Lyocell oder Baumwolle: Welcher Stoff ist besser für empfindliche Haut?

If you've ever pulled on a shirt and felt that instant prickle of irritation, you know the frustration. For those of us with sensitive skin or eczema, choosing the wrong fabric isn't just uncomfortable—it can trigger days of itching, redness, and sleepless nights. The wrong material traps heat, holds sweat against your skin, and turns a normal day into a battle with your own clothes.

Here's the thing: your skin's protective barrier is already working overtime when you have eczema. According to research published in PMC, sensitive skin has higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL), meaning moisture escapes faster and irritants get in easier. The fabric touching your skin for 16+ hours daily can either support that fragile barrier or make everything worse.

This is why the tencel vs cotton conversation is so important for anyone with sensitive skin. Both Tencel fabric and natural fibers from the cotton plant are recommended for sensitive skin, but they work differently. In this guide, I'll break down the science—moisture wicking, breathability, softness, and what clinical research actually shows—so you can make an informed choice for yourself or your family.

Key Takeaways: Tencel vs Cotton at a Glance

Understanding Sensitive Skin and Fabric Choice

Sensitive or eczema-prone skin has an impaired barrier that lets moisture escape and irritants sneak in. This leads to dryness, inflammation, and that maddening itch response. Even something as simple as your clothing can trigger flare-ups—rough textures, trapped heat, and sweat all play a role.

The National Eczema Society advises sticking to soft, breathable materials for troubled skin. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are notorious for causing overheating and sweat retention. That's why natural fibers have been the go-to recommendation for decades. Now, Tencel lyocell—a fiber made from wood pulp—is recognized alongside bamboo fabric and silk as a top choice for sensitive skin.

What Is Tencel Lyocell?

Tencel™ (Lyocell Fibers)

Tencel is the trademarked name for lyocell fibers, a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp—typically from eucalyptus trees. It's produced using a closed loop production process where a non toxic organic solvent is recycled, making it an eco friendly fiber derived from sustainable materials.

In terms of feel, Tencel material has a silky texture that's luxuriously soft. The Tencel fibers are uniformly round and hollow-core, creating a smooth texture that glides gently on skin. This is why manufacturers and dermatologists describe Tencel fabric as naturally hypoallergenic and ideal for those with skin irritation.

Cotton (From the Cotton Plant)

Cotton sheets come from the cotton plant's fluffy bolls. High quality cottons like Egyptian cotton and pima cotton are soft, breathable, and absorbent—which is why doctors have recommended cotton sheets for eczema for decades. Egyptian cotton sheets offer exceptional softness, and regular cotton sheets remain a staple in most homes.

Cotton bed sheets have a twisted, ribbon-like fiber structure that feels soft but gives fabrics more texture than Tencel. One important note: while cotton sheets absorb sweat well, they dry slowly compared to Tencel sheets. This matters when damp fabric sits against eczema patches.

Moisture Management: Where Tencel Outshines Cotton

This is where comparing Tencel and cotton gets interesting. Eczema-prone skin does best when kept comfortably cool and dry. Overheating and sweat trigger itching; excessive dryness worsens eczema's flaky barrier.

Moisture Wicking Abilities

Tencel lyocell excels at moisture wicking. Lyocell fiber can absorb about 50% more moisture than most cotton sheets. This means Tencel sheets pull sweat away from your skin fast and release it through evaporation. You stay drier.

Regular cotton sheets and cotton bedsheets certainly absorb sweat—they're highly absorbent—but they retain it longer and get saturated. Have you ever worn a cotton T-shirt that became heavy and damp? Unlike cotton, Tencel fabric holds moisture in its fibers without feeling wet, then releases it efficiently. For someone with sensitive skin, dried sweat (salt) sitting on skin causes stinging and itch.

Moisture Control and Temperature

Both Tencel sheets and bed sheets are breathable, but Tencel fabric has the edge in airflow. In a head-to-head trial published in Dermatitis journal, subjects with atopic dermatitis felt Tencel garments offered better temperature control. Tencel's fibril structure works with its moisture management to dissipate heat. As it wicks sweat and evaporates, it cools your skin.

Bottom Line: Tencel is a moisture wicking pro with excellent moisture wicking properties. Cotton sheets are good absorbers but slower to dry. For hot climates, night sweats, or heavy sweaters, that matters. If you prefer cotton for its familiarity, choose cotton sheets with higher thread count for better performance.

Softness, Smoothness, and Friction: What Your Skin Feels

When you have eczema, texture matters deeply. A rougher texture can trigger the itch-scratch cycle within minutes. Both Tencel and cotton generally shine here, but there are differences worth noting.

Fiber Smoothness

Tencel fibers are smoother and rounder than those in cotton sheets. Tencel garments glide over skin with minimal friction. Some compare it to silk. Egyptian cotton sheets, pima cotton, and high-quality long-staple varieties are also soft to touch. But they're not quite as slick.

Where Tencel feels buttery-smooth with drapey sheets qualities, cotton sheets have more fiber fuzz. After many washes, cotton bed sheets may get slightly rougher, while Tencel tends to retain its smooth texture over time. Sateen sheets offer a smoother hand than percale sheets, which are crisp and matte.

Friction and Skin Irritation

Thanks to its ultra-smooth surface, Tencel causes very low friction against skin. Less friction means less mechanical irritation—important because rubbing damages an already fragile skin barrier. Eczema patients in a controlled trial reported both Tencel and cotton were comfortable, but they slightly favored Tencel for softness and overall feel. Average itch levels were a bit lower with Tencel.

Impact on Skin Barrier and TEWL

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measures how quickly water evaporates through your skin. High TEWL means a leaky barrier and drier skin. Can fabric choice affect this?

The 2009 study in Dermatitis actually measured TEWL in participants wearing cotton bed sheets vs Tencel sheets. Results showed a trend toward lower TEWL when wearing Tencel—meaning skin retained more moisture. Researchers theorized that Tencel's superior moisture management creates a more stable humidity at the skin surface, helping the stratum corneum stay hydrated.

With cotton bedsheets, the main concern is getting soaked with sweat. As sweat evaporates from damp fabric, it could increase local TEWL until the area dries. This is why damp cotton clothes can irritate eczema. Keeping garments clean, dry, and changing when sweaty helps maintain barrier function.

Hypoallergenic Properties: What About Allergies?

True allergy to either Tencel or cotton fibers is extraordinarily rare. Both Tencel and cotton are essentially pure cellulose (plant-derived) and generally inert on skin. Both are considered hypoallergenic and recommended for people with sensitive skin.

The bigger concern is what's been added during the production process. Conventional cotton might carry traces of harmful pesticides from cotton farming. Many garments are treated with dyes, formaldehyde resins for wrinkle resistant finishes, or harsh chemicals. Especially conventional cotton production can introduce synthetic chemicals that trigger contact dermatitis—not the fiber itself.

Tencel's closed loop process recycles about 99% of its solvent, leaving minimal chemical residue on the raw fiber. For conventional cotton production, choosing organic cotton or Oeko-Tex certified products avoids irritants.

Antimicrobial Properties

Research from PMC shows bacteria grow less on Tencel than cotton sheets under sweaty conditions. One lab test found Tencel had significantly fewer bacteria than polyester. The reason: Tencel fabric doesn't trap moisture where odor causing bacteria thrive. Less bacteria means fewer infections—important since Staphylococcus aureus worsens eczema.

Sustainability: Eco Friendliness Compared

While our main focus is skin health, sustainability matters too—and often, eco friendly fabrics are also cleaner for sensitive skin.

• Impact of Cotton Production: Traditional cotton farming uses thousands of liters of water per T-shirt and heavy pesticide use (unless organic). Conventional cotton production requires significant resources. Organic cotton mitigates these issues by eliminating toxic chemicals and often using less water.

Tencel's Environmental Edge: Made from fast-growing eucalyptus trees often grown on marginal land. The closed loop production process recycles 99% of solvent. It uses less water and the fiber is biodegradable. This makes Tencel among the most sustainable fabrics in the textile industry. Both Tencel and organic cotton align with values of clean living.

Care Tips for Sensitive Skin Fabrics

For both cotton clothing and Tencel, use mild, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid fabric softeners—they deposit residues that can irritate. Always wash new clothes before first wear to remove manufacturing chemicals. For Tencel, wash on gentle cycle with cold water and air dry or tumble dry low. Cotton tolerates warmer water but benefits from gentle treatment too. Skip the diagonal weave heavy-duty cycles. Double-rinse if you have extremely sensitive skin.

Final Thoughts: Comparing Tencel and Cotton

Choosing between Tencel vs cotton for sensitive skin isn't about declaring a winner—it's about understanding your specific needs.

• Choose cotton if: You prefer cotton for its familiarity, affordability, and wide availability. High-quality organic cotton, Egyptian cotton sheets, or pima cotton are durable fabric options that have served generations of eczema patients well. Cotton bedsheets work beautifully for everyday use. Just keep them clean and dry.

• Prefer Tencel if: You or your child struggle with overheating, night sweats, or you prefer that silky weave feel. Tencel sheets and Tencel blend garments offer exceptional moisture wicking abilities and moisture control. Many eczema sufferers report switching to Tencel sleepwear helped them sleep with less itching.

The Best Approach: Consider combining strengths. Both Tencel and cotton are quality fabrics that support skin health far better than competing fabrics like synthetic fabrics. Tencel modal offers similar benefits. Whether you choose cotton sheets or Tencel sheets, you're opting for natural fibers that respect sensitive skin.

Is Tencel healthy to sleep on? Absolutely. Is Tencel comparable to silk? In softness and smoothness, yes. The bottom line: having options empowers you to find what works best for your unique skin. Here's to soft clothes and happier skin days ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of Tencel?

Tencel products can cost more than equivalent cotton products due to the manufacturing process. Availability is more limited—you'll find Tencel mainly in bedding and activewear. Care requires gentler treatment: wash on cold water cycles and avoid high heat, as Tencel can shrink or lose its soft texture. Some Tencel blend products mix in spandex, which could reduce breathability for very sensitive skin.

Is Tencel healthy to sleep on?

Yes. Tencel sheets are excellent for sleep, especially if you experience night sweats or run hot. The moisture wicking properties pull sweat away and help regulate body temperature. According to clinical research, eczema patients reported better temperature and moisture control with Tencel bedding. The smooth texture won't trap heat like high thread count sateen sheets might.

What is Tencel comparable to?

Tencel is most comparable to silk in feel and bamboo fabric in performance. It has silk's silky texture and smoothness but is more affordable and easier to care for. Like bamboo, it's made from plant cellulose and offers excellent moisture management. Some also compare it to Tencel modal, which is similar but made from beech wood pulp rather than eucalyptus trees.

Is Tencel a good quality fabric?

Tencel is considered a high-quality, durable fabric. It's wrinkle resistant, maintains its soft texture through many washes, and doesn't pill easily. The closed loop process creates consistent, uniform fibers. For sensitive skin specifically, dermatologists recognize it as a quality choice—the National Eczema Society lists it alongside cotton as suitable for eczema-prone skin.

Which is better for night sweats—Tencel sheets or cotton sheets?

Tencel sheets are often the winner for hot sleepers. They wick away sweat faster than regular cotton sheets and dry more quickly. You're less likely to wake up feeling damp or sticky. While cotton bed sheets are breathable, once saturated, they stay wet longer against your skin. For severe night sweats, Tencel bed sheets make a noticeable difference.

Does fabric really affect eczema?

Absolutely. While fabric won't cure eczema, the right clothing reduces triggers. According to Hopkins Medicine, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric prevents sweat from irritating skin. Choosing the warmest weave in winter or coolest in summer—without overheating—helps maintain skin calm. Pediatricians recommend soft, tag-free layers for children with eczema, and studies show specialized fabrics can actually improve eczema severity scores.