The 12 Best Face Creams for Eczema Instantly Relieve My Itchiness

An application a day keeps the irritation away.

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eczema cream art treatment with a woman with brown hair and bare skin next to four bottles of face moisturizer
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Allow me to be blunt: eczema on your face isn’t fun. It can be wildly itchy, sting, burn, cause bumps and blisters—and a regular moisturizer usually isn’t going to cut it. That’s why finding the best face creams for eczema is essential for rebuilding a healthy skin barrier and, most importantly, for relief.

The good news is that eczema is extremely common (up to 15 million people have to deal with it), and dermatologists have a pretty solid understanding of what’s going on when your skin starts acting up. “Dry skin can cause inflammation, which leads to eczema,” explains board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD. In other words: once your skin barrier is compromised, it’s easier for irritation to spiral—fast.

That’s also why the most effective products for facial eczema don’t behave like your typical daily moisturizer. The formulas that actually make a difference tend to be more purposeful: richer textures, barrier-repair ingredients, and fewer potential triggers. “For eczema-prone skin, the core goals are restoring and reinforcing the skin barrier, deeply locking in moisture, and soothing inflammation,” says board-certified dermatologist Jenna Queller, MD.

Of course, eczema is personal (and what flares one person’s skin might be totally fine for another), so there’s no single “magic” cream. But there are a few consistent traits dermatologists look for—like ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, petrolatum, and gentle, fragrance-free bases that help your skin hold onto water. So, in pursuit of serious skin relief, I rounded up the best creams, balms, and ointments to calm dry, itchy face eczema, and fast.

The Best Face Creams for Eczema

Freelance Beauty Writer Emma Aerin Becker wears La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream for Dry Skin

Freelance Beauty Writer Emma Aerin Becker wears La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream for Dry Skin.

(Image credit: Emma Aerin Becker)

Samantha Holender wears Skinceauticals Triple Lipid Repair.

Samantha Holender wears Skinceauticals Triple Lipid Repair.

(Image credit: Samantha Holender)

Isabelle Adler wears Sonsie Skin Multi Moisture Cream.

Isabelle Adler wears Sonsie Skin Multi Moisture Cream.

(Image credit: Future)

What Is Eczema?

“Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by an impaired skin barrier that leads to dryness, redness, itch, and irritation,” says Dr. Queller. In other words, it’s not just that your skin is dry—it’s that your skin isn’t holding onto moisture the way it should, and it’s far more likely to react to everyday triggers.

“People with eczema have skin that loses moisture more easily and reacts more strongly to environmental triggers, allergens, or irritants,” she explains. And once that barrier is compromised, it becomes a cycle that’s hard to break: moisture escapes, irritants get in, inflammation builds, and the itch factor ramps up right along with it.

When Is It Time to See a Doctor for Eczema?

For some people, a great face cream and a simplified skincare routine can genuinely turn things around—but if your eczema is persistent, it’s worth looping in a dermatologist sooner rather than later. Dr. Greenfield says you should typically see improvement within about two weeks, and to make an appointment “if the rash does not improve, worsens, or becomes itchy or painful.”

Dr. Queller adds that it’s also time to get professional help if your eczema isn’t responding to consistent use of fragrance-free, barrier-supportive moisturizers, or if you’re dealing with relentless itching, cracking, bleeding, or weeping. Another big sign: when flare-ups start interfering with sleep or daily life. As Dr. Queller puts it, “A dermatologist can help determine whether you need prescription treatments—such as topical anti-inflammatory medications—or allergy testing to identify triggers.”

What to Look For in an Eczema Face Cream

  • OTC vs. Prescription

“Over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers are the foundation of eczema care — they strengthen the skin barrier, soothe dryness, and calm mild irritation,” says Dr. Queller. But there’s a limit to what even the best face cream can do on its own. When eczema is more severe or actively inflamed, she notes that prescription treatments—such as topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or newer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory options—may be necessary to reduce inflammation and “break the itch-scratch cycle.” The big difference comes down to potency: OTC moisturizers are generally safe for everyday, long-term use, while prescription options should be used under medical supervision.

  • Texture

“For eczema, creams and thicker moisturizers or even ointments tend to be more effective than lightweight lotions because they form a more protective barrier on the skin,” says Dr. Queller. That said, the best texture is still the one you’ll actually use consistently. If you hate the feeling of a heavy balm on your face, a plush cream is often a more realistic everyday option. And if you’re in the middle of a flare—when skin feels raw or itchy—an ointment-like formula is your best bet.

  • Ingredients

Most face creams for eczema include ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and ceramides—that’s the baseline. But the best formulas go a step further, focusing on the bigger picture: barrier repair, moisture retention, and calming inflammation. “For eczema-prone skin, the core goals are restoring and reinforcing the skin barrier, deeply locking in moisture, and soothing inflammation,” says Dr. Queller.

She recommends looking for ceramides and other lipids, since they’re natural components of the skin barrier and help seal in hydration, along with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to pull water into the skin. Colloidal oatmeal is another standout, thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits and its ability to calm itching and irritation. On the flip side, Dr. Queller says it’s best to avoid fragrance, essential oils, and overly complex botanical blends, which can act as irritants or allergens and make sensitive skin more reactive.

What Causes Eczema?

“Eczema causes are multifactorial,” explains Dr. Greenfield. “Genetic and environmental factors can trigger an inflammatory cascade that results in itching, scales, and redness.” Dry skin is by and large the biggest trigger, which is why people might notice more flares during the winter or in cold weather.

What Types of Eczema Are There?

“There are a lot of different kinds of eczema,” explains Dr. Gohara. While most eczema will be treated the same way, a quick visit to your doctor can help identify the specific type of eczema you’re dealing with. “Nummular eczema appears as round, red, and scaly plaques and most commonly presents on the arms and legs,” says Dr. Greenfield. “Dyshidrotic eczema shows up as small fluid-filled vesicles on the fingers, toes, hands and feet.” There’s also atopic dermatitis, which is a bumpy rash that’s very common in babies. But with the right treatment plan, and a vetted face cream for eczema, you won't have to suffer with red, itchy skin for long.

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

How We Tested

Marie Claire Beauty Editor Siena Gagliano underwent a rigorous testing period, reviewing dozens of eczema creams. After consulting dermatologists and skincare experts to determine the top picks, she tested each cream when her eczema flared. The results, along with the texture, ingredients, and feel, determined this list of the best creams. She also evaluated customer reviews and best-selling products across our favorite retailers.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Jenna Queller
Dr. Jenna Queller

Dr. Jenna Queller is a board-certified dermatologist in Boca Raton and founder of DermWorksTM. Dr. Queller is highly trained in medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology.  In addition to her general dermatology practice, she specializes in anti-aging skin care; laser treatments for wrinkles and discoloration; facial rejuvenation with neurotoxin and cosmetic fillers; hair loss and skin cancer prevention.

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Nava Greenfield, M.D.

Dr. Nava Greenfield is a dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Dr. Greenfield earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College, City University of New York, where she graduated Cum Laude with honors in mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry and biochemistry. Dr. Greenfield attended medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University.

Dr. Greenfield has been published in many medical journals, including The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, and the Journal of Women’s Dermatology and Pediatrics. Dr. Greenfield is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.

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Dustin Portela, D.O.

Dustin Portela, D.O., is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Dermatologic Surgeon. He is certified through the American Board of Dermatology. His professional interests include skin cancer surgery and facial reconstruction, skin cancer prevention, complex medical dermatology and wound healing. Dr. Portela has lectured at national dermatology meetings and has published articles in several medical journals. Dr. Portela graduated with an Honors-Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Idaho State University. He received his medical degree at Des Moines University in Des Moines, IA graduating among the top of his class and being recognized with the Award for Excellence in Physiology.

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Mona Gohara, M.D.

After graduating from medical school with AOA honors, Dr. Mona Gohara did her dermatology training at Yale New Haven Hospital, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Gohara continues to teach at Yale where she holds a faculty appointment as an associate clinical professor. Dr. Gohara and her husband have two tween boys.

Besides mothering and doctoring, she spends time educating the public on skin health, skin cancer, and sun protection. She has done this through writing, lecturing on the local, national, and international level, and by engaging popular media. Dr. Gohara serves as Vice President of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. She is an active member of The American Academy of Dermatology, where she chairs the Social Media Task Force, and The American Society For Dermatologic Surgery, where she chairs the Media Relations Work Group.

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Siena Gagliano
Siena Gagliano
Beauty Editor

Siena Gagliano is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes and edits reported features, trend stories, and expert-backed shopping roundups. Before joining the team full-time, she was an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she specialized in SEO-first beauty content and commerce strategy. Her bylines have also appeared in Allure, ELLE, Bustle, Well+Good, Popsugar, and Women's Health, covering everything from the best products for brighter, glowier skin to the science behind face mapping. Curious about the behind-the-scenes magazine life and her go-to beauty picks? Follow her on Instagram at @sienagagliano.

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