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Evidence guide

Best moisturizers for eczema: what the studies actually show

Moisturizing is the most proven everyday step for eczema. But which moisturizer? Here's what the research really says, including where it's thin.

CM
Medically reviewed by Ciro Martone, RNReviewed Oct 19, 2026 · 10 sources

The bottom line

  • Regular moisturizer use reduces flares and the need for steroid creams.12
  • No moisturizer has been reliably shown to beat another. The best one is the one you'll use every day.23
  • Colloidal oatmeal has the strongest product-level evidence among the OTC options we reviewed.4
  • Moisturizing babies does not prevent eczema, so be wary of any product that says it does.910

Why moisturizer matters

In eczema, the skin barrier leaks. Think of it as a brick wall where the mortar, the natural lipids between skin cells, has worn thin. Water escapes, and irritants get in more easily. Moisturizers help seal that wall from the outside.

This isn't a marketing idea. The American Academy of Dermatology's 2023 guideline recommends moisturizers for adults with eczema,1 and a Cochrane review of 77 trials found that moisturizers lengthened the time to a flare and reduced the number of flares and the amount of steroid cream people needed.2

Does the type matter? Cream vs. lotion vs. ointment

Less than you'd think. In the BEE trial, 550 children were randomly assigned to a lotion, cream, gel, or ointment. After 16 weeks, all four worked about equally well for eczema symptoms.3

The best moisturizer is the one you'll actually put on, twice a day, every day.

Ingredients with real evidence

IngredientWhat it doesEvidence strength
Colloidal oatmealFDA OTC skin protectant; temporarily relieves itch from eczemaPediatric RCT (n=90): non-inferior to an Rx barrier cream4
PetrolatumFDA skin protectant; seals in waterGuideline-backed;1 induced barrier-repair markers in eczema skin8
CeramidesReplace barrier lipidsHelpful in studies, but not proven better than a basic moisturizer25
GlycerinDraws water into skinModerate-to-high quality evidence2

Our clinically studied picks

Affiliate disclosure: Studied Things may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Commissions never decide what we list or how we rate it. Right now no affiliate programs are approved, so every link below is a plain, unpaid link.

Each card shows its evidence tier, the study behind it, and who paid for that study. Most product research in this space is funded by the maker, and we'll always tell you when it is.

Tier 1 · Clinically studiedOatmeal moisturizer

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream

A steroid-free daily cream with 1% colloidal oatmeal, an FDA-recognized skin protectant.

Evidence: Double-blind RCT, 90 children: a 1% colloidal oatmeal cream was non-inferior to a prescription barrier cream over 3 weeks. Lisante 2017 ↗
Funded by the maker (J&J, now Kenvue).

Heads-up: Rare oat sensitivity. Confirm the current formula matches the studied one.

Tier 1 · Clinically studiedOatmeal lotion

Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer

A lighter lotion with 1% colloidal oatmeal and ceramide NP, for itchy, eczema-prone skin.

Evidence: Randomized, blinded split-body study, 33 people: itch dropped sharply within 24 hours after one application. Nguyen 2026 ↗
Small, short study; authors include maker (Galderma) staff.

Heads-up: Contains sunflower and shea (rare sensitivities).

How to get the most from any moisturizer

  1. Short, lukewarm showers or baths, with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
  2. Pat dry, don't rub.
  3. Moisturize within about 3 minutes, while skin is still damp.
  4. Use enough, at least once a day, and twice a day when skin is dry or flaring.
  5. Thicker is often better on very dry or cracked areas, like hands at night.

Claims to be wary of

  • "Cures eczema" or "permanent results." There is no cure for eczema. Moisturizers relieve symptoms and support the barrier.
  • "Prevents eczema in babies." Large trials found that moisturizing newborns did not prevent eczema.910
  • "Clinically proven" without a link to the study, or with a study done on a different formula.
  • Fragrance and essential oils, even in products marketed as "natural" or "soothing."

Not sure which routine fits this week? Find your Studied Skin Number. If your skin isn't improving, is cracking or bleeding, or is costing you sleep, a moisturizer alone may not be enough. That's a good time to see a clinician.

References

Each PubMed link was opened and matched to the citation on Oct 19, 2026. Full texts will be re-checked before publication.

  1. Sidbury R, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;89(1):e1-e20. PubMed ↗
  2. van Zuuren EJ, et al. Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2:CD012119 (77 studies). PubMed ↗
  3. Ridd MJ, et al. Effectiveness and safety of lotion, cream, gel, and ointment emollients for childhood eczema (BEE trial). Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022;6(8):522-532. PubMed ↗
  4. Lisante TA, et al. Efficacy and safety of an OTC 1% colloidal oatmeal cream in children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(7):659-667. Funded by J&J Consumer. PubMed ↗
  5. Lynde CW, Andriessen A. A cohort study on a ceramide-containing cleanser and moisturizer used for atopic dermatitis. Cutis. 2014;93(4):207-213. Funded by Valeant Canada. PubMed ↗
  6. Nguyen TQ, et al. Use of an eczema moisturizer or cream provides immediate, sustained itch relief in eczema-prone individuals. J Drugs Dermatol. 2026;25(8):737-741. Maker-affiliated authors. PubMed ↗
  7. Lueangarun S, et al. Petrolatum and panthenol ointment vs. 0.1% triamcinolone in 10% urea cream for chronic hand eczema. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2025;18(2):38-43. No funding declared. PubMed ↗
  8. Czarnowicki T, et al. Petrolatum: barrier repair and antimicrobial responses underlying this "inert" moisturizer. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;137(4):1091-1102. PubMed ↗
  9. Chalmers JR, et al. Daily emollient during infancy for prevention of eczema: the BEEP randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2020;395(10228):962-972. PubMed ↗
  10. Kelleher MM, et al. Skin care interventions in infants for preventing eczema and food allergy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022;11:CD013534. PubMed ↗

Educational, not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.