:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hlt-ezcema-creams-test-pipette-baby-julia-warren-03-7314e13e674448d2a26ac24c8b1b9d53.jpeg "The 8 Best Eczema Creams of 2024")
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 30% of the U.S. population. 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 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.
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Target
Why We Like It
Multiple dermatologists we spoke to were quick to recommend this CeraVe product for eczema—for the ingredients it contains and the ones it doesn’t (just as important to avoid exacerbating irritation of sensitive skin).
Colloidal oatmeal and hyaluronic acid, help instantly relieve symptoms such as dry, itchy skin by intensely moisturizing the rash, while ceramides help restore your broken skin barrier so it can retain that moisture, explains Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology in Rutherford, New Jersey.
After testing it ourselves, it was clear why CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil is so universally loved. Our editor says her skin felt immediately soothed and calmed from the very first time she applied it, and after two weeks of daily use, she had never been more impressed with a lotion for my eczema.
We also love that it’s free of fragrance, which Dr. Geria says is “an enemy” of eczema since it can cause flare-ups. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and accepted by the National Eczema Association.
It’s Worth Noting
- Those expecting a rich oil may be disappointed by the lightweight consistency.
Product Details:
- Size: 8 oz
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
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![CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil displayed on a marble bathroom counter]()
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Health / Ashleigh Morley
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Health / Ashleigh Morley
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Walmart
Why We Like It
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 editor) and doesn’t burn, sting, or leave a greasy residue.
Known for its healing properties, petrolatum forms a barrier around dry skin to lock in moisture. Combined with shea butter, it’s 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 eczema sufferer (especially on the hands), our editor said finding this Vaseline cream felt like a miracle. After using it throughout the day for two weeks, she 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.
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.
Product Details:
- Size: 3.4 oz
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, petrolatum, shea butter
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Health
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Amazon
Why We Like It
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.
If you have severely dry skin, this intensive balm will soften, comfort, and form a protective barrier, thanks to topical lipids like ceramides, which studies show is a key ingredient for improving atopic dermatitis (eczema) and supporting skin barrier function.
This fragrance-free product is an overall great choice for eczema sufferers looking for a formula that also contains zinc to help tone down redness and heal dry spots.
It’s Worth Noting
- It’s like smearing butter on your skin—it’s thick, greasy, and oily, per our editor who tested it.
Product Details:
- Size: 16.7 fl oz
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, ceramides, zinc
- Formulation: Balm
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Health / Donna Freydkin
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Amazon
Why We Like It
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, plus organic honey and aloe vera to soften and hydrate.
Dr. Geria recommends this body lotion for those with dry, cracked skin and our staffer, who gets minor flare-ups of eczema from dry climate and frequent handwashing, found it effective at getting rid of dryness and red bumps.
It’s Worth Noting
- Though it’s fragrance-free (meaning no artificial fragrance was added, which is important for eczema-prone skin since added fragrance can cause flare-ups), it does have a naturally occurring light, earthy scent thanks to the cocoa butter and honey. We found it to smell pretty yummy but it may not be for everyone.
- It also has a very thick texture, so you have to rub it in vigorously.
Product Details:
- Size: 16 oz
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, honey, shea butter
- Formulation: Lotion
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Health / Donna Freydkin
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Amazon
Why We Like It
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, Pipette Baby Eczema Cream may be a great alternative (don’t let the name fool you—it’s formulated for babies and children but can be used for adults, too!). It’s much more lightweight and sinks into skin immediately without leaving any residue behind.
While it contains ultra-soothing colloidal oatmeal and skin barrier-supporting ceramides like other eczema creams, it’s uniquely formulated with proprietary sugarcane-derived squalane to moisturize dry skin. Squalene (with an e) is a lipid naturally produced by oil glands in our skin to help keep it moisturized and protected. Squalane (with an a) is the plant-based form of squalene. It mimics the skin’s natural oils but is much lighter (so it’s a better option for acne-prone skin) and has a longer shelf life. Since it also has anti-inflammatory properties, squalane can help reduce the redness associated with eczema, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
It’s Worth Noting
- This product definitely calmed eczema patches on our staffer’s son after a few uses (i.e. moisturized and relieved redness)—but the thinner consistency may not be as effective for severe flare-ups compared to thicker formulations that form a more noticeable barrier around skin.
- Still, we recommend it 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
Health / Julia Warren
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Amazon
Why We Like It
This moisturizing cream is part of Aveeno’s 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. Colloidal oatmeal is also an anti-inflammatory, which can have direct calming effects on the inflammatory component of eczema, says Dr. Castilla.
Also containing ceramides, this formula packs a one-two punch of key ingredients to soothe and support inflamed skin. It provided quick relief for our staffer who experiences mild eczema flares on her hands and wrists, and very quickly minimized redness.
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.
Product Details:
- Size: 12 oz
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
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![Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream os being tested on hand while it lies on the bathroom counter]()
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Health / Marisa Viglione
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Health / Marisa Viglione
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Amazon
Why We Like It
Recommended by multiple dermatologists, this formulation is simple, effective, and suitable for a variety of inflammatory skin conditions.
Why do derms love it so much?
Developed by dermatologists, its “bland” formulation is free of “superfluous” ingredients, says board-certified dermatologist Todd Minars, MD, with Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, Florida, who says Vanicream is his most preferred brand for eczema, as well as patients with sensitive skin in general.
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.
Our staffer found it effective for reducing itchiness. It worked, reduced her flare after the first application, and then helped it continue to heal with repeated use.
It’s Worth Noting
- We did experience some relief while using this product—especially when it came to calming itchiness—but wasn’t as moisturizing and soothing as some of the 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.
Product Details:
- Size: 2 oz
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocortisone
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Health / Ashleigh Morley
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Amazon
Why We Like It
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. 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. Somewhere between lightweight and heavy, the consistency is just right and blends nicely into the skin.
It has amino acids to support the skin barrier and antioxidants to fend off free radical damage to skin cells and our editor says her skin immediately felt moisturized and hydrated as soon as she worked it in.
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.
- Though our editor who tested it experienced a “modest” improvement in her eczema flares, it wasn’t as quick or as effective as other products.
Product Details:
- Size: 6.7 oz
- Key Ingredients: Spring water, arginine, vitamin E
- Formulation: Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Health / Ashleigh Morley
To find the best eczema creams, we first spoke to experts about what to look for in these products, including:
- Carmen Castilla, MD, board-certified dermatologist 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
- Todd Minars, MD, board-certified dermatologist with Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, Florida
- Claire Wolinsky, MD, board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
With expert input from Dr. Wolinsky, a group of Health team members who have eczema-prone skin vigorously 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:
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.”
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 can be tempting, but it’s not a good idea for people with eczema-prone skin, says Dr. Geria. 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.
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.
- 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.
Lacey Muinos is a skin health and beauty writer. She’s no stranger to bouts of sensitive, dry, red, and itchy skin, so she understands some of the frustrations of eczema. Through her research and interviews with dermatologists, she’s found relief with fragrance-free creams.
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