15 Best Eczema Creams to Soothe Itchy And Irritated Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 20, 2024
 best eczema cream
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Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects an estimated 30 percent of the U.S. population, mostly children and adolescents(1). Yes, that’s how widespread this non-contagious disease is in today’s times. It’s a lifelong inflammatory skin condition with no cure whatsoever. Although, there are treatments in the form of the best eczema creams and other lifestyle changes that may help in lessening the rashes and itchiness but still no permanent solution! 

The best eczema creams can help to hydrate and moisturize the skin. Furthermore, they can significantly reduce inflammation and redness, leading to a decrease in itching and discomfort. But since it may be difficult and confusing to find the right cream based on your level of blemishes, we did the research and came up with a list of over-the-counter elixirs that help in repairing your skin barrier.

Scroll down to know more!  

 

15 Best Eczema Creams

Aveeno has a whole product line that focuses solely on skin problems. And, this particular product is the number one dermatologically-recommended eczema relief cream that aids in calming dry, itchy, and irritated skin. The cream has a nourishing formula that is enriched with colloidal oatmeal and ceramide to enhance and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. So, if your problem is mild and the scaliness is barely visible, then go ahead with this one. It will make your skin look younger, and more balanced by restoring its overall health. 

Pros
  • Has colloidal oatmeal
  • Affordable
  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Nourishing formula
  • Fragrance-free
  • Allergy tested
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Best Sulfate-free Cream

    baby Dove eczema care Cream

    baby Dove eczema care Cream
  • Labeled as “delicate” and “calming”, Baby Dove’s moisturizing cream is thick and soothing. It’s perfect for your baby as it effectively prevents the recurrence of dry and itchy skin. It is also patented and strengthens the baby’s skin. Based on our first hand experience, we found that the cream is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and doesn’t contain any parabens or steroids. Addedly, this cream is great to soothe diaper rashes and chafing. You just have to apply it generously on your kid’s skin after bath time while the skin is damp. And, voila! You have softer, itch-free skin in a few minutes. 

    Pros
    • Fragrance-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Made with 100% natural ingredients
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Can be applied on rashes
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • May not be as effective on adult skin
  • Most Lightweight

    GOLD BOND ECZEMA RELIEF Hand Cream

    GOLD BOND ECZEMA RELIEF Hand Cream
  • Developed by dermatologists, this cream by Gold Bond is a great option to get rid of hand dermatitis. This oh-so-soothing cream has vitamin E, 2% colloidal oatmeal, and aloe vera. All of these ingredients help in relieving the five symptoms of eczema, including peeling, scaling, roughness, itchiness, and redness. Also, the cream’s consistency is lightweight and blends nicely into the skin. On top of that, the formula is steroid-free, fragrance-free, and gentle enough for everyday use. To note, if your hands are always dry, then carry this cream with you and use it several times a day. 

    Pros
    • Has Vitamin E
    • Infused with aloe vera
    • Affordable
    • Gentle
    • Lightweight
    • Hydrates the skin
    Cons
    • Not suitable for other parts of the body
  • Best Hypoallergenic Cream

    HONEST Eczema Cream

    HONEST Eczema Cream
  • Provide relief to your irritated skin with Honest’s gentle eczema treatment that is made with natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, coconut, and safflower oils. Owing to its steroid-free formulation, it effectively reduces symptoms of dermatitis like itching and inflammation. Also, it is long-lasting, hypoallergenic, quick-absorbing, and suitable for both hands and face. Just apply it whenever you feel an itchy sensation. And, you will feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin, quite literally!

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Quick-absorbing
    • Lightweight
    • Silicone-free
    • Dermatologist approved
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Has alcohol
  • Best Steroid-free Cream

    amazon basics eczema soothing moisturizing cream

    amazon basics eczema soothing moisturizing cream
  • Amazon Basic’s fragrance-free emollient for eczema is formulated with 1% natural colloidal oatmeal, which makes it perfect for soothing mild dryness issues. It is also dermatologically-tested and can be used on both children and adults alike to provide hydration. Moreover, the cream helps in retaining moisture and preventing other environmental irritants like dust, bacteria, and allergens from penetrating deeper into the skin. All in all, it acts like a protectant by strengthening the skin barrier and offering a healthier patchless vibrant-looking skin. 

     

    Pros
    • Protects your skin from inflammation
    • Relieves dry skin
    • Good for kids and adults
    • Free from fragrance
    • Steroid-free
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Has alcohol
  • Best Anti-inflammatory Cream

    exederm flare control cream

    exederm flare control cream
  • Exederm’s topical cream is designed to soothe and relieve eczema and dermatitis symptoms, including itching, redness, and inflammation. The formula is hypoallergenic and free from common irritants such as fragrance, dyes, parabens, and phthalates. After trying out this product, we found out that its active ingredient is 1% hydrocortisone, a type of corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system's response to allergens and irritants. To be noted, you can also use it as a daily moisturizer to prevent flaring up of itchiness. 

     

    Pros
    • Suitable for entire body
    • 1% hydrocortisone
    • Relieves all the symptoms of eczema
    • Fragrance-free
    • Affordable
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Doesn’t blend easily
  • Best in Sebum Control

    PHYSIOGEL DAILY MOISTURE THERAPY Facial Cream

    PHYSIOGEL DAILY MOISTURE THERAPY Facial Cream
  • This moisturizer from Physiogel is a rich and clinically-proven emollient that can treat Eczema. It rapidly hydrates dry and sensitive skin while improving the natural moisture barrier, and keeping the skin soft and supple for 72 hours. Plus, it is uniquely and gently formulated using ceramide to control the sebum production and squalene that offers anti-irritation and anti-inflammatory properties. So if you want one of the best creams for eczema, then this one should definitely be on your list of options. 

    Pros
    • Has ceramide
    • Controls sebum production
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Keeps the skin hydrated for 72 hours
    • Improves skin’s natural barrier
    • Anti-inflammatory properties
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Most Gentle on the Skin

    eczema honey SOOTHING Facial Cream

    eczema honey SOOTHING Facial Cream
  • Use Eczema Honey’s soothing cream to replenish your skin by restoring lipids and protecting it against recurring dryness. It is infused with many natural and organic ingredients such as honey, aloe vera, green tea extracts, and rosehip oil. The infusion of all these actives can leave your skin hydrated and moisturized. Furthermore, the addition of 1% colloidal oatmeal helps in reducing the redness caused by atopic dermatitis. And lastly, owing to its high-quality and non-harmful components, it is safe to be used by people of all ages.

    Pros
    • Gentle on the skin
    • Infused with natural ingredients
    • 1% colloidal oatmeal
    • Helps with itchy and cracked skin
    • Sulfate-free
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Doesn’t blend easily
  • Best to Soothe Irritated Skin

    TRUKID Soothing Skin Cream

    TRUKID Soothing Skin Cream
  • Trukid’s otc eczema cream is NEA approved and can be applied on the face, hands, and body. It has a gentle and steroid-free formula which is loaded with the goodness of natural ingredients like allantoin, jojoba, shea butter, and cocoa butter. In addition to these, the active ingredients are hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and plant-based ceramides that help in hydrating and soothing irritated and cracked skin. To be noted, we determined through our tests that this cream is unscented, paraben-free, and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, mineral oil, parabens, and sulfate, which makes it safe for people with the most sensitive skin. 

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • No mineral oils
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Has natural ingredients
    • No harsh chemicals
    • Soothes irritated skin
    Cons
    • Feels heavy on the skin
  • Most Hydrating Cream

    baby BUM Calendula Cream

    baby BUM Calendula Cream
  • Baby Bum’s eczema cream is specifically formulated for toddlers using some of the earth’s most treasured ingredients like lavender, shea butter, and calendula extracts, that are known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The cream also helps relieve inflammation of the eczema-prone skin without appearing greasy. And, as indicated by our tests, the cream is free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals that can be harmful to a baby's skin. To top off, it is hypoallergenic and dermatologically-tested to ensure its safety. 

    Pros
    • Made with natural ingredients
    • Has anti-inflammatory properties
    • Gentle on the skin
    • Can be used by adults as well
    • Cruelty-free
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Not fragrance-free
  • Flexitol FACE & EYELID Eczema Cream

    Flexitol FACE & EYELID Eczema Cream
  • Flexitol’s cream for eczema is formulated with 5% colloidal oatmeal to soothe dry and irritated skin. It is also non-steroidal, hypoallergenic, and free of cortisones. The best part about this cream is that it can be applied under your makeup as it is designed to be absorbed quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Furthermore, it is gentle enough to be used around the sensitive eye area, and other parts of the face affected by eczema.  

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • 5% colloidal oatmeal
    • Can be applied near sensitive eye areas
    • Creates a protective barriers
    • No artificial fragrance
    • Relieves rashes
    Cons
    • Not lightweight
  • AVALON ORGANICS ECZEMA RELIEF INTENSIVE Cream

    AVALON ORGANICS ECZEMA RELIEF INTENSIVE Cream
  • Curated from nature’s pure ingredients, Avalon Organics’ skin cream for eczema combines soothing 1.5% colloidal oatmeal with organic botanicals like aloe vera and essential oils like safflower oil, coconut oil, and linseed oil to help relieve symptoms of eczema and prevent future flare-ups. This rich cream offers rapid relief and protection, making it suitable for minor skin irritation and itching caused by eczema, rashes, and dry skin. Moreover, it is non-GMO, vegan, biodegradable, and doesn’t have any harsh sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.

     

    Pros
    • Plant-based ingredients
    • Essential oils
    • Relieves itching
    • 1.5% colloidal oatmeal
    • Non-GMO
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Doesn’t absorb quickly
  • PHYSIOGEL CALMING RELIEF A.I Cream

    PHYSIOGEL CALMING RELIEF A.I Cream
  • Physiogel’s anti-redness and anti-irritation skin-soothing cream helps in strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. It is formulated with ceramides, glycerine, and squalene that has a fast and long-lasting hydration effect. These ingredients mimic lipids found in the skin. Moreover, its pH levels are similar to that of natural skin, which means it won’t cause any discomfort or irritation. Also, it is non-comedogenic and won’t block your pores. Hence, it’s a great choice for those with acne-prone and oily skin. 

    Pros
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Offers a calming effect
    • Come in lotion, cream, and mask forms
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Mimics skin’s natural lipids
    • Strengthens the skin barrier
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • AZANI Eczema Cream

    AZANI Eczema Cream
  • Here is another dry skin eczema cream that works successfully in providing hydration and soothing inflammation. It is crafted with all the good ingredients like sunflower oil, primrose oil, 1% colloidal oatmeal, and chamomile extracts. All these components help in diminishing redness, calming itchiness, and toning down pimples and nodules. Although it’s not free of fragrance, it’s still a great skincare product as it is non-comedogenic, doesn’t have any sulfates or animal oil, and heals the skin to become more supple and soft. 

    Pros
    • 1% colloidal oatmeal
    • Sulfate-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Reduces bumps on the skin
    • Moisturizes dry skin areas
    • Provides healthy skin
    Cons
    • Has fragrance
  • Qing Fang Li YANDAIFU Cream

    Qing Fang Li YANDAIFU Cream
  • Improve the condition of your skin with this ointment for eczema that can help soothe and moisturize the skin by reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing. It also relieves insect bites and mosquito bites. We did actually test the product and found out that it is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, such as Chinese herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals, that are said to have therapeutic properties for the skin. Plus, it provides deep hydration and alleviates severe itching without any overwhelming scent or a greasy appearance.

    Pros
    • Protects the skin and nails from swelling
    • Non-greasy
    • Deeply hydrating
    • Anti-inflammatory properties
    • Affordable
    • Safe for all skin types
    Cons
    • Has steroids

    It is best to do a patch test before directly applying on the affected area regardless of how much a lotion or cream claims to be the best cream for eczema to avoid further skin problems. But how are you going to select the right one for your skin type and condition? We have the answer to that as well. Keep reading to know more!

     

    How to Choose the Best Cream for Eczema?

    Choosing the right eczema cream can be a daunting task, as there are numerous products available in the market. However, here are some factors to consider when selecting an eczema cream:

    • Skin Type: Consider your skin type when choosing an eczema cream. If you have dry skin, you may benefit from a thicker ointment that has hydrating components like hyaluronic acid. On the other hand, if you have an oily skin type, you may prefer a lighter lotion or cream that is non-comedogenic and has ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile extracts. 
    • Ingredients: Look for creams that contain natural and gentle ingredients that are known to soothe and moisturize the skin, such as colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and chamomile. On the contrary, avoid products that contain potential irritants or allergens like fragrances, dyes, and preservatives.
    • Formulation: Choose a cream that is specifically formulated for eczema, as these products often contain active ingredients like hydrocortisone, ceramides, or squalene that help to reduce inflammation and improve the skin barrier function. Additionally, if the condition is limited to a certain area of the body, such as face or hand dermatitis, you can choose lotions specialized for that area. 
    • Severity: If you have mild eczema, you may be able to manage it with a moisturizing cream alone. However, if you have moderate to severe eczema, you may require a stronger prescription-strength cream or ointment like Physiogel’s Calming Relief A.I Cream or Exoderm Flare Control Cream. 
    • Past Skin History And Allergies: If you have a history of allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, make sure to read the label carefully and perform a patch test before using the product on a larger area of skin.

    Conclusion

    The best eczema creams will depend on your individual needs, skin condition, and any other health issues. On top of that, it’s important to note that different people may respond differently to these creams. So, it is advisable to talk to your dermatologist before buying a cream from the above list. Also, make sure you follow the instructions on the label to get a visibly healthier, younger, and more radiant skin.

    FAQ's

    What gets rid of eczema fast?
    You can’t get rid of eczema but can control the symptoms by moisturizing the affected skin area twice every day. Also, use a gentle cleanser and avoid products that contain harsh chemicals.
    What foods trigger eczema?
    There are many food items you need to avoid if you have mild or severe eczema, including cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, gluten, fish, and citrus fruits.
    Is there a cure for extreme eczema?
    No. There is no cure but there are creams that can alleviate your symptoms. Also, some lifestyle changes you can make are wearing cotton-blend clothes, avoiding junk food, and staying hydrated.
    What is the root cause of eczema?
    Dry weather is one of the most common factors of eczema. Some other reasons include pollutants, makeup, dirt, stress, chain smoking, and touching something you are allergic to.
    Is eczema a fungal infection?
    No. Eczema is not a fungal infection. It's an inflammatory skin condition that gets flared up due to various factors like weather conditions, allergens, and dust mites.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka is a certified skincare expert and a professional writer who enjoys sharing tips, tricks, and recommendations that enhance the overall health of your skin. She says that eczema creams are used to control symptoms like itching, redness, and inflammation that are usually caused by eczema. They vary from mild to potent strengths, and can provide relief while also restoring the skin’s barrier. After testing the products with some help from her friends, family, and colleagues, she found that there was one that suited all of them. Aveeno’s Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream soothed dry, itchy, and irritated skin while hydrating it at the same time. What makes it even better is that it’s affordable and free from fragrances too!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

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    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More