11 Dermatologist-Recommended Eczema Creams to Soothe Your Driest, Itchiest Skin Issues
All of the moisture, none of the irritation.
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Can I let you in on a little secret? Most beauty editors don't have flawless, pore-free skin (part of the reason we got into this field is that we wanted to fix common beauty issues plaguing us, like acne, blackheads, and a dry scalp). One of these is dry, itchy skin, so if you're like me and are dealing with this as well, chances are you might have eczema. Though it's annoying to deal with, I have some good news for you: You can do a lot to soothe this skin ailment.
As Best Products' beauty editor, I tapped into my network of trusted board-certified dermatologists about all things eczema, including what it is and how you can treat it. To help bring you only discover the best of the best eczema creams, I sifted through the hundreds of eczema creams online and present the all-time best products worth your money. Some eczema creams are doctor-recommended, while others are aligned with their expert feedback. Regardless which cream you opt for, you can expect visible improvement within a few days.
The Best Eczema Creams
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What Is Eczema?
“It’s itchy, inflamed [skin], sometimes with thickened patches and bumps,” says board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf advisory board member, Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, M.D. “Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition affecting adults, teens, and kids.” In fact, it’s so common, it impacts up to 15 million Americans a year, according to data from the nonprofit medical center Cleveland Clinic.
Though eczema can flare up on your face, board-certified dermatologist and surgeon Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D., says that it’s more likely to appear elsewhere on your body first. She also notes that the intensity of eczema differs from person to person.
“There are varying levels of severity of eczema, ranging from mildly annoying to severely painful,” she says. “Mild forms of childhood eczema may clear up and never return. Conversely, very severe cases can be challenging to control and incredibly uncomfortable. You can develop eczema at any time during your life, even though it commonly appears for the first time in children.”
How Can I Treat Eczema?
Though the National Eczema Association notes that there is no known cure for this skin condition, there are quite a few steps you can take to minimize the itching, flaking, and scaling that comes with it.
➥ Read Product Labels
First, you should take a look at the ingredient list on your bottles of skincare to make sure there aren't any hidden additions to the formula that could induce a flare-up.
“Stick with hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products,” says Badreshia-Bansal. “Look at the ingredient list: Less than a dozen ingredients is better than a long list. Avoid harsh chemicals such as abrasives and fragrances.”
Engelman also adds that steroids like hydrocortisone should only be used on your hands or feet, and should be avoided on other areas of the body.
➥ Stop Scratching
Regardless of which of these eczema creams you choose, be careful not to scratch too much: Badreshia-Bansal notes that you can actually cause infections by constantly itching and scratching.
How Do I Fix Eczema on My Face?
The skin on the face is far more delicate than the hands and feet, so if you’re dealing with an eczema breakout there, Engelman recommends avoiding any steroid creams. If you'd rather go the prescription route, she notes that you may be prescribed a topical, such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, which are both steroid-free treatments for eczema.
What to Look for in Eczema Cream
Our experts say the most important thing to look for in an eczema cream is the ingredient label, which we'll touch on in a bit. You should also consider the formulation of your eczema cream and here's why:
➥ Formulations Are Important
Some eczema creams, such as Vanicream Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, have a thicker consistency that's great for dry skin. Others, like the pregnancy-safe Pipette Eczema Lotion, are lightweight lotions that absorb quicker than their cream counterparts.
Badreshia-Bansal and Engelman suggest a petroleum-based cream or jelly, such as the iconic Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original, as a great start for soothing your eczema flare-ups. To treat mild eczema cases, Engelman recommends thick creams and ointments, rather than lightweight lotions and gels. “If you are treating eczema on your hands or feet, consider applying petroleum jelly at night, and then covering the affected area with gloves or socks to keep it in place without ruining your linens,” she says. “For more aggressive cases, your dermatologist may prescribe hydrocortisone creams for use on the hands and feet.”
➥ The Best Ingredients for Treating Eczema
The medical experts we consulted agree that you’ll need to use a gentle eczema cream free of fragrances and dyes. “Remember, unscented is not fragrance-free, but can mean a product has a scent that is masked,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Farber, M.D. of Schweiger Dermatology Group. She and fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, highlight their favorite skincare ingredients for treating eczema.
- Dimethicone retains moisture, enhances the penetration of other beneficial ingredients, and gives an immediate soothing effect on the skin, explains Ciraldo, who also founded Dr. Loretta Skincare. This ingredient helps creams spread evenly across your skin, to boot.
- Glycerin is a humectant naturally found in the top layer of the skin and it holds many times its weight in water. Your eczema-prone skin will appreciate this hydrating ingredient, but be aware that high levels of glycerin can leave your skin feeling tacky, notes Ciraldo.
- Ceramides earned snaps from Ciraldo and Farber because they help repair the skin's barrier, lock in water, and calm the skin.
- Niacinamide (vitamin B-3) is a powerhouse ingredient that soothes inflammation associated with eczema, says Farber.
- Colloidal oatmeal is handy for treating redness and swelling caused by eczema, notes Farber.
How We Chose
We followed the dermatologists' advice for this article: Not only did they offer us a few product suggestions, but we also chose top-rated formulas that contain the soothing ingredients they recommended above. All of these eczema creams are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and leave out harsher ingredients like exfoliating acids, retinol, and fragrances.
To ensure that you get the best of the best to soothe your eczema, we also referenced the National Eczema Association's eczema product directory to make sure that these creams help your skin get better — not worse.
Cheap, readily available, and adored by multiple doctors, we immediately knew this cult classic was our best overall recommendation.
Engelman and Badreshia-Bansal agree that this 100% petroleum jelly from Vaseline is essential for everyone who has eczema. Its formula soothes dry, cracked, and itchy skin upon application, and it also helps lock in moisture for a softer, smoother feel.
Plus, online reviewers genuinely can’t enough of this eczema cream for their faces and bodies. “I had an extreme case of eczema and my dermatologist recommended forming a moisture barrier on my hands. I applied a generous amount of Vaseline to my hands, and they are now in great shape. No more itching and scratching. My hands have not been itch-free for years — Vaseline does the job,” says one enthusiastic online review.
More: 13 Soothing Rosacea Creams and Serums That Experts Swear By
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Petroleum jelly |
|---|---|
| Best For | All skin types and ages |
| Formulation | Jelly |
| Rating | 4.8-star average from over 10,000 Amazon reviews |
| Size | 13 ounces |
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Although Vanicream has been around since the ’70s, the brand went viral on TikTok after dermatologists and influencers praised the company’s affordable products. Farber says this thick eczema cream lives up to the social media hype because it has a mild formula that’s made with “the most sensitive skin” in mind. She also appreciates that it is free of parabens, dyes, fragrances, and formaldehyde.
One Amazon reviewer says before they found this eczema cream, their skin was dry and stung, and they succumbed and used a moisturizer that left their skin tomato red. “After four days of using this on my face three times a day, my face has lost 90% of the redness. It moisturizes, doesn’t turn my face red, and is very easy to wash off with just lukewarm water,” says their 5-star review.
When your eczema flares up during the balmy summer months, consider slathering on the brand’s lotion version of the cream for a lightweight and non-greasy feel (don’t worry — it’s just as effective). “This is the most inexpensive lotion I’ve ever used that helps control eczema! A friend recommended it to me, and I am thankful,” says one Amazon reviewer who uses it on their face and body.
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Petroleum |
|---|---|
| Best For | Sensitive skin |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Rating | 4.7-star average from over 33,000 Amazon reviews |
| Size | 6 fluid ounces |
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream provides soothing relief for eczema-prone skin thanks to two standout ingredients: skin-calming colloidal oatmeal and moisturizing shea butter, which contain fatty acids to help repair the skin barrier, says Farber.
Reviewers of all ages can't get enough of this eczema cream because it's gentle but incredibly effective at calming itchy, red, and inflamed skin.
One Amazon reviewer gave it a 5-star rating because it's the best eczema cream for their daughter's eczema and more effective than prescription creams they've previously tried. Another 68-year-old Amazon reviewer dealing with lifelong eczema says, "This is an amazing cream. Never have I had relief like this."
It’s also the sole option on our list to receive the green-and-white Clean at Sephora seal, which signifies the brand is transparent about sourcing its ingredients and avoids more than 50 synthetic components.
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Colloidal oatmeal |
|---|---|
| Best For | The face and body |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Rating | 4.7-star average from 8,700 Amazon reviews |
| Size | 16 fluid ounces |
Our experts also agree that Eucerin's Eczema Relief Cream is amazing for skin that's prone to bouts of dryness, flaking, and itchiness. Its ceramide-3 and licochalcone-enriched formula strengthens the skin's barrier and soothes irritated skin, calming redness and reducing that pesky itch.
With thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews, we can safely say this eczema cream is on point. In fact, one reviewer boldly declared this a "miracle cream for eczema" because after 6 weeks of use, the majority of their eczema had cleared up.
Their Amazon review says, “I had to wear cotton gloves before, as my hand was red and itchy. Now, I can make it without it. My forehead was affected too, but now it is clear. Cannot recommend it enough. It has lasted me over a month and I have used it for my daughter’s eczema as well. Brilliant stuff!!”
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Colloidal oatmeal |
|---|---|
| Best For | Dry skin and babies 3 months and older |
| Formulation | Lotion |
| Rating | 4.7-star average from over 12,400 Amazon reviews |
| Size | 8 ounces |
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream is a safe bet for those who suffer from rashes and other skin irritations. It’s so effective that Ciraldo has recommended the cream to her patients for decades.
Speaking of patients, several Amazon reviews say their dermatologists also suggest they incorporate this eczema cream into their daily routine. One reviewer says their skin became baby-soft after just two applications, while another says it’s the only lotion that healed their eczema.
“With only two applications (using gloves to help it soak in) my hands were literally baby soft, and I’m not even exaggerating!! Must be magic, I swear,” says one 5-star review. “Everybody, with eczema or not, should get this lotion!”
This steroid- and fragrance-free pick is enriched with colloidal oatmeal, and the nourishing formula also contains ceramides to restore the skin’s protective function.
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Ceramide |
|---|---|
| Best For | Extra-dry skin |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Rating | 4.8-star average from almost 10,500 Amazon reviews |
| Size | 12 ounces |
Developed by dermatologists, this non-irritating eczema cream boasts a potent combination of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated.
Beyond its impressive stats on Amazon — more than 60,300 five-star reviews alone — Farber and Ciraldo appreciate CeraVe’s ultra-gentle formula that’s perfect for sensitive skin.
Amazon reviewers also adore this eczema cream because the non-greasy formula hydrates their ultra-sensitive skin and provides much-needed relief from inflammation. “I’ve used dozens of moisturizers, oils, etc. fighting eczema — this is a thousand times better than every other moisturizer I’ve ever used,” says one reviewer.
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Best For | Normal to dry skin |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Rating | 4.8-star average from over 108,000 Amazon reviews |
| Size | 19 ounces |
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Relief Eczema Cream
Another eczema cream that’s approved by the National Eczema Association, La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Cream replenishes the skin’s essential lipids and provides instant hydration that truly lasts.
Farber is also a fan because it blends glycerin and shea butter with prebiotic thermal water to help rebalance skin.
This eczema cream has been clinically shown to relieve itchy, irritated skin and reduce signs of eczema. Plus, it can be used from head to toe for a soothing experience, no matter where your eczema flare-up is.
Need further proof? One Amazon reviewer swears by this cream to clear up long-term eczema on their eyelids. “I’ve tried lots of creams, and nothing has given me solid results until this product. Within just over 24 hours, my eyes are 75% cleared up and much less itchy,” says one 5-star Amazon review.
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Colloidal Oatmeal |
|---|---|
| Best For | Sensitive skin |
| Formulation | Lotion |
| Rating | 4.7-star average from over 2,700 Amazon reviews |
| Size | 6.76 fluid ounces |
If you're pregnant, you may want to be extra cautious about what you put on your skin. Our parenting editor, Cat Bowen, suggests that all mommies-to-be switch over to this lotion if they have eczema.
It's a fragrance-free, nontoxic eczema treatment crafted with the most sensitive skin types in mind, and is even gentle enough to use on your baby's delicate skin, too. It's also petroleum-free, steroid-free, and made of all-natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, naturally derived ceramides, and sugarcane-derived squalane.
According to one new mom’s online review, this eczema cream is also incredibly gentle on her 7-month-old baby’s skin. “His cheeks were so cracked, red, and dry. I tried sooo many different natural products (mostly balms), but after trying this lotion, his eczema calmed down within three days,” she says in her 5-star review.
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Colloidal oatmeal |
|---|---|
| Best For | Everyone, including babies |
| Formulation | Lotion |
| Rating | 4.5-star average from almost 550 Ulta reviews |
| Size | 6 ounces |
Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturizer
Cetaphil’s Eczema Soothing Moisturizer is formulated with an impressive blend of 15 different moisturizers and essential vitamins, including vitamins E, B-5, and B-3. It also received the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, so you can rest assured it’s safe for eczema-prone skin.
The hypoallergenic formula is dermatologist tested and helps maintain a hydrated, healthy skin barrier to minimize flare-ups. It also boasts a fragrance-, paraben-, and steroid-free formula that’s ideal for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
With thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews, it’s no wonder reviewers agree it’s the best eczema cream they’ve ever used. Not only do parents adore it for their young kids, but they also find it effective for adult eczema.
“The only way to soften the itchy and broken skin on my face was using steroids. I have tried multiple creams and none have worked until I got this one. It works miracles for me, I am only using this, and no more itchy or dry skin for me anymore,” says one 5-star review.
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Colloidal oatmeal |
|---|---|
| Best For | Combination, sensitive, dry, and normal skin |
| Formulation | Lotion |
| Rating | 4.7-star average from over 6,900 Amazon reviews |
| Size | 10 fluid ounces |
Just because you have eczema doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to some luxe skincare products. This opulent cream from Tatcha contains natural Japanese indigo extract, which calms and soothes the skin.
Like many others on our list, it contains colloidal oatmeal, which is recognized by the FDA for eczema relief. It's also formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to seal in moisture, while mondo grass root rebalances your skin's microbiome and adds a welcome glow factor.
Sephora reviewers say it’s worth splurging on this eczema cream because it tackles both eczema and signs of aging. “This is by far my favorite moisturizer I have ever used. This makes my skin feel smooth, lessens redness, and generally makes me almost completely flake-free,” says one reviewer who uses tretinoin on their sensitive, eczema-, and acne-prone skin. “Tatcha Indigo Cream has resolved my eczema, and I find that I value it even more than my La Mer,” adds another reviewer.
Key Specs
| Main Ingredient | Japanese indigo extract |
|---|---|
| Best For | Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Rating | 4.6-star average from over 1,000 Sephora reviews |
| Size | 1.7 ounces |
We can't express this enough: You must wear sunscreen every day, even if you have eczema. But we know some formulas can be harsher than others, which is why we recommend this National Eczema Association-approved sunscreen.
This mineral sunscreen formula leaves out all of the harsh chemicals but still provides broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection through naturally sourced titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. This formula gets bonus points for its water-resistant, hypoallergenic, fragrance- and oil-free formula that all skin types can enjoy.
Several parents dropped 5-star Amazon reviews highlighting how effective this cheap mineral sunscreen is at providing sun protection and preventing eczema flare-ups. “[It] helped with daughter’s eczema spots in the sun. Several sunscreens were burning my daughter’s skin when put on or around her eczema spots. This sunscreen has not done that, and I feel safe using it on her,” says one 5-star review.
Key Specs
| Main Ingredients | Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| Best For | All skin types |
| Formulation | Lotion |
| Rating | 4.5-star average from over 4,950 Amazon reviews |
| Size | 3 fluid ounces |
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.
Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
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