The Best Creams for Eczema: 15 Moisturizers That’ll Stop the Itch

Itching. Redness. Rashes. Burning. The effects of an eczema flare-up can range from uncomfortable to all-consuming. (Plus, conventional night creams, serums, and even sunscreens could be a trigger if you suffer from eczema.) And while there’s no permanent cure for the inflammatory skin condition, also known as atopic dermatitis, relief can be found in the form of creams and lotion that temporarily soothe the skin and reduce the symptoms that have you scratching your head—and every inch of affected skin—for solutions.

Our top picks for the best eczema creams

What to consider when buying creams for eczema

With such a huge selection of eczema creams on the market, choosing the one that’s right for you can feel overwhelming. Before committing to one—or panic-buying six different creams—here’s what you should know.

It’s all about the ingredients

Look for emollients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to boost your skin's moisture barrier. Creams with colloidal oatmeal can provide much-needed relief for irritated skin.

Avoid fragrance

Skip any creams that contain synthetic fragrances or essential oils, since they can trigger flare-ups in sensitive skin. Opt for hypoallergenic options to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Texture matters

Creams tend to be richer and more hydrating than lotions, so take that into account when shopping for an eczema cream.

How we chose the best creams for eczema

To find the very best creams for treating eczema, we kicked things off with a deep dive into the most effective skin-soothing ingredients on the market. We consulted with dermatologist Dr. Laura Scott to gain a deeper understanding of eczema, including its causes, triggers and treatment options. When selecting eczema creams, we factored in key ingredients, customer reviews and price points as well as our own personal experiences with itchy, irritated, eczema-prone skin.

What is eczema?

“Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin,” says Dr. Laura Scott. “We often call it ‘the itch that rashes’ because it starts with itching due to an impaired skin barrier, and the rash follows after scratching.”

What causes eczema?

“The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's a combination of genetic factors that cause immune dysregulation and skin barrier impairment, and environmental exposures that can trigger it,” says Dr. Scott. Annoyingly, if you’re prone to eczema, you’ll probably deal with recurring flare-ups caused by changes in the weather, stress or skincare products.

How to help prevent eczema breakouts

“While there's no guaranteed way to prevent flare-ups, there are definitely things that can help reduce the chances,” advises Dr. Scott. “These include keeping the skin moisturized with a soothing cream or balm, and avoiding triggers like fragrances, harsh detergents, certain fabrics, and secondhand smoke.” This should probably go without saying, but if you suffer from eczema and you’re a smoker, consider this your incentive to quit.

How to apply an eczema lotion

“Always make sure to apply eczema cream or balm to damp skin,” says Dr. Scott. “This way there is moisture for the cream to seal in.” Post-shower, towel off gently by patting yourself down instead of rubbing vigorously, so you don’t further irritate any affected skin, then apply a generous amount of lotion all over the body. Let it absorb before you get dressed (this is a good excuse to wrap yourself in a towel, sit on your bed and stare into space for five minutes to an hour each morning).

How eczema cream works

“A good eczema cream works in a few different ways,” says Dr. Scott. “First, it should act as an additional barrier between the skin and the environment—since the actual skin barrier is impaired in eczema—helping to prevent moisture loss. Ideally it will also have soothing ingredients that help to calm inflammation and itching, so that you get a combination of sealing in moisture, sealing out irritants, and calming inflammation to help reduce itching.”

Ingredients to look for

“Honestly, one of the easiest things to look for is the National Eczema Association Seal of Approval—they essentially have done all the hard work for you,” says Dr. Scott. “A good cream or balm will have humectants, emollients, and occlusives like glycerin, ceramides, and dimethicone, for example, as well as an anti-inflammatory ingredient like colloidal oatmeal.”

Ingredients to avoid

What’s excluded from an eczema cream is just as important as what’s in it, according to Dr. Scott. “It should not have fragrances, dyes or too many fruit extracts, or other potential allergens,” she says. The last thing you want to do is further irritate your eczema-prone skin.

How often should you use eczema cream?

When it comes to application and re-application, let your skin guide you. “It really depends on [the condition of your skin] at the time and your other habits like how frequently you bathe, but I recommend using at least once daily,” says Dr. Scott. “For severe eczema, it is often two to three times daily.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What helps eczema the most?

Restoring the skin’s barrier is crucial to alleviating the symptoms of eczema. Keep the skin hydrated with creams that contain soothing, calming ingredients, and avoid irritants like fragrance, dye, and parabens.

What foods to avoid if you have eczema?

“We know that people who have eczema do have a higher rate of having food allergies, but not everyone will,” says Dr. Scott. “In general, I recommend limiting foods that are pro-inflammatory, like high sugars, super processed foods, and some forms of dairy.” What should you be eating instead? “Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, avocado, leafy greens, and berries are great to include in your diet,” she says.

Is eczema caused by poor diet?

While there is evidence that people who have eczema tend to have a higher rate of food allergies, there is no evidence that removing specific foods from one’s diet can reduce eczema, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Does sunshine help eczema?

“While some people with eczema may find that sun exposure can help, others may find that it triggers a flare-up,” says Dr. Scott. If you choose to spend time in the sun, remember to do it safely. “It's always important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen — ideally mineral based if you have eczema—and [wear a] hat and protective clothing.”