Finding the Best Lotion for Eczema

In this post, we dive deep into the world of eczema lotions, analyzing the most popular and effective options available today. We’ve gathered information from across the web, aiming to provide you with a comprehensive guide to finding the best lotion for your eczema.

Our selection criteria focused on lotions that are:

• Widely Accessible: Available in North America or easily purchased online.
• Financially Reasonable: Priced affordably without being excessively expensive.
• Highly Reviewed: Backed by a substantial number of customer reviews on major shopping platforms.
• Specifically Lotions: Formulated as lotions, not creams (we explain why this distinction matters below).

Lotions that didn’t fully meet these criteria but are still valuable options are included in our “Additional Lotions for Eczema” section. If you have personal experiences or recommendations, please share them in the comments below to help our community!

Lotion vs. Cream for Eczema: Understanding the Difference

While creams and lotions often share similar ingredients, their textures and applications differ significantly, especially for eczema-prone skin. The key difference lies in viscosity or thickness. Lotions are less viscous and more fluid than creams.

Why this matters for eczema:

• Easier Application: Lotions spread more easily and require less rubbing, which is crucial for sensitive, damaged eczema skin that can be easily irritated by friction.
• Faster Absorption: Their lighter texture allows for quicker absorption, leaving less greasy residue.

Why Eczema Lotion Research Matters

This website began as a resource for seborrheic dermatitis, but the overlap with eczema and atopic dermatitis is undeniable. Many of the same principles of skin barrier repair and gentle moisturization apply. Therefore, we’re extending our research to include eczema to provide broader support for those with similar skin concerns.

Top 7 Best Lotions for Eczema: Our Expert Picks

These are our top 7 eczema lotion recommendations, highly regarded by eczema sufferers and backed by positive online reviews from retailers like Amazon. Their high success rates are evident in the numerous positive testimonials.

1. Restoraderm Eczema Moisturizing Lotion – Rating: 4.7/5

Introduced in 2010, Restoraderm has become a favorite among eczema sufferers and is recognized by eczema associations, carrying the Eczema Association seal of approval. It’s formulated to restore the compromised skin barrier in eczema and address underlying deficiencies.

Key Ingredients & How They Help:

• Filaggrin breakdown products, Sodium PCA, and Arginine: Replenish essential components often lacking in eczema-affected skin.
• Ceramides: Strengthen the skin’s natural defense barrier.

Extensive research supports this formulation; you can explore the [pending patent behind it][1] for deeper insights.

Restoraderm boasts an impressive 4.7/5 rating on Amazon, with [many reviews][2] praising its effectiveness. However, some users (around 10%, as confirmed by [discussions][3] on this site) report burning sensations or lack of efficacy.

Other Notable Ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid (Sodium hyaluronate)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
• Pro-vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
• Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)
• Caprylic acid

Important Note: Restoraderm is marketed under various names, including “[Skin Restoring Moisturizer][4]”, “[Eczema Calming Body Moisturizer][5]”, and “[Replenishing Moisturizer][6]”. Despite the different names, the ingredient lists appear identical, suggesting regional naming variations.

Price & Value: While priced higher (around $11.18 for 10 ounces on Amazon), the ingredient list justifies the cost, featuring premium ingredients like hyaluronic acid and tocopherols (as natural preservatives instead of parabens). You’re paying for quality ingredients, not just branding.

Personal Experience: This lotion was personally effective in managing seborrheic dermatitis, suggesting its benefits extend beyond just eczema.

2. Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Eczema Lotion – Rating: 4.4/5

Recommended by users, Cortizone 10 owes its effectiveness to hydrocortisone, a topical steroid. It’s effective for quick relief, which explains its popularity and satisfied users.

Important Considerations:

• Not for Long-Term Use: Hydrocortisone is intended for short-term use only. Prolonged use can lead to skin thinning and dependency. Dermatologists typically recommend it to manage acute flare-ups, followed by gentler maintenance lotions.

While its Amazon rating is slightly lower at 4.4/5, numerous customers remain [highly satisfied][7]. Negative feedback centers around two points:

• Formula Changes: Some users believe the formula has changed, reducing its effectiveness.
• Irritation & Peeling: Some users experienced skin peeling and irritation, likely due to individual ingredient sensitivities.

3. Curel Itch Defense Lotion – Rating: 4.6/5

Curel Itch Defense is a ceramide-focused lotion designed to bolster the skin’s natural defenses against eczema. It has garnered positive reviews [across the web][8] and [especially on Amazon][9], and holds the Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

With a strong 4.6/5 Amazon rating, users frequently praise its moisturizing efficacy and non-greasy feel.

Key Highlights:

• No 1-Star Reviews (at the time of writing): Remarkably, it had no 1-star reviews, indicating a generally positive user experience.
• Some Ineffectiveness: However, some users reported it didn’t provide significant relief, suggesting ingredient incompatibility for certain individuals.

Preservative Concern: The use of methylparaben as a preservative is a drawback for some. While parabens are considered safe by many and possess antifungal properties (potentially beneficial in eczema by minimizing bacterial activity), some health-conscious consumers prefer paraben-free products.

Price & Availability: Affordably priced at around $5.50 for a [13-ounce bottle][10] and $7.12 for a [20-ounce bottle][11] on Amazon. Also available at [Walmart][12] and major supermarkets at similar prices.

4. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion – Rating: 4.6/5

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion was a personal early choice for dry skin. Like Curel, it emphasizes ceramides to restore the skin’s barrier function and also carries the Eczema Association Seal of Approval.

Paraben Consideration: Similar to Curel, CeraVe contains parabens, which, despite some negative perception, are considered safe by the medical community.

Amazon reviews are largely positive, with users highlighting its quick action. However, some reviews note the need for continued use to maintain eczema control.

Dermatologist Recommended: A key factor that drew many to CeraVe is its frequent recommendation by dermatologists, adding credibility and influencing purchase decisions.

CeraVe holds a 4.6/5 rating on Amazon. [Positive reviews][13] often mention professional recommendations, fast results, and [ceramide research][14].

Price & Availability: Priced at $7.86 for a [12oz bottle on Amazon][15]. Originally priced higher, it remains competitively priced. [Walmart][16] lists it slightly higher at $8.27 for the same size.

5. Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief – Rating: 4.7/5

Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief leverages the moisturizing power of colloidal oatmeal. Unlike some Aveeno products, it doesn’t have the Eczema Association Seal of Approval.

Key Features:

• Short, Paraben-Free Ingredient List: Appeals to those seeking simpler, more natural formulations.
• “Natural” Marketing: Positioned as a more natural eczema solution, building a strong following.

[Amazon reviews][17] are positive, with a 4.7/5 rating. Praised for being a natural option and its quick relief. Negative reviews mention product spoilage or poor absorbability (likely due to petrolatum).

Personal Experience: While effective for soothing dry hands in winter, personal experience with seborrheic dermatitis revealed some absorbability issues, as noted in some reviews.

Scientific Backing: Colloidal oatmeal’s skincare benefits are supported by numerous clinical studies:

• [Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry and clinical properties.][18]
• [The Reduction of Itch During Burn Wound Healing][19]
• [Colloidal Oatmeal Formulations as Adjunct Treatments in Atopic Dermatitis][20]

Price & Availability: Affordable at $7.90 for an 18oz bottle on Amazon. Widely available at [Walmart][21] and [Target][22] around the same price.

6. Dermarest Eczema Medicated Lotion – Rating: 4.5/5

Dermarest Eczema Medicated Lotion is another hydrocortisone-based option. Initially hesitant to include two medicated lotions, its popularity and [positive Amazon reviews][23] justified its place on this list.

Currently rated 4.5/5 on Amazon. Positive reviews highlight fast relief and skin healing – typical of steroid lotions.

Negative Feedback: Many negative reviews state it was ineffective or worsened their condition.

Important Reminder: Like Cortizone 10, Dermarest is for short-term use only due to hydrocortisone. Dermatologists recommend milder lotions for long-term eczema management.

7. Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion – Rating: 4.6/5

Gold Bond is a well-known brand for various skin concerns, and their Ultimate Healing lotion is highly regarded. It lacks the Eczema Association Seal of Approval.

Key Strengths:

• Proven Ingredients: Formulated with a robust blend of effective skincare ingredients.
• Exceptional Value: Very affordable, around $9.92 for a 20-ounce bottle on Amazon and $10.44 at Walmart.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5. [Positive reviews][24] emphasize good absorption, effectiveness, and minimal residue, making it suitable for daytime use. Negative reviews cite poor absorption or pump issues.

Paraben & Natural Ingredients: Contains parabens, which may deter some. However, it also includes numerous natural and herbal ingredients, which is a plus.

Additional Lotions for Eczema (For Reference)

These lotions didn’t meet all initial criteria but are worth noting:

• [Baja Baby Nourishing Body Lotion][25] 4.8/5 (Limited retail availability)
• [Eczema Lotion by pHat55][26] 4.9/5 (Low review count – only 15 reviews)
• [Shea Moisture – Raw Shea Butter Baby Healing Lotion][27] 4.2/5 (Limited retail availability)
• [Alba Botanica Very Emollient][28] 4.4/5 (Limited retail availability)
• [Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Calming Lotion][29] 4.4/5 (Complex ingredient list)

Creams for Eczema (Not Lotions, but Worth Considering)

While this article focuses on lotions, creams are also highly relevant for eczema. Here are some excellent eczema creams:

• [Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream][30] 4.5/5
• [Neosporin Essentials Eczema Daily Moisturizing Cream][31] 4.4/5
• [Sudocrem Antiseptic Cream][32] 4.5/5
• [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream][33] 4.8/5
• [Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream][34] 4.6/5
• [Gold Bond Ultimate Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Cream][35] 4.5/5
• [Era Organics Eczema & Psoriasis Cream][36] 4.6/5

Natural Eczema Alternatives

Beyond commercial lotions and creams, natural options like coconut oil and honey can be beneficial for eczema. While previously discussed for seborrheic dermatitis, the principles are similar:

• [Honey Treatment][37]
• [Coconut Oil Treatment][38]

Many other potentially helpful natural oils and herbs exist, but quality control can be a challenge. Consider DIY formulations using fresh ingredients and reputable online tutorials for a truly natural approach.

Conclusion: Finding Your Best Eczema Lotion

This guide provides a starting point for navigating the best eczema lotions. Visiting a dermatologist for samples is highly recommended to test lotions before investing, saving you money while finding the right fit. Share your tips and experiences in the comments below to contribute to our community discussion!