The best lotions for eczema relief

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Since 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.

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The best eczema lotions of 2026

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.

Best cream

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

To 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.

Best overall

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

This 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.

Best balm

La-Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5

This 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.

Best for itchiness

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm

Patients 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.

Best for flare-ups

Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare-up Treatment

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.

Best value

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream for Eczema-Prone Skin

This 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.

Best absorbing

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm

This 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.

Best for soothing

Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Moisturizer

Kazlouskaya 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.

Best for sensitive skin

Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm

This 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.

Best for babies

Baby Dove Soothing-Cream

This 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.

Best for rough skin

La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin

This 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.

Best ointment

Theraplex Eczema Therapy

This 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.

Best for skin barrier care

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream