frequent handwashing increases eczema risk by 51%+

• 14.5% of people experience hand eczema in their lifetime

What we found when shopping for our own children:

• "Sensitive skin" soaps that still contained fragrance

• "Gentle" formulas that still required water and rinsing

• Sanitizers that killed germs but left chemical residue behind

• Products that solved one problem while creating another

The industry response to sensitive skin has largely been subtraction. Remove the worst offenders. Keep the fundamental approach intact.

That's not innovation. That's mitigation.

Why We Took a Different Approach

Our professional experience:

• Dr. Ruslan (DDS): Washes hands dozens of times daily. Watched colleagues develop chronic hand dermatitis from cumulative soap-and-water damage.

• Dr. Yalda (PhD, Biomedical Engineering): Understood at a molecular level why traditional products fail sensitive skin—designed to strip and kill, leaving residue and disruption behind.

Our parent experience:

• Refused to accept that our children had to choose between clean hands and comfortable skin.

The question we asked:

Instead of "How do we make traditional hand hygiene gentler?" we asked, "What would hand hygiene look like if we designed it specifically for compromised skin?"

The answer was NOWATA.

How We Built It Differently

Our four design principles:

1. Remove, don't kill. Clumping technology lifts contaminants off skin. Brush away the clumps—germs leave with them. Nothing stays behind to irritate.

2. No water required. Research showed that wet-dry cycles damage skin barriers. We eliminated the cycle.

3. Truly fragrance-free. Not "unscented." Not "naturally scented." Zero fragrance compounds of any kind.

4. Plant-based and biodegradable. Sensitive skin shouldn't require environmental compromise.

What We Believe

On the standard advice:

The typical guidance—"use gentle soap and moisturize after"—is a band-aid on a broken system. It asks people to manage damage caused by products never designed for their skin.

On who deserves better:

• The 31.6 million Americans with eczema

• The 7.5 million with psoriasis

• The countless others with reactive skin

• Parents watching their children's hands crack and bleed

On the scale of the problem:

When nearly 1 in 7 people experience hand eczema in their lifetime, the problem isn't niche. It's mainstream. It deserves mainstream solutions.

Our core conviction:

Sensitive skin deserves more than damage control. It deserves products that work with the skin's natural barrier—not against it.

A Personal Note

We tested NOWATA on our own family first. Our children were the original users—the reason this product exists.

The moment we knew it worked:

Watching them use NOWATA without hesitation. Without wincing. Without the anxious wait to see if this product would be different.

What we're claiming:

• Not that NOWATA is right for everyone

• Skin is complex; conditions vary

• What works for one person may not work for another

What we are claiming:

NOWATA represents a fundamentally different approach. Not a gentler version of the old approach. A new approach entirely.

If you've been caught in the exhausting cycle of trying product after product, hoping the next one won't trigger a flare—we made this for you.

Because we made it for us first.

What NOWATA delivers:

• 99.9% germ removal*

• No water required

• No fragrance

• No harsh chemicals

• No residue left behind

• Doctor-made, Swiss lab-tested

• Trusted by thousands of sensitive-skin families

Your hands have been through enough experiments.

Try the product two doctors created for their own children—and finally stop choosing between clean and comfortable.

FAQ Section

Q: What ingredients should I avoid in hand soap if I have eczema?

A: After two years of formulating NOWATA for our own children's reactive skin, we identified these top irritants to avoid:

Ingredients to exclude:

• Fragrances — Even "natural" scents triggered our kids' flares

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) — Strips the skin's protective lipid barrier

• Alcohol — Burns and dehydrates already-compromised skin

• Parabens and phosphates — Unnecessary preservatives with irritation potential

• Dyes and colorants — Purely cosmetic; serve no cleaning purpose

What we learned:

• "Unscented" often contains masking fragrances

• "Gentle" formulas frequently still include sulfates

• Always read the full ingredient list

NOWATA solution:

100% plant-based. Completely fragrance-free. Zero alcohol, parabens, or sulfates. We formulated it for our children—ingredient safety was personal.

Q: Is antibacterial soap safe for people with eczema?

A: This question kept us up at night as parents. Here's what we discovered.

The problem with traditional antibacterial products:

• They kill germs chemically

• Dead germs and killing agents stay on the skin

• That residue can trigger inflammation in sensitive skin

What we see professionally:

Dr. Ruslan (dentist): Colleagues with healthy skin use sanitizer all day without issue. Those with sensitive skin develop chronic dermatitis from the same products.

How NOWATA works differently:

• Clumping technology physically removes germs

• Contaminants bind to our plant-based formula

• Clumps form and leave when brushed off

• Nothing stays behind to irritate

Bottom line:

Antibacterial protection without antibacterial residue. Removal, not killing.

Q: Should I use hand soap or hand sanitizer if I have eczema?

A: We asked this question hundreds of times before creating NOWATA. Neither option is ideal.

Traditional soap problems:

• Requires water (wet-dry cycles damage barriers)

• Often contains fragrances and sulfates

• Friction from rubbing irritates sensitive skin

Traditional sanitizer problems:

• Alcohol burns compromised skin

• Leaves chemical residue behind

• Doesn't remove visible dirt

What we wanted:

• The cleaning power of soap

• Convenience of sanitizer

• Drawbacks of neither

What NOWATA delivers:

• No water = no wet-dry cycles

• No alcohol = no burning or dehydration

• Physical removal = no irritating residue

Our family's experience:

We stopped debating soap versus sanitizer. NOWATA handles every situation without worrying about skin damage.

Q: How often can I wash my hands without triggering an eczema flare?

A: This statistic changed everything for us.

The research:

• Washing 8-10+ times daily increases eczema risk by 51%

• Washing 15-20+ times daily increases risk by 66%

• Source: Contact Dermatitis systematic review

Who this affects:

• Parents

• Teachers

• Healthcare workers

• Food service employees

• Anyone with frequent hand-cleaning needs

The real problem:

It's not just what you wash with. It's the washing itself:

• Water exposure

• Friction

• Repeated wet-dry cycles

Our insight:

Eliminate water → eliminate a primary eczema driver.

NOWATA's rinse-free design:

• No water required

• No wet-dry cycles

• Use multiple times daily without cumulative damage

Our family's result:

We use NOWATA far more frequently than we ever washed traditionally, without the skin damage.

Q: What is the best hand soap for eczema-prone skin?

A: We spent two years searching for the answer—first as parents, then as formulators.

What dermatologists recommend:

1. Truly fragrance-free (not just "unscented")

2. Free of sulfates, parabens, and alcohol

3. Gentle enough for repeated daily use

4. Effective at actually removing germs

What we couldn't find:

A single product delivering all four without compromise.

The trade-offs we encountered:

• "Gentle" soaps still required water and rinsing

• "Fragrance-free" products contained masking agents

• "Effective" formulas relied on harsh chemicals

What we built:

NOWATA—the product we wished existed when our kids' eczema was at its worst.

NOWATA delivers:

• Plant-based formula

• Genuinely fragrance-free

• Completely rinse-free

• Swiss lab-tested: 99.9% germ removal*

Is it "best" for everyone?

Skin is complex. Triggers vary. What works for our children may not work for yours.

What we can say:

If "gentle" products have failed you before, NOWATA offers a fundamentally different approach. We tested it on our family first—we wouldn't offer anything less to yours.

Experience Doctor-Made Relief for Eczema and Psoriasis Today

Your search for a gentle, antibacterial, fragrance-free hand soap ends here—NOWATA delivers plant-based, rinse-free protection designed specifically for sensitive skin. Shop now at NowataClean.com and discover why thousands of families trust the hand soap two doctors created for their own children.

Shop NOWATA Now

*Based on laboratory testing using a modified ASTM E1174 test, NOWATA physically removed over 99.9% of virus (Murine Norovirus, a human norovirus surrogate) and bacteria (E.Coli) particles from skin. Results do not imply disease prevention. For hand cleansing only.