Handmade Soap for Kids: Why Fragrance-Free, Simple Ingredients Matter

Handmade Soap for Kids: Why Fragrance-Free, Simple Ingredients Matter

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably stood in the bath aisle wondering which cleanser is actually safe for your kid’s skin. That’s exactly how Wild Timber started: a parent (us) staring at labels, trying to calm a child’s irritated skin. We chose to make handmade, fragrance-free soap because we wanted fewer variables, clearer labels, and no mystery “fragrance” blends.

Why kids’ skin needs gentler choices

Children’s skin is thinner and more reactive than adult skin, which means common irritants, especially fragrances, can trigger redness, itch, or eczema flares. Pediatric dermatology guidance consistently points families toward mild, fragrance-free products for everyday care and for conditions like eczema. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests fragrance-free basics and even calls out simple options (like plain petrolatum) for many children with eczema. American Academy of Dermatology

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives similar advice in its parent guides: if you do use soap, use a gentle, unscented baby soap, and for kids with eczema, stick to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers, avoiding bubble baths and harsh additives. AAP PublicationsHealthyChildren.org

“Fragrance” can mean… almost anything

On U.S. cosmetic labels, the single word “fragrance (parfum)” can represent a blend of many substances. That’s legal, and common, but it makes it hard to know what your child’s skin is contacting. For families managing sensitivities, fewer unknowns is better. Pediatric and dermatology organizations frequently recommend fragrance-free as a first step when irritation or eczema is present. American Academy of DermatologyHealthyChildren.org

This matters because fragrance is a leading cause of contact allergy worldwide, and studies in children show measurable rates of fragrance-mix sensitization in patch testing. (For example, recent reviews report fragrance allergy as a common trigger; pooled pediatric data show reactivity to standard fragrance mixes in patch-tested children.) PMC+1

What about “soap” vs “syndet”?

You may see advice to use mild “syndet” (synthetic-detergent) cleansers for eczema-prone skin; several clinical reviews and the AAP note these can be especially gentle on the barrier. That’s sound guidance—always follow your child’s clinician. American Academy of PediatricsJAADPMC

Our take as soapmakers, for many families, the biggest win is removing fragrance and dyes and simplifying the ingredient list so you can identify (and avoid) triggers. That’s why our bars are true, handmade soap with clearly listed ingredients and no synthetic fragrance, ever. If your dermatologist prefers a syndet for active flares, use that for a period, then test any new product with a small patch first. (Every kid is different.)

How we formulate for kids (and cautious parents)

  • No synthetic fragrance. You’ll never see “fragrance/parfum” on our labels.

  • Plain-English ingredients. Oils, clays, and (when used) essential oils are listed individually so you know exactly what’s there.

  • Fragrance-free options. For the most sensitive skin, choose our unscented bars.

  • Short labels. Fewer variables = easier troubleshooting for parents and dermatologists.

If you want third-party guardrails, the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance excludes products with fragrance and certain known irritants—a helpful reference as you shop broadly. National Eczema Association

Practical bath tips we share with new parents

  • Keep baths short and lukewarm (5–10 minutes).

  • Use cleanser sparingly—mainly on sweaty/soiled areas.

  • Pat dry and moisturize right away.
    These are straight from pediatric/dermatology guidance for babies and children. American Academy of DermatologyHealthyChildren.org

The bottom line

Kids often have a lower threshold for impurities and fragrance. When a label says “fragrance,” you and we both can’t know what’s inside that blend. For many families—ours included—the safest starting point was handmade, fragrance-free soap with a short, transparent ingredient list. That’s why Wild Timber exists.

Ready to simplify bath time?
Choose our fragrance-free or gently scented (clearly labeled essential oils only) bars. Build a bundle: Choose 5 for $32 and keep a few at home, a few in the travel bag.

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