Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, can be a frustrating skin condition. If you have eczema-prone skin, you’ll know first-hand how tough it is to manage. Whether it’s dust, heat, or even fumes from a fresh coat of paint, an unbearable itch can be conjured, exacerbating dry scaly patches.
While there isn’t a cure for eczema, there are treatments and products out there that can soothe your skin and minimise the symptoms. The key to tackling the condition is hydration, which is why those with eczema-prone skin often have an eczema cream within arm’s reach.
Ahead, Daily Vanity has gathered 18 eczema creams to keep your skin smooth, moisturised, and free of that pesky itch.
What to look for and avoid in an eczema cream
Credit: Linda Prebreza/Pexels
When you’re considering an eczema cream, it’s important to look for ingredients that will support and strengthen your skin barrier. Humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, add additional hydration, while occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, shea butter, and nourishing oils reinforce the skin barrier, ultimately protecting you from irritants that might trigger an eczema flare-up.
Colloidal oatmeal is one you’ll want in an eczema cream too. This ingredient has been used for centuries to soothe dry, itchy skin. That’s because it contains a unique blend of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant chemicals called avenanthramides that boost your skin’s health.
Moisturising ceramides also help to form a protective layer that limits moisture loss and shields your skin from environmental stressors.
Of course, there are ingredients you’ll want to avoid too. Steer clear of fragrances, colourants, exfoliating acids (like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids), as well as retinol. These can further irritate the skin or dry it out, exacerbating your eczema flare-up.
Related read: 21 best moisturisers for sensitive skin that will save your complexion
17 best eczema creams
Kansoskin Simply Better Barrier™ The Ultimate Hydrating Relief Cream
Created by local folks who understand just how tricky eczema can be, Kansoskin’s Simply Better Barrier™ aims to balance the skin’s natural microbiome to reduce signs of sensitivity.
It does so thanks to a unique blend of 17 antioxidant-rich Asian botanical extracts as well as a pre and probiotic complex, which make up their PPA3 Balancing Complex™. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties soothe and calm itchy, irritated skin fast.
What’s more, it enlists the help of ceramides, snow mushroom, monkey grass, and natto gum extract to bolster your skin’s barrier and boost its moisture-retaining properties, thereby quenching dehydrated, parched skin. The moisturiser also contains Adenosine, an important cell-signalling ingredient that has wound-healing properties to restore the skin.
This pH-balanced, fragrance-free cream is suitable for those who are sensitive to fragrances and essential oils, which are common triggers of eczema flare-ups and skin irritation. It can even be used on babies and during pregnancy.
The lightweight and non-sticky texture also applies and absorbs beautifully, making it perfect for tropical, humid climates like Singapore. Designed to be used on the face, hands, and body, Simply Better Barrier™ helps to keep your skin feeling fresh and comfortable all day long!
Kansoskin Simply Better Barrier™ moisturiser retails for S$45 at Kansoskin.com.
Pssst! Daily Vanity readers get to enjoy a 15% discount from now till 30 November 2021! Simply enter the code DV15OFF at checkout on Kansoskin’s website!
QV Moisturising Cream
Recommended by dermatologists, QV is the number one brand* in Singapore hospitals. Their products are known to take extra care of dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, and one of the bestsellers is none other than the QV Moisturising Cream.
This concentrated, fragrance-free cream boasts five moisturising ingredients to soothe eczema-prone skin, including squalane – a natural component that’s found in the skin’s sebum. Although it has a rich texture, it absorbs into the skin fast and leaves a non-greasy finish for optimal comfort.
It creates a protective barrier on the skin and locks in moisture for hours on end, soothing dry, itchy, flaky skin as it effectively prevents dryness. Ingredients like fragrance and colourants may trigger skin irritation, which is why this pH-balanced formula is free of fragrance, colourants, lanolin, and propylene glycol.
A study even showed that it was able to boost the skin’s hydration levels by 30% in 24 hours** – impressive results observed in such a short period of time. And based on the brand’s online consumer survey, 93% of reviewers agreed that the cream was able to soothe dryness and the associated itch of eczema-prone skin.
Simply slather this on your skin twice a day on areas that are prone to dryness, such as your elbows, knees, and hands. Its gentle formula is suitable for infants and the elderly too.
QV Moisturising Cream retails for S$38.30 (500ml, pictured above), and S$65.70 (1kg) at leading pharmacies, supermarkets, and online at Shopee and Lazada. View the full list of retailers here.
*Only applicable to QV Moisturising Cream. IQVIA NSA for D02 Emollients & Protective Market, Hospital channel, MAT Mar 2020 – Sales Values
**Average increase of around 30% in skin hydration (corneometer) in a group of 33 females. Measurements taken pre-application and 24 hours after application.
Dermal Therapy Anti-itch Soothing Cream
Australian owned and made, Dermal Therapy offers skincare products that are formulated with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, trusted by consumers, pharmacies, and medical practitioners alike. Rest assured, the brand’s formulations do not contain harmful chemicals, so they’re great for those with sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
To relieve an unbearable itch fast, reach for Dermal Therapy’s Anti-itch Soothing Cream. It is clinically proven to reduce itching, redness, and swelling in minutes. Plus, it soothes and moisturises the skin at the same time, and it does so thanks to a balanced blend of three key ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Canadian Willowherb, and Menthol.
If you struggle with dryness, itchiness, sensitivity, or eczema, this cream will calm, replenish, and strengthen your skin. You can even apply it on insect bites or a sunburn to soothe the itch and burn fast. If you’re applying it on your face, you’ll want to avoid areas around your eyes and mouth.
Dermal Therapy’s Anti-itch Soothing Cream is also free of steroids, parabens, fragrances, and petrochemicals to give your skin the TLC it needs and deserves. It’s also suitable to use for little ones aged 2 and above.
Dermal Therapy Anti-itch Soothing Cream retails for S$24 and is available at Watsons, Guardian, Unity, Lazada, and Shopee.
A-Derma EXOMEGA CONTROL Emollient Cream
A pioneer in the field of plant-based dermatology, A-Derma aims to treat and protect delicate skin with the beneficial properties of plants. Its most popular collection is the EXOMEGA CONTROL range, and its star product is none other than the EXOMEGA CONTROL Emollient Cream.
Natural and fragrance-free, the cream delivers a rich texture that absorbs quickly to deeply moisturise dry skin, reducing irritation and itching fast. Plus, it’s a safe solution that’s suitable for infants, children, and adults.
At the heart of the eczema cream (as well as all A-Derma products) is the exclusive plant-based active ingredient, Rhealba Oat. Selected out of 26,000 oat varieties worldwide, it is considered the purest oat, chosen for its unrivalled properties to care for fragile skin.
Cultivated in southwest France, Rhealba Oats are packed with anti-inflammatory, reparative, and moisturising actives – perfect for rebalancing, soothing, and repairing fragile skin. Made with over 95% naturally derived ingredients, the formula also contains Filaxerine and Vitamin B3 (niacinamide), which calm, protect, and restore a fragile skin barrier.
A-Derma EXOMEGA CONTROL Emollient Cream retails for S$49.90 (400ml) at Guardian, Watsons, and Colorplay.com.sg.
The Honest Company Soothing Therapy Eczema Cream
Made with the gentle power of prebiotics, The Honest Company’s Soothing Therapy Eczema Cream features soothing colloidal oatmeal to provide lasting moisturisation to itchy, irritated, eczema-prone skin.
It’s also packed with emollients, such as coconut oil, safflower oil, and shea butter, as well as glycerin to seal in the goodness.
The Honest Company Soothing Therapy Eczema Cream retails for S$16.62 (207ml) at iHerb.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
While it’s more of a clear jelly than a cream, Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment has been a staple for those with eczema-prone skin for years now. Unlike Vaseline, which contains 100% petrolatum, Aquaphor boasts additional hydrators like mineral oil, panthenol, and glycerin.
This blend of ingredients helps to repair and support the skin’s barrier, so it can better withstand environmental triggers such as dust and pollutants.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment retails for S$11.69 (99ml) at iHerb.
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
If there’s one eczema cream that comes highly recommended by dermatologists, it’s the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream. It’s free of common irritants and allergens, such as fragrances, dyes, and lanolin. Plus, it has a thicker consistency to really lock in the moisture, which is incredibly important.
Despite its heavier texture, it spreads out and absorbs easily without feeling sticky on your skin. We also appreciate the convenient pump dispenser it comes in, which makes application a breeze.
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream retails for S$29.90 (453ml) at Amazon.
Cetaphil Pro AD Derma Skin Restoring Body Moisturizer
A lightweight, non-greasy daily body moisturiser, Cetaphil’s Pro AD Derma is clinically proven to soothe and alleviate dryness and itching. It’s powered by Filaggrin technology™ and ceramide technology to increase and retain moisture in the skin, providing intensive hydration to restore your skin’s barrier.
It’s also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and preservative-free, which makes it safe for all to use. You can slather it on immediately after a shower while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps to seal in moisture and hydrate the skin.
Cetaphil Pro AD Derma Skin Restoring Body Moisturizer retails for S$49.90 (295ml) at Watsons, Guardian, and Shopee.
Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream
Developed with dermatologists, Aveeno’s Dermexa body cream is clinically proven to help relieve the four common signs of dry, eczema-prone skin: itchiness, the appearance of redness, scaling, and tightness.
It’s formulated with Prebiotic Triple Oat – which consists of oat flour, oat oil, and oat extract – as well as ceramides, essential lipids that are naturally found within our skin, to strengthen its protective function.
Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream retails for S$19.90 (200ml) at Watsons and Guardian.
Derma Lab Gentle Relief Cream
Say hello to one of the newest additions to Derma Lab’s range, the Gentle Relief Cream. Designed to soothe eczema symptoms on the body, this cream provides up to 2.7 times* faster itch relief on dry, itchy skin. It’s also gentle enough to be used on the face.
Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, while glycerin draws and locks in moisture. Anti-inflammatory bisabolol also helps to relieve itching and redness.
Hypoallergenic and free from alcohol, colourants, fragrances, and more, this cream is great for anyone with dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. Simply slather it on and feel the itch disappear.
Derma Lab Gentle Relief Cream retails for S$39.90 (450g) or S$19.90 (100g) at Watsons.sg and Watsons stores islandwide.
*Based on an in-vitro test result.
Suu Balm Rapid Itch Relief Moisturiser
We awarded this eczema cream “Body Moisturiser For Eczema Skin” at our recent Daily Vanity Beauty Awards for good reasons.
The Suu Balm Rapid Itch Relief Moisturiser not only provides deep moisturisation, but also fast itch relief to prevent scratching. Designed for anyone with dry, itchy, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin, it contains skin-strengthening ceramides and a hint of menthol to refresh and break the itch-scratch cycle.
Suu Balm Rapid Itch Relief Moisturiser retails for S$49.90 (350ml) at Watsons and Guardian.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Using a patented formulation called Multivesicular Emulsion Technology, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ensures time-released nourishment throughout the day for complete hydration. This provides a lasting protective barrier on the skin’s surface.
Known for its ceramide-enriched products, CeraVe uses three different ceramides to soothe and restore your skin’s moisture barrier. An added bonus? The large, cost-effective tub will last you a long time.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream retails for S$26.50 (539ml) at Shopee and Amazon.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M
Loved for its Thermal Spring Water, La Roche-Posay has an equally popular eczema cream in its lineup. The Lipikar Baume AP+M contains postbiotic Aqua Posae to support and improve the health of your skin’s microbiome, soothing the skin immediately to reduce scratching.
With its anti-relapse efficacy, it spaces out eczema flare-ups, nourishing and restoring the skin’s barrier. Shea butter and soothing niacinamide calm the skin, making it a great formula for babies, children, and adults with very dry, eczema-prone, or allergy-prone skin.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M retails for S$56.90 (400ml) at Watsons and Guardian.
Ceradan Skin Barrier Repair Cream
Made for eczema-prone skin, Ceradan’s Skin Barrier Repair Cream is a ceramide-dominant moisturiser that’s formulated in a 3:1:1 ratio of essential skin lipids in the order of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids.
This rich cream has been clinically proven to rebuild your skin’s protective barrier. It also helps to reduce the symptoms and incidences of flare-ups, leaving you with healthier, stronger, itch-free skin. It’s easy to see why it was awarded “Best Moisturiser for Itchy, Eczema Prone Skin” at our recent Daily Vanity Beauty Awards.
Ceradan Skin Barrier Repair Cream retails for S$49.90 (80ml) at Watsons and Guardian.
Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream
If you prefer a thicker, heavier eczema cream, try this Eucerin moisturiser. It’s clinically proven to relieve itching, dryness, and minor irritations due to eczema. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, the cream is enriched with colloidal oatmeal, ceramide-3, and licorice root extract to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier.
You can even use this cream on infants as young as three months old. In a clinical study, the brand also found that four out of five children remained flare-free for six months with daily use. The formula is also free of steroids, fragrances, and dyes.
Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream retails for S$28 (226ml) at Shopee and Amazon.
ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
Offering deep hydration for your skin, ILLIYOON’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream enlists the help of its patented Ceramide Skin Complex™ to soothe and strengthen your skin barrier. It enhances your skin’s abilities to retain hydration, keeping it moisturised for hours on end.
Squeeze some out of the tube and you’ll notice little Ceramide Capsules in the cream, which burst when you massage it in to provide instant relief. The eczema cream absorbs quickly for a refreshing finish too. Plus, it’s formulated without animal-derived ingredients, mineral oil, artificial colourants, fragrances, parabens, triethanolamine, and imidazolidinyl urea, so it’s safe for the whole family.
ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream retails for S$28.61 (200ml) at YesStyle.
Pyunkang Yul ATO Cream Blue Label
This ceramide-rich eczema cream from Pyunkang Yul doubles down on moisture with additional peptides and nutrients, which soothe and strengthen irritated skin. Its thick, creamy texture forms a protective layer on your skin, and yet it leaves a non-sticky finish.
Macadamia seed oil, shea butter, and beeswax replenish dry, itchy, and dehydrated skin, protecting it from environmental triggers. It’s also formulated without 20 types of harmful ingredients, so it works even on the most sensitive of skin.
Pyunkang Yul ATO Cream retails for S$21.58 (120ml) at YesStyle.
