The Best Lotions for Eczema, Tested and Reviewed

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 at North Dallas Dermatology Associates 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.

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Types of Moisturizers for Eczema

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Each type has various benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right kind is important. We include various kinds of treatments in this story.

• Ointments: According to the National Eczema Association, ointments are usually the first choice for treating eczema symptoms. Ointments have the highest oil content of all the moisturizer types, so they’re good at sealing in moisture and don’t generally burn or irritate sensitive skin.
• Creams: Creams contain less oil than ointments, are less greasy on the skin, and are good at sealing moisture. Skin barrier creams are also a good option—they contain ceramides that form a protective barrier on the skin, help seal in moisture and keep irritants out.
• Lotions: Lotions are the most lightweight in consistency and texture, but because they are primarily made of water, they evaporate quickly, so you may need to reapply the product more often.
• Balms: Balms are good for locking in moisture as they have a high oil content. They contain minimal to no water and could benefit people in cold climates. They’re nourishing and can protect the skin, too.

Ingredients to Look for and Avoid in Lotions for Eczema

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 Kemunto Mokaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas. Mokaya also suggests you avoid fragrances (including essential oils), vitamin A derivatives (like retinol and retinoids), parabens, and formaldehyde.

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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.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

• Test at home: 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.
• Apply often: It’s best to apply lotion for eczema often—several times a day, if possible—to keep your skin hydrated and prevent flare-ups. Marcus recommends applying a fragrance-free moisturizer within three minutes of your shower or bath to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you have specific skincare needs, sensitivities, or limitations in addition to your eczema, we suggest consulting a dermatologist before purchasing a lotion or cream.

If you notice your eczema symptoms are not improving or worsening, it may be a good idea to book an appointment with a dermatologist so they can properly assess and address any concerns. While the products we’ve picked are effective and available over the counter, prescription-level eczema lotions are available through a healthcare provider.

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