10 Eczema Products Our Dermatologists Love

Let’s be honest, there’s endless information out there about what should and shouldn’t go on your skin when you have eczema. Between social media, health magazines, and the dozens of product results you might get from a quick Google search, it can be hard to know what information to trust. “Skincare has become a little unnavigable,” says Dr. Rachel Day, MD, Lead Dermatologist at Zest. That’s why we’re here to bring you the moisturizers and cleansers our dermatologists recommend to patients every day. Use this list to sort through the noise and find trusted products that work for you.

What are the best product ingredients for eczema?

“The best product ingredients for eczema are gentle, soothing, and itch-relieving. They retain moisture and build the resiliency of your skin barrier,” says Dr. Day. 

The skin barrier is the outer layer of skin that is supposed to protect you from outside irritants. Those with eczema have a weakened skin barrier, and restoring it is key to getting relief from your symptoms.

These ingredients, which you’ll find in many of the recommended products below, are some of the best for boosting your barrier: 

• Ceramides help lock in moisture and restore your skin barrier. These barrier-boosting fats are naturally produced by your body, but for those with eczema, ceramides levels are typically lower. 
• Colloidal oatmeal can help prevent itching as it works to restore your skin barrier, retain moisture, and relieve inflammation.
• Pramoxine hydrochloride blocks nerve endings in the skin, relieving the itch and pain sometimes associated with eczema.
• Glycerin is a substance that absorbs water from the air around it, helping to keep your skin moisturized and protected.
• Hyaluronic acid, like glycerin, is a moisture-absorbing agent that can help restore your skin barrier. Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, but those with eczema may produce less.
• Shea butter seals in moisture and keeps germs out, thanks to the moisturizing agent it contains, linoleic acid, a fat found in skin that those with eczema don’t possess.
• Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, both of which can help soothe the inflammation and itching that comes with eczema as well as help retain moisture.

What product ingredients should I avoid for eczema?

While not everyone’s symptoms are triggered by the same factors, the following ingredients are usually recommended by dermatologists as ones to avoid if you have eczema, due to their harsh or synthetic properties:

• Fragrances can easily pass through the skin barrier and irritate eczema. 
• Synthetic colors or dyes are used to make products more visually appealing, but the chemicals they contain can be an eczema trigger.
• Sulfates are found in many body and hair products and are effective in removing dirt and oil. However, they can also strip the skin of its natural oils. When you have eczema, you want to do all you can to help your skin retain that natural oil.
• Parabens are a group of preservatives frequently added to skincare products to protect them from microbes, but they can irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
• Essential oils, contrary to popular belief, are not actually less harmful than synthetic fragrances for those with eczema.
• Retinoids are commonly found in acne and anti-aging products, but for those with eczema or sensitive skin, this class of medicines can be irritating.
• Ethanol is an alcohol often found in gel products. This alcohol, unlike some others, like cetyl alcohol, can sting, burn, and dry out the skin.
• Urea is an ingredient that works really well for some skin conditions, like psoriasis, but is often irritating for eczema patients.

Need help figuring out how to manage your eczema? Our specialized dermatologists are here for you with next-day appointments and 24/7 messaging support. Book a free discovery call to learn more.

Best moisturizers for eczema

1. Vanicream Moisturizer: This rapidly absorbing, residue-free formula is free from dyes, fragrances, parabens, and other chemicals often found in moisturizers. It delivers lasting hydration without any greasy aftermath. “Vanicream products are the panacea when it comes to sensitive skin care. The Vanicream Moisturizer is thick and soothing on irritated skin, while being easy enough to apply daily. In the summer, opt for the lighter lotion version to maintain a healthy skin barrier,” says Dr. Day.
2. MG217 Eczema 2% Colloidal Oatmeal: This colloidal oatmeal moisturizer combats both dryness and itchiness. It soothes while restoring your skin's natural balance.
3. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion: This ceramides-rich, lightweight lotion prevents moisture loss to effectively tackle eczema flares.
4. Norwegian Hand Cream: For those whose hands are a problem area, this cream features glycerin, shielding you from dryness and cracks. It’s non-greasy and easy to apply. “From the first application you'll notice a softening of the skin. With consistent use, especially after hand washing, you'll notice more resilience to the everyday insults that make hand eczema so challenging,” says Dr. Day.
5. CeraVe Itch Relief Lotion: Developed with pramoxine hydrochloride, this lotion grants swift itch relief while rejuvenating your skin.  “Use it to calm your skin between prescription topical applications as part of a multimodal approach to reduce itch,” Dr. Day recommends.

Best cleansers for eczema

1. Vanicream Cleansing Bar: Free from any irritating chemicals, this bar cleanses your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. 
2. CeraVe Hydrating Cleansing Bar: This is another bar that does a great job of cleansing while still allowing your skin to retain moisture.
3. Robathol Bath Oil: For a relaxing and restoring experience, add this oil to your bath to hydrate your skin and tackle dryness and itchiness. “This cotton seed based oil is full of linoleic acid, one of the fatty acids that is great for strengthening the skin barrier.  This treatment supplements the inherent protective action of the skin’s naturally occurring oils,” Dr. Day explains.
4. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: This cleanser contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to help your skin stay balanced. It’s geared toward normal to oily skin, so it works to remove excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. 
5. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: This cleanser contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to combat dryness and inflammation. It’s geared toward normal to dry skin, so it’s a good choice if your face easily dries out. “Perfect for everyday use, it drives moisture back into your skin, protecting it from environmental influences like UV rays, low humidity or aerosolized allergens,” Dr. Day says. 

Tips for testing a new product

When you have sensitive skin and try any new product, it’s a good idea to start small. If you can find a travel size or sample before buying the full-sized product, start there. 

“When you apply it, apply a small amount on a concealed part of your body, like under your arm or behind your ear. Wait 48 hours after the first application to make sure no rashes arise,” says Dr. Day. 

If after a couple of small doses, your skin is tolerating it, it’s usually safe to use. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work for you, but it’s much less likely you’ll have a negative reaction to it.

Will the same products always work for me?

Something to keep in mind is that different products may work best for you at different times. 

For example, many people with eczema experience flares in the winter, thanks to dry air and high winds. The moisturizer that works for you during the rest of the year may not work in the winter. 

That doesn’t mean you need to throw away that product and never use it again—but you can temporarily switch it out for something else. Dr. Day recommends finding your “homebase” products. 

“What are the things that you know every single time will feel soothing, hydrating, and help your skin barrier recover?” Keep those products on hand to return to when other ones aren’t working.

Get help learning what products and treatments are most effective for your unique skin. Reach out to Zest today for personalized care and constant support.