The 15 Best Moisturizers for Eczema Your Skin Will Love in 2026

The 15 Best Moisturizers for Eczema Your Skin Will Love in 2026

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I’ve always had sensitive, breakout-prone skin, and I developed eczema and rosacea a few years ago. This constellation of issues means it has taken me quite a bit of trial and error to find moisturizers that make my skin feel soft and hydrated without causing irritation, flares, or acne. Eczema can be painful, itchy, and embarrassing. It’s also common, affecting approximately 10 percent of people in the United States.

I keep my eczema largely under control with a combination of prescription steroid creams and over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers. The better the ingredients in the OTC moisturizer, the less I rely on steroid creams.

“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

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.”

A photo of vanicream daily facial moisturizer.

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
If you’re looking for an unfussy everyday face moisturizer, Vanicream should be your new go-to. This trusted brand is available in most drugstores and is priced accordingly: At about $5 an ounce, it offers a fantastic value for the money. Its formula features hyaluronic acid (which helps the skin retain moisture), five key ceramides, and squalane, an emollient lipid that occurs naturally in your skin and can help increase hydration, reduce inflammation, and treat acne and eczema.

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.

A photo of gold bond medicated-eczema relief skin protectant.

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
This lotion packs a punch with 2 percent colloidal oatmeal, which is higher than many other eczema treatment lotions on the market. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration–recognized skin protectant, colloidal oatmeal can quickly calm itching, making it a key ingredient in treating eczema flare-ups.

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.

A photo of cetaphil restoraderm-eczema soothing moisturizer.

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.

The Eczema Soothing Moisturizer, featured here, would make an excellent, affordable addition to such a skin-care routine. It can be used on your body and face, and it’s hypoallergenic and free of steroids, fragrance, and parabens. It contains 1 percent colloidal oatmeal to help protect skin and relieve itch, plus niacinamide and glycerin to lock in moisture.

It uses Ad-Resyl, a patented filaggrin protein by-product derived from the dwarf lilyturf plant, to cultivate a healthier skin microbiome.

Cetaphil’s proprietary technology helps restore filaggrin, a protein that is crucial to skin barrier function, which many people with eczema don’t produce enough of.

This moisturizer is shown to increase the skin’s moisture level and reduce the incidence of eczema flares when used daily.

It’s also shown to significantly reduce itching.

Some users complain that the texture is a bit runny.
A photo of curel hydratherapy wet skin moisturizer.

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.

A photo of CLn body moisturizer.

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.

Since it contains humectants and occlusives, it’s best when applied to wet skin, so slather it all over right after jumping out of the shower. The brand suggests applying the moisturizer within three minutes of leaving the shower, since applying it to wet or damp skin helps lock in more moisture. Additionally, your skin is more receptive to skin-care products and can better absorb them when it is damp or wet.

It’s worth noting that CLn Body Moisturizer is only available in an 8-ounce tube, which isn’t much for a body lotion, and it’s priced more like a face cream than a body cream.
A photo of eczema honey oatmeal body lotion.

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.

A photo of cerave eczema relief creamy oil.

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.

A photo of the ordinary natural moisturizing factors inulin body lotion.

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
Applying moisturizer right after bathing, when your skin is slightly damp, can help replenish and lock in moisture.

This formula contains amino acids, urea, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, which draw water into the skin and help keep it there. Instead of just sitting on top, these ingredients work within the upper layers of skin to restore hydration in a way that feels lightweight but effective, which is especially helpful if you dislike heavier creams immediately after showering.
This lotion’s main ingredient, inulin, helps support a balanced skin microbiome, while soothing agents like allantoin and vitamin E calm post-shower sensitivity.

Because it’s fragrance-free and formulated with minimal irritants, it’s less likely to trigger flare-ups, making it a dependable daily option for eczema-prone skin. While thicker creams may still be necessary for severe dryness, this lotion is a great first step after showering, helping to lock in moisture and keep skin comfortable throughout the day.
A photo of good molecules-lightweight daily moisturizer.

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
Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer is perfect for when you need an ultralightweight layer under sunscreen or makeup. The ingredients — avocado seed oil, humectant hyaluronic acid, occlusive shea butter, and a naturally derived silicone alternative — contain antioxidants and fatty acids to smooth, nourish, and hydrate for healthier-looking skin. Antioxidant combinations like vitamins C and E and grape extract can help inhibit the effects of sun exposure on the skin.

Although Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer isn’t specifically for eczema-prone skin, it has a nongreasy texture and is gentle enough for all skin types. The moisturizer is vegan, not tested on animals, and free of silicone, fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is generally regarded as safe, but its synthesizing process can introduce contaminant impurities like 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide, which are known or suspected carcinogens.

Most users love this formula, though some say the texture is greasy or that their skin felt dry not long after application because the product is so lightweight.
A photo of walmart aveeno baby eczema therapy moisturizing-cream-body lotion with oatmeal.

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
This cream feels heavy, but it goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly, offering almost instant relief for dry, itchy skin. Packed with occlusive ingredients that lock in skin moisture, such as petroleum and glycerin, Aveeno’s Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream is ideal for babies and young children with thinner, more permeable skin.

This cream’s star ingredient, colloidal oatmeal, is widely used in pediatric dermatology because it calms itching and redness, reduces inflammation, and forms a protective layer over irritated skin. With its fragrance-free and steroid-free formula, this cream is suitable for daily use, which is key for managing eczema.

Despite this cream’s thick texture, reviewers say that it is easy to spread and absorbs quickly, without leaving behind a greasy residue.
A photo of laneige cream-skin toner and moisturizer.

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
Save a step in your skin-care routine with this milky toner-moisturizer hybrid, which combines the perks of cream with the texture of toner to provide intense hydration and firming. It contains a ceramide and peptide complex, in addition to white leaf tea, which is rich in amino acids. Peptides are active ingredients known to improve collagen creation and skin cell production, while reducing inflammation, though they don’t permeate the top layer of skin very well.

Amino acids are the building blocks of vital structural skin proteins like keratin, collagen, and elastin. Amino acids can help repair damaged skin, prevent sun damage, and maintain the skin’s acid-base balance, water retention, and microbiome.

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.

A photo of dr arsy moisturizer-003-dry-sensitive eczema prone skin.

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.

A photo of kopari moisture whipped ceramide cream.

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.

A photo of medature psl barrier repair ceramide moisturizer.

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
If you’re dealing with eczema and signs of aging, your skin may need extra attention. Most signs of skin aging, like wrinkles and dark spots, result from the natural slowing of collagen production and environmental damage, like sun exposure.

Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer II is created to address issues like fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity, and redness in dry and sensitive skin types. It uses brown seaweed extract and amino acids to stimulate collagen production, squalane and plant oils to help smooth and hydrate skin while reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and green tea and argan oil to protect against future environmental damage.

In addition, aloe vera leaf extract can help soothe irritated skin, while vitamin B5, fatty acids, cholesterol, and five types of ceramides help bolster the skin barrier.

Together, this rich moisturizer aims to give you firmer, more radiant-looking skin. Some reviewers would prefer a lighter formulation. It’s also the most expensive pick on our list.
moisturizer for eczema

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
If you have eczema and oily skin or are prone to acne, you’ll want a calming, oil-free, and noncomedogenic moisturizer like Peach & Lily’s Glass Skin Water-Gel Moisturizer. It harnesses the antioxidant power of plants like chamomile, kiwi, and peach extracts to smooth and soothe irritated acne- and eczema-prone skin.

 It also contains bamboo, mulberry, celery, licorice, and mushroom extracts. A vegan prebiotic and probiotic complex promotes healthy skin microbiome to discourage breakouts.

Another key ingredient, hyaluronic acid, a humectant naturally found in the skin, can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and support wound healing.

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

Superlative
Type
Key Ingredients
NEA Approved
Best for face
Cream
Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane
Yes
Best for flare-ups
Lotion
Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter extract, glycerin, aloe vera
Yes
Best budget
Cream
1 percent colloidal oatmeal, proprietary filaggrin technology, Ad-Resyl, glycerin
Yes
Best for itchy skin
Cream
Advanced ceramide complex, oatmeal extract, vitamin E
Yes
Best for body
Cream
2 percent colloidal oatmeal, ceramide 2, vitamins B5, C, E
Yes
Best calming
Lotion
Colloidal oatmeal, honey, cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe vera
Yes
Best for restoring the skin barrier
Cream
Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Yes
Best post-shower
Lotion
Inulin, urea, amino acids, glycerin, vitamin E
Yes
Best lightweight
Cream
Avocado oil, shea butter, naturally derived silicone alternative
Yes
Best for kids
Cream
Colloidal oatmeal, vitamin B5
Yes
Best toner and moisturizer
Creamy liquid
Ceramide and peptide complex, white leaf tea
Yes
Best for intense moisturizing
Cream
Squalane, shea and cocoa butters, vitamins E, C, B5, tomato, carrot, pumpkin seed extracts, oat, kale
Yes
Best with ceramide
Cream
Ceramides, glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid
Yes
Best for aging skin
Cream
Ceramides, squalane, brown seaweed extract, amino acids, macadamia and argan oils, phytosterols, vitamin B5, aloe vera leaf extract, green tea
Yes
Best oil-free
Gel
Hyaluronic acid, chamomile flower, kiwi, peach extracts
Yes

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?

Based on how they work, moisturizers are divided into three different types: emollient, humectant, and occlusive. Humectant and occlusive moisturizers are meant to hydrate the top layer of skin. Humectant moisturizers work by attracting water to the skin’s surface from deeper layers of epidermis. Emollient moisturizers prevent water evaporation in the skin, improve skin texture, and smooth the skin by filling gaps left by the natural process of dead skin cell shedding. Occlusive moisturizers help create a protective barrier on your skin to help keep moisture in. When applied to wet skin, occlusive moisturizers provide the highest impact by forming a hydrophobic barrier on the skin.

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?

“Always avoid fragrance,” says Mitchell. “Even so-called ‘natural’ fragrance can be irritating. Avoid things like peppermint or menthol oils that can sting,” she adds. Lee-Keltner recommends avoiding lanolin and alcohol, since these may also cause irritation. It’s important to understand that “unscented” is not the same as “fragrance-free.” Fragrance-free is typically best for those with sensitive skin or allergies. It means the product does not contain any fragrance materials or masking scents. Unscented means the product may contain chemicals that neutralize or mask the odor of other ingredients.

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.

FAQ

Can over-the-counter moisturizers cure eczema?
Don’t believe any overblown claims on product labels: “Eczema isn’t something you cure. It’s something you manage,” explains Mitchell. Claims like “steroid-free healing” are misleading, says Lee-Keltner. “Eczema is chronic and needs a proactive, personalized care approach,” she says.
Look for thick creams or ointments with barrier-building ingredients like ceramides, hydrated petrolatum, colloidal oatmeal, and glycerin, says Mitchell. “Hydrated petrolatum and ceramides have the most scientific evidence supporting their benefit in eczema,” says Lee-Keltner. “Petrolatum, dimethicone, and glycerin are excellent for sensitive skin.”
“When used regularly, OTC moisturizers can repair and support the skin barrier, prevent flares or eczema, and enhance the effectiveness of prescription treatments,” explains Lee-Keltner. “Apply your prescription cream first, then layer your moisturizer on top to seal it in,” recommends Mitchell. “Just give it about 15 to 20 minutes so the medication has time to sink in.”

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Olivia Campbell

Author

Olivia Campbell is the New York Times bestselling author of Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine and Sisters in Science: How Four Women P...

Erin Heger

Author

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist with more than 10 years combined experience in health writing and healthcare advocacy. Her reporting and essays have covered mental health, wel...

Susan-Bard-bio

Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Fact-Checker

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

Lili Ladaga

Lili Ladaga

Editor
Lili Ladaga is a freelance editor on the Marketplace Team at Everyday Health.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
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Resources
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  2. Yong TL et al. Ceramides and Skin Health: New Insights. Experimental Dermatology. February 6, 2025.
  3. Hyaluronic Acid. Cleveland Clinic. May 4, 2022.
  4. What Is Squalane? Cleveland Clinic. December 23, 2022.
  5. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Monograph M016: Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use Authors: FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. September 2021.
  6. Chen HJ et al. Moisture Retention of Glycerin Solutions With Various Concentrations: A Comparative Study. Scientific Reports. June 17, 2022.
  7. Whiting C et al. Effects on the Skin Microbiome by a Moisturizer Formulated for Eczema-Prone and Sensitive Skin. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. March 2025.
  8. What Is Eczema? Eczema UK.
  9. Hebert AA et al. Efficacy of Nonprescription Moisturizers for Atopic Dermatitis: An Updated Review of Clinical Evidence. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. October 2020.
  10. Hawash A et al. Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Two Over-the-Counter Eczema Itch Relief Products. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. October 2023.
  11. Ainurofiq A et al. Characterization and Application of Moisturizer in Skin Treatment: A Review. Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists. October–December 2023.
  12. Ueda Y et al. Optimal application method of a moisturizer on the basis of skin physiological functions. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. November 2021.
  13. Li M et al. Multi-omic approach to decipher the impact of skincare products with pre/postbiotics on skin microbiome and metabolome. Frontiers in Medicine. July 18, 2023.
  14. Addor FAS. Antioxidants in Dermatology. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. May–June 2017.
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  20. Skin Care and Aging. National Institute on Aging. February 11, 2025.
  21. Charoensiddhi S et al. Anti-Skin Glycation and Collagen Level Stimulation of Brown Seaweed Extracts and Their Compositional Characteristics. Algal Research. September 2023.
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  23. Sah A et al. A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile. Pharmaceuticals. October 19, 2022.
  24. He X et al. Actinidia chinensis Planch.: A Review of Chemistry and Pharmacology. Frontiers in Pharmacology. October 30, 2019.
  25. Seo KH et al. Anti‑Inflammatory Role of Prunus persica L. Batsch Methanol Extract on Lipopolysaccharide‑Stimulated Glial Cells. Molecular Medicine Reports. May 2020.
  26. Habeebuddin M et al. Topical Probiotics: More Than a Skin Deep. Pharmaceutics. March 3, 2022.
  27. Safer Choice Fragrance-Free. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. October 2016.