We put more than two dozen lotions and creams to the test against our toughest eczema flares
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 30% of the U.S. population.1 It’s characterized by dry, itchy skin, but eczema symptoms can also include redness, rashes, cracking, blisters, and bleeding.
While there is no cure for eczema, experts we spoke to said that the best over-the-counter creams and balms contain ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, hydrocortisone, petrolatum, and more can help repair the skin barrier and decrease symptoms. Eczema creams are different from your regular facial moisturizers and body lotions. They’re specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin—that is, they contain the right ingredients to effectively treat skin affected by severe dryness, itchiness, redness, and sensitivity.
We researched the best eczema creams and consulted dermatologists who shared their recommendations for eczema treatments based on clinical experience before we tested and reviewed them based on our first-hand experience of using them on our eczema-prone skin. A board-certified dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
Best Overall
CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil
Why We Like It
- Colloidal oatmeal soothes discomfort and supports skin barrier health.
It’s Worth Noting
- Those expecting a rich oil may be disappointed by the lightweight consistency.
Multiple dermatologists we spoke to were quick to recommend this CeraVe product for eczema. They were fond of the ingredients it includes (which soothe and moisturize dry, itchy skin) and the ingredients it leaves out (which help it avoid exacerbating irritation).
“This product contains ceramides that help restore a broken skin barrier, allowing the skin to retain moisture,” explains Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology in Rutherford, New Jersey. “It also contains colloidal oatmeal and hyaluronic acid, which helps to instantly relieve symptoms such as dry, itchy skin by intensely moisturizing the rash.”
We love that it’s free of fragrance, which Dr. Geria says is “an enemy” of eczema since it can cause flare-ups. It’s also non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and accepted by the National Eczema Association.
After we tested it ourselves, we gave CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil a perfect rating. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more impressed with any lotion for my eczema,” our tester said after two weeks of daily use. “When I applied it the first time, my skin immediately felt soothed and calmed.”
Product Details:
- Size: 8 oz
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Burning Skin
Vaseline Clinical Care Eczema Calming Therapy Cream
Why We Like It
- Known for its healing properties, petrolatum forms a barrier around dry skin to lock in moisture.
It’s Worth Noting
- After applying, it needs a few minutes to soak in, which can leave skin feeling wet and messy until it dries down.
Though it’s made by Vaseline, this eczema cream isn’t your typical petroleum jelly. It has a soft, creamy texture (likened to melted ice cream by our tester) and doesn’t burn, sting, or leave a greasy residue.
“This Vaseline eczema cream contains petrolatum and shea butter, which are intensely hydrating and can repair chapped skin associated with eczema flares,” explains Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
A decades-long sufferer of eczema (especially on the hands), our tester said finding this product “feels like a miracle.” After using this product throughout the day for two weeks, our tester experienced soft and smooth hands for the first time in years. If you routinely experience burning, stinging, cracking, and irritation from eczema, this cream may be for you.
Product Details:
- Size: 3.4 oz
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, petrolatum, shea butter
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Extremely Dry Skin
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Nourishing Balm
Why We Like It
- If you have severely dry skin, this balm will soften, comfort, and form a protective barrier around the skin.
It’s Worth Noting
- It’s like smearing butter on your skin—it’s thick, greasy, and oily, per our tester.
If you can get past the greasy texture, we think this stuff is great. It also comes recommended by multiple dermatologists for its protective and reparative properties.
“This intensive balm acts as a barrier, making the skin feel soft and protected,” Dr. Geria says. “Containing zinc, this product helps minimize the appearance of redness and dry spots. It’s an overall great choice for eczema because it restores skin comfort.”
This balm is ideal for eczema-prone skin because it’s fragrance-free and contains lipids, which help to repair a damaged skin barrier, says Dr. Castilla. Topical lipids like ceramides can be an effective way to improve atopic dermatitis (eczema) and support skin barrier function.2
If you’ve tried many products to no avail, we’re confident this will work for you. “Eczema has no chance against this monster of a cream,” our tester said.
Product Details:
- Size: 16.7 fl oz
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, ceramides, zinc
- Formulation: Balm
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best Scented
Eczema Honey Oatmeal Body Lotion
Why We Like It
- It softens and hydrates dry skin with gentle ingredients like cocoa butter, aloe vera, and honey.
It’s Worth Noting
- It has a very thick texture, so you have to rub it in vigorously.
Those looking for an eczema cream on the more natural side of the spectrum might gravitate towards this one by Eczema Honey, a manufacturer that formulates clean skin care products for eczema-prone skin. The formula, which is accepted by the National Eczema Association, relies on 1% colloidal oatmeal to soothe itching, cocoa butter to nourish skin with beneficial fatty acids, and honey to soften and hydrate.
Our tester, who gets minor flare-ups of eczema from dry climate and frequent handwashing, found this lotion effective at getting rid of dryness and red bumps. “This cream really did the trick,” our tester said. “It definitely worked.”
Dr. Geria recommends this body lotion for those with dry, cracked skin from eczema for both what it does and doesn’t contain. “This product does not contain harsh, harmful chemicals but instead contains ingredients like hydrating cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe vera, and organic honey,” he says.
Though it’s fragrance-free, our tester noted that it has a light, earthy scent. It also has a thick, greasy residue, though it soaks in eventually.
Product Details:
- Size: 16 oz
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, honey, shea butter
- Formulation: Lotion
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best with Quick Absorption
Pipette Eczema Lotion
Why We Like It
- It sinks into skin immediately without leaving any residue behind.
It’s Worth Noting
- The thinner consistency may not be as moisturizing and effective as thicker formulations that form a more noticeable barrier around skin.
A trend that we experienced with eczema creams (and one that seems common in user reviews, too) is thick textures that sit on the skin before fully soaking in. If a thick, greasy consistency is a deal breaker for you, the Pipette Baby Eczema Cream is much more lightweight and quicker to absorb. And, don’t let the name fool you—it’s formulated for babies and children but can be used for adults, too.
While it contains ultra-soothing colloidal oatmeal and skin barrier-supporting ceramides like other eczema creams, it’s uniquely formulated with squalane to moisturize dry skin. Squalane, the plant-based form of squalene, is a skin-identical ingredient. It mimics compounds naturally found in the skin, so its benefits are more easily realized. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, squalane can help reduce the redness associated with eczema, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“This lotion did calm my son’s eczema after 2 – 3 uses,” our tester said, noting that it moisturized and relieved redness but took longer to yield visible results than thicker products. Still, we recommend this product for anyone looking for a lightweight eczema moisturizer, especially under makeup since it disappears quickly.
Product Details:
- Size: 6 fl oz
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, colloidal oatmeal, ceramides
- Formulation: Lotion
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Kids
Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Blam
Why We Like It
- Formulated without fragrance, parabens, and phthalates, it’s safe for children.
It’s Worth Noting
- It leaves skin feeling soft but also leaves a small layer of sticky residue.
While anyone can experience eczema, its prevalence peaks in childhood, according to the National Eczema Association. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that eczema affects up to 25% of children with up to 60% of children with eczema developing it during the first 12 months of their lives.
So, what to do if you notice the first signs and symptoms of eczema on your baby or child? A dermatologist can help you develop a treatment plan, which may include topical creams and balms. This one by Mustela is specifically formulated for young children with eczema-prone skin with soothing and nourishing ingredients like sunflower seed oil, avocado, squalane, and ceramides.
Petrolatum gives it its balmy consistency, which makes it effective at forming a protective barrier around the skin but also comes with a slightly greasy feeling. It’s free of ingredients that commonly trigger an eczema flare-up, including fragrance, parabens, and phthalates.
We think this is a great option for parents that are looking for child-appropriate lotions that don’t contain harmful ingredients. It’s also hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists and pediatricians to keep delicate baby skin soft and comfortable.
Product Details:
- Size: 6.76 fl oz
- Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, sunflower seed oil, avocado
- Formulation: Balm
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Daily Use
Aveeno Eczema Moisturizing Cream
Why We Like It
- It has a simple ingredient list featuring colloidal oatmeal and ceramides to soothe and support inflamed skin.
It’s Worth Noting
- While it’s great for an everyday cream for mild cases, it may not be effective enough for more severe eczema flare-ups.
Aveeno has an eczema-friendly product line formulated with oat kernel oils and extracts to soothe dry, irritated skin. These ingredients, which make up colloidal oatmeal, have been shown to improve eczema symptoms like dryness by strengthening the skin barrier.3
“Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream is a simple formulation with colloidal oatmeal that can help soothe eczema-prone skin,” says Dr. Castilla. “Colloidal oatmeal is anti-inflammatory, which can have direct calming effects on the inflammatory component of eczema.”
Our tester, who experiences mild eczema flares on the hands and wrists, found relief with this product. “The cream definitely helped clear up a flare-up of my eczema, and worked very quickly to minimize the redness,” our tester said, noting that it’s likely best suited for mild flares instead of severe cases.
Product Details:
- Size: 12 oz
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best with Hydrocortisone
Vanicream Anti-Itch Cream
Why We Like It
- Recommended by multiple dermatologists, this formulation is simple, effective, and suitable for a variety of inflammatory skin conditions.
It’s Worth Noting
- Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used to treat eczema symptoms, but some people prefer to avoid it due to its potential side effects.
“Vanicream is my most preferred brand for eczema,” says Dr. Minars. “It’s formulated by dermatologists, and it’s actually what dermatologists recommend for patients with eczema and sensitive skin in general.” He says part of what makes this product so effective for eczema is its “bland” formulation. It’s free of “superfluous” ingredients, he says.
Labeled as an anti-itch cream, it’s formulated with 1% hydrocortisone—the maximum concentration in over-the-counter skin care products. Hydrocortisone soothes itchiness and flare-ups of inflammation from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. And we did experience some relief while using this product. “It reduced my flare after the first application and then helped it continue to heal with repeated use,” our tester said, noting that it helped reduce itchiness but wasn’t as moisturizing and soothing as other products.
Some people have concerns about using corticosteroids like hydrocortisone due to the potential side effects, but using them as needed to keep eczema flares at bay was shown to be safe in a 2021 umbrella review.4
Product Details:
- Size: 2 oz
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocortisone
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Mild Eczema
Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
Why We Like It
- Somewhere between lightweight and heavy, the consistency is just right and blends nicely into the skin.
It’s Worth Noting
- It’s likely a better option for someone with mild eczema, and may not be the most effective for moderate or severe flare-ups.
The first ingredient in most creams and lotions is water, and sometimes, the type of water can make a noticeable difference. Avène uses thermal spring water as the base of its XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream to soothe, soften, and calm the skin. Research has shown that thermal spring water can have beneficial effects on sensitive skin—it can reduce dehydration, stress, and sensitivity. However, there isn’t much research on thermal spring water and its effect on eczema-prone skin.5 Still, this product is approved by the National Eczema Association for its efficacy.
For general dryness or mild eczema, you may enjoy the hydrating properties of this cream. It has amino acids to support the skin barrier and antioxidants to fend off free radical damage to skin cells. “My skin immediately felt moisturized and hydrated as soon as I worked this in, but it wasn’t the fastest acting or best at treating my eczema flares,” our tester said. Though our tester experienced a “modest” improvement, it wasn’t as effective as other products.
Product Details:
- Size: 6.7 oz
- Key Ingredients: Spring water, arginine, vitamin E
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Our Testing Process
To find the best eczema creams, we first spoke to experts about what to look for in these products including:
- Board-certified dermatologist Carmen Castilla, MD, with New York Dermatology Group in New York City
- Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology in Rutherford, New Jersey
- Board-certified dermatologist Todd Minars, MD, with Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, Florida
- Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
Then we set about putting the top products on the market to the test. With expert input from Dr. Wolinsky, a group of Health team members who have eczema-prone skin tested more than two dozen topical skin care products for eczema.
Each tester was instructed to take a “before” photo of the skin affected by eczema. Then, testers used the designated eczema cream on their skin for two weeks, according to manufacturer instructions. Per Dr. Wolinsky’s insight, testers could expect to see improvements in as little as 24 hours for mild cases or up to one week.
During the two-week period, our team took note of how the product applied to their skin and how it felt—whether it went on smoothly and felt comfortable. After the testing period, our team took “after” photos to determine the effectiveness of the products. We mentioned any differences that we could see or feel and whether the product was effective enough to become part of our regular eczema skin care regimen. At the end of the test, we rated the products on efficacy, texture, and value.
Ingredients to Look For
Based on recommendations from National Eczema Association and dermatologists we spoke to, you should look for the following ingredients in a cream or lotion for eczema:
- Oats or colloidal oatmeal
- Hydrocortisone
- Ceramides
- Shea butter
- Aloe vera
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Petrolatum
- Vitamin E
Some of these ingredients, such as petrolatum, can leave a greasy feeling on the skin. While a little uncomfortable, this may be a good thing. “Look for products that have a greasy feel,” says Dr. Geria. “The more oil in a product, the more beneficial it is for eczema.”
For the Quickest Results
If you’re not sure where to start, hydrocortisone creams may be a good starting point for quicker results. “I highly recommend starting twice a day with a medicated product containing hydrocortisone 1% to targeted areas that are inflamed,” recommends Dr. Wolinsky. “After the skin is no longer red and flaky, follow up with the use of a moisturizer containing ingredients like petrolatum and ceramides to maintain the skin barrier and prevent future eczema flares.”
Ingredients to Avoid
Certain ingredients, however, can trigger an eczema flare-up. Generally, you’ll want to avoid the following ingredients, which can be drying or otherwise irritating to eczema-prone skin:
- Fragrance
- Dye
- Essential oils
- Retinol or retinoids
- Lanolin
- Urea
“Fragrance might be appealing for those without eczema, however, it is an enemy for those with it,” Dr. Geria says. Eczema can mean a higher rate of contact dermatitis, an itchy rash, or an allergic reaction that occurs after coming in contact with something such as an ingredient or product. Fragrance is one of those triggers because the term “fragrance” is a catch-all for undisclosed ingredients. So, dermatologists generally recommend fragrance-free creams for eczema.
Less Is More
If you have extremely sensitive skin, Dr. Castilla says it may be best to avoid long ingredient lists altogether and stick to short ones. “Simple formulations with fewer ingredients are also ideal for eczema-prone skin. Fewer ingredients and fewer additives are less likely to cause irritation,” she says. And, Dr. Minars agrees: “The fewer ingredients, the better!”
When Should You Use Eczema Cream?
You can use an eczema cream daily—even multiple times per day. “Eczema creams can be applied as often as one needs,” Dr. Geria says. “Although it can be tedious, additional applications will pay off as they can prevent or relieve eczema flare-ups.”
The dermatologists we spoke to recommend moisturizing eczema-prone skin at least once per day, but ideally twice. More importantly, always moisturize when you get out of the shower. “For the best results, apply within the first 2 – 3 minutes after exiting the bath or shower,” Dr. Minars explains. “This is known as the Two-Minute Rule and it’s this wonderful window where topical products are absorbed into the skin very effectively.” This is when humectants like hyaluronic acid are most effective, he says.
More Eczema Creams to Consider
While these creams didn’t live up to our expectations enough to make it on our list of best picks, they still may be of interest to you.
- Evereden Healing Eczema Treatment: This eczema cream for sensitive baby faces uses colloidal oatmeal to soothe discomfort. We found it effective at moisturizing and clearing up redness on children but found the consistency greasy and difficult to rub in. For the size, it’s not the best value.
- Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare Up Treatment: We think this treatment is an effective moisturizer but doesn’t soothe eczema symptoms like itchiness. It may be beneficial for general dryness, but we saw no immediate difference on eczema-prone skin.
- Skinfix Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream: We saw a difference after one day of using this product. After stopping use of this product, we found that eczema was quick to return. So it works, however, the thick texture was a deterrent and it had an unpleasant smell.