The 13 Best Eczema Creams, According to Dermatologists

Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that can lead to breakdowns in the skin barrier and symptoms such as an itchy rash, blisters and cracking.

According to the National Eczema Association, more than 31 million Americans deal with eczema, and unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition. But there are treatments, including medications, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter eczema creams that can help manage symptoms.

Here are the best eczema creams recommended by dermatologists, along with tips on what to look for when you're shopping, including the best ingredients to help ease symptoms.

We tapped two dermatologists who treat eczema, who revealed their top product picks and explained what to look for in an effective eczema cream, including:

• Ingredients that moisturize and repair skin
• No harsh ingredients
• Price
• Availability

For more information on how we choose and cover products, click here.

"The hyaluronic acid and ceramides in this super cream trap and retain moisture," Dr. Marmon says. "Also, it is oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won't leave your skin greasy or cause breakouts."

"At under $5 per jar, this classic coats, soothes and protects the skin," says Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor and director of clinical research in the department of dermatology at New York Medical College.

And while it might sound too simple, a February 2017 study in ‌JAMA Pediatrics‌ found that petroleum jelly was the most cost-effective remedy for eczema in children.

According to Dr. Marmon, this product line is specifically designed for sensitive skin because it's free of fragrance, dyes and formaldehyde (all of which makes it a good choice for eczema, too).

Talk about a triple threat: "This soothing cream contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter and niacinamide to heal a damaged skin barrier," Dr. Marmon says.

It's specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin, and it can be used anywhere on your body, including your face.

For a more affordable option, Dr. Marmon offers Neutrogena.

"This cream protects dry, chapped hands with glycerin," she explains. "For best results, keep it in your bag and apply immediately after washing and patting your hands dry."

"This emollient is fragrance-free and relieves babies' itchy, irritated skin with gentle avocado and sunflower oil," Dr. Marmon says.

This soothing cream is a popular option for eczema for all skin types, Dr. Marmon says, because it's full of powerhouse ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and colloidal oatmeal that easily and quickly absorb into the skin.

Leslie Baumann, MD, a dermatologist in Miami, Florida, recommends Sarna as an over-the-counter cream to ease itchiness from eczema. It contains camphor and menthol, which are both soothing ingredients to combat itch.

This is Dr. Baumann's pick for an all-natural eczema cream thanks to its organic ingredient of 100 percent argan oil, which is anti-inflammatory and contains linoleic acid to help keep the skin barrier intact.

Dr. Marmon also recommends Kopari Coconut Melt, a tropical-inspired cream, because it melts into the skin and "leaves it smelling great."

"This travel-sized cream has allantoin and ceramides to replenish lost moisture and is the perfect size to throw in your carry-on," Dr. Marmon says.

Dr. Baumann also recommends trying the Burt's Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask if you need a quick boost of hydration in a travel size. It's 99 percent natural and includes fatty acids from avocado, as well as prebiotics to support the skin's microbiome.

This eczema cream gets its name from its patented lipid ratio of 2 percent pure ceramides 1 and 3, 4 percent natural cholesterol and 2 percent fatty acids, Dr. Baumann says.

Although it's marketed primarily as an anti-aging cream, the lipid ratio helps work to restore and protect the skin's barrier.

The best eczema cream may vary from person to person, depending on what you're looking for. For instance, your eczema symptoms may be on your face or your hands, or you may have extra-sensitive skin, so you'll want to tailor the products you choose.

With that said, here are some of the important factors to look for in an eczema cream, according to dermatologists.

The main thing to look for in an OTC eczema cream is that it's made with ingredients that help moisturize, soothe and repair the damaged skin barrier, Dr. Baumann says.

Dr. Marmon recommends looking for the following:

• Ceramides
• Colloidal oatmeal
• Hyaluronic acid

In addition to choosing the right ingredients to help the skin, you'll want to avoid others that can cause dryness or irritation and potentially make eczema worse. According to Dr. Marmon and Jennifer Bursley, PNP-PC, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Helen DeVos Pediatric Dermatology, these include:

• Retinoids
• Acid
• Dyes
• Fragrance

The National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance appears on products that the organization deems suitable for the care of eczema or sensitive skin. If a product carries the blue-and-white seal, then its ingredients are in line with what doctors recommend for eczema.

It's worth noting, though, that brands have to apply in order to receive this seal, and that process is completely voluntary. So if a product doesn't have the seal, that doesn't necessarily mean it's not a good choice for treating eczema.