Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. Thirty million Americans, 1 in 10, have eczema.
It is often triggered by detergents and the synthetic fragrances found in most body washes and bath bars. Our soaps contain no detergent or "fragrance." They are made of food-grade vegetable oil and are scented only with essential oils, if they're scented at all.
One Herbaria customer, for example, told us:
"I have been in a life long battle with eczema, hives and chronic dry skin. After countless trips to dermatologists, purchases of immune suppressants, steroid and OTC creams, it turns out I'm allergic to detergent! So, in fact, is my five-year-old daughter."
And eczema is serious. Recent research at Washington University in St. Louis has discovered how eczema can lead to asthma.
"Kopan's [the researcher's] findings suggest the problem starts with damaged or defective skin. The researchers found that cells in damaged skin can secrete TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin), a compound capable of eliciting a powerful immune response. And because the skin is so effective in secreting TSLP into the blood system, the substance travels throughout the body. When it reaches the lungs, it triggers the hypersensitivity characteristic of asthma."
US News &World Report lists common triggers for eczema never found in Herbaria products: perfumes, detergents, alcohol, and harsh ingredients.