8 Best Products for Eczema with the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance

Finding the right moisturizer is not the only key to managing eczema, so is applying a gentle cleanser. I use Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser to wash my face, and I’ll even use it as a body wash in the shower. I’ve used facial cleansers before that feel like they strip my skin, but this gel from Cetaphil feels light and forgiving. It also has moisturizing ingredients like B vitamins and glycerin. While this cleanser is very basic, that’s exactly what eczema-prone skin needs. 

Don’t be alarmed by the chemical-like smell, it is unscented and doesn’t contain any perfume.  

Pros:

• Very gentle on the skin 
• Contains glycerin and B vitamins 
• One bottle lasts me a long time

Cons:

• Not everyone will like the smell

While I use the Tower 28 cream every morning, I try to apply a thicker cream overnight. In my experience, rich overnight creams tend to clog my pores, irritate my already sensitive skin and smell strongly of fragrance. That’s why I love this repair cream from Alpyn Beauty. It is gentle yet very effective in trapping in moisture and helping my skin maintain a healthy barrier. I’ve been using it for quite a while now, and I’m really pleased. It hasn’t triggered the eczema that often flares up on my face. 

The container says you can use it in the morning and at night. However, I applied it once in the morning and felt weighted down by it. In my opinion, it’s better as a night cream. 

Pros:

• The small container has lasted me awhile 
• Contains peptides, ghostberry, hyaluronic acid and ceramides 
• Aims to improve fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity and brightness 

Cons:

• Expensive 
• More of a night cream 

My favorite body moisturizer comes from Aveeno. Its Eczema Therapy Moisturizing cream is rich but light enough that it doesn’t leave a heavy residue on my skin. The main ingredient in this moisturizer is colloidal oatmeal, which is a common, effective and steroid-free treatment for eczema. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps improve the skin barrier and provides moisture. Aveeno’s cream is also free of fragrances, parabens and dyes. 

I love how soothing this lotion feels on my skin, and I recommend putting it on after a shower or before bed. 

Pros:

• Steroid-free and fragrance-free
• Ingredients include soothing colloidal oatmeal 
• A rich cream that can be used all over the body

Cons:

• More for daily relief, not flareups 

If you find yourself with frequent stubborn patches that don’t respond to any of the creams so far on this list, it’s best to turn to Cortizone-10. However, if you are going the natural route to treat your eczema, be aware that this cream does contain hydrocortisone (a topical steroid). I use this lotion specifically for flare-up patches that appear on my wrists and hands, and I turn to steroid-free creams and lotions for everyday use. 

This Cortizone lotion clears up patches overnight for me. I’ll put some on after a shower or before I go to bed, and my skin will look and feel much more refreshed in the morning. I also love how affordable it is, and considering I only use a little at a time, it lasts a while.   

Pros:

• Contains vitamins A, C and E 
• Ingredients include 1% hydrocortisone 
• Very affordable 

Cons:

I like to run, and I’ve discovered over the years that excessive sweating during a workout tends to trigger my eczema. In addition, I tend to chafe extra easily. To combat this I use — believe it or not — diaper rash cream. I don’t have any kids; one day I just took another runner’s advice for treating chafe. I use Boudreaux’s Sensitive Skin Diaper Rash Ointment on rashes after my run, and I’ll even put it on existing rashes and eczema patches to protect them before a workout. It’s safe for babies, too, of course. 

The cream is thick, and I like how well it guards my eczema or rash from further irritation. But watch out, it may leave white marks on your clothes.   

Pros:

• Great for adult and baby skin
• Contains only five ingredients 
• Free of parabens, preservatives, dyes and talcum powder 

Cons:

• Can easily get on clothes 

I was introduced to Target’s Honest beauty line a few years back, and I’m so pleased to find its products have been awarded a few Seals of Acceptance. I use Honest’s Calm and Heal Melting Balm and the Calm and Heal Melting Eye Balm during the winter when my skin gets exceptionally dry. This balm utilizes hyaluronic acid, jojoba and squalane oils to moisturize and protect skin. At first, the balm feels thick and gel-like, but as you massage it into the skin, it melts into more of a cream.  

I use this balm to moisturize my face, my under-eyes and the tops of my hands. I’ve never had an eczema flare-up with these products.  

Pros:

• Made without parabens, phthalates, PEGs, synthetic fragrances and dyes 
• Hypoallergenic and clinically tested for sensitive skin
• Cruelty-free and vegan

Cons:

• Can have a greasy finish 

Any list of the best products for eczema is incomplete without mentioning Vaseline. It might be my most used personal care product. I use Vaseline to moisturize dry, cracked lips, lock in or “slug” under-eye products, remove makeup, protect cuts, brighten dull skin, prevent chafing and to soothe painful patches of eczema. 

Pure petroleum jelly is also great for applying a protective barrier over your other eczema products. This helps to ensure your skin is fully absorbing the ingredients and guarded from further irritation.    

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Only one ingredient
• Great for eczema patches anywhere on the body

Cons: