Soothe Your Skin: Dermatologists Say These Are the Absolute Best Lotions for Eczema (2024)

Eczema, a skin condition that can cause itchy, red, dry, rough patches, is super common, affecting roughly 10% of people in the U.S., according to the National Eczema Association. It can be tricky to treat and often requires the assistance of a dermatologist. Board-certified dermatologistDr. Francesca Fusco, M.D., explains, "There are so many causes and triggers of eczema, which can occur from your scalp to your toes."

But there is some good news, says dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engleman, M.D., "There are many over-the-counter products that can provide relief." To help find you the best lotions for eczema, we conducted hours of research, evaluating formulas on their key ingredients and how effectively they deliver results. We also noted what the formulas don't contain—fragrance, parabens, or other potential irritants—and consulted with board-certified dermatologists to land on the top lotions.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Relief at Amazon
• Best Budget: Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream at Amazon
• Best Soothing: Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Moisturizer at Amazon
• Best Hydrating: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream at Amazon
• Best for Face and Body: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream at Amazon
• Best for Hands: Eczema Honey Oatmeal Hand Cream at Amazon
• Best Budget, Runner-Up: Eucerin Eczema Relief Full Body Lotion at Amazon
• Best Ointment: Aquaphor Healing Ointment at Amazon
• Best Lightweight: Nivea Essentially Enriched Hand and Body Lotion at Amazon
• Best Repair Cream: Vaseline Advance Repair at Amazon

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, niacinamide | Size: 6.76 oz | Cruelty-Free:No

Accepted by the National Eczema Association, this lotion is clinically shown to relieve itchy, irritated skin and help visibly reduce the signs of eczema, according to the brand. The lotion contains a host of soothing ingredients, including the brand’s eponymous prebiotic thermal water, which is so soothing for the skin that there’s even a La Roche-Posay Thermal Center in France where eczema patients from all over the world come to experience its healing properties.

The prebiotic thermal water, coupled with patented bacteria, is meant to help theskin’s microbiome; maintaining this balance of bacteria that live on the surface of the skin can not only help treat existing eczema symptoms but also ward off future flare-ups. It also contains hydrating shea butter and anti-inflammatory niacinamide and is safe for children over three years of age. The thick (though not greasy) texture makes it a top choice for treating areas such as the elbows, hands, and knees.

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free:No

Cetaphil is a drugstore go-to, and for a reason. "Cetaphil has great products under their Restoraderm lines, which received the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association," says Dr. Engelman. "This particular one contains a blend of 15 moisturizers and skin-essential vitamins to provide soothing relief for dry, itchy, irritated skin."

Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group, is also a fan. “I use this because it has colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and filaggrin [a protein that supports skin barrier function], which not only hydrate but also provide nourishment to skin that lacks the ability to completely hydrate itself,” she explains. With a fantastic price, this will become your new favorite. Just be cautious about lifting the lid gently, as some users have had it break off.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 19 oz | Cruelty-Free:No

Recommended by dermatologist Dr. Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., this is one of those all-in-one moisturizers that nips dryness in the bud. Packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and emollients, it locks in your moisture for hours on end. Dr. Marina Peredo, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, sings its praises as well, lauding it for thoroughly and effectively relieving raw, flaky skin—without leaving behind a greasy or sticky after-feel (which makes it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body). It's worth considering that this pick takes a bit longer to spread, so give yourself an extra minute in your routine to account for its soothing benefits.

Key Ingredients: Petrolatum | Size: 16 oz | Cruelty-Free:No

Dr. Bae is also a fan of this multitasking formula, which is great for the body and face. Dermatologists often recommend the gentle yet hardworking cream for patients dealing with all kinds of skin conditions (eczema included) because it’s paraben-, dye-, and fragrance-free—all things that can potentially be irritating to super-sensitive skin types. We appreciate that it works just as well on eczema patches that pop up on the face as it does for patches on the body since it won’t clog pores.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, avocado oil, colloidal oatmeal | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free:Yes

Itchy, dry, and irritated hands due to eczema can be a real drag, which is where this cream comes in to save the day. The dermatologist-tested formula is packed with calming ingredients like vitamin E, avocado oil, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and honey to nourish and soften the hands while relieving any itchiness. Also nice? The formula is cruelty-free and free of parabens and phthalates. While the tube does not contain a ton of product, the richer consistency only requires a pea-sized amount to feel the benefits.

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides | Size: 7.3 oz | Cruelty-Free:No

This wallet-friendly classic is clinically shown to relieve dry, itchy, and irritated skin associated with eczema. Credit a formula packed with colloidal oatmeal (a soothing ingredient that the FDA deems an effective skin protectant) plus skin-strengthening ceramides and lipids. Unsurprisingly, it’s also earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association. This formula can leave a sticky residue, so we recommend letting the product absorb for a few minutes to let it thoroughly soak in.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, licorice root extract | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free:No

Another affordable pick that we love is this drugstore cream by Eucerin that's specifically formulated to soothe eczema. It has all the hard-hitting ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and even licorice root for boosting radiance and brightening dark spots and scars. It's also fragrance- and steroid-free, so it's safe to use on children and babies three months and older. But it's always best to check with your pediatrician about what's best for your kid. We love that, while thick, it can soothe the skin in seconds and provide hydration for up to 24 hours.

Key Ingredients: Petrolatum | Size: 1.75 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A thicker, petroleum-based ointment is great for creating a protective barrier on eczematic, compromised skin. And that's why both dermatologists Dr. Peredo and Dr. Greenfield recommend this particular option. “It’s preservative- and fragrance-free, ideal for those who have sensitive skin and eczema,” says Dr. Peredo, while Greenfield adds that it’s much easier to apply than many other petroleum ointments (which is due to its unique thin, spreadable texture).

Key Ingredients: Mineral oil, glycerin, sweet almond oil | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free:No

If you prefer a weightless formula that still delivers on hydration, this is the pick for you. “I recommend this lotion for people with eczema because I like that it contains almond oil, which is rich in anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. Greenfield. She raves that it feels great when applied evenly on large areas of the skin. We also love that it's super affordable and can be found at your local drugstore, making it an accessible pick that you can grab quickly when you're having a flare-up. While this isn't the pick for you if you need to heal overly dry and cracked skin, it's great for daily hydration.

Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, shea butter | Size: 32 oz | Cruelty-Free:No

Formulated with Vaseline's signature jelly, this lotion is somehow ultra-hydrating while being super lightweight. With continued use, it'll heal dry and itchy skin for a complexion that stays smooth and soft all day long. It's also been awarded the U.S. National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so it's popular for soothing and not causing irritation to eczema and dry skin types. It's also unscented, making it a great choice for ultrasensitive skin types.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, petrolatum, dimethicone | Size: 20 oz | Cruelty-Free:No

Itching can be one of the most irksome symptoms of eczema; thankfully, this lotion can help counteract that. The fragrance-free, National Eczema Association-approved formula promises to help calm and soothe itchy skin and ward off future flare-ups by addressing ceramide, pH, and moisture levels. Eczema flare-ups can be brought on by any type of irritation to the skin, so this lotion can help avoid that by keeping those levels stable.

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free:Yes

"The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a double-hitter because it's a head-to-toe moisturizer that provides instant relief and long-term hydration for dry, distressed skin, even when eczema is involved," explains Dr. Fusco (this product is one of her favorites). You get the benefits of colloidal oatmeal, a time-honored calmer of eczema, without having to sit in an oatmeal bath, she adds. And along with being super hydrating, it also helps quell itch. This standout comes in multiple sizes, suited for all your skin soothing needs.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, safflower oil | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free:Yes

While this eczema oil may technically not be a lotion, this nourishing body oil truly brings much-needed relief during an eczema flare-up. Infused with coconut oil and safflower oil, the formula has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and protect the skin while strengthening its natural barrier. We love this oil's hydrating properties. We only wish it was available at more retailers.

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, ceramides | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free:Yes

This thick treatment does more than a standard lotion; the creamy moisturizer is a top choice for soothing and hydrating dry, sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Safe for use on the face and body, it's packed with skin-protecting and irritation-quelling ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and ceramides. You can use it all over your body or spot treat on super dry, irritated areas. If you plan on using it under makeup, we recommend waiting a few minutes, as it can pill.

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, aloe vera | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free:Yes

If you prefer a balm, Honest is your best bet. The therapeutic formula contains eczema-fighting all-star colloidal oatmeal to reduce redness in minutes and soothe itching. Aloe vera calms the skin, and shea butter delivers much-needed moisture. Just a heads up, the thicker consistency of the lotion can make it more difficult to spread—you'll want to warm it in your hands for a few seconds before rubbing it in. Once rubbed in, it absorbs and heals eczema symptoms quickly.

Key Ingredients: Manuka honey, aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free:Yes

For those battling both eczema and psoriasis, we recommend Wild Naturals. The natural, plant-based formula contains manuka honey to simultaneously heal flare-ups and help prevent new ones from cropping up. Aloe vera soothes and a blend of shea butter and coconut oil help lock in moisture. The only potential drawback is that this cream may leave behind a white residue on first application, but absorbs completely after a couple of minutes.

What to Look for in a Lotion for Eczema

• Texture: According to Dr. Peredo, the thicker the consistency, the better. “The thicker the base of the product, the more healing it will be and more effective for both preventing flare-ups and treating eczema,” she says.
• Hypoallergenic: Dr. Greenfield says this is an important criterion to seek out, indicating that it’s an ideal formula for sensitive, easily irritated, eczematous skin.
• Ceramides: Both Dr. Peredo and Dr. Greenfield say ceramides are one of the best ingredients to look for, as they help reinforce the skin barrier, locking moisture in and keeping irritants that can make eczema worse out.
  

Meet our Experts

We combined our research with insights from five board-certified dermatologists to better understand what to look for in lotions for eczema:

• Dr. Dendy Engleman, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shaefer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City and the director of dermatology surgery at Metropolitan Hospital.
• Dr. Francesca Fusco, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City and an American Academy of Dermatology associate member.
• Dr. Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. She’s authored over 40 academic articles, as well as several book chapters on a variety of topics.
• Dr. Marina Peredo, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is a fellow in the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.
• Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D., a dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She’s a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.

Why Trust Byrdie

Shannon Stubbsis a staff commerce writer at Byrdie, where she covers beauty. She’s frequently trying new skincare, body care, and makeup products to recommend the best of the best to readers. She’s researched multiple lotions to compile this story.

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Having dealt with eczema since she was a toddler, she has extensive experience with all of the over-the-counter eczema products on the market.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough lotions for eczema from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.