Updated: January 11th, 2023
What Is Eczema?
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin illness that produces dry skin and severe itching. Skin inflames and becomes very irritated. Red splotchy skin, rough spots, and oozing fluid are common symptoms. This persistent illness affects the body's immune system and often leads to asthma.1 It affects 15 to 20% of children and 1 to 3% of adults.2 Eczema is incurable. Seventy percent of children with eczema will have spontaneous remission.3 It causes significant physical, psychological, social, and emotional stress. This article reviews the best topical treatments for eczema to reduce symptoms and relieve itching and dry skin conditions. The report presents a list of the top 10 products and a summary with links for more product details.
Rank Order of the Top Best Eczema Products
Top 10 Best Eczema Cream Breakouts
#1 Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Vanicream is the most highly sought-after moisturizer for eczema. It is a white cream mix of purified water and petrolatum. Its large-volume container of 16 ounces offers easy access with a push pump bottle. Fragrance-free and dye-free, Vanicream does not irritate. Dermatologists tested the formula for effectiveness on the body, face, and hands.
Product Specifications
- SKU: 45334030016
- Volume: 16 Ounces
- Container: Pump Bottle
- Color: White
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: Pharmaceutical Specialties
- Cost per Ounce: Low
Ingredients
Purified Water, White Petrolatum, Sorbitol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Simethicone, Glyceryl Monostearate, Polyethylene Glycol Monostearate, Sorbic Acid, BHT
Features
- No Chemical Irritants
- Dye-Free
- Fragrance-Free
- Non-Comedogenic
- For Use With All Skin Types
- Easy Application
- Quick Absorption
- Low Price
Additional Information
Vanicream Reviews Summary
Pros
- ✓ Helps Skin in Cold Winter Weather
- ✓ Heals Hands
- ✓ Works Fast
- ✓ Works Better Than Anything Else Tried
- ✓ Repairs Skin
- ✓ Replaced My Steroid Cream
- ✓ Soothing
Cons
- ❌ Stings Upon Application
- ❌ Makes Pimples on Face
- ❌ Used Three Weeks, Still Itches
- ❌ Manufacturer Changed Formula, No Longer Works
- ❌ Expensive
#2 TriDerma Eczema Fast Healing Cream
TriDerma offers a topical emollient that explicitly targets eczema. This product features colloidal oatmeal as an active ingredient to protect and relieve minor skin irritation. Botanicals, vitamins, and an aloe vera complex provide an enriched formula for treating skin rashes. Upon application, it provides long-lasting moisture and relieves itching.
Product Specifications
- SKU: 54025
- Volume: 2.2 Ounces
- Container: Squeeze Tube
- Color: White Pink
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: TriDerma
- Cost per Ounce: Very High
Ingredients
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Urea, Colloidal Oatmeal, Isopropyl Palmitate, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Dimethicone, Allantoin, Zinc PCA, Sodium PCA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Features
- Unscented
- Cortisone-Free
- Non-Greasy
- Fast Acting
- Long-Lasting Moisture
- Medical Strength
- Moisturizes Dry Skin
- Heals Cracked Skin
- Safe for Men, Women, and Children
- Formulated for Eczema
- Aloe-Oatmeal Treatment
Additional Information
Vanicream Review Summary
Pros
- ✓ Treats Persistent Eczema
- ✓ Fewer Ingredients
- ✓ Does Not Irritate
- ✓ Heals Skin
- ✓ Thick
- ✓ Moisture Barrier
- ✓ Great for Psoriasis
- ✓ Large Supply
- ✓ Not Greasy
- ✓ Great Price
Cons
- ❌ Unpleasant Scent
- ❌ Heavy Cream
- ❌ Sticky
- ❌ Gets Moldy if Old
#3 Sensi-Care Body Cream
p>Manufactured by Convatec, Sensi-Care Body Cream contains 30% petrolatum and 1% dimethicone. It is CHG compatible to work with exam gloves. Its formula supports men, women, and children. Providing temporary relief, Sensi-Care helps to prevent chafed and chapped skin. It also repairs damaged or cracked skin. This product comes in a 3-ounce squeeze tube.
Product Specifications
- SKU: 324403
- Volume: 3 Ounces
- Container: Squeeze Tube With Flip-Top Cap
- Color: White
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: Convatec
- Cost per Ounce: High
Ingredients
Water, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Steareth-2, PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Laureth-23, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Carbomer, Diazolidinyl Urea, Sodium Hydroxide, Methyl-Chloroisothiazolinone, Methyl-isothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate
Features
- Dye-Free
- Fragrance-Free
- CHG Compatible
- Prevents Chafed Skin
- Repairs Cracked Skin
Additional Information
Sensi-Care Reviews Summary
Pros
- ✓ Great Value
- ✓ Not Greasy
- ✓ Not Sticky
- ✓ Fast Absorbing
- ✓ Soothing
- ✓ Helps Dry Skin
Cons
- ❌ None Provided
#4 Thera Moisturizing Body Cream
Thera's formulation is for people with sensitive skin. It helps with dry, cracked skin conditions. Radiation therapy and sunburn patients also benefit from this product. Ingredients include ginger root extract, Vitamins B, C, E, and a blend of amino acids. Upon application, the formula quickly penetrates the skin to bring immediate relief.
Product Specifications
- SKU: 116-BCRM32OZ
- Volume: 32 Ounces
- Container: Pump Bottle
- Color: White
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: McKesson
- Cost per Ounce: Low
Ingredients
Purified Water, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Maltodextrin, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Pyridoxine HCL (Vitamin B6), Silica, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Bisabolol, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Cysteine, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine
Features
- No Chemical Irritants
- Non-Allergenic
- Daily Moisturizer
- Skin Conditioner
- Protectant
- Soothes Skin
Additional Information
Thera Cream Reviews Summary
Pros
- ✓ Not Greasy
- ✓ Improves Dry Skin
- ✓ Compatible With My Compression Stocking
- ✓ Recommended by Healthcare Provider
- ✓ Works Well
- ✓ A Little Goes a Long Way
Cons
- ❌ Has Odor
#5 Cavilon Extra Dry
Cavilon is a 3M product formulated for severely dry skin. This lipid-rich cream moisturizes and smoothes skin. The application lasts for up to 24 hours to moisturize and relieve itching and irritated skin. This pH-balanced formula repairs rough and cracked skin. Note that the ingredients also include a fragrance, so avoid this product if you have sensitive skin.
Product Specifications
- SKU: 3386
- Volume: 4 Ounces
- Container: Squeeze Tube
- Color: White
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: 3M
- Cost per Ounce: Average
Ingredients
Water, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycerine, Emulsifying Wax NF, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Stearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, PEG-8, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Diazolidinyl Urea, Propylparaben
Features
- pH Balanced
- Non-Irritating
- Hypoallergenic
- Heals Red Skin
- Heals Chafed Skin
- Replenishes Dry Skin
- High-Grade
- CHG Compatible
Additional Information
Cavilon Reviews Summary
Pros
- ✓ Fast-Acting
- ✓ Not Greasy
- ✓ Immediate Improvement to Skin
- ✓ Pleasant Scent
- ✓ Excellent for Dry Skin
- ✓ Improves Hands
Cons
- ❌ Chemical Odor
- ❌ Heavy Chemical Composition
- ❌ There Are Less Expensive Options
#6 Lantiseptic Dry Skin Therapy
Lantiseptic is one of the best-selling creams for eczema users. This lanolin-enriched formula mimics skin lipids to preserve skin. It keeps skin pliable and flexible, reducing cracking and tearing. It works on calluses and red skin. Daily use protects the skin from ulcers and other severe skin conditions. Lantiseptic ships a 4-ounce tube; squeeze and apply.
Product Specifications
- SKU: 0410
- Volume: 4 Ounces
- Container: Squeeze Tube With Flip-Top Cap
- Color: White
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: DermaRite
- Cost per Ounce: Average
Ingredients
Water, Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Cera Alba, Sodium Borate, DMDM Hydantoin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Lanolin Alcohol, Disodium EDTA (Incomplete List)
Features
- An Eczema Best Seller
- Lanolin Enriched
- Keeps Skin Pliable
- Reduces Skin Cracks
- Helps Severely Dry Skin
- Maintains Healthy Skin
Additional Information
Lantiseptic Reviews Summary
Pros
- ✓ Excellent Eczema Treatment
- ✓ Heals Skin
- ✓ Effective
- ✓ Highly Recommended
- ✓ Helps Fungus
- ✓ Helps Dry, Cracked Skin
Cons
- ❌ Subject to Content Separation
- ❌ Greasy
#7 Sween Moisturizing Body Cream
Sween Cream is a moisturizer enriched with Vitamins A and D. It soothes irritated skin and restores red, unhealthy skin. This concentrated cream allows a small dab to cover a lot of skin. When dried, the CHG-compatible formula will not interfere with tape adhesion or glove-wearing. The product comes in a 12-ounce jar container with a reclosable screw cap lid.
Product Specifications
- SKU: 7069
- Volume: 12 Ounces
- Container: Jar With Screw Cap
- Color: White
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: Coloplast
- Cost per Ounce: Low
Ingredients
Water, Lanolin Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Cod Liver Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Benzethonium Chloride, Quaternium-15, BHT, Fragrance
Features
- CHG Compatible
- Breathable
- Non-Greasy
- Allows Tape Adhesion
- Use On All Skin Types
- Vitamin Enriched
- Offers Temporary Relief
Additional Information
Sween Moisturizing Body Cream Reviews Summary
Pros
- ✓ Not Greasy
- ✓ Light Cream
- ✓ Non-Irritating
- ✓ Very Absorbable
- ✓ Wearable Under Exam Gloves
- ✓ Protects Skin
- ✓ A Small Amount Goes a Long Way
Cons
- ❌ Contains Fragrance
#8 Soothe & Cool Skin Cream
Medline manufactures the Soothe & Cool Skin Cream. This moisturizing formula features aloe and vitamins A, D, and E to soothe irritated skin. The cream is not greasy and does not block tape adhesion. An 8-ounce tube contains the formula and squeezes out onto your hand for easy application. This low-cost option is exceptional for dry, irritated skin.
Product Specifications
- SKU: MSC095332
- Volume: 8 Ounces
- Container: Squeeze Tube
- Color: White
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: Medline
- Cost per Ounce: Low
Ingredients
Water, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol, Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) Triethanolamine, Cetyl Acetate, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Retinyl Palmitate, Vitamin A, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Benzethonium Chloride, Carbomer, Corn Oil, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance.
Features
- No Chemical Irritants
- Dye-Free
- Fragrance-Free
- Moisturizes Dry Skin
- Soothes Irritation
- Softens
- Nourishes
- Contains Aloe
- Vitamins A, D, and E
Additional Information
Soothe & Cool Reviews Summary
Pros
- ✓ Thick and Even
- ✓ Soaks Into the Skin
- ✓ Heals
- ✓ Well Priced
- ✓ Nurse-Friendly Product
- ✓ Protects Your Face From Masks
- ✓ Very Soothing
- ✓ Smoothes Out Skin Texture
- ✓ Use on Legs, Hands, and Feet
- ✓ A Cold Weather Helper
- ✓ No Sting
Cons
- ❌ Scented
- ❌ Not for Use on Open Wounds
- ❌ Somewhat Greasy
#9 Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm
Aveena Excema Therapy is gentle for babies, children, and adults for relieving skin irritation due to eczema. The cream contains soothing natural Colloidal Oatmeal for gentle itch relief. The gentle formula is fragrance-free for everyday use.
Product Specifications
- SKU: 30045752
- Volume: 1 Ounce
- Container: Jar
- Color: Beige
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson
- Cost per Ounce: High
Ingredients
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Benzoic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, Dipotassium Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Isocetyl Alcohol, p-Anisic Acid, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Water (eau)
Features
- No Mineral Oil
- No Petrolatum
- Paraben-Free
- Moisturizes
- Treats Eczema
- Relieves Dry and Irritated Skin
- Clinically Proven
Aveeno Eczema Nighttime Balm Reviews Summary
Pros
- ✓ Treats Irritated and Dry Skin
- ✓ Oatmeal Works Best
- ✓ Improved Skin Appearance Fast
- ✓ Helped Within a Day
Cons
- ❌ Odd Texture
- ❌ Weird Smell
- ❌ Not Effective
- ❌ Does Nothing for Baby's Skin
#10 Bard Special Care Cream
The 4-ounce tube of Special Care Cream from Bard comes with Vitamins A, B5, D, and E. Enriched with safflower oil and aloe vera, this cream moisturizes hands and the body. It is a mild and gentle formula for preventing dry skin and healing cracked and scaly skin. Special Care Cream is free of fragrance and petrolatum to be a better match for sensitive skin.
Product Specifications
- SKU: 2004C
- Volume: 4 Ounces
- Container: Squeeze Tube With Flip-Top Cap
- Color: White
- Consistency: Cream
- Manufacturer: Bard
- Cost per Ounce: Average
Ingredients
The manufacturer does not supply a complete list of ingredients.
Water, Glycerin, Aloe Vera, Safflower Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, Vitamin D, Vitamin E
Features
- Lanolin-Free
- Petrolatum-Free
- Fragrance-Free
- Heals Dry Skin
- Repairs Scaly Skin
- Absorbs Quickly
- Non-Greasy
- Hand and Body Moisturizer
Pros
- ✓ Not Greasy
- ✓ Soothing
- ✓ Recommended for Skin Radiation Burns
- ✓ Healing Cream
Cons
- ❌ It Feels More Like Lotion
- ❌ Not Effective
- ❌ Does Not Help With Skin Rash
- ❌ No Supporting Documentation
More Skin Care Products For Sale
Treatments for Eczema
Prescription treatments for eczema include topical corticosteroids to control inflammation. Medications that help suppress the immune system are also useful. These medications include cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and interferon-gamma.4 The biologic prescription drug Dupixent may also be useful in treating flare-ups.5
Non-prescription Skin Care treatments include Skin Moisturizers to provide relief from itching and reduce the incidence of outbreaks. They achieve symptom control to improve physical appearance, irritation relief, and reduced emotional stress. By relieving symptoms, these treatments can significantly improve quality of life.6
What Are the Best Non-Prescription Treatments for Eczema?
Medical doctors favor a moisturizer that is non-fragrant, non-herbal, white or transparent cream which needs only to be used two to three times per day.
7 Medical studies indicate that lotions (heavily water-based) evaporate too quickly, exposing the skin to dry conditions. Ointments (heavily oil-based) are the most effective but are often too messy for users to tolerate. Creams (which have a better balance of oil to water) are the recommended choice for eczema treatment.8
Summary
Although eczema is incurable, there are numerous skin moisturizers for sale that can treat its symptoms and make life more comfortable. A list of the top 10 best eczema moisturizers in rank order provides an excellent place to start to find the best product that will work for individual needs.
Footnotes
- 1 Zuuren, Esther J., et al. Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2 (2017). (Last Accessed February-15-2021)
- 2 D' Ippolito, Daniella, and Michele Pisano. Dupilumab (dupixent): an interleukin-4 receptor antagonist for atopic dermatitis. Pharmacy and Therapeutics 43.9 (2018): 532. (Last Accessed February-15-2021)
- 3 MLA Nutten S. Atopic dermatitis: global epidemiology and risk factors. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015;66(suppl 1):8–16. (Last Accessed February-15-2021)
- 4 Gelbard, Christina M., and Adelaide A. Hebert. New and emerging trends in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Patient preference and adherence 2 (2008): 387. (Last Accessed February-15-2021)
- 5 D' Ippolito, Abstract. (Last Accessed February-15-2021)
- 6 Zuren, Abstract. (Last Accessed February-15-2021)
- 7 Hon, Kam-Lun Ellis, et al. The ideal moisturizer: a survey of parental expectations and practice in childhood-onset eczema. Journal of dermatological treatment 24.1 (2013): 7-12. (Last Accessed February-15-2021)
- 8 Hon, Abstract. (Last Accessed February-15-2021)
