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.
Contents
The Best Face Creams for Eczema
Avène
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
If you want one face cream that does the most—calms irritation, supports barrier repair, and seals in moisture—this is it. Dr. Queller says Avène Cicalfate+ is “an excellent option” when you need both protective occlusion and soothing repair, and notes that it helps restore the skin barrier and maintain hydration. She also calls it her go-to post-laser product for patients because it “reliably calms irritation and supports healing.” It’s the one I’d recommend first because it covers the basics: it protects, hydrates, and helps calm skin during a flare.
Key Ingredients: Sucralfate (skin-repairing); Copper and zinc (soothing, helps support healing); Glycerin (hydrating)
Texture: Thick, protective cream
What I Love: Calms irritation fast; Great “flare-up” and post-treatment cream; Works on face and body
What I Don’t: Can feel a bit heavy under makeup; Leaves a slight white cast until fully blended on deeper skin tones
Review for MC: “When I was a little girl and through high school, my eczema would flare so bad, my hands and scalp would crack and bleed. That had to be treated by a dermatologist, and since then, it’s definitely improved, but my skin is far from eczema-free. That’s where Cicalfate+ comes in. Every night I lather the formula in my troubled areas, and while I still have a flare here and there, this cream singlehandedly keeps my skin barrier strong and healthy and protected.” — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
La Roche-Posay
Lipikar Ap+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Eczema can spread—not between people, it isn’t chicken pox—from your face to your body. I’m normally 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. It also comes with studies showing reduced itchiness and improved skin barrier function in people with eczema.
Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water (soothing), ceramide-3 (strengthens skin barrier), shea butter (moisturizing), niacinamide (soothing)
Texture: Thick cream
What I Love: Dermatologist-recommended; Affordable
What I Don’t: Might pill for some
Review for MC: “Having sensitive skin can come with a high price. But after trying dozens of moisturizers on my highly-reactive, irritable skin, this $20 product has proven to be a lifesaver. The thick texture feels incredibly soothing yet doesn’t clog my pores, and it gives my face a gorgeous glow. It does pill if I apply makeup over the top, but it’s absolutely perfect for bare-faced days.” — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
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)
SkinCeuticals
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
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.
Key Ingredients: Algae extracts (hydrates); Ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol (improves skin barrier)
Texture: Lightweight cream
What I Love: Lightweight; Pore shrinking
What I Don’t: Not hydrating enough for dry skin types
Review for MC: “If you have oily skin that is also sensitive, allow me to direct your attention to SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Repair. It’s lightweight and non-comedogenic, has pore-shrinking properties thanks to the inclusion of carefully curated botanical extracts, and is packed with enough vitamins and nutrients to bring compromised skin to a healthy state. I truly notice that my pores and blackheads look smaller when I use this consistently.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender wears Skinceauticals Triple Lipid Repair.
(Image credit: Samantha Holender)
Elm Biosciences
A3O Elemental Night Cream
Mature skin and eczema-prone skin have the same core complaint: dryness, sensitivity, and a barrier that doesn’t bounce back as quickly as it used to. That’s what makes this night cream from Elm Biosciences such a standout. The formula is built to nourish first, then smooth, with barrier-supporting hydrators and antioxidants that help skin feel more comfortable overnight. It also includes a retinoid derivative designed to deliver a more refined, even-looking texture with less of the irritation you’d typically expect from classic retinol or tretinoin.
To be clear: if you’re in an active eczema flare, even “gentle” retinoids can be too much. But for many eczema-prone people who can’t tolerate traditional retinoids, this is one of the few night creams that aims to improve texture and radiance while still prioritizing moisture and barrier health.
Key Ingredients: Ectoin (protective hydration); Carnosine (antioxidant); Lipids (moisturizing)
Texture: Rich night cream
What I Love: An anti-aging formula that still respects sensitivity; Hydrating enough to buffer potential irritation; Helps skin look smoother over time
What I Don’t: Expensive; Not the best pick for severe or actively inflamed facial eczema
Review for MC: “After 36 years as a person who didn’t struggle with eczema on her face, I finally—and very reluctantly—joined the club last month. [After using a prescription steroid] my face was still crying out for extra moisture. So, I did what any dedicated beauty editor would do and I opened a lab sample of new moisturizer that had come across my desk, the Elm Biosciences A3O Elemental Night Cream. After just three days of using this cream, I was shocked to see that the bumpy red patches on my cheeks had completely calmed down. Granted, I was 2.5 weeks into using my steroid cream, but the change was drastic enough that I couldn’t help but give the new addition some credit as well.” — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Sonsie Skin
Multi Moisture Cream
This is the kind of moisturizer eczema-prone skin needs during the day: hydrating enough to keep dryness and tightness from creeping in, but light enough not to feel greasy. The formula relies heavily on glycerin (one of the most reliable ingredients for long-lasting hydration), hyaluronic acid, and a blend of barrier-friendly emollients that help skin feel smoother. It’s especially great if your face gets dry and reactive, but you still want something that layers well under sunscreen and makeup without pilling.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (hydrating); Squalane (moisturizing); Hyaluronic acid (plumping hydration); Bisabolol (soothing)
Texture: Lightweight cream
What I Love: Great under SPF and makeup; Hydrates without heaviness; Helps support the skin barrier
What I Don’t: Not rich enough for severe flares on its own
Review for MC: “My skin is extremely sensitive, so I’m very careful with what I add to my skincare. This cream has all that moisture my skin craves, with a formulation that melts into the skin, all while still feeling light and not sticky. As someone who deals with eczema and skin that’s rather dull, this gives me back some glow.” — Isabelle Adler, Contributing Beauty Writer
Isabelle Adler wears Sonsie Skin Multi Moisture Cream.
(Image credit: Future)
Tower 28
SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer
If facial eczema shows up on you as redness first—flushing, blotchiness, that persistent pink tone—this is one of the best everyday moisturizers to keep on rotation. The formula is gentle, fragrance-free, and backed by the National Eczema Association seal (a detail appreciated by MC Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender, who loves this formula). Dr. Queller also calls it “an excellent choice for sensitive or eczema-prone skin,” noting that it’s designed to support the skin barrier while soothing irritation and redness.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (hydrating); Ceramide NP (barrier support); Allantoin (soothing); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
Texture: Cream
What I Love: NEA Seal; Noticeably helps with redness; Layers well under SPF and makeup
What I Don’t: Not rich enough for very dry, flaky flares on its own
Customer Review: “Love SOS moisturizer! I have sensitive skin/eczema, and lately my skin has been red and very dry. I’ve been using it consistently and I’ve noticed less redness and a huge improvement my skin feels more hydrated. Overall, I’m very happy with it.” — Sephora
Vanicream
Daily Facial Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides
If you want a face cream for eczema that derms consistently trust—and your skin is the type to freak out over everything—Vanicream is the obvious answer. Dr. Queller calls it “a dermatologist staple,” praising its simple, fragrance-free formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for “lightweight yet effective hydration.” She adds that it’s “especially great for those with multiple sensitivities,” which is exactly why it’s such a smart drugstore pick: it does the job without adding extra potential triggers.
Key Ingredients: Squalane (moisturizing); Glycerin (hydrating); Ceramides (barrier support); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
Texture: Lightweight cream
What I Love: Fragrance-free and eczema-friendly; Great for highly sensitive skin; Excellent price point
What I Don’t: Need to layer something more occlusive on top
Customer Review: “About 90% of my skin care regimen is Vanicream, so when they came out with this, I had to try it. I am in love! It feels so good on my extremely sensitive eczema-prone skin. I love how it is lightweight but somehow still moisturizing. Normally, I have to use thick creams and lotions for relief, but somehow this works like magic. For reference, I use Vanicream face wash day and night, this lotion in the morning afterward, and Vanicream at night. Finally found my perfect skin care regimen! Thanks, Vanicream!” — Ulta
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
First Aid Beauty may have gotten a facelift, but the Ultra Repair Cream inside the updated packaging is as dependable as ever. It’s rich but fast-absorbing, and it’s anchored by 0.5 percent colloidal oatmeal—a gold-standard ingredient for eczema-prone skin that helps soothe itchiness and support the skin barrier. The formula also layers on classic moisturizers and skin softeners (like glycerin, shea butter, squalane, and dimethicone), making it especially helpful when your face feels dry or reactive. It’s also one of those rare creams that truly works just as well on the face as it does on the body, which is a major plus if you’re dealing with eczema in more than one place.
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal (soothing, skin protectant); Glycerin (hydrating); Shea butter (moisturizing); Ceramide NP (barrier support)
Texture: Rich cream
What I Love: Super comforting; Great for face and body; Colloidal oatmeal is a huge plus for eczema-prone skin
What I Don’t: It comes in a jar, so you’ll want to use clean hands (or a spatula) to avoid introducing bacteria
Review for MC: “I get on-off eczema around my eyes and forehead when it’s chilly out, and this is the only cream that soothes my skin when it’s at its itchiest and grouchiest.” — Jenny Hollander, Digital Director
Eucerin
Eczema Relief Flare-Up Treatment
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 of slathering my body in their cream daily as a preventive 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.
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal (soothing, skin protectant); Ceramides (barrier support); Licorice Root (anti-inflammatory)
Texture: Cream
What I Love: Instantly soothing; Affordable; Editor’s favorite
What I Don’t: A bit difficult to rub in
Customer Review: “We’ve tried dozens of creams, ointments, and a few prescriptions for my son’s hand eczema, and this has worked the best for him. We put a LOT on before bed, and he wears gloves over the top, and that has given him the best relief. We go through a tube every month, but anyone struggling with eczema knows that’s worth it.” — Amazon
Vaseline
White Petroleum
“I love Vaseline,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “Especially around the eyes, where facial eczema is prevalent.” While Aquaphor is a blend of petroleum jelly and lanolin, Vaseline is just pure petroleum jelly. (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 the best results.
Key Ingredients: Petroleum (emollient)
Texture: Ointment
What I Love: Affordable; Dermatologist-approved; Good for the eye area
What I Don’t: Not great for breakout-prone skin as it can potentially clog pores
Customer Review: “These are very affordable and bigger than I expected. I started using this on my 6-month-old skin due to her eczema, and it’s been absorbing greatly so far.” — Amazon
CeraVe
Healing Ointment
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. Dustin Portela, D.O., board-certified dermatologist, loves this ointment because it instantly cures “cracked and fissured skin.” For best results, lather it on right after you get out of the shower.
Key Ingredients: Petroleum (emollient); Hyaluronic Acid (hydrates); Ceramides (supports skin barrier)
Texture: Ointment
What I Love: Dermatologist-approved; Best for cracked skin; Affordable
What I Don’t: Might break out acne-prone skin types
Customer Review: “I have really bad itchy eczema dry skin in the winter. For the first time ever, I have seen immediate improvement in my skin when I apply this at night. The itching is soothed quickly after applying, and it helps me sleep instead of keeping me up all night from scratching. It is so nice to wake up in the morning with little to no itching or burning. I would need to apply lotions 24/7 to even see a fraction of the results I see from this in just two nights.” — Amazon
Mustela
Eczema Relief Cream Stelatopia Intense
When my eczema flares, I want to calm it down as quickly 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.
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal (soothing, skin protectant)
Texture: Cream
What I Love: Great for kids; Fast-acting
What I Don’t: Reviewers report an oily texture
Customer Review: “The only cream that finally worked for my baby’s severe eczema flare-up. This is a heaven-sent product! I thank God I found something that gave my baby relief after weeks of trying everything under the sun.” — Amazon
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
“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.
“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.
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.
Why Trust Marie Claire
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
