The 9 best eczema creams and lotions, according to experts

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Redness, dryness, scaly patches, and itchy rashes — these are just a few of the not-so-fun symptoms of eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. It's a pretty common condition: in fact, 31.6 million Americans (about 10% of the population) have some form of this skin condition. While there's no cure for eczema, it can certainly be treated. The first step? Beyond identifying what's triggering your eczema, it's important to seek out the best face moisturizers and other products to soothe, hydrate, and heal your skin.

However, finding the best eczema creams can be tricky, according to Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group, because people with eczema-prone skin also tend to have sensitive skin that's more reactive to certain common ingredients.

"The triggers for each individual person are different, so finding a cream that's effective without causing irritation often involves some trial and error," she explains. "What works for one person may not work for another."

Of all the dermatologist-recommended creams I've tried over the years, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration stands out for several reasons. Not only is it approved by the National Eczema Association (NEA), but it's non-comedogenic, free of potentially irritating fragrances and preservatives, and features ingredients that help to strengthen your skin barrier.

But there are many other standouts worth mentioning. Based on dermatologist recommendations and my own experience, here are some of the best eczema creams for dry, irritated, and inflamed skin.

Our top 3 picks for the best eczema creams

Best overall

I've been dealing with eczema quite literally since the day I was born. And while I still occasionally get flare-ups — especially during the cold, dry New England winters — using rich moisturizers like this one has definitely made a massive difference in minimizing my symptoms.

There are three key ingredients to thank for this: colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, and shea butter. Colloidal oatmeal is an FDA-designated skin protectant that is known to help soothe dry, itchy, irritated skin — due to its anti-inflammatory properties — while simultaneously strengthening the skin barrier. A 2017 study even found that colloidal oatmeal can be specifically helpful for reducing symptoms of mild to moderate eczema. Shea butter, meanwhile, is rich in fatty acids — which are often lacking in eczema-prone skin and can help to lubricate the skin and hold moisture in. Research has shown that linoleic acid, one of the fatty acids in shea butter, can significantly improve skin barrier function while reducing the severity of eczema symptoms. Allantoin is considered an emollient — and emollients are great for eczema-prone skin because they not only draw moisture to your skin but prevent moisture loss and soothe irritation.

"Not only does this cream help with hydration, but it also offers a barrier effect, protecting the skin against irritation and sensitivity," says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology.

Best drugstore

While it's fun to try new skincare products once in a while, sometimes I prefer to fall back on foolproof moisturizers that I know for sure won't irritate my skin or exacerbate my eczema. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is one of those. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and absorbs quickly — and it received the NEA's seal of acceptance.

Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University, calls this her go-to recommendation for patients with eczema-prone skin. That's because it contains hyaluronic acid — as well as not one, but three essential ceramides for skin — to help the skin retain moisture.

"This moisturizing cream works to both hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier without leaving the skin feeling greasy," says Garshick. "The patented MVE delivery technology helps deliver moisturizing ingredients to the skin over 24 hours, keeping the skin soft and smooth all day, making it great for those with dry skin."

Best for mature skin

Saedi says this is one of the best eczema creams for aging skin because it's chock-full of ceramides and peptides.

"This product will also help restore and protect the skin barrier," she explains.

Studies have shown that peptides in skincare may help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. By supporting a healthy skin barrier, ceramides can not only help to lock moisture in but also keep allergens and irritants out — making this moisturizer perfect for dry skin.

This product is also non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, so it's suitable for oily, combination, and sensitive eczema-prone skin as well.

Best for sensitive skin

Untoxicated is a skincare line co-founded by Martin Smith, MD, a double board-certified allergist, and immunologist. He decided to launch his own brand after becoming frustrated that many skincare products that promised to improve patients' irritation and inflammation often did the opposite — irritating their sensitive skin. Untoxicated is the first skincare line completely free from allergens and other toxins that are known to trigger more than 99% of adverse skin reactions — including fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, dyes, and PEGs. So, it should come as no surprise that the NEA approves of this moisturizer.

Not only is it hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, but it's also infused with a combo of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and arginine to intensely hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid is classified as a humectant, meaning it helps the skin attract and retain moisture. One study found that when applied topically, it can boost skin hydration by 96% in just eight weeks.

When my skin is feeling especially delicate, reactive, or compromised, I often return to this product — which absorbs super fast, and never gives me that dreaded stinging sensation that I get from some other moisturizers. I also love that even though the formula feels rich, it doesn't leave a greasy finish on my skin.

Best for acne-prone skin

Gel formulas tend to be ideal for acne-prone skin, says Saedi, because they're not nearly as heavy as cream formulas, and absorb quickly rather than sitting on top of the skin. It's also best to avoid formulas that contain oil, which can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Fortunately, this lightweight gel moisturizer is oil-free — as well as fragrance-free. It even gets a nod of approval from the NEA.

What makes this gel formula stand out, though, is the fact that it contains a proprietary vegan prebiotic and probiotic complex. Research has shown that topical application of probiotics can be beneficial for improving both acne and eczema, partly because it can strengthen the skin barrier and inhibit acne-causing bacteria. The formula also features chamomile, which thanks to its proven anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, may help to calm eczema and acne.

Best for oily skin

I'm not exaggerating when I say I've probably gone through dozens of jars of this moisturizer. My husband has oily skin, but I have dry skin, and we both have sensitive skin — and somehow, his product offers a weightless yet powerful hydration that works for both of us.

"It's not greasy, which makes it a good option to hydrate oily and acne-prone skin," says Saedi. "It's also clinically proven to be gentle enough for eczema."

Garshick likes that this formula is free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, and phthalates. Instead, it packs a powerful blend of humectants, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, allantoin, and arganine. Three of its ingredients — dimethicone, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid — are all highly recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for treating dry skin.

Best for melanated skin

Eczema can affect people of all races, but studies have shown that it may be more common in people with melanated skin. People with melanated skin are also more prone to transepidermal water loss — which describes moisture evaporating off the skin into the air. In other words, they may experience more extensive dryness, so it's important to seek out richer skincare products that can prevent moisture from escaping the skin.

According to the National Eczema Foundation, ointments are the best choice for treating eczema, because these ultra-rich formulas contain more oil to combat dryness. Aquaphor Healing Ointment fits the bill. The formula is fragrance-free, preservative-free, and contains panthenol — a humectant that may help to strengthen the skin barrier function.

"This ointment contains 41% petrolatum to help protect the skin, as well as glycerin to help moisturize, soothe, and nourish the skin," says Garshick. "It can be used not only for dry skin but also to protect the skin from external irritants."

Petrolatum is also known for helping injured skin to heal, so feel free to slather this on cracked hands as well.

Best preventative

"Since those with eczema have a weakened skin barrier, it's important to use a moisturizer that will help to support the skin barrier and lock moisture in," says Garshick.

This product fits the bill. It's one of the best eczema creams in part because it's allergy-tested, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, phthalates, essential oils, and so many other common irritants. But it also contains a patented compound of lipids, vitamins, and peptides to help fortify the skin barrier.

I generally try to seek out products that have minimal ingredients because they're less likely to irritate my skin — so when I initially saw the long ingredients list on this moisturizer, I was admittedly a little skeptical. However, a deeper dive into that ingredients list revealed that most of these ingredients are nourishing, natural, and, more importantly, beneficial for treating dryness and irritation — like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, jojoba oil, vitamin E, rosemary extract, and probiotics. When using this product consistently, I love how my skin not only feels, but also looks — dewy, smooth, and plump.

Best with SPF

Garshick loves Vanicream for dry and sensitive eczema-prone skin because it doesn't contain dyes, fragrances, parabens, or other potentially irritating ingredients. She also notes that it won't clog pores since it's non-comedogenic.

If you have sensitive skin, the AAD advises opting for a mineral sunscreen — like this one — rather than a chemical sunscreen. Not only do mineral sunscreens tend to be less irritating, but they also may be more effective since they form a physical barrier that shields your skin from harmful UV rays.

As a bonus, this formula contains various ceramides to moisturize your skin and support the skin barrier, as well as squalane, which — due to its anti-inflammatory properties — may help alleviate redness and swelling when your eczema flares. Reviewers say the formula is fast absorbing, layers well under makeup, and leaves your skin looking glowy — not greasy.

What to look for

If you have eczema, it's crucial to check the ingredients list before investing in a moisturizer.

Here are some beneficial ingredients that are recommended by the NEA:

• Shea butter
• Oatmeal
• Aloe
• Hyaluronic acid
• Aloe
• Vitamin E
• Humectants, like glycerin
• Niacinamide
• Petrolatum

"Many of the trendy skincare products you see on Instagram and TikTok contain active ingredients that are too harsh for eczema-prone skin," Saedi warns.

According to Saedi, it's generally best to choose moisturizers with the NEA's seal of approval because these never contain the more common irritants that could worsen symptoms.

There are three key categories of ingredients to seek out in an eczema cream:

• Humectants, which draw moisture to the skin
• Occlusives, which lock moisture and hydration in
• Emollients, which help repair the skin barrier

Occlusives are great for dry skin, but may not be the right choice for oily and acne-prone skin types since they tend to give formulas a heavier, greasier feel. Humectants and emollients, however, are suitable for all skin types with eczema.

As for what to avoid, the NEA advises skipping any moisturizers that contain dyes or fragrances.

According to Michon, Garshick, and Castilla, here are some other potential irritants you may want to avoid:

• Parabens
• Essential oils
• Physical exfoliants

Consistency:

When choosing a moisturizer, it's important to examine the ingredients and consider the formula. From the most lightweight to the richest formulas, eczema creams are available as lotions, gels, gel creams, creams and balms, and ointments.

According to the NEA, ointments and creams are the best options for treating eczema because they have the highest oil content, so they're particularly hydrating and healing. These formulas are ideal for dry skin but may be too heavy and greasy for oily and acne-prone skin. Gel creams and gels have a higher water content and lower oil content, making them more suitable for these skin types.

FAQs

What is eczema?

The NEA defines eczema as an inflammatory skin condition marked by dry skin, scaly patches, itchy rashes, and blisters. It can range from mild to severe and can develop in people of all ages and races.

What is the root cause of eczema?

There's no singular cause of eczema — it can be triggered by a wide variety of factors, including:

• Genetic predisposition
• Exposure to environmental irritants, such as very dry or cold air
• Overactive immune system

Stress can also trigger eczema flare-ups.

What irritates eczema the most?

Some of the most common eczema irritants are chemicals that are lurking in everyday household and personal care products, including:

• Surface disinfectants
• Laundry detergents and fabric softeners
• Dish soaps
• Perfumes

For example, formaldehyde, isothiazolinone, cocamidopropyl betaine, paraphenylene-diamine are all known to trigger eczema.

What gets rid of eczema quickly?

The best way to get rid of eczema is to consult a board-certified dermatologist, who can make personalized recommendations based on your symptoms and their severity. That said, here are some effective options for treating eczema, according to the NEA:

• Prescription topical medications like corticosteroids
• Medical-grade moisturizing creams
• Phototherapy (also known as light therapy)

When should you apply an eczema cream?

The AAD and NEA both recommend applying eczema cream immediately after showering or taking a bath while your skin is still damp. This way, the cream serves as a barrier to prevent moisture from evaporating off your skin. According to the NEA, make sure to apply a very thick layer of the product for best results.