While it's not clear what causes some people to suffer from the itchy red bumps and scaly skin of eczema, it's believed to be a complex condition caused by an interaction between your environment and your genes. While there is no cure, the best lotions for eczema can help assuage some of the most frustrating symptoms of the skin condition.
"Eczema is a general category for dry, itchy skin," says Cindy Wassef, M.D., assistant professor and residency program director at Rutgers Center for Dermatology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. "There are different types, but they all represent an inflammation of the skin."
More than 31 million people in the U.S. have eczema. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, which often starts in childhood and can come and go throughout life, says Wassef. Contact dermatitis is also common and occurs when the skin is irritated after it comes into contact with a substance. There are two types: Allergic contact dermatitis, a delayed allergic reaction to a substance; and more commonly, irritant dermatitis, which occurs when skin cells are damaged by exposure to detergents, soaps, bleach, some metals, or other products.
No matter what type you have, you should always moisturize if you're prone to eczema. "Your barrier skin function is impaired with eczema, so you can't protect your skin from the environment," says Cameron Rokhsar, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital and in private practice at New York Cosmetic Skin and Laser Surgery Center. "Get into the habit of applying moisturizer every day right after you shower or bathe. Lightly towel dry yourself, then use lotion to seal the moisture into your skin."
How we chose the best lotions for eczema
We selected the best lotions based on Dr. Wassef and Dr. Rokhsar's recommendations, finding products with the National Eczema Association (NEA) seal, and tons of glowing user reviews.
Though it's understandable to try to treat eczema with over-the-counter products, definitely consult your doctor or ask for a prescription-strength ointment if your symptoms worsen.
Our top picks
1 Best Overall Eczema Lotion
Cream for Eczema Relief - Non-greasy feel
- Convenient pump bottle
- 7,000 Reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon
- Some users don't like thick texture
This lotion has a thick texture that soaks in immediately, and it contains 2% colloidal oatmeal for maximum itch relief. It also contains vitamin E, aloe vera, glycerin, and petroleum for moisturizing. "This lotion definitely helps with itchiness which is why I recommend applying it before going to sleep to prevent itching when sleeping. I've had eczema for about 15 years and don't know how I went so long without this lotion... it's amazing and I would recommend to everyone who has eczema~ I think as long as you are patient and applying the lotion daily, you will see results too!" one satisfied customer writes.
2 Best Itch-Relief Eczema Lotion
Moisturizing Lotion for Itch Relief - Speedy itch relief
- Also useful for insect bites and sunburn
- 11,000 Reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon
- Pramoxine may be irritating to some people
This lotion contains three different ceramides to lock in moisture, as well as pramoxine hydrochloride, a combination corticosteroid and anesthetic for faster itch relief. Users say this lotion does a great job of soothing the itch quickly with effects lasting for hours. "I had a small patch of eczema on my leg that was itching for months," one satisfied customer writes. "My normal anti-itch lotion was not working. Tried this lotion and the itching stopped immediately. 10/10 would recommend."
3 Best Body Cream for Eczema
Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream - Thick, creamy texture soaks in well
- Good moisturizing qualities
- 16,000 Reviews and Nearly 5 stars on Amazon
- Feels a little sticky until rubbed well into skin
This lotion feels lush and creamy and smooths on nicely. It contains ceramides and 1% colloidal oatmeal, which somewhat helps relieve itchiness. Users say it is an excellent moisturizer, but not all reviewers experienced significant itch relief. "This is a gem for people who have psoriasis/ or eczema," writes one happy shopper. "It last all day on your skin. It does have a clear residue but I have not noticed it on my clothing. The moisturizer is soothing and doesn't really have a smell. The only downside is that it is expensive."
4 Best Eczema Lotion for Travel
Intensive Healing Lotion for Eczema - Convenient size
- Non-Greasy
- 17,000 Reviews and Nearly 5 stars on Amazon
- Expensive for the tube size
With 1% hydrocortisone and moisturizers such as glycerin and shea butter, this cream is a great option for super-itchy hands or small eczema patches. Users say it's very effective on mild to moderate flare-ups. "I developed excema around my eyes from a medication," writes one happy customer. "And this cream has been the best out of many. I highly recommend!"
5 Best Hand Lotion for Eczema
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Dry Hand Cream Neutrogena
- A little goes a long way
- 2,000 Reviews and 5 stars at Target
- Feels semi-greasy even after rubbed in
Just one drop of this thick cream will moisturize dry hands or itchy eczema spots. With 40% glycerin, this product is ideal for extra dry skin or to use for overnight hydration. "This is the best hand cream for dry, sensitive skin. It's the only thing that saves my hands from cracking and bleeding. Great to put on before bed," writes one happy customer.
6 Best Non-Greasy Lotion for Eczema
Curél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Moisturizer - Easy application in shower
- Many moisturizing ingredients
- 10,000 Reviews and Nearly 5 stars on Amazon
- Water-activated so must be used after bathing
This lotion has a unique formula, designed to be smoothed on right after showering or bathing while you're still damp. With ceramides, glycerin, shea butter, mineral oil, and petroleum, this is an excellent moisturizer for people who don't want to take the time moisturize. "I must say this thing is amazing it is a miraculous product. I got this for my 8-month-old who suffers from eczema and is constantly itchy. It saw results in just 2 days," writes one satisfied customer.
7 Best Splurge Face Lotion for Eczema
Tolerance Extreme Cream - Few ingredients
- Made from 99% natural ingredients
Super-sensitive skin will appreciate this rich cream, which soothes burning and tingling and contains no preservatives. With very few ingredients, users say it doesn't bother even the most sensitive skin. "Avene products were recommended to me years ago by my doctor and I have been using them ever since. This moisturizer has very few ingredients, so it is perfect for sensitive skin," writes one customer. "I use it at night and wake up with dewy skin. No breakouts. Highly recommend."
8 Best Moisturizing Oil for Eczema
Cerave Eczema Relief Creamy Body Oil | Anti Itch Cream for Eczema & Moisturizer for Dry Skin with Colloidal Oatmeal, Ceramides and Safflower Oil | 8 Ounce - Lightweight feel
- Non-greasy despite the name
- 2,000 Reviews and Nearly 5 stars on Amazon
- Some users say the texture is gritty
If you prefer an oil-based moisturizer, this product contains ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and safflower oil. Users say it sinks into the skin nicely but doesn't leave a weird residue. "I have eczema with very itchy and sensitive skin so I'm always looking for products that will soothe my skin," writes one Amazon customer. 'This has been the best product I've tried in a long time."
9 Best Product With Natural Ingredients
Original Skin-Soothing Cream Eczema Honey
- Thick texture for problem skin patches
- Ideal for heavy overnight moisturizing
- Some users say it's sticky-feeling
Natural ingredients such as honey (which has anti-microbial properties), olive oil, almond oil, aloe, beeswax, and sunflower seed oil make this cream a good option for heavy moisturizing needs. "I decided to use this product on my son's eczema as none of the store salves would work (Aveeno, Dove, etc.). My son was constantly scratching and making his eczema red and rash-like, but after just a few uses of this his scratching decreased dramatically!" writes one Amazon shopper. "While this might be pricey, I do have to say it is 100% worth it ... I definitely recommend giving this a try!!"
10 Best Baby and Kids Lotion for Eczema
Stelatopia Emollient Baby Face Cream - Smooth texture melts into skin
- Suitable for all ages
- 2,000 Reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon
- Some users reported breakouts after use
If your baby suffers with eczema, this plant-based cream is a parent-favorite for a reason. Containing sunflower oil, shea butter and ceramides, the cream is specifically designed for the face and eyelids. "We tried so many things that did not work with my 6 month old aczema. It kept coming back even after the prescribed creams. We used this for 3 days so far and have amazing results that we noticed immediately after the first use," writes one satisfied Amazon shopper. "I highly recommend trying this. Everyone is different for sure but this one is definitely worth trying!"
11 Best Heavy-Duty Lotion for Eczema
Intensive Care Cream Deep Moisture - Prevents water loss from skin
- Thick texture for tough areas such as knees and elbows
- Feels a little greasy after rubbed in
If you need heavy-duty help, this emollient prevents water loss on skin that's extremely dry. It's especially good on tough areas such as hands, elbows, and knees. It's been around forever for a reason! "This is the only thing that doesn't break me out. It is very hard to find in stores. I was very hesitant to use this instead of the tube because before it felt like two different types of jelly cream," writes one customer. "I'm very happy with this purchase this time around."
12 Best Organic Body Oil for Eczema
The Honest Company Organic Body Oil - USDA Certified Organic product
- Silky texture
- 3,000 reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon
Body oils are great for extra-dry skin, especially if you're having a flare-up. This organic product contains avocado, coconut, jojoba seed, and sunflower oils. It smooths on and leaves no sticky feeling. "I adore this body oil—it is my first foray into body oils and it is very user-friendly. It absorbs really nicely too. Best of all it actually washes off well too—after applying I will wash my hands off and it comes off really easily with just regular soap and water. A great body oil that will last a while!" writes one customer.
13 Best Vegan Lotion for Eczema
Vegan Ceramide Barrier Face Cream - Creamy texture melts into skin
- Vegan-friendly
- 4.5 Stars at Ulta
- Some acne-prone users may break out
- Scented which might be irritating for some users
If you're looking for a vegan, cruelty-free lotion, this one has a popular following for its plant-based ceramides, shea butter, and oat kernel flour. It's also Leaping Bunny certified. But be sure to test it out on the skin before using it on eczema patches. "This cream is very moisturizing and absorbs quickly. I use it in the evening after I wash my face and take makeup off. It dries to a velvety-matte finish which I never experienced before with other creams," writes one satisfied Ulta shopper. "Does not leave me feeling greasy and shiny."
How to choose the best lotion for eczema
✔️ When choosing lotions, look for certain ingredients: Emollients, such as petroleum, which reduce water loss, and are thick and sometimes greasy; humectants, such as glycerol and urea, which hold onto water; and ceramides, which are the skin lipids we begin to lose as we get older, says Wassef. Products containing colloidal oatmeal may help relieve the itchiness, too. Also, look for products that are "fragrance free," not "unscented." Unscented means the fragrance is masked; while you may not smell it, the fragrance can still trigger a flare up.
✔️ Because eczema is such an individualized condition, you may need to try several products to find one that works well for you. It's sometimes a bit of trial and error. Also, look for the NEA seal; the organization evaluates products to ensure they're suitable for the care of eczema or sensitive skin.
✔️ While it's reasonable to try treating your eczema at home first, sometimes you may need more than over-the-counter products. "If you've been dealing with a bumpy, scaly patch for 2 to 4 weeks and using moisturizer, but there's no improvement, it's time to see a dermatologist," says Wassef. Getting a firm diagnosis and discussing your options, such as prescription topicals, will help you feel better faster.
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