If you’re one of the over 30 million Americans who suffer from eczema, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable the inflamed, itchy, dry skin can be. Eczema is a condition that can make skin extremely sensitive and prone to flaring up. While there is no known cure for eczema, using the right moisturizers and creams can provide much needed relief and help repair and protect the skin barrier.
When searching for creams and lotions to soothe eczema-prone skin, the key is finding formulas that pack a hydrating punch but don’t contain irritants like fragrances and dyes. The best eczema creams will drench the skin with nourishing ingredients while also forming a protective seal to prevent moisture loss. This helps calm inflammation, ease dryness and itching, and reduce the risk of flares.
In this article, we’ll share the top 5 ultra-soothing eczema creams that thousands of people swear by for relief and healing. We’ll overview what exactly to look for when shopping for an eczema cream, dive into detailed reviews of each of the top options, and answer some frequently asked questions about using these moisturizers.
What to Look for in an Ultra-Soothing Eczema Cream
When evaluating eczema creams and lotions, there are a few key features you’ll want to look for:
Thick, rich formula. Eczema prone skin needs serious hydration, so you want a cream with a thick, rich consistency that really drenches the skin and seals in moisture. Lightweight lotions just won’t provide enough moisture.
Colloidal oatmeal. This special type of oatmeal is pulverized into a fine powder and added to skin care products. It’s an incredible soothing ingredient that helps relieve uncomfortable eczema symptoms like itching and inflammation.
Ceramides. These lipids are naturally found in skin and help reinforce the protective barrier. Eczema creams with ceramides help repair that barrier and prevent moisture loss.
Hypoallergenic and fragrance free. When skin is sensitive and reactive, artificial fragrances and chemicals only spell trouble. Seek out labels that say “fragrance free” and “hypoallergenic.”
Seals in moisture. The occlusive properties of a rich cream prevent water from evaporating from the skin’s surface. This sealing effect keeps skin hydrated longer.
Fast absorption. While thick, you still want a cream or lotion that soaks in quickly and doesn’t leave behind a greasy film.
When evaluating eczema cream candidates, check that the formulas contain colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and thick emollient ingredients. Also verify that fragrances and common irritants are absent. With the right soothing, nourishing ingredients, you can find an eczema cream that takes itchiness and inflammation down a notch.
Next, let’s look at reviews of the top 5 ultra-soothing creams proven to help treat eczema-prone skin gently and effectively.
Reviews of the Top 5 Ultra-Soothing Eczema Creams
1. CeraVe Eczema Soothing Body Cream
CeraVe’s Eczema Soothing Body Cream contains colloidal oatmeal to protect and relieve itchy, irritated skin. This fragrance-free cream helps restore the skin’s protective barrier with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II). The rich formula provides instant itch relief while moisturizing skin for a full 24 hours.
This dermatologist-recommended cream is accepted by the National Eczema Association. It’s thicker than regular body lotions to give very dry, cracked skin the hydration it desperately needs. The non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores. It’s gentle enough to use on both the face and body. If you deal with eczema all over your body, this cream has you covered.
Overall, CeraVe Eczema Cream is a great option for a soothing, lasting eczema cream that replenishes ceramides to heal the skin barrier. It provides immediate relief to angry, inflamed skin while keeping additional flare-ups at bay. This fragrance-, steroid-, and paraben-free cream is a must-try!
2. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Aveeno’s Eczema Therapy Cream harnesses the soothing power of colloidal oatmeal to help distressed skin. This steroid- and fragrance-free formula helps relieve dryness, irritation, and itching associated with eczema. It helps create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss.
The rich emulsion cream reduces inflammation and intensely hydrates for a full 24 hours. Aveeno’s formula contains ceramides to reinforce the skin’s barrier as well. It’s clinically shown to help improve skin texture, dryness, and irritation.
The National Eczema Association accepts this dermatologist-recommended cream. It absorbs quickly without feeling overly greasy. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream is gentle enough for use on babies, kids, and adults with sensitive skin conditions like eczema. This nourishing cream provides advanced relief and care.
3. Cetaphil Eczema Calming Body Moisturizer
The Cetaphil Eczema Calming Body Moisturizer contains a blend of soothing colloidal oatmeal, hydrating shea butter, and skin-repairing ceramides. This fragrance-free formula is clinically proven to provide immediate, long-lasting relief to dry, irritated skin.
It’s specially formulated for very dry, eczema-prone skin. The rich moisturizer immediately soothes and calms itchy, uncomfortable skin. It provides intense 24-hour hydration while helping to strengthen skin’s natural protective barrier.
This dermatologist-developed cream is non-greasy and fast absorbing. It’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and gentle on sensitive skin. It restores smooth, healthy-looking skin with daily use over time.
Cetaphil Eczema Calming Body Moisturizer is an excellent drug-free eczema cream that delivers soothing relief without steroids or harsh ingredients. It’s a great option for long-lasting hydration that gets to the root cause of eczema flare-ups.
4. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
Developed by dermatologists, Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream provides intense moisture for even the most sensitive skin. This ultra-soothing formula is free of common chemical irritants and allergens that can trigger eczema flare-ups.
It contains no dyes, fragrances, parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde, or masking fragrances. The simple but effective ingredients soothe and calm irritated skin prone to eczema, rashes, and general dryness.
The rich, creamy formula glides on easily and provides long-lasting relief. It’s an ideal everyday moisturizer for face and body. This dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic cream is safe for kids and adults with sensitive skin conditions like eczema. Vanicream has a reputation for being very gentle yet intensely hydrating.
If most lotions sting or further inflame your sensitive skin, Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is a fail-safe option free of additives. Sometimes simple is best for eczema-prone skin.
5. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Cream
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Cream is specially formulated by dermatologists to instantly soothe irritated, eczema-prone skin and minimize itching. This moisturizing cream contains shea butter and niacinamide to help repair the skin’s moisture barrier. Three essential ceramides help restore the skin’s protective lipids.
It has a unique glycero-stearic ester formulation that mimics skin’s natural lipids. This helps create a lipid-enriched balm texture that penetrates deeply to soothe and hydrate. The rich cream reduces tightness and discomfort while helping to rebalance skin’s microbiome.
In addition to eczema relief, this multi-purpose cream helps with other dry skin conditions like psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, and dry hands/feet. It’s fragrance free, paraben free, and suitable for babies, children, and adults.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Cream offers serious relief for severely dry, irritated skin. It’s formulated specifically to meet the needs of eczema-prone skin and repair the skin barrier.
FAQs About Using Eczema Creams
If you’re new to using specialized eczema creams, you probably have some questions about how to use them properly and pick the right one. Here we’ll tackle some frequently asked questions about these ultra-soothing moisturizers:
How often should I apply eczema cream?
Apply an eczema-specific cream liberally and as often as needed, usually two to three times per day. It’s important to apply immediately after bathing to seal in moisture while skin is still damp. Reapply throughout the day as needed whenever skin feels dry or itchy.
How do I pick the best eczema cream?
Look for key ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and ceramides in the formula. Steer clear of any creams with added fragrances, parabens, dyes, or alcohols. Pick an extra thick, rich cream or ointment specifically made for very dry, sensitive skin. It’s always smart to try a small amount first to test for any adverse reactions.
Where on the body can I use eczema creams?
Specialized eczema creams are safe for use on any affected area including the face, hands, arms, legs, etc. Pay close attention to the label for specifics on where the manufacturer recommends using it. Some are not suitable for the face.
Should I use an eczema cream even when my skin isn’t flared up?
Yes! Continue to apply your eczema cream daily even when your skin is relatively clear. Using a moisturizer formulated for eczema-prone skin is key both for prevention and maintenance between flares. Don’t wait until your skin gets irritated and inflamed to start applying again.
What’s the difference between lotions and creams for eczema?
Creams formulated for eczema tend to be thicker, richer, and more emollient. They contain more oils and butters than lotions, allowing them to seal in moisture better. Lotions may feel lighter on application but don’t hydrate as deeply. Stick to creams for the most moisturizing power.
Can I use an eczema cream on my child?
Many of the top eczema cream brands have formulas that are safe and gentle for use on babies and children. Always check label specifications for age restrictions and consult your pediatrician if you are unsure about using a particular brand on a child’s sensitive skin.
How much eczema cream should I apply each time?
Since eczema tends to affect larger areas like the arms, legs, and trunk, don’t skimp on the amount of cream you apply. Smooth on a liberal amount to thoroughly moisturize each area, rubbing gently until absorbed. Applying too little cream won’t sufficiently hydrate the skin.
Should I use an eczema cream after a bleach bath?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to apply your medicated eczema cream immediately after taking a bleach bath, while skin is still damp. This helps seal in the moisture from the bath so it can penetrate better. Doing so makes the overall treatment more effective for eczema relief.
Find Soothing Relief for Your Eczema Symptoms
Living with eczema can be aggravating, but finding the right moisturizing cream can make a huge difference in controlling annoying symptoms like dryness, redness, and itchiness. The top 5 ultra-soothing eczema creams we reviewed contain ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and ceramides that protect and restore sensitive skin.
When shopping for an eczema cream, remember to read labels carefully and look for formulas specially created for eczema-prone skin types. Test any new products on small patches first. Be diligent and consistent about applying moisturizer even when your skin looks clear to prevent future flares before they start.
While frustrating, eczema is a manageable skin condition, especially with the right medicated creams and moisturizers in your arsenal. With daily gentleness and care using these ultra-soothing formulas, you can keep flare-ups at bay and your skin hydrated and happy. Don’t suffer through the irritation – relief is possible with the right eczema cream.
