Best Creams For Eczema – Our Top 15 Picks Of 2021
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common, chronic, non-infectious skin condition characterized by itchy rashes, redness, inflammation, and pain (1). Atopic Dermatitis (AD) affects up to 20% of children and 3% of adults (2). Dermatologists often suggest starting with a basic treatment that can help treat the itching and rashes.
In addition to the treatment, humectants and skin-protecting creams can also help control eczema flare-ups and treat acute symptoms. This article lists the 15 best eczema creams that can help ease the discomfort associated with your condition. Take a look.
Table Of Contents
15 Best Eczema Creams
1. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
The Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream is a clinically-proven formula that soothes dry, itchy, and irritated skin. It reduces inflammation and redness associated with eczema. The moisturizing formula contains oatmeal, glycerin, and petrolatum that make skin smooth. The ceramides and fatty acids in the product create a protective shield on the epidermal layer of the skin. They also seal the skin moisture and make it soft and supple. The active oatmeal formula maintains the skin’s pH levels and helps heal the dryness.
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Approved by the National Eczema Association
- Allergy-tested
- Steroid-free
- Free from artificial fragrances
- Best for daily use
- Gentle for babies and children
Cons
- May have a fishy smell
2. Best Fast-Acting Formula: EmuaidMAX First Aid Ointment
The EmuaidMax First Aid Ointment is a fast-acting cream that provides relief from resistant skin conditions like eczema, fungal infection, and psoriasis. It reduces fungus, bacteria, and molds on contact and eliminates 99.9% bacteria within a minute. It contains Argentum Metallicum, a topical antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal ingredient that soothes the skin. The natural soothing formula contains Bacillus ferment, tea tree oil, and vitamin E that moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation, itchiness, and redness. The ointment is made in an FDA-registered homeopathic medicine facility and is meant to heal target cells naturally.
Key Ingredients: Argentum Metallicum, tea tree oil, Bacillus ferment
Pros
- Dermatologically-tested
- Eliminates 99.9% of bacteria
- Fast-acting ointment
- Safe and natural ingredients
- Penetrates immediately
- A strong healing power
- Gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin
Cons
None
3. Best Non-Greasy Formula: Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream
The Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream is formulated with colloidal oatmeal, ceremide-3, and licorice root extract that relieve the skin itching and dryness associated with eczema. The ultra-nourishing, anti-bacterial formula breaks the itch-scratch cycle of eczema, and soothes and heals the skin. This is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. The cream is safe for daily use. It is suitable for both infants (3 months and older) and adults.
Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramide-3, licorice root extract
Pros
- Keeps you flare-free for 6 months
- Suitable for infants, kids, and adults
- Steroid-free
- Fragrance-free
- Free from synthetic dyes
- Offers a protective shield
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Delivers 24-hour hydration
Cons
None
4. Neosporin Eczema Essentials Daily Moisturizing Cream
The Neosporin Eczema Essentials Daily Moisturizing Cream is clinically proven to restore skin health in just 3 days. The active ingredient in the cream is 1% colloidal oats that act as a skin protectant. The cream temporarily heals skin irritation and itchiness. It has a unique RELIPID formula that contains fatty acids, emollients, humectants, and botanical blends that nourish, hydrate, soothe, calm, and heal the affected area. Its non-greasy formula is safe for daily use.
Key Ingredients: 1% colloidal oats
Pros
- Steroid-free
- No antibiotics
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Blends smoothly
- Appropriate for the entire family
- Safe for daily use
- Dermatologically-tested
- Approved by the National Eczema Association
Cons
- May not be suitable for young kids
5. Advanced Healing Formula: E. RaOrganics Relief Cream
The E.RaOrganics Relief Cream is a 15-in-1 moisturizing product that heals extremely dry, cracked, and itchy skin. It contains natural and organic ingredients like blue-green algae, hemp seed oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, Manuka honey, and aloe vera. It soothes eczema, skin rashes, hives, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other similar skin conditions. Its balancing and restoring formula maintains the skin’s pH at 5.5 for rapid healing. The cream keeps skin moisturized for up to 12 hours and strengthens the skin fibers. The anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties of the natural botanical extracts restore skin health.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, MSM, Manuka honey, shea butter
Pros
- Keeps skin moisturized for 12 hours
- Boosts healing
- Instant, long-lasting relief
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-toxic
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy
- Contains natural ingredients
- Protects against free radicals
- Alcohol-free
- pH-balanced
- Steroid-free
Cons
- May not be ideal for treating psoriasis
- Unpleasant smell
6. Best For Chronic Dry Skin: Cetaphil Pro Restoraderm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer
The Cetaphil Pro Restoraderm Moisturizer is specially designed to soothe and calm eczema-prone skin. It is formulated with a unique combination of colloidal oatmeal, ceramide, and patented Fillagrin technology that hydrate and calm itchy, eczema-prone skin. The product contains a combination of Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA) and arginine that strengthens the skin’s protective layer and helps retain moisture. It is also infused with 15 emollient moisturizers and vitamins B5 and E that deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. It provides long-lasting relief from inflammation, swelling, redness, and pain. The moisturizer is easily absorbed deep into the skin. It improves the skin’s ability to restore vital nutrients.
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oats, ceramide, vitamins
Pros
- Offers long-lasting relief
- Approved by the National Eczema Association
- Safe for babies and older adults
- Paraben-free
- Nut oil-free
- Steroid-free
- Free from fragrances
- Gentle on the skin
- Made from a non-irritating formula
- Suitable for chronic dry skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
7. Thena Natural Wellness Healing Cream
The Thena Natural Wellness Healing Cream is a plant-based product. It contains natural ingredients that heal cracked and extremely dry skin. It soothes the symptoms of eczema and penetrates the skin layers quickly, offering instant relief. The plant-based healing ingredients contain essential fatty acids, aloe vera extract, organic shea butter, elixir blends of essential oils, MSM, and Manuka honey that repair and rejuvenate the skin’s moisture barrier. These ingredients help prevent eczema flare-ups.
Key Ingredients: Botanical extracts, elixir blends of essential oils, organic shea butter
Pros
- Made of natural ingredients
- No artificial fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- No mineral oil and petrolatum
- Protects against infection and future outbreaks
- Steroid-free
Cons
- Strong herbal smell
8. Best Fragrance-Free Formula: Dermaced EC Deep Therapy Cream
The Dermaced EC Deep Therapy Cream is an advanced, natural formula that fights the symptoms of eczema and soothes associated skin irritation. It is infused with 1% colloidal oatmeal that is high in beta-glucan, which seals skin moisture, protects the skin, and reduces skin inflammation. The cream’s anti-itching property softens the skin and accelerates the healing process. The jojoba seed, sunflower oil, and sweet almond oil in the cream are rich in essential fatty acids. These nourish the skin and act as protective barriers that repair damaged skin.
Key Ingredients: 1% colloidal oatmeal
Pros
- Helps repair damaged skin
- Contains essential oils
- Hypoallergenic
- Kills irritating bacteria
- Ultra-nourishing
- Rich in antioxidants
- Gets quickly absorbed
Cons
None
9. Gold Bond Eczema Relief
The Gold Bond Eczema Relief helps prevent itchiness and treat eczema. It is packed with 2% colloidal oatmeal, seven moisturizers, and three vitamins that relieve the five signs of eczema – itchiness, dryness, scaling, roughness, and redness. The steroid-free formula contains vitamin E and aloe. Vitamin E enhances the moisture retention ability of your skin to keep it hydrated. Aloe helps soothe your dry and itchy skin. This lotion is clinically tested and accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Key Ingredients: 2% colloidal oatmeal, vitamin E, aloe
Pros
- Clinically tested
- Fragrance-free
- Steroid-free
- Value for money
Cons
- Sticky
- Leaves a white residue
10. Ora’s Amazing Herbal Touchy Skin Salve
The Ora’s Amazing Herbal Touchy Skin Salve is highly effective in soothing and moisturizing eczema-prone skin. It accelerates the healing process. The herbal infusion provides relief from itchiness, redness, and pain. The unscented formula does not sting when applied to the targeted cells. The emollient blending of castor oil soothes and nourishes the skin. The licorice root extract in the salve is anti-inflammatory in nature.
Key Ingredients: Castor oil, licorice root
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic-free
- Gluten-free
- Cortisone-free
- Free from toxic chemicals
- Cruelty-free
- Heals eczema scars too
- Refreshing smell
Cons
- Expensive
11. Orellis Eczema Relief Fast-Acting & Soothing Relief Cream
The Orellis Eczema Relief Fast-Acting & Soothing Relief Cream reduces the major eczema symptoms such as redness, itching, dryness, and irritation. It contains calendula, hydrocotyle, lappa major, and propolisthat show quick results within 24 hours.
This creamseals the natural skin moisture, rejuvenates your skin at the cellular level, and repairs damaged skin. It provides long-lasting relief from eczema flare-ups and skin inflammation. This product is approved by Health Canada for treating eczema in both adults and children
Key Ingredients: Calendula, hydrocotyle, lappa major, and propolis
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Contains natural ingredients
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Steroid-free
- No artificial colorants
Cons
None
12. Best Microbiome Formula: Amélie Monnier DermaCalm SOS Therapy Cream
The Amélie Monnier DermaCalm is a clinically-tested SOS therapy cream. It is infused with 8% urea, yogurt probiotics, and hyaluronic acid. The urea increases the skin’s water content by 97.8% and soothes rashes and other symptoms of eczema or psoriasis. The yogurt probiotics improve and balance skin health by increasing the good bacterial count and fortifying the skin’s natural barrier. They soothe the skin and reduce skin redness, itchiness, and inflammation. The hyaluronic acid replenishes skin moisture, accelerates wound healing, and protects the skin from UV damage. The cream is lightweight and gets quickly absorbed into the skin.
Key Ingredients: 8% urea, yogurt probiotics, hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Seals skin moisture
- Nourishes and protects the skin
- Non-sticky
- Free from artificial fragrances
- Paraben-free
- Steroid-free
- Cruelty-free
- Free from preservatives
- Gluten-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Clinically tested
- Offers UV protection
- Accelerates the healing process
- Gentle on most skin types
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation on sensitive skin
13. Eau Thermale Avéne XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
The Eau Thermale Avéne XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Cream restores the skin’s barrier function. It has a unique, high-performance formula called I-Modulia complex that reduces itching sensation and stimulates the skin’s defenses. The cream’s 100% sterile formulation nourishes and soothes the skin. It helps restore the skin’s microbiome and softens the skin.
Key Ingredients: Patented I-Modulia
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Restore the skin’s barrier function
- Sterilized formula
- Free from preservatives
- Paraben-free
- Free from toxic chemicals
- No artificial fragrances
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
14. Best Anti-Itch Oil For Eczema: CeraVe Eczema Creamy Oil
The CeraVe Eczema Creamy Oil soothes eczema-prone skin and moisturizes it to prevent excess dryness. It is formulated with ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II, along with hyaluronic acid, which help retain the skin’s moisture. The safflower oil and nicotinamides in the oil act as the skin’s protective barrier. This creamy oil is suitable for extra dry skin and helps accelerate the healing process. The oil is gentle on the skin and is approved by the National Eczema Association.
Key Ingredients: Three types of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, nicotinamides
Pros
- A natural barrier cream
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Provides deep hydration
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Approved by the National Eczema Association.
Cons
None
15. Best Lotion For Eczema: Dove DemaSeries Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion
The Dove DermaSeries Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion is a clinically-tested formula. It offers relief from extremely dry, itchy skin. The unscented formula gets quickly absorbed into the skin and helps ease eczema soreness and inflammation. It contains a unique blend of hydroxystearic acid and glycerin that soothe dry, flaky skin. The amino silk protein and the PPAR technology in the lotion moisturize the skin and boost its appearance. The replenishing lotion offers long-lasting relief from dry, dull, and dehydrated skin.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hydroxystearic acid
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically approved
- Protects the outer layer of the skin from irritants
- Provides a long-lasting effect
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
- Fast-absorbing
- Non-sticky
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Defective pump dispenser
These are the 15 best eczema creams that can be applied topically to soothe skin irritation. The following section helps you choose the right eczema cream.
How To Choose The Right Eczema Cream
- Choosing the right ingredient is important to treat eczema. It is crucial to pick the right humectant (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin), and a skin moisturizer and protectant (like colloidal oatmeal or ceramides) to nourish and hydrate the affected area.
- A lightweight and fast-absorbing eczema cream is effective in providing quick relief.
- The cream should be free from all chemicals, artificial fragrances, colorants, and exfoliants (like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid). Natural ingredients protect the skin from further irritation.
Slather your skin with any of these luscious creams and lotions and keep skin dryness away. Eczema could be a problem, but it has solutions too. All these products pack a powerful punch of hydration and moisturization that will keep your skin happy. Pick your favorite from this list and try it today.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
Will eczema subside?
Yes, eczema is treatable. Choosing the right cream and consulting a dermatologist helps understand and treat the issue better.
Which vitamin is good for treating eczema?
Vitamin F (essential fatty acids) may help. In addition to that, evening primrose oil and borage seed oil could be effective treatments for eczema. The deficiency of fatty acids can aggravate eczema symptoms (3).
What foods trigger eczema?
Citrus fruits, soy, tomato, and nuts could often trigger eczema.
Does eczema get worse in different seasons?
Excessive dry weather traps the skin’s moisture and aggravates skin irritation. Hot, humid weather also aggravates eczema.
3 sources
- Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Eczema: Overview. 2013 Sep 26 [Updated 2017 Feb 23]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279399/ - Nutten, Sophie. “Atopic dermatitis: global epidemiology and risk factors.” Annals of nutrition & metabolism vol. 66 Suppl 1 (2015): 8-16. doi:10.1159/000370220
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25925336/ - Schlichte, Megan J et al. “Diet and eczema: a review of dietary supplements for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.” Dermatology practical & conceptual vol. 6,3 23-9. 31 Jul. 2016, doi:10.5826/dpc.0603a06
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5006549/
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