The 16 Best Lotions for Eczema of 2024, According to Dermatologists

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. This is because, explains dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, "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 Dendy Engleman, MD, "there are many over-the-counter products that can provide relief." This is because moisturizing is a common way to treat the symptoms of eczema and can help soothe your inflamed skin. You just have to make sure that the moisturizer is appropriate for those who are eczema-prone. 

So to help find you the best lotions for eczema, we conducted hours of research, evaluating formulas on their key ingredients and how well they deliver results. We also looked at what the formulas don't contain, like fragrance, parabens, or other potential irritants for sensitive skin types. After considering dozens of brands and consulting with board-certified dermatologists, we landed on the following best in show.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Relief at Amazon
• Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Moisturizer at Amazon
• Runner-Up, Best Drugstore: 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: Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream at Amazon
• Runner-Up, Best Budget: 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
• Runner-Up, Best Lightweight: Vaseline Advance Repair at Amazon

Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Relief Eczema Cream

$16 at Amazon $18 at Ulta $16 at Dermstore

What We Like: Affordable and can be found at the drugstore, can be used on face or body, and helps soothe itchy skin.
What We Don't Like: Has a very thick texture.

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, niacinamide | Size: 6.76 ounces | 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. This is because 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, are meant to help the skin’s microbiome; maintaining this balance of bacteria that live on the surface of the skin is can not only help treat existing eczema symptoms but ward off future flare-ups, too. It also contains hydrating shea butter and anti-inflammatory niacinamide and is safe to use on 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. 

Who It's For

This lotion would work for anyone who's dealing with eczema, but we especially recommend it to people who don't like creamy formulas as it has more of a balm texture that absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a residue. It's also a great choice for toddlers and children, as it's made without any harmful or super strong active ingredients.

Best Drugstore

Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer

$20 at Amazon $28 at Walmart $20 at Walgreens

What We Like: Keeps the skin hydrated for 24 hours, National Eczema Association approved, and rich, emollient texture.
What We Don't Like: Lid can break off easily

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

"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."

Nava Greenfield, MD, 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.

Who It's For

The colloidal oatmeal and ceramides in the formula make this a great pick for sensitive skin types, or if you're in the middle of an eczema flare-up and need relief fast.

Runner-Up, Best Drugstore

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

$18 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $16 at Target

What We Like: National Eczema Association approved, non-comedogenic, and can be used on face or body.
What We Don't Like: Can take a while to spread.

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

Recommended by dermatologist Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, MD, this is one of those all-in-one moisturizers that nips dryness in the bud. Packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and emollients, it's able to lock in your moisture for hours on end. Marina Peredo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, sings its praises as well, lauding it for thoroughly and effectively relieving dry, 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).

Who It's For

If you love a heavier night cream or need a thicker formula to soothe frequent eczema dry patches, this is the pick for you. Because it has such a moisturizing consistency, it'll heal dry skin types and leave your skin nourished and soft.

Best for Face and Body

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin

$14 at Amazon $21 at Ulta $8 at Target

What We Like: Easy-to-use pump dispenser, National Eczema Association approved, and thick, yet not greasy.
What We Don't Like: Can be a little heavy, might not best for those who don't like wearing lotion.

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

Dr. Bae is also a fan of this multi-tasking formula. The gentle yet hardworking cream is often recommended by dermatologists for patients dealing with all kinds of skin conditions (eczema included) because it’s paraben-, dye-, and fragrance-free—all things which 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.

Who It's For

This is a heavy-duty, rich moisturizer, so we recommend it for those who have more severe cases of eczema and need something extremely moisturizing. Because it has a non-irritating formula, it's also a great pick to use around sensitive areas (like under the eyes).

Best for Hands

Eczema Honey Oatmeal Hand Cream

$25 at Amazon View on Ulta $25 at Target

What We Like: Packed with natural ingredients, contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe itchiness, and contains nourishing oils.
What We Don't Like: Small amount of product for the price.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, avocado oil, colloidal oatmeal | Size: 4 ounces | 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 totally nourish and soften the hands while relieving itch. Also nice? The formula is cruelty-free and and free of parabens and phthalates.

Who It's For

This hand cream has a thinner consistency, making it perfect for those who can't handle the sometimes greasy feel of thicker creams. It absorbs easily and won't leave a residue, so it's easy to reapply throughout the day.

Best Budget

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream

$20 at Amazon $13 at Target $13 at Walmart

What We Like: Fragrance-free, National Eczema Association approved, and helps soothe itchy skin.
What We Don't Like: Can leave a sticky residue.

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides | Size: 7.3 ounces | 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. It’s no surprise it’s also earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.

Who It's For

With the inclusion of ceramides in the formula, the Aveeno lotion is a must for those who's skin barrier has been weakened by exfoliant overuse as they work to reinforce it.

Runner-Up, Best Budget

Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream Full Body Lotion for Eczema-Prone Skin

$13 at Amazon $13 at Target $13 at Walmart

What We Like: Absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a residue, safe for children, and clinically studied to show results.
What We Don't Like: Very thick, takes some time to spread around

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, licorice root extract | Size: 8 ounces | 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 brighten dark marks and scars. It's also fragrance and steroid-free, so it's safe to use on children and babies three months and older. We love that while it's thick, it can soothe the skin in seconds and provide hydration for 24 hours.

Who It's For

This is a great choice for children who are dealing with eczema flare-ups, as it is completely safe for them to use. We also recommend this if you're looking for a thicker lotion that can soothe irritated skin over time.

Best Ointment

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

$19 at Amazon $5 at Target $19 at Walmart

What We Like: Effective multi-tasker, keeps the skin moisturized and protected, and has a foam tip for easy application.
What We Don't Like: Can take a minute to absorb.

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

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

Who It's For

Eczema can often lead to dry skin that frequently cracks or scars—so if you deal with that, we recommend this ointment. The Aquaphor formula can heal and protect cracked skin from external elements. Since it's so thick (and can be a little sticky), we recommend it for use right before bed.

Best Lightweight

Nivea Essentially Enriched Hand and Body Lotion

$7 at Amazon $8 at Target $10 at Walmart

What We Like: Lightweight and fast-absorbing, soothes and softens rough skin, and provides long-lasting hydration.
What We Don't Like: Not thick enough to heal chapped skin.

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

“I recommend this lotion for people with eczema because I like that it contains almond oil, which is rich in anti-inflammatory properties,” says Greenfield. It’s also much more lightweight than many formulas on this list, a good choice for those who don’t want super thick or rich formulas; Greenfield notes that it feels great 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 just grab quickly when you're having a flare-up.

Who It's For

If you have rough, dry skin but want a soft, smooth complexion, you should definitely give this lotion a try. It's very nourishing but not at all thick, so you'll want to apply it to your body every day.

Runner-Up, Best Lightweight

Vaseline Advance Repair Fragrance Free Hand and Body Lotion

$17 at Amazon $9 at Target $9 at Walmart

What We Like: Unscented, non-irritating formula, reinforces the skin barrier while hydrating, and not greasy.
What We Don't Like: Pump can malfunction

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

Made with Vaseline's signature jelly in the formula, 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. 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 in general. It's also unscented, making it a great choice for ultra-sensitive skin types.

Who It's For

If you're dealing with rough and flaky skin but don't want to apply a thick lotion every night, you'll love this pick.

Best for Itchy Skin

Curel Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion

$11 at Amazon $11 at Target $18 at Walmart

What We Like: Affordable, National Eczema Association approved, and absorbs quickly.
What We Don't Like: Can feel sticky upon initial application.

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

Itching can be one of the most irksome symptoms of eczema; happily, this lotion can help counteract that. The fragrance-free, National Eczema Association-approved formula promises not only to instantly help calm and soothe itchy skin but also to help ward off future flare-ups by addressing ceramide levels, pH levels, 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 these levels stable.

Who It's For

This lotion is safe for all skin types, as well as all ages six months and up. If you have a baby or toddler who's dealing with eczema flare-ups, this is a great option to soothe their itchy skin.

Best for Very Dry Skin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

$31 at Amazon $18 at Sephora $38 at Ulta

What We Like: Great for sensitive skin, can be used on face or body, and available in multiple sizes.
What We Don't Like: Somewhat unpleasant scent.

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Size: 6 ounces | 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 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.

Who It's For

If you deal with eczema on your face and body, this is a great moisturizer that's rich enough for the dry skin on your body but not too heavy where it'll irritate the skin on your face.

Best Oil

Lizzie's All-Natural Products Eczema Oil

View on Productsbylizzie.com

What We Like: Strengthens skin barrier, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, and super nourishing.
What We Don't Like: Only available at one retailer.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, safflower oil | Size: 8 ounces | 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 anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and protect the skin while strengthening its natural barrier.

Who It's For

Not everyone loves to apply a body lotion (and many don't at all—it can be tiring to do everyday), so this is an eczema product for those who don't love the sometimes sticky feeling on first application of a lotion. It's just as hydrating and is able to soothe eczema symptoms.

Best Treatment

Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer

$34 at Sephora $34 at mytopicals.com

What We Like: Packed with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients, safe for face and body, and clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.
What We Don't Like: Can pill if too much is applied.

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

While it's more of a thick treatment than a standard lotion, this creamy moisturizer is 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.  

Who It's For

This is a pretty rich product, making it perfect for when you want to comfort your irritated skin and take the time to do a specific treatment.

Best Balm

Honest Eczema Soothing Therapy Balm

$15 at Amazon $16 at Target $15 at Walmart

What We Like: Instant relief, gentle formula, and reduces redness and itching.
What We Don't Like: Hard to spread.

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, aloe vera | Size: 3 ounces | 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, while 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.

Who It's For

If you have itchy, dry skin, a balm like this one might work best to soothe and hydrate for quick relief.

Best Double-Duty

Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream

$24 at Amazon $38 at Walmart $25 at wildnaturals.com

What We Like: Instantly soothes, heals and prevents flare-ups, and glides on smoothly.
What We Don't Like: May leave a white residue.

Key Ingredients: Manuka honey, aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil | Size: 4 ounces | 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. Meanwhile, 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 a couple of minutes.

Who It's For

As the name suggests, this is the perfect solution for those who deal with eczema and psoriasis. We also recommend it for those who need a super nourishing product to hydrate and heal the skin.

What to Look for in a Lotion for Eczema

• Texture: According to 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: Greenfield says this is a good criterion to seek out, indicating that it’s a good formula for sensitive, easily irritated, eczematous skin.
• Ceramides: Both Peredo and 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.
  

Why Trust Byrdie

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.

Melanie combined her research with insights from five board-certified dermatologists to create the above recommendations. Those experts include:

• Dendy Engleman, MD, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shaefer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City and the Director of Dermatologist Surgery at Metropolitan Hospital.
• Francesca Fusco, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City and an associate member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
• Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, MD, 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.
• Marina Peredo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is a fellow in the American Academy of Dermatology, as well as the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.
• Nava Greenfield, MD, a dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She’s a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.