The best lotions for eczema relief

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Eczema is a common skin care concern — but with the right lotion, you may be able to find some relief.Kara Birnbaum / NBCSince I was born, I’ve had eczema all over my body and face. Eczema, a form of dermatitis, is a common skin concern affecting roughly 31 million people in the U.S. alone — about 10% of the population, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). The condition can be anywhere from mild to severe, but it can be cumbersome trying to navigate ways to soothe the itchy, dry skin it causes. Trust me, my entire journey throughout these past 23+ years has been full of trial and error to see which moisturizers can improve my eczema and minimize its effects. 

I asked board-certified dermatologists about everything you need to know about this condition, including the causes and what you should look for in a lotion to help treat it. I also rounded up expert-recommended eczema lotions that can help, as well as ones I use on my own skin.

Best overallCeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion$14.97$17.99AmazonLearn moreBest for flare upsEucerin Eczema Relief Flare-up Treatment$undefined$11.99TargetLearn moreBest balmLa-Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5$undefined$18.99TargetLearn moreBest ointmentTheraplex Eczema Therapy$undefined$23.99AmazonLearn moreBest for skin barrier careFirst Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream$21.00$42.00UltaLearn moreSee 2 MoreRelatedselectedselectedThe best way to reduce keratosis pilaris or “strawberry skin”Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

Each eczema-friendly product below (with the exception of the Eucerin treatment) has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. The list includes several options I’ve tested and regularly use to treat my eczema. Some of the products were also recommended by experts, while others were chosen based on expert advice.

$13.56$16.43AmazonNow 17% off$20.99Ulta$13.59TargetWhat to knowKey ingredients: water, petrolatum and sorbitol | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeSafe for sensitive skinCan be used on face and bodySomething to noteNothing to note at this timeTo treat my dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, I apply this thick moisturizer every day on my face and body. My skin instantly feels more moisturized, appears less dull and all dry, itchy patches disappear.

“Often when I don’t know what skin care products may be irritating my patients, I advise them to stop using everything they have at home and substitute it with the Vanicream line of products until we can figure out what their irritants are,” says Dr. Elaine Kung, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Future Bright Dermatology in New York. This is because Vanicream products, including this cream, are free of dyes, parabens and formaldehyde releasers. So, if you’re looking for something to re-introduce hydration back into your skin without further aggravating it, this is a gentle option, says Kung.

I love how the thick cream creates a protective layer on my skin that adds and maintains moisture. It also heals the cracked and irritated eczema flare-ups I occasionally have. Courtesy Bianca Alvarez, NBC Select ReporterBest overallCeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion$14.97$17.99AmazonNow 17% off$14.99Target$17.99UltaWhat to knowKey ingredients: ceramides and hyaluronic acid | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeAbsorbs quicklyLasts all dayGood for face and bodySomething to noteMay be too heavy for oily skinThis expert-favorite lotion from Cerave has ceramides, which play a key role in protecting the skin barrier. “This lotion has a unique blend of high-quality moisturizing agents, including ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin,” says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a dermatologist at Khrom Dermatology.

Cerave’s lotion is also great for those with an active lifestyle or those who worry about their pores clogging. I use this lotion head to toe every morning during the hot summer months, and when I plan on going to the gym. It’s so lightweight that it’s not melting off my face but still gets the job done by repairing and maintaining my skin without causing irritation or worsening it.

I notice that this thin, lightweight moisturizer quickly absorbs into my eczema-prone skin. Courtesy Bianca Alvarez, NBC Select ReporterBest balmLa-Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5$18.99Target$18.99Amazon$20.99UltaWhat to knowKey ingredients: vitamin B5, shea butter, madecassoside and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yes | Use on: face and bodyWhat we likeRelieves all eczema symptomsHas a matte finishSafe for chemotherapy patientsSomething to noteHigher price point for sizeThis balm moisturizes and soothes irritated, chafed, cracked and dry skin, and protects it from further irritation with the help of hydrating ingredients like panthenol, glycerin and shea butter, says Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist. This option is suitable for babies as young as a week old, children and adults, and it can be used as a spot treatment on your face and body, according to the brand.

$19.97Amazon$25.49CVS Pharmacy$19.97WalmartWhat to knowKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, glycerin and ceramides | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeNon-greasyAbsorbs quicklySomething to noteMay be hard to scoopPatients of Dr. Gabriela Soza, a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City, love this balm because it has soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal. The thick balm helps moisturize your skin throughout the night while also relieving itchiness, according to the brand. You can also keep your tub in the fridge because the cooling effect will help soothe irritated and itchy skin, says Soza.

$11.99Target$11.97Walmart$11.79CVSWhat to knowKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, ceramides and licorice root extract | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: n/a | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeFast-actingFragrance freeSomething to noteThick consistency This Eucerin cream works to soothe irritated skin and provides a cooling sensation, which can help calm ongoing flare-ups, says Kazlouskaya. Suitable for all eczema-prone skin types, this rich and cooling option is also safe for children and babies aged 3 months and older, according to Eucerin.

$19.97Amazon$19.97WalmartWhat to knowKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal and ceramides | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeFragrance-freeSteroid-freeStrengthens moisture barrierSomething to noteDoesn't have a pumpThis cream comes recommended by Kazlouskay because it has eczema-soothing ingredients like avena sativa, or oat kernel extract, which is an occlusive ingredient (meaning it helps the skin hold onto moisture). The hero ingredient also plumps up the skin and restores its natural barrier, according to Kung. Plus, the cream reduces any dryness and redness, according to the brand.

$28.99Amazon$29.99UltaWhat to knowKey ingredients: glycerin and ceramides | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeFast absorbingReduces dry skin discomfortSafe for all agesSomething to noteNothing to note at this timeThis non-greasy balm has ceramides and vitamin C and is great for soothing itchy skin on both your face and body throughout the day, says Soza. “It also helps repair the skin barrier with a combination of humectants and occlusive moisturizers,” she says. Unlike other balms that tend to come in a tub, this one has a pump for easy and mess-free application.

$15.97AmazonWhat to knowKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeStrengthens skin barrierNon-greasySomething to noteNothing to note at this timeKazlouskaya is a fan of Cetaphil’s moisturizer because it contains colloidal oatmeal, which restores the skin’s moisture barrier and reduces the uncomfortable side effects of flare-ups. The formula is hypoallergenic and is also free of parabens and steroids, according to Cetaphil.

$38.00Amazon$38.00DermstoreWhat to knowKey ingredients: Avène thermal spring water, glycerin, cer-omega and I-modulia | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeRelieves itchinessNon-greasyLong-lastingSomething to noteHigher price pointThis formula is so gentle that it’s safe for newborn skin, says Soza. “As a mother, this is huge and what I use to hydrate my baby’s eczema-prone skin,” she says. The pump keeps the balm sterile as you use it, so it doesn’t need preservatives to prolong its shelf life, according to the brand. This is great for those with sensitive skin: Preservatives in skin care products can sometimes trigger allergic contact dermatitis, says Soza.

$7.79$8.99AmazonNow 13% off$7.47Walmart$7.79TargetWhat to knowKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, glycerin and shea butter | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeDeveloped with pediatric dermsSomething to noteSmall sizeThis thick, non-greasy formula is fit for newborns and adults alike, according to the brand. It’s free of common eczema irritants like sulfates, dyes and parabens, and uses colloidal oatmeal and prebiotic moisturizers to strengthen the skin barrier and minimize itchiness and dryness, according to Dove.

$21.99Amazon$21.99Ulta$22.99TargetWhat to knowKey ingredients: La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, ceramides, shea butter, niacinamide and glycerin | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeSafe for sensitive skinNot heavy or greasyPump packagingSomething to noteVery thickThis moisturizer comes recommended by Kazlouskaya and Turegano because of its hydrating combination of ingredients. One of the many ingredients in the formula is thermal water, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, says Turegano. You can use this cream on both your face and body, and it’s suitable for everyone of all ages, including those as young as two weeks old, says Mamina.

$23.99Amazon$23.99TheraplexWhat to knowKey ingredients: petrolatum, cyclomethicone, ozokerite wax and colloidal oatmeal | | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeSoftens skinOnly four ingredientsNoncomedogenicSomething to noteCan be greasyThis Theraplex option has a combination of petrolatum and colloidal oatmeal and, as a whole, has a minimal number of ingredients, making it great for those with very sensitive skin, says Turegano. The cream, which is designed for eczema, dry skin and dermatitis, protects the skin barrier, soothes the skin and hydrates it all at once, according to the brand.

$21.00$42.00UltaNow 50% off$42.00SephoraWhat to knowKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin and glycerin | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yes | Fragrance-free: n/aWhat we likeReduces rednessSoftens skinFor face and bodySomething to noteNot in pump packagingThis thick cream helps combat dryness and irritation for those with eczema-prone, sensitive and damaged skin, according to the brand. It has a combination of ingredients that focus on treating eczema, repairing the skin barrier and moisturizing and calming the skin, according to First Aid Beauty.

$29.95AmazonWhat to knowKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, organic honey and beeswax | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance:: yesWhat we likeGentle for daily useLittle goes a long wayAvailable as a subscriptionSomething to noteNot good for nut sensitivityThis thick moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, can temporarily relieve any discomfort associated with eczema, including irritation and itchiness, according to the brand. Apply a small amount on your skin and massage it until it melts, allowing it to condition your skin and create a moisturizing, protective barrier.

If you have a nut sensitivity, consider Eczema Honey’s Nut-Free Skin-Soothing Cream, which functions in the same manner as the original formula and is also approved by the NEA.

$11.49Amazon$14.69CVS Photo$13.99WalgreensWhat to knowKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, shea butter | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yesWhat we likeHypoallergenicGentle enough for daily useSomething to noteMild fragranceThis hypoallergenic lotion provides relief from the itching and irritation caused by eczema — and at $12, it’s one of the most affordable options on this list. The lotion provides relief within 15 minutes, according to the brand.

$8.89Amazon$9.19Target$8.98WalmartWhat to knowKey ingredients: 1% hydrocortisone | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance: yesWhat we likeAffordable priceLong-lasting reliefSomething to noteOnly use 3-4 times a daySteroidThis lotion has 1% hydrocortisone, the maximum strength available over-the-counter without a prescription, according to the National Eczema Society. In addition to using it on your eczema flare-ups, you can also use this lotion to treat other skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, according to the brand. Cortizone-10 recommends applying this lotion no more than four times a day. It's also FSA eligible.

selectedselectedWhat are the best products to treat psoriasis flare ups? Experts weigh inHow I picked the best eczema lotionsBefore compiling our list, I considered the following factors, all of which are based on my experts’ guidance:

Though eczema can be finicky to treat, lotions can help make the condition more manageable, experts say. There are two main formula types to look out for: ones that reduce and soothe symptoms of eczema (like inflammation, dryness and itchiness) and ones that work to repair and maintain the skin barrier.

If you suffer from eczema, you’ll want to opt for thicker moisturizers, including creams, balms and ointments, says Soza. Ointments and balms will be more occlusive, meaning they retain water and minimize transepidermal water loss. This is especially important for those dealing with eczema who may need to repair the damaged skin barrier and soothe irritated skin, says Soza. Options with a more liquid-like consistency may not be as hydrating as thicker, creamier moisturizers because they tend to have a higher alcohol content, says Soza.

Colloidal oatmeal is a common ingredient used in products that target healing eczema. The ingredient, which is made of ground-up oat kernels, helps relieve the common side effects of eczema, such as inflammation and itchiness, as well as keep your skin barrier intact to prevent future damage and moisture loss. One study found that even low amounts of colloidal oatmeal helped soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier among eczema patients.

Other ingredients to look for include humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol that work to attract and hold water in the skin, says Kazlouskaya. You’ll also want to find moisturizers with emollients like butters, oils and ceramides can also help make the skin smoother by filling in the “gaps” between skin cells, says Kazlouskaya. These ingredients are ideal for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis because they can help relieve itchiness, dryness and scaling on the skin. 

To strengthen your skin barrier, look for occlusive ingredients like lanolin, squalane and petrolatum jelly because they will help create a film on the skin’s surface and prevent transepidermal water loss, experts say.

Just as important as what’s inside an eczema lotion is what’s not in it. Avoid irritants, allergens, solvents, surfactants and sensitizing preservatives if you’re battling eczema, which can all trigger a flare-up, says Kung. Specifically, the National Eczema Organization recommends avoiding products containing fragrances (a common contact allergen), essential oils and plant extracts (which can lead to skin rashes), and ethanol (or alcohol, which can cause drying, stinging or burning in people with sensitive skin).

“While lotions are good for summer and hot weather, thicker, richer textures such as creams, ointments and balms should be used in the winter time,” says Kazlouskaya. And if moisturizing alone doesn’t help control your eczema, you may find it helpful to visit your dermatologist.

"Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that, in its mildest form, causes redness, itching, irritability and dry skin," says Kung. "For more severe forms of eczema, the skin can weep, blister, scale, crust or harden."

There are seven types of eczema, some more common than others (like atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis). Each type of eczema has its unique form of treatment, but in all cases, the condition isn't contagious. Make sure to consult your dermatologist before trying any lotions for symptom relief.

Eczema results from a complex interplay between a person's genetics and their environment, says Kung. "Eczema involves an overactive immune response to environmental triggers like pollen, sun exposure and prolonged exposure to hot water," she says. It doesn't help if your skin barrier (the outermost layer of skin responsible for shielding the skin against such factors) isn't in tip-top shape. “An impaired skin barrier makes people more susceptible to these environmental irritants and allergens," says Kung.

Extreme weather conditions can also trigger or worsen eczema. Extremely hot or cold temperatures can irritate and weaken the skin barrier, making it less apt to protect your skin and lock in moisture, experts say. This also applies to water temperature, so stick to lukewarm water when you bathe or shower (versus piping hot or freezing cold).

Some research suggests that eczema's genetic component is connected to other inflammatory conditions. Studies have found that atopic dermatitis (one form of eczema) is linked to other conditions like asthma, allergies, and hay fever, according to the NEA . This means that if you have eczema, you may be at a greater risk of developing one of these conditions and vice versa (but not in all cases).

Generally, moisturizers help skin retain moisture, so they are most effective when you apply them on damp skin after a shower, says Kung. That being said, you should also treat dry, irritable, cracked skin as often as needed — applying a lotion shouldn’t just be limited to post-shower.

For one, keep exfoliation, especially physical exfoliation, to a minimum. Products that fall into the category of physical exfoliation include cleansing scrubs with solid particulates, mechanical facial brushes, sonic devices and micro-exfoliating rollers, says Kung. While these may remove the top layer of dull-looking skin, they can be too abrasive and may cause more irritation, she says.

Chemical exfoliants (including those that have alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic and glycolic acid, and beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid) should also be kept to a minimum. If you're eczema-prone, aim for exfoliating acids in lower concentrations (under 8%) and use them no more than a few times a week, experts say.

Aside from applying OTC creams, balms and ointments, your dermatologist may suggest a bath treatment like the Aveeno soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment or wet wraps. Wet wrap therapy is when fabric wraps or gauze are soaked in water and applied to eczema areas after once is finished bathing, moisturizing and applying medication, according to the National Eczema Association. “While wet wraps can be annoying to commit to, I have seen near miracles thanks to consistent use, and they can make a significant impact in less than a few days,” says Soza.

If other OTC options are not helping or are making your eczema worse, consult with your board-certified dermatologist for a different treatment route, which may include a prescription product if necessary, says Soza.

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter who covered skin care, hair care and gift guides, including stories on the best neck creams and shampoos for dry hair. For this story, she interviewed dermatologists, shared their recommendations and researched highly rated eczema lotions that met their guidance.

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Bianca AlvarezBianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter at NBC Selected.