12 Eczema Products Dermatologists Swear By

Published on June 24, 2024 at 7:05 AM

Amazon; Dermstore; Medik8; Target and Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

Anyone who has or knows someone with eczema knows how tricky it can be. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, it's a common skin condition that affects roughly 30 percent of Americans. Yet keeping it from flaring up is an ongoing (but manageable) process.

"Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that makes skin dry, itchy, inflamed, and bumpy. It weakens the skin's barrier, making it harder to retain moisture and protect against external elements," board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD, PhD, tells PS.

Seasonal weather changes can trigger eczema, with the wintertime being especially harsh, making skin more susceptible to becoming rough and dry. To an extent, the summer months can bring some much-needed relief to those who experience eczema. "In general, people's eczema improves with increased sun exposure over the summer. However, some people flare with increased sweating," says board-certified dermatologist Carmen Castilla, MD.

Despite the numerous challenges that come with having eczema, using the right over-the-counter products and avoiding your triggers can be a game changer in keeping flare-ups at bay.

"Individuals with eczema need to be cautious of what products they are using on their body — especially ones with harsher actives like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, fragrances, or essential oils. I recommend being extra mindful of retinoids, alcohol, and lanolin in skin-care formulations," board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, says.

Though it's advisable to visit a board-certified dermatologist to help determine an effective treatment plan (especially if you're dealing with severe eczema), there are things you can do, and use, at home to help. We asked dermatologists to divulge their favorite over-the-counter products to incorporate into your skin-care routine to treat eczema. Keep reading for the best products for eczema, according to dermatologists.

Experts Featured in This Article

Anetta Reszko, MD, PhD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon.

Carmen Castilla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with New York Dermatology Group.

Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.

Britt Craiglow, MD, is a double-board certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist based in Connecticut.

Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor based in Philadelphia.

Suneel Chilukuri, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Refresh Dermatology in Houston.

Best Rich Cream For Eczema

Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream ($36)

"It's a very rich cream that works easily into the skin, no greasy residue. Patients with eczema are at higher risk for contact allergies — it is therefore better to use formulations that are simple. This formulation has very few ingredients, which helps minimize the risk of sensitization and eczema flares. It is also in airless packaging, which allows it to be preservative free." — dermatologist Carmen Castilla, MD

Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream

From

$36

Best Rich Body Cream For Eczema

Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream ($13)

"To effectively treat eczema at home, I recommend Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream. This product is great at soothing and hydrating eczema-prone skin with ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and ceramides, which help to restore the skin's barrier and reduce inflammation." — dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD

Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream

From

$13

Best Drugstore Face Cream For Eczema

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($15)

"CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is great for repairing the skin barrier and contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help pull hydration into the skin. It comes in a large tub that can be used for the face and the body." — dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

From

$15

Best Water Cream For Eczema

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream ($20)

"Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream feels light and airy. Its star ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains water in the skin. It's not greasy and is a good option to hydrate oily and acne-prone skin. It's also clinically proven to be gentle enough for eczema and atopic dermatitis." — Dr. Saedi

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream

From

$20

Best Shower Oil For Eczema

Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil ($30)

"For gentle cleansing, I also recommend Bioderma Atoderm cleansing oil, which cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, helping you to maintain that much-needed hydration. Always be sure to regularly moisturize, avoid harsh soaps, and avoid products that can worsen your eczema." — Dr. Engelman

Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil

From

$30

Best Face Wash For Eczema

Face Haus The People's Wash Cleansing Milk ($20)

"A great gentle cleanser containing ingredients like ceramides and squalene to help support the skin barrier." — dermatologist Britt Craiglow, MD

Face Haus The People's Wash Cleansing Milk

From

$20

Best Daily Face Cream For Eczema

Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream ($49)

"I love the duality of the Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream. It works for every skin type, both evening and night, making it the perfect multitasking product. Due to the quality of the product and how it is formulated, it is suitable for people with eczema as well as sensitive skin." — Dr. Engelman

Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream

From

$49

Best Balm For Eczema

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm ($25)

"Its balm consistency is less likely to sting when applied to very inflamed skin. It contains colloidal oatmeal, which is anti-inflammatory, soothing irritated skin and alleviating itching, [and] ceramides help support skin barrier repair." — Dr. Castilla

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm

From

$25

Best Body Butter For Eczema

Melach 33 Silky Shea Body Butter ($52)

"This body butter is infused with nourishing Dead Sea minerals, including magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and zinc, known to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce irritation, and improve moisture retention. The shea butter and protective antioxidant-rich plant oils such as grape seed, almond, and pomegranate found in this formula deliver deep, nonirritating hydration and also hold anti-inflammatory properties, which can provide relief for those with eczema. I also love how this body butter is nongreasy and quickly absorbs into the skin." — Dr. Engelman

Melach 33 Silky Shea Body Butter

From

$52

Best Luxury Cream For Eczema

Doctor Babor The Cure Cream ($175)

"Doctor Babor's The Cure Cream does solve many skin concerns. It uses Biogen plant extract to strengthen the barrier function of the skin. It is great for dry, dehydrated skin while also promoting a healthy skin microbiome." — Dr. Saedi

Doctor Babor The Cure Cream

From

$175

Best Face Balm For Eczema

Sonage Skincare Laserine Botanical Salve Restorative Balm ($36)

"It is a great all-purpose balm that does not have petroleum and helps with dryness, chapped and irritated skin. It is effective at locking in the moisture." — Dr. Saedi

Sonage Skincare Laserine Botanical Salve Restorative Balm

From

$36

Best Face Mist For Eczema

Hydrinity Hyacyn Active ($60)

"Hydrinity offers two exceptional products that are effective in reducing redness associated with eczema and other skin conditions. Hydrinity Hyacyn Active contains hypochlorous acid, an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to renew compromised skin and calms stressed skin, including those with eczema or rosacea. The Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum ($120) is powered by a patented supercharged hyaluronic acid to help soothe skin, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the recovery process. When used together, these products can help hydrate, calm, and soothe skin, ultimately reducing redness associated with eczema." — dermatologist Suneel Chilukuri, MD

Hydrinity Hyacyn Active

From

$60

Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum

From

$120

Taryn Brooke is a beauty writer and editor born and bred in New York City who has been in digital media for over 10 years. She is a contributing beauty writer for PS, Allure, Byrdie, and Well+Good.