These lotions are thick and long-lasting enough to soothe and ease eczema.
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Eczema is a common skin condition affecting over 30 million Americans and around 10% of the world's population. Eczema can cause dry, flaky, rough, and red skin, says Rebecca Marcus, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei Md. She adds that it usually shows up on areas like the back of your knees, inside your wrists, and elbows, but it can also appear in other areas such as your hands and face. While eczema has several causes, including genetics, no cure exists. However, a few simple treatments can help ease the symptoms of eczema—such as itching, redness, and dryness. The best eczema lotions and creams provide topical therapy that helps restore the skin's barrier, lock in moisture, and reduce inflammation.
To find the best options, we spoke with experts and tested 16 lotions to evaluate their efficacy, texture, and value. A dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy.
Each type has various benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right kind is important. We include various kinds of treatments in this story.
Angie Seelal, registered physician's assistant (RPA-C), says occlusives, humectants, and emollients are great in over-the-counter (OTC) creams. (Broadly speaking, occlusives form a barrier on your skin, humectants draw in humidity, and emollients moisturize and protect.) Petrolatum and silicone derivatives like dimethicone are examples of occlusive, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid are two humectants. Lastly, shea butter, colloidal oatmeal, and ceramides are effective moisturizing emollients. However, avoid colloidal oatmeal if you have an oat allergy, as it could trigger an adverse reaction.
Avoid glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and alcohol. They can dry and irritate the skin, says Kemuto Mokaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas. Dr. Mokaya also suggests you avoid fragrances (including essential oils), vitamin A derivatives (like retinol and retinoids), parabens, and formaldehyde.
Check the product labels for potentially irritating fragrances or ingredients. If you're unsure what an ingredient is, check the National Eczema Association's glossary of skincare ingredients.
The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends testing all products before using them. To test a skincare product, apply a small amount to an area of your skin without eczema or atopic dermatitis and leave it on for 24 hours. If your skin remains clear after 24 hours, it’s less likely to cause an eczema flare-up.
Restores and maintains skin's moisture level
Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Takes a few minutes to absorb
Active Ingredients: Petrolatum, sorbitol, cetearyl alcohol | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Cream
In our test, Vanicream ranked best after impressing us with its instant hydration and long-lasting moisture for our eczema. We found the texture and consistency of Vanicream to be smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of thickness. It absorbed well and didn't leave behind a greasy residue. Overall, it felt very luxurious.
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream can be applied to your entire body, including the face, and can be used as often as needed. It's also non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores and is free of common allergens like dye, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde. It also has the National Eczema Association's seal of acceptance—a designation given to products evaluated and shown to be suitable for eczema sufferers.
It took longer than we would have liked for it to dry down. It is also fairly heavy, so if you want a lighter option, this may not be for you.
May not be heavy enough for severe eczema or dry skin
Slight scent may be unappealing to some
Active Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus seed oil, petrolatum, glycerin, ceramide | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Lotion
Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion is a drugstore favorite for eczema that impressed us with its ability to hydrate and keep our skin smooth all day. This lotion is enriched with Pro-vitamin B5 and sunflower oil, which is rich in antioxidants to maintain healthy-looking skin. It's also fragrance and dye-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly—perfect for daily use.
It has a light, creamy consistency that we found pleasant. We liked that it went on smoothly, coated our skin well, and left us hydrated. Also, its 24-hour formula means you can apply it once or twice daily for long-lasting results.
This may not be heavy enough for severe eczema or dry skin. Also there is a slight smell to it that some may find unappealing.
Rich in selenium, a natural antioxidant
Free of parabens, fragrance, and steroids
Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Not for children under three
Not suitable for those allergic to oats
Active Ingredients: 1% colloidal oatmeal skin protectant, niacinamide | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Cream
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Cream is a rich, fragrance-free product ideal for eczema and sensitive skin. The consistency felt rich and thick, and it was extremely hydrating and soothing on our skin during eczema flare-ups.
Its unique formula contains selenium, a natural antioxidant, to help soothe and protect the skin. Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water nourish the skin and replenish the lipid barrier. This cream is also free of parabens, fragrance, and steroids and has the National Eczema Association’s seal of acceptance. This product is suitable for children and adults over three and can be used on the face and body as often as needed to replenish and protect the skin from dryness and irritation.
This product isn't for children under the age of three. Also, you should avoid this pick if you have an oat allergy, as the colloidal oatmeal is a main ingredient and could potentially trigger an adverse reaction.
Cooling sensation instantly soothes skin
Contains manuka honey for collagen grown
Has a neutral pH similar to skin
Leaves behind a white residue
Tub packaging can be unhygienic
Active Ingredients: Aloe Vera, manuka honey, cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, vitamin B5, shea butter, Olea europaea fruit (Olive) oil, hemp seed oil, vitamin C | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Cream
This cream from Wild Naturals is our favorite for psoriasis skin, thanks to its cooling sensation that instantly soothes dry, irritated skin. This eczema cream is formulated with manuka honey to help promote collagen growth, balance skin pH, and calm redness. Other key ingredients include organic aloe vera, shea butter, and hemp seed oil—all of which have hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Our tests impressed us with its thick texture—which easily glides onto the skin without leaving a greasy residue. We appreciated the unique and pleasant, naturally derived scent of the product. Lastly, this cream is infused with vitamins B5, C, and E and provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
This product does leave behind a white residue, which we didn't love. Also the tub packaging can be unhygienic if you're sharing the product with other people.
Prebiotics help fortify the skin's natural barrier
Pump bottle is hard to use
Formula is a bit greasy
Active Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Cream
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Body Cream is a thick, hydrating eczema moisturizer that can double as a body lotion and face cream. Formulated with La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide, this cream has been clinically shown to hydrate and soothe dry, itchy skin for up to 48 hours.
Accepted by the National Eczema Association, this cream is also free of parabens, fragrances, and steroids that could further irritate eczema-prone skin. It's also non-comedogenic and won't clog pores.
We liked the cream's easy application, although the pump bottle packaging was difficult. The formula also has a slightly greasy texture that we didn't love.
Hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture
Ceramides restore the skin's natural barrier
May not be hydrating enough for dehydrated skin
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (3, 1, and 6-II), glycerin | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a rich yet lightweight eczema cream perfect for daily use. Formulated with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this cream helps to restore the skin's natural barrier and lock in moisture for up to 24 hours of hydration. We loved the creamy texture and found it wasn't greasy or heavy. It absorbed quicker than our best overall pick, too.
CeraVe is also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and free of other potential irritants like sulfates and parabens. The controlled release of ingredients ensures your skin stays hydrated throughout the day. We found it worked well as a daily moisturizer to help prevent eczema flare-ups and maintain balanced skin.
It may not be the best pick for severe eczema flares—It could stand to be more hydrating.
Maximum strength available without a prescription
Not suitable for use around the eyes
May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone acetate USP 1% | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Cream
Exederm Flare Control Cream is a maximum-strength corticosteroid product safe for adults and children over two. This cream is formulated with 1% hydrocortisone, relieving eczema flare-ups, itchiness, irritation, and swelling. It was very effective, and we loved its lack of residue. The National Eczema Association also approves it—the first and only hydrocortisone cream to receive this distinction.
If you're looking for an OTC steroid cream free of potential irritants like fragrances, dyes, parabens, and other additives—Exederm Flare Control Cream is one of our top picks.
Because this cream contains steroids, it's not suitable for use around the eyes. And while it's powerful, it may be a bit drying and not quite as hydrating as other options on this list.
Contains colloidal oatmeal for itch relief
Can be used as a spot treatment or all over
May have to apply multiple times each day
Not suitable for those allergic to oats
Active Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramide | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Balm
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Balm is a steroid-free moisturizer made with colloidal oatmeal—which binds to the skin and replenishes moisture—to soothe eczema flare-ups and itchiness. It's a balm, but the texture resembles a thick hand lotion. It went on smoothly and evenly without leaving a residue on her clothes or bedding. Aveeno also recommends this balm as a spot treatment for areas of dryness or irritation. Overall, it's an excellent choice if you're looking for a steroid-free option to calm your skin.
We didn't find it as moisturizing as other options. You may need to reapply throughout the day as needed. We also don't recommend it for anyone with an oat allergy, as this product could trigger an allergic reaction.
Contains colloidal oatmeal for itch relief
Great for both children and adults
Not suitable for those allergic to oats
Active Ingredients: 1% Colloidal oatmeal | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Balm
DermaDoctor Calm Cool Corrected Eczema Repair Balm is an advanced, clinical-strength balm formulated with a potent blend of ingredients to soothe eczema flare-ups and restore moisture. This balm was very effective during testing, and we appreciated the tub packaging, making it easy to apply and take.
This pick contains colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and botanicals like black currant and borage seed oils—all of which work together to calm, cool, and repair the skin. If you're looking for a powerful repair balm suitable for head-to-toe use, this DermaDoctor option is worth considering.
It's a bit pricey, so it may not be the best option if you're on a budget. Also, this pick isn't suitable for people with an oat allergy.
Prebiotics nourish the skin's microbiome
Contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe skin
Not suitable for those allergic to oat
Active Ingredients: 1% Colloidal oatmeal | Scent: Fragrance-free | Type: Cream
Honest Eczema Soothing Therapy is a gentle, steroid-free cream that contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and other calming ingredients to ease discomfort and restore moisture. Eczema is a common skin condition that affects many infants and children early in life—as many as 60% of people with eczema develop it before their first birthday. And while many over-the-counter eczema treatments are on the market, not all are suitable for kids. That's why we love that this pick is kid (and baby) friendly.
We liked the pasty texture, which sets this cream apart from other lotions on this list. And because it's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, the scent is light and pleasant. It's also dermatologist-approved and accepted by the National Eczema Association.
The container is small which makes it a little more pricey. It's not suitable for people allergic to oats.
We bought and tested 16 lotions for eczema. In addition to testing, we spoke to experts to discuss what to look for in a lotion for eczema. We based our test on three main criteria:
We use expert input at every step of reporting, testing, and writing this story. Here are some of the dermatologists and experts we consulted along the way.
Lotion can help relieve the symptoms of eczema by keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated. However, there's no "cure" for eczema, and the condition will often come and go throughout your lifetime. Dr. Marcus recommends following an eczema skincare routine that includes avoiding products with fragrance.
It’s best to apply lotion for eczema often—several times a day, if possible—to keep your skin hydrated and prevent flare-ups. Dr. Marcus recommends applying a fragrance-free moisturizer within three minutes of your shower or bath to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
Try soaking in a warm bath containing colloidal oatmeal for about 10 minutes to soothe your skin. While your skin is still damp, use a moisturizer formulated to protect the skin barrier. To help remove flakes, look for a lotion with ammonium lactate or alpha-hydroxy acid. Additionally, Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, recommends using topical over-the-counter hydrocortisone and regularly using topical emollients, such as Vaseline. She suggests using a humectant first to draw moisture into the skin so the emollient can lock that moisture in. This method can help people with eczema find the greatest and quickest relief.
Lindsay Modglin has written articles for Insider, Forbes, Everyday Health, and many more. As a nurse, she has a decade of clinical health and wellness experience. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring that readers have access to accurate and actionable information so they can make the best decisions for their health.
National Eczema Association. Eczema stats.
National Eczema Association. Controlling eczema by moisturizing.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis: Tips for coping.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Treat Eczema in Babies.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis: Tips for coping.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Treat Eczema in Babies.
National Eczema Association. Controlling eczema by moisturizing.
National Eczema Association. Eczema stats.
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