The 16 Best Face Creams for Eczema That Treat Dry, Itchy skin

As someone who’s had eczema their entire life, I can confidently say that you won’t be disappointed by Eucerin. I make a point to slather my body in their cream daily as a preventative measure, but I always have this on standby for facial flares. Thanks to a formula packed with uber-calming colloidal oatmeal and a trio of hydrating ceramides, it works wonders on itchy, scaly patches. There are no steroids in it, so feel free to reapply whenever your heart desires.

Pros: Instantly soothing; Affordable; Editor favorite

Cons: Hard to rub in

While this isn’t a specific eczema treatment per se, it is one of the best soothing, preventative face creams on the market. The lipid-packed formula focuses on repairing a damaged skin barrier, which is the main cause of an eczema flare. In addition to keeping easily irritated skin in a happy, healthy state (always the goal), it will also provide loads of additional benefits like plumping and evening-out skin texture.

Pros: Hydrating; Preventative; Good for every day use

Cons: Expensive; Not the best option for active eczema

Eczema can spread—not between people, it isn’t chicken pox—from your face to your body. I'm skeptical about using a balm that works on your face and body, but this derm-loved staple is the exception. With main ingredients like shea butter and niacinamide, it will work on any skin area. “This product also has many clinical studies showing improvement in skin barrier and reduction of itch in patients with eczema,” says Dr. Portela.

Pros: For face and body; Dermatologist-approved

Cons: Users report pilling

When my eczema was at its worst, I would dab some of this on my skin where it was feeling particularly itchy. Now, I always have a stockpile of this cream on hand. It's *that* good. And I'm not the only one to think so: A tub of Ultra Repair Cream is literally sold every minute.

Pros: Anti-itch; Editor-approved; Good for every day use

Cons: Expensive

One patch of dry skin that isn't well-moisturized can kick-start the eczema cycle. Don't fret: This moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated for hours. Unlike Aquaphor and Vaseline, which can make skin shinier than the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, this cream will go on light and dries down pretty matte.

Pros: Long-lasting hydration; Not shiny

Cons: Not the best for active eczema (more preventative)

While this isn't the best cream to actively treat itchy eczema, it is an excellent option when your eczema is under control. With a seal from the National Eczema Association, you can be confident that this won't irritate your skin or incite a flare. A bonus: Your skin will feel soft and look more even-toned than ever. This luxe moisturizer completely removes my redness within just a few hours.

Pros: Calming; Deeply hydration; Eczema seal

Cons: Expensive

"I love Vaseline," says Mona Gohara, M.D. and board-certified dermatologist. "Especially around the eyes, where facial eczema is prevalent." While Aquaphor is part petroleum jelly and other ointments and oils, Vaseline is just pure petroleum jelly. (Again, if your skin is super-sensitive, go for the baby-friendly variety—the gentler, the better.) Vaseline is heavier than Aquaphor and is more of a protectant than a treatment. Try layering this on top of another cream for best results.

Pros: Affordable; Dermatologist-approved; Good for eye area

Cons: Not great for breakout-prone skin

The holy grail, hero item, and cult favorite—the CeraVe Healing Ointment classifies as all of the above because of its benefits in locking in the needed moisture on the skin’s barrier. Dr. Portela loves this ointment because it instantly cures “cracked and fissured skin.” For best results, lather it on when you first get out of the shower.

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Best for cracked skin; Affordable

Cons: Might break out acne-prone skin types

Because you have eczema doesn't mean unsexy beauty products$ are your destiny. Tatcha underwent rigorous testing to ensure their luxe, profoundly hydrating formula was safe for the most sensitive skin types. This silky moisturizer is my go-to when I want a glowy finish. The mix of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and indigo extract instantly restores hydration to my complexion, evens out my tone, and soothes any dry patches.

Pros: Luxurious texture; Eczema Associate seal; Last a long time

Cons: Expensive

When my eczema flares, I want to calm it down as soon as physically possible. This Mustela cream is one of the fastest-acting products I've tried—I notice a huge difference in just 24 hours. Thanks to the sensitive, skin-friendly blend that includes colloidal oatmeal, sunflower oil, and avocado, my skin feels softer and looks less flaky immediately.

Pros: Great for kids; Fast-acting

Cons: Reviewers report an oily texture

Clinically proven to calm down eczema symptoms after just one use (!!), I'm pretty justified to never leave the house without this little guy in my bag. Just a dime-sized amount of this colloidal oatmeal-infused product can bring me from a flare to a calm state in no time. It's thicker, so I prefer using it at night than during the day.

Pros: Affordable; Clinically tested; Dermatologist-recommended

Cons: A little thick for daytime

Formulated specifically for sensitive skin, this handy little balm is a mini-sized savior for facial flares. It’s dermatologist and opthomologist tested, so rest assured it’s safe for use anywhere on the face and eyelids. It is designed for targeted treatment, so only apply the product where you’re having an issue. That in mind, it does contain pharmaceutical-grade active ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, so the brand recommends stopping use after seven days.

Pros: Spot treatment; Safe for eyelids

Cons: Not everyday treatment

Exfoliating and eczema don't usually go hand in hand. While I wouldn't recommend using this during an active flare, it is safe when your skin is under control. It's been developed to play nicely with sensitive and eczema-prone skin and is incredibly gentle. Still, it helps overturn dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, fresher complexion.

Pros: Gentle; Clinically tested

Cons: Can't be used during an active flare

Aquaphor is a petroleum jelly–based ointment that the pros recommend slathering on your skin immediately after a shower or bath to lock in moisture. It won't leave irritated skin feeling even more irritated, and it'll provide a barrier between your skin and anything that might hurt it (the weather, pollutants, etc). I like using the kind developed specifically for babies—to me, it's the gentlest.

Pros: Affordable; Multi-purpose

Cons: Sticky texture

This one isn't for the faint of heart, but if you want to steer clear of prescription creams, try this during a flare-up—it's for that moment that you can't bear to itch anymore. However, it is important to note that while this can be successful in a pinch, it's not a long-term treatment. Dermatologists don't recommend using hydrocortisone on the face for more than three days.

Pros: Fast acting; Effective; Anti-itch

Cons: Must be stopped after three days

This Eight Hour Cream is legendary in skincare circles. While not developed for eczema specifically, I've found that a tiny amount of this goes a long way toward treating my issues—it's thicker and stickier than most of the others on this list, but it also sits more comfortably on my sensitive skin than any other premium skincare product. In particular, if you get eczema on your lips (or have dry, cracked lips generally), this is perfect—make sure you get the fragrance-free kind.

Pros: Preventative; Great for lips

Cons: Expensive; Sticky