The 15 Best Moisturizers for Eczema Your Skin Will Love in 2026
“Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and glycerin are the MVPs. They strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration,” says Hope Mitchell, MD, founder and CEO of Mitchell Dermatology in Perrysburg, Ohio. “Ceramides help rebuild your skin barrier, hyaluronic acid pulls water into the skin, and colloidal oatmeal calms irritation.”
To create this list, my first stop was the National Eczema Association (NEA) product directory to make sure all the products on this list have an NEA Seal of Acceptance. “If you see that seal, you know the product is safe and gentle for eczema-prone skin,” says Dr. Mitchell. In addition to consulting several dermatologists, I used my personal experience with moisturizers and researched ingredients to find the best moisturizers for eczema. Always remember to do a patch test of any new skin-care product before applying it to large portions of your face or body, to test for sensitivities.
Our Top Picks for Moisturizers for Eczema
- Best for face: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Best for flare-ups: Gold Bond Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Lotion
- Best budget: Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Daily Moisturizer
- Best for itchy skin: Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer
- Best for body: CLn Body Moisturizer
- Best calming: Eczema Honey Oatmeal Body Lotion
- Best for restoring the skin barrier: CeraVe Eczema Relief Cream
- Best post-shower: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion
- Best lightweight: Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer
- Best for kids: Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
- Best toner and moisturizer: Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer
- Best for intense moisturizing: Dr. Arsy Moisturizer #003
- Best with ceramide: Kopari Beauty Moisture Whipped Ceramine Cream
- Best for aging skin: Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer II
- Best oil-free: Peach & Lily Glass Skin Water-Gel Moisturizer
When to Consult Your Doctor
If your symptoms and flares aren’t controlled by OTC treatments such as barrier-repair moisturizers, or if your symptoms interfere with your daily life, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist, says Ivy Lee-Keltner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California.
Mitchell urges you to speak to a doctor if your skin is cracked, weeping, or looks infected. In addition, she says to consider how long you’ve been using the moisturizer: “If OTC creams aren’t helping after a couple of weeks, it’s time to see your dermatologist. You may need something stronger.”

Best for Face
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Pros
- Contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to moisturize
- Free of parabens, lanolin, and fragrance
- Lightweight, nongreasy texture
- Gentle enough for kids
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Not specifically created to address eczema
- May cause irritation on some skin
This moisturizer has a rich yet lightweight and nongreasy texture, and it can be used during the day or night. It’s suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, and it is gentle enough for kids to use. It’s free of dyes, essential oils, gluten, parabens, lanolin, botanical extracts, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and fragrance. And it’s not tested on animals. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, but some consumers report that this product caused adverse reactions on their skin, such as redness, breakouts, or stinging, so make sure you do a patch test first.

Best for Flare-Ups
Gold Bond Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Lotion
Pros
- Contains 2 percent colloidal oatmeal
- Free of steroids, fragrance, and dyes
- Contains seven moisturizers and three vitamins
- Stronger itch relief
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Can leave behind a greasy residue
- May sting on irritated or broken skin
Made with seven different moisturizers and hydrating ingredients, like glycerin and shea butter, this rich lotion deeply hydrates the skin, helping restore moisture quickly. Because flare-ups are often triggered or worsened by dryness, it’s important to choose a lotion that can replenish hydration fast and keep skin protected, says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.

Best Budget
Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Soothing Moisturizer
Pros
- Most affordable on our list
- Contains 1 percent oatmeal to relieve itching
- Includes niacinamides, glycerin to moisturize
- Free of steroids, parabens, and fragrance
Cons
- Texture may feel runny
- Pump may break
As an eczema sufferer and avid deal chaser, I’m very familiar with the Cetaphil brand and can attest to the effectiveness and gentleness of its Restoraderm product line, which is formulated to address common eczema symptoms by focusing on restoring the skin barrier. I regularly use the Eczema Itch-Relief Gel and Stressed Skin Soothing Wash.

Best for Itchy Skin
Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer
Pros
- Formulated to apply to wet skin to lock in moisture and prevent dry, itchy skin
- Contains ceramides, oatmeal extract, shea butter, and vitamin E to soothe
- Free of parabens, dyes, and phthalates
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
- National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition
Cons
- Texture may feel sticky
- Pump may break
To really lock in moisture and combat the itchiness that can come with dry skin and eczema, Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer should be your post-shower go-to. It’s activated by the water on your freshly washed skin: Humectants like glycerin and mineral oil pull moisture into your skin, then occlusives like petrolatum and shea butter create a barrier to seal it in.
It contains oatmeal extract to help soothe and relieve itchy skin, while the emollient ceramide complex and vitamin E boost the skin barrier and improve moisture retention, to help prevent future dryness and itching. Keep it by the tub and apply it before you towel off to help it deeply penetrate the skin for ultimate healing. It dries quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, though some folks complain that it leaves them feeling a bit sticky.

Best for Body
CLn Body Moisturizer
Pros
- Uses emollient, humectant, and occlusive moisturizers
- Contains 2 percent colloidal oatmeal to relieve itching
- Includes ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, aloe, petrolatum, and vitamins B5, C, and E
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Only available in 8-ounce tube
- Pricey for a body moisturizer
Instead of relying on one type of moisturizer, CLn Body Moisturizer nourishes dry, damaged skin using a combination of all three types: emollients, humectants, and occlusives. Emollients like ceramides and dimethicone smooth and improve the skin’s texture, humectants like glycerin and aloe draw moisture into the top layer of skin, and occlusives like petrolatum and shea butter create a barrier to keep moisture in. Ceramides have been shown to help create a moisture barrier, preserve hydration, regulate pH, control inflammation, and enhance skin functioning and appearance. The cream’s 2 percent colloidal oatmeal helps relieve symptoms like irritation and itching.

Best Calming
Eczema Honey Oatmeal Body Lotion
Pros
- Contains colloidal oatmeal to calm irritated skin
- Contains honey, cocoa butter, shea butter, and aloe vera to moisturize
- Free of fragrance, parabens, and sulfates
- Lightweight, nongreasy feel
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Hard to find in drugstores
- Not strong enough for severe eczema
Eczema Honey Oatmeal Body Lotion stands out for its ability to calm inflammation, combining soothing colloidal oatmeal with natural emollients such as shea butter. Its key ingredient, 1 percent colloidal oatmeal, is widely used in eczema care because it calms redness and irritation, while forming a protective barrier on the skin. This lotion’s lightweight, nonsticky texture also means that it can be used frequently, which is important during flare-ups, when consistent application is key.
Reviewers say that this lotion offers fast relief from itching and irritation, though some note that it isn’t thick or heavy enough for more severe eczema flares. The formula is gentle and absorbs quickly, making it a go-to daily lotion to manage eczema symptoms.

Best for Restoring the Skin Barrier
CeraVe Eczema Relief Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid to help repair skin barrier
- Contains 1 percent colloidal oatmeal to soothe itchiness quickly
- Free of fragrance, parabens
Cons
- Texture can feel heavy for some
- May sting on irritated or broken skin
With 1 percent colloidal oatmeal, CeraVe’s Eczema Relief Moisturizing Cream helps quickly calm itchy, dry skin. A staple in eczema care, colloidal oatmeal is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe irritation and ease the urge to scratch.
“Eczema treatment products should contain ingredients that help control inflammation and reduce dryness,” says Dr. Green. “Excellent ingredients to look for include 1 percent hydrocortisone, colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter.”
Calming inflammation is essential for restoring the skin barrier, as it allows the skin to repair and rebuild more effectively, Green says. Other ingredients in this cream that help restore the skin barrier include ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help increase hydration. Despite the cream’s heaviness, reviewers say it absorbs well and is comfortable for daily use.

Best Post-Shower
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion
Pros
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Contains amino acids, urea, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture
- Contains inulin for skin biome support
- Contains allantoin and vitamin E to soothe
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Slightly runny consistency
- May not be rich enough for very dry skin

Best Lightweight
Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight formula is great for layering
- Contains avocado oil, hyaluronic acid to moisturize and hydrate
- Free of silicone, fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil, and PEG
- Can also use as makeup primer
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Texture may feel greasy to some
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin

Best for Kids
Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Formulated for delicate baby skin
- Free of steroids, fragrance, and parabens
- Contains colloidal oatmeal and vitamin B5
- Absorbs well
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Not vegan or cruelty-free
- Texture may be too thick for some

Best Toner and Moisturizer
Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer
Pros
- Two-in-one toner and moisturizer
- Contains ceramides, peptides, and amino acids
- Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates
- Refillable bottle
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Not specifically created to address eczema
- Some may find the texture sticky
- May cause breakouts in some people
This moisturizer is created to address dryness and loss of firmness and elasticity, and it is suitable for all skin types. It’s free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates, triclocarban, triclosan, and contains less than 1 percent synthetic fragrance. It comes in an eco-friendly refillable bottle, and you can also purchase a mist pump attachment separately.

Best for Intense Moisturizing
Dr. Arsy Moisturizer #003
Pros
- Rich formula contains shea and cocoa butters, squalane, vitamins E, C, and B5
- Can be used on face and body
- Free of parabens, cruelty-free
- Vegan
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Thick texture may be too heavy for oily skin
- Not great in humid, sweaty conditions
If you have very dry skin or need a thicker option for the winter months, Dr. Arsy’s rich, creamy #003 moisturizer offers the intense, long-lasting hydration you need. The moisturizer aims to increase skin moisture levels and improve the function of the skin barrier with emollient squalane and lipids. Thanks to botanicals like extracts of tomato, carrot, pumpkin seed, oat, and kale, it’s rich in amino acids that help repair damaged skin and prevent future damage. Ingredients include occlusives shea and cocoa butter, and vitamins E, C, and B5.
This cream quickly soothes and moisturizes dry, red, and itchy skin on both your face and body. It’s hypoallergenic, free of fragrance and parabens, certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, and vegan. The rich formula may be too heavy for people with oily skin or for use during hot, humid summer months when you will be sweating.

Best With Ceramide
Kopari Beauty Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream
Pros
- Contains ceramide NP for hydration
- Contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to moisturize
- Fragrance-free
- Light, fast-absorbing texture
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Can feel too oily to some
- Slightly more expensive than others on the list
This luxurious face cream is ideal for people managing eczema, thanks to its blend of moisturizing ingredients and emollients that help restore the skin barrier and reduce flare-ups. At the heart of the formula is ceramide NP, a lipid that reinforces the skin’s natural moisture barrier, supporting hydration and helping keep irritation at bay.
What makes this cream especially appealing for eczema-prone skin is the balance between deep nourishment and a lightweight, wearable texture. Unlike heavier ointments that can feel greasy or occlusive, this whipped cream absorbs quickly, making it easier to use consistently.
Reviewers say that their skin feels soft, smooth, and hydrated after using this cream, with many noting improvements in dryness and overall texture. While this cream doesn’t include medicated anti-itch ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, it works well as a daily barrier-repair moisturizer, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups by keeping the skin hydrated.

Best for Aging Skin
Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer II
Pros
- Targets signs of aging, irritated skin, like fine lines and wrinkles
- Contains squalane, five types of ceramides, macadamia oil, and aloe
- Brown seaweed extract stimulates collagen production
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Most expensive on our list
- Thicker formula may sit on top of skin longer

Best Oil-Free
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Water-Gel Moisturizer
Pros
- Free of oil, alcohol, fragrance, and gluten
- Contains hyaluronic acid, chamomile, kiwi, and peach extracts
- Prebiotics and probiotics to discourage breakouts
- Vegan
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Moisturizing effect may not last long
- Not specifically created to address eczema
Peach & Lily products are vegan and free of oil, alcohol, fragrance, and gluten. They’re also Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. This moisturizer is designed for use on all skin types, particularly oily, combination, uneven, red, or acne-prone skin.
Comparison Table
How We Chose the Best Moisturizers for Eczema
Every product on this list has an NEA Seal of Acceptance, which means the product is free of ingredients known to trigger eczema or other skin irritations and was determined to be safe and gentle enough for use on eczema-prone skin after undergoing rigorous testing and scientific review. To find out which ingredients to look for and which to avoid, how to care for eczema-prone skin, and when to see a doctor, I consulted multiple board-certified dermatologists and read the latest research and recommendations regarding skin-care ingredients and eczema.
I also utilized my own experience with eczema moisturizers and my 15 years of experience as a science journalist to help inform my research and product picks. The final cut was made by considering consumer feedback on dozens of products to find the best options for various needs and situations.
These are the experts I consulted:
- Hope Mitchell, MD
- Ivy Lee-Keltner, MD
- Michele Green, MD
What to Look for When Buying Moisturizers for Eczema
Look for ingredients that are known to support and restore the skin barrier and soothe irritated skin, such as ceramides and oatmeal, and ensure that the product is free of potentially eczema-irritating ingredients like fragrance and alcohol.
After that, you can zoom out to look for moisturizer aspects that suit your situation, whether that’s aging skin, acne, sensitive skin, or itchiness. Other things to consider include:
- Format (cream, lotion, gel)
- Area of the body it’s intended for (face, body, all over)
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
- Fragrance
- Skin type it’s intended for (oily, sensitive, all types)
What Are the Different Types of Moisturizers?
How Important Is the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance?
The NEA Seal of Acceptance is a good shortcut for ensuring that a product is safe and effective for people with eczema. But that doesn’t mean the product won’t cause other issues, like breakouts. “[The seal] helps identify products free from common irritants and allergens that are included on the NEA Ecz-clusion List, making it a helpful guide — but individual tolerance may still vary,” says Dr. Lee-Keltner. She also notes that there are plenty of eczema-friendly moisturizer options on the market that may not have undergone the application or review process for obtaining the seal.
What Ingredients Should People With Eczema Avoid?
What Skin-Care Practices Can Help Keep Eczema at Bay?
The experts we spoke with advise keeping showers short and lukewarm (rather than hot), using gentle cleansers, and moisturizing right after bathing. “I tell my patients to follow the three-minute rule: Moisturize within three minutes of stepping out of the shower. Stick to soft, breathable fabrics so your skin stays happy,” says Mitchell.
To help prevent eczema flares, Lee-Keltner also recommends moisturizing twice a day and trying to identify personal flare triggers, such as heat or allergens.
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Editor
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