Eczema is a common skin concern that affects roughly 31 million people in the U.S. alone — that’s about 10% of the population, according to the National Eczema Association. The condition can be anywhere from mild to severe, but it can be cumbersome trying to navigate ways to soothe the dry, itchy skin it causes. With the right ingredients and formulas, you may be able to get some relief.
We spoke to dermatologists to learn all about eczema, what causes it and — most importantly — what you should look for in an eczema lotion. We also rounded up expert-recommended and highly rated eczema lotions that may help you find some relief.
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How we picked the best eczema lotions
To pick the best eczema lotions, we took into account whether the lotion has eczema-friendly ingredients, if it’s formulated without ingredients known to trigger the condition, how lightweight it feels on the skin and value.
- Ingredients: When dealing with eczema, it’s important to find restorative ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and hyaluronic acid that help heal, soothe, calm and hydrate the skin. It’s also important to know which ingredients to stay away from in order to prevent your eczema from worsening, so if possible, stay away from lotions with fragrances that may irritate your skin.
- Texture: When deciding which eczema moisturizer is best for you, you’ll want to consider lotions, creams and balms. Some will feel more lightweight, while others will have a thicker consistency. (More on this below.)
- Price: We included products with a range of price points.
The best lotions for eczema
We found the best lotions that are safe for eczema-prone skin. Some of the products were recommended by experts, and some were chosen based on expert advice about what to look for. We also included Select staff favorites.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This lotion from CeraVe is a favorite among dermatologists we spoke to because it has ceramides, which play a key role in protecting the skin barrier. “This lotion has a unique blend of high-quality moisturizing agents, including ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin,” says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a dermatologist at Khrom Dermatology.
Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare-up Treatment
Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal and licorice extract in this Eucerin cream work to soothe irritated skin, says Kazlouskaya. The cream also provides a cooling sensation when you apply it to your skin, which can help calm ongoing flare-ups, according to the brand. Suitable for all eczema-prone skin types, this option is also safe for children starting from three months of age, according to Eucerin.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream with Oatmeal
This cream comes recommended by Kazlouskay because it’s made with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides, which is great for warding off eczema. Avena sativa, or oat kernel extract, is an occlusive ingredient (meaning it helps the skin hold onto moisture) that suppresses histamine release, plumps up the skin and restores the skin’s natural barrier, according to Dr. Elaine Kung, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. The cream also relieves dryness, itchiness and redness, according to the brand.
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
Vanicream’s products are designed with sensitive skin in mind. “Often when I don’t know what skin care products may be irritating my patients, I advise them to stop using everything they have at home and substitute it with the Vanicream line of products until we can figure out what their irritants are,” says Kung. “This is because Vanicream products — including this cream — are free of dyes, fragrance, parabens and formaldehyde releasers. If you’re looking for something to re-introduce hydration back into your skin without further aggravating it, this may be a gentle option.”
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm
This non-greasy balm has ceramides and vitamin C and is great for soothing itchy skin throughout the day on both your face and body, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gabriela Soza. “It also helps repair the skin barrier with a combination of humectants and occlusive moisturizers,” she says. Unlike other balms that tend to come in a tub, this one comes with a pump for easy and mess-free application.
Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Moisturizer
Kazlouskaya is a fan of this moisturizer from Cetaphil because it has colloidal oatmeal to restore the skin’s moisture barrier and reduce the uncomfortable side effects of flare-ups. The formula is also free of parabens, fragrance and steroids, according to Cetaphil.
Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm
This formula is so gentle, it’s safe for newborn skin, says Soza. “As a mother, this is huge and what I use to hydrate my baby’s eczema-prone skin,” she says. The airless pump keeps the balm sterile as you use it, so it doesn’t need preservatives to prolong its shelf life, according to the brand. This is great for those with sensitive skin: The use of preservatives can sometimes be a trigger for allergic contact dermatitis, says Soza.
Skinfix eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream
This rich cream combines 2% colloidal oatmeal and sweet almond oil to help sensitive, dry and eczema-prone skin, according to Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist and dermatopathologist. This moisturizer not only hydrates the skin but helps reduce itchiness and irritation, according to the brand.
Baby Dove Soothing Cream Lotion
This thick yet non-greasy formula is fit for newborns and adults alike, says the brand. It's free of common eczema irritants like synthetic fragrances, sulfates, dyes and parabens, and uses colloidal oatmeal and prebiotic moisturizers to strengthen the skin barrier and minimize itchiness and dryness, according to Dove.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer
This moisturizer comes recommended by Kazlouskaya and Mamina because of its hydrating combination of ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and shea butter. It also contains thermal water, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, according to Mamina. You can use this cream on both your face and body, and it’s suitable for everyone of all ages, including those as young as two weeks old, says Mamina.
Theraplex Eczema Therapy
This option from Theraplex has a combination of petrolatum and colloidal oatmeal and, as a whole, has a minimal number of ingredients, making it great for those with very sensitive skin, says Mamina. The cream, which is designed for eczema, dry skin and dermatitis, protects the skin barrier, soothes the skin and hydrates it all at once, according to the brand.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm
This balm is a favorite among Soza’s patients because of its soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal. The thick balm helps moisturize your skin throughout the night while also relieving itchiness, according to the brand. Soza recommends keeping your tub in the fridge because the cooling effect helps soothe irritated and itchy skin, according to Soza.
GladSkin Eczema Cream
If you’re looking for a dual-purpose moisturizer for the face and body, consider this option recommended by Kazlouskaya. This cream has Endolysin SA, which is “a small protein that fights ‘bad’ bacteria on the skin and balances the microbiome, helping to reduce itching in patients with eczema,” says Kazlouskaya. It also has traditional moisturizers like glycerin, petrolatum, mineral oil and colloidal oatmeal.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
This balm moisturizes and soothes irritated, chafed, cracked and dry skin, and protects it from further irritation with the help of hydrating ingredients like panthenol, glycerin and shea butter, according to Mamina. This option is suitable for babies as young as a week old, children and adults, and it can be used as a spot treatment on your face and body, according to the brand.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Intense Hydration
This thick cream helps combat dryness and irritation for those with eczema-prone, sensitive and damaged skin, according to the brand. It has colloidal oatmeal, which treats eczema and repairs the skin barrier, shea butter for moisture and barrier protection and allantoin to calm the skin, according to First Aid Beauty. This moisturizer has a 4.6-star average review from 4,300 reviews at Ulta, and you can use it on both your face and body.
How to shop for eczema lotions
Though eczema can be finicky to treat, lotions can help make the condition more manageable, dermatologists told us. There are two main formula types to be on the lookout for: ones that reduce and soothe the symptoms of eczema (like inflammation, dryness and itchiness) and ones that work to repair and maintain your skin barrier.
Types of moisturizers
If you suffer from eczema, you want to opt for thicker moisturizers, including creams, balms and ointments, according to Soza. Ointments and balms are going to be more occlusive, which means they are retaining water and minimizing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is especially important for those dealing with eczema who may need to repair the damaged skin barrier, says Soza. Also, ointments and balms tend to be more soothing when applied to irritated skin, according to Soza. Options with a more liquid-like consistency may not be as hydrating as thicker, creamier moisturizers because they tend to have a higher alcohol content, says Soza.
Ingredients
One common ingredient among products geared toward healing eczema is colloidal oatmeal. The ingredient, which is made of ground-up oat kernels, helps relieve the common side effects of eczema, such as inflammation and itchiness, as well as keep your skin barrier intact to prevent future damage and moisture loss. One study found that even low amounts of colloidal oatmeal helped soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier among eczema patients.
Other ingredients to look for include humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol that work to attract and hold water in the skin, according to Kazlouskaya. You’ll also want to find moisturizers with emollients like butters, oils and ceramides can also help make the skin smoother by filling in the “gaps” between skin cells, says Kazlouskaya. Plus, these ingredients are ideal for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis because they can help relieve itchiness, dryness and scaling on the skin. Lastly, to strengthen your skin barrier, occlusive ingredients like lanolin, squalane and petrolatum jelly will help create a film on the skin’s surface and prevent transepidermal water loss.
Just as important as what’s inside an eczema lotion is what’s not in it. Consider avoiding irritants, allergens, solvents, surfactants and sensitizing preservatives if you’re battling eczema, as these can trigger a flare-up, according to Kung. Specifically, the National Eczema Organization recommends avoiding products containing fragrances (a common contact allergen), essential oils and plant extracts (which can lead to skin rashes) and ethanol (or alcohol, which can cause drying, stinging or burning in people with sensitive skin).
Season
When choosing a product for your eczema-prone skin, keep in mind the time of year. “While lotions are good for summer and hot weather, thicker, richer textures such as creams, ointments and balms should be used in the winter time,” says Kazlouskaya. And if moisturizing alone doesn’t help control your eczema, you may find it helpful to pay a visit to your dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
What is eczema?
"Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that, in its mildest form, causes redness, itching, irritability and dry skin ," explained Dr. Elaine Kung , dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology. "For more severe forms of eczema, the skin can weep, blister, scale, crust or harden."
There are seven different types of eczema, some of which are more common than others (like atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis). Each type of eczema has its own unique form of treatment, but in all cases, the condition isn't contagious. Before you try any lotions for symptom relief, you should always consult your dermatologist about your best treatment options.
What causes eczema?
According to Kung, eczema is the result of a complex interplay between a person's genetics and their environment. "Eczema involves an overactive immune response to environmental triggers like pollen, sun exposure and prolonged exposure to hot water," she said. It doesn't help if your skin barrier (the outermost layer of skin responsible for shielding the skin against such factors) isn't in tip-top shape. “An impaired skin barrier makes people more susceptible to these environmental irritants and allergens," Kung explained.
Extreme weather conditions can also trigger or worsen eczema. Extremely hot or cold temperatures can cause irritation and weaken the skin barrier, making it less apt to protect your skin and lock in moisture. This also applies to water temperature, so stick to lukewarm water when you bathe or shower (versus piping hot or freezing cold).
As far as eczema's genetic component, some research suggests that the two are connected. Studies have found that atopic dermatitis (one form of eczema) is linked to other inflammatory conditions like asthma, allergies, and hay fever. This means that if you have eczema, you may be at a greater risk of developing one of these conditions and vice versa — but not in all cases.
How do you apply an eczema lotion?
Application method is unique to everyone, but generally speaking, "moisturizers help skin retain moisture, so they are most effective when applied on damp skin after a shower," Kung said. That being said, you should also treat dry, irritable, cracked skin as often as needed — your lotion application shouldn’t just be limited to post-shower.
How do you help prevent eczema breakouts?
How can you keep your skin barrier intact so that it can actually perform its skin-protecting duties and keep eczema at bay? For one, keep exfoliation — especially physical exfoliation — to a minimum. Products that fall into the category of physical exfoliation include cleansing scrubs with solid particulates, mechanical facial brushes, sonic devices and micro-exfoliating rollers, Kung said. While these may remove the top layer of dull-looking skin, Kung explained they can be too abrasive and may disrupt the skin barrier.
Chemical exfoliants (including those that contain alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic and glycolic acid as well as beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid ) should also be kept to a minimum. If you're eczema-prone, aim for exfoliating acids in lower concentrations (under 8%) and use them no more than a few times a week.
What are other eczema treatments available over the counter?
Aside from applying OTC creams, balms and ointments, your dermatologist may suggest a bath treatment like the Aveeno soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment or wet wraps. “While wet wraps can be annoying to commit to, I have seen near miracles thanks to consistent use, and they can make a significant impact in less than a few days,” says Soza. Wet wrap therapy is when fabric wraps or gauze are soaked in water and applied to eczema areas after once is finished bathing, moisturizing and applying medication, according to the National Eczema Association .
If other OTC options are not helping or are making your eczema worse, consult with your board-certified dermatologist for a different treatment route, which may include a prescription product if necessary, according to Soza.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Viktoria Kozlovskaya, MD, PhD, is a Pittsburgh-based dermatologist who is double board-certified in dermatopathology and dermatology. Her areas of experience are in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Elaine Kung, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Future Bright Dermatology in New York. Her areas of research include treating dermatologic conditions as well as aesthetic procedures.
- Dr. Gabriela Soza, is a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City. Her areas of expertise include cosmetic and medical dermatology, including acne, melasma, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and more.
- Dr. Mamina Turegano, is a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist in Louisiana. Her areas of expertise include cosmetic and medical dermatology, including eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and more.
Why trust NBC Select?
Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. Rostamian has tested dozens of skin care formulas, including lotions for eczema. For this story, Rostamian spoke to two board-certified dermatologists. Based on their guidance and recommendations, Rostamian reviewed the features of several eczema lotions.
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