The Best Baby Eczema Creams
Baby soft skin is not a given—and if your little one has dry, irritated skin it may be a sign of eczema. The skin condition is common in babies, often first appearing between 2 and 4 months of age. “Baby eczema usually shows up as dry, pink, itchy patches on the skin,” says Brittany Craiglow, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. “It can affect any area of the body, but the diaper area is usually spared.”
Eczema can’t be cured, but moisturizing the skin liberally with a good baby eczema cream is the gold standard for treatment. “Moisturizers help restore the barrier function of the skin, thereby reducing dryness and irritation. They can also help to prevent eczema flares,” Craiglow says. The key is using baby eczema cream strategically: Slather on a thick layer right after baby’s bath and a few more times throughout the day. For instance, you could reapply eczema lotion every time you change baby’s diaper. If the eczema itch is interfering with baby’s sleep routine or a rash looks infected, consult your pediatrician or dermatologist who can help manage your child’s symptoms with a treatment plan and a skin maintenance routine.
But which cream is best for baby eczema? Good question. Every child is different so finding the right topical treatment can be a process of trial and error. To help you on your search we’ve gathered tips on what to look for—plus, a few of the best baby eczema creams on the market.
Not sure what to look for when choosing a baby eczema cream? Here are a few key things to look for and avoid:
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Look for products with the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance. These products have been tested for sensitivity, irritation and toxicity and are free from ingredients on the Ecz-clusion List. (An ever-evolving list of ingredients that are known to aggravate eczema symptoms.)
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Thick formulas are best. The most effective baby eczema lotions are thick, almost greasy-feeling ointments or creams. According to the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), the creamier the moisturizer, the better it will work to combat the symptoms of eczema. Thinner lotions are better than nothing, but they’re not as effective at locking in moisture and restoring the skin barrier.
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Avoid fragranced products. Eczema-prone skin is super-sensitive to fragrance and harsh chemicals. To avoid potential flare-ups, choose fragrance-free baby eczema creams and lotions.
Still not sure what fits the bill? Take a look at these baby eczema creams, all designed to offer sweet relief. Whether you’re looking for a basic everyday moisturizer or a heavy-duty ointment for those super-sensitive hot spots, these are the best eczema creams for babies.
Best overall baby eczema cream
First up on our list of the best baby eczema creams is this classic choice by Aveeno. Developed by dermatologists, the star ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, which has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. It’s enriched with vitamin B5 and the formula is free from steroids, fragrances, parabens, phthalates and phenoxyethanol. It’s thick and creamy without being greasy or tacky, making it a good all-purpose option. And, like all our picks for the best eczema creams for babies, this lotion was awarded a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.
- Fragrance-free
- Contains colloidal oatmeal
- NEA seal of approval
- Some parents dislike the natural scent
Best everyday baby eczema cream
The magic ingredient in this top-rated baby eczema cream? Ceramides—aka lipids that help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. It also boasts skincare star hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. Developed with pediatric dermatologists, CeraVe’s baby cream is fragrance-free, paraben-free and gentle on sensitive skin. Plus, it’s formulated to deliver up to 24 hours of soothing relief, earning it a place among the best eczema creams for babies.
- Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free
- NEA seal of approval
- Not specifically formulated for eczema
Best baby eczema face cream
When it comes to extra-sensitive areas, like the face, a regular lotion won’t cut it. But this baby eczema face cream by Mustela, is up to the task thanks to a non-occlusive formula that won't sting if it accidentally gets in their eyes. It’s also packed with naturally derived moisturizers like sunflower oil and avocado, and the light, fast-absorbing texture makes it great for quick daytime applications (especially when you’re out and about). Gently massage it into baby’s cheeks, chin and nose for gentle, soothing relief you can rely on.
- Made from 97 percent naturally-derived ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- NEA seal of approval
- Per ounce it’s more expensive than other creams
Best baby eczema cream for sensitive skin
Introducing an alternative to oat-based eczema treatments: Gladskin Eczema Cream for Babies and Kids. Formulated for sensitive, eczema-prone skin this cream boasts “Micreobalance”—a smart protein that defends against bad bacteria—to restore balance to the skin and reduce irritation. It’s free from fragrance, preservatives and parabens and is an accepted treatment by the National Eczema Association. Granted, it’s expensive. But this lotion is proven to show results and is so gentle that it can be used just about anywhere on the body (yep, even sensitive areas like the eyelids).
- Good option for children with an oat-allergy
- Fragrance-free
- NEA seal of approval
- High price point
Best baby eczema balm
Harnessing the power of prebiotics and natural ingredients—like colloidal oatmeal and coconut oil—this baby eczema cream soothes your little one’s sensitive skin. The thick ointment is an effective treatment for dry, flakey patches but it’s still gentle enough for daily use. It’s hypoallergenic and free of steroids, earning it a stamp of approval from dermatologists and the National Eczema Association.
- Thick ointment is good for eczema flare-ups
- Cruelty-free
- NEA seal of approval
- Slightly greasy texture
Best baby eczema cream for flare-ups
Looking for the best baby eczema cream to treat flare-ups? Mommy’s Bliss Eczema Ease Spot Treatment is a rich salve that uses the calming power of colloidal oatmeal to moisturize and soothe irritated skin. It’s free from steroids, fragrances, parabens and phthalates and is approved by the National Eczema Association. Apply it to sore spots and itchy rashes for fast relief, or use it daily in combination with Mommy’s Bliss probiotic drops and daily moisturizer.
- Thick formula is great for flare-ups
- Contains colloidal oatmeal
- NEA seal of approval
- Some parents say the salve isn’t easily absorbed
Best organic baby eczema cream
Skip the harsh chemicals in favor of natural relief with Earth Mama Organics. The soothing formula is made with organic herbs, oils and a generous dose of colloidal oatmeal (5 percent to be exact). It’s cruelty-free, steroid-free and approved by the National Eczema Association. Plus, this baby eczema cream is an effective treatment for insect bites and rashes caused by poison ivy, oak or sumac.
- Fragrance-free
- Contains 5 percent organic colloidal oatmeal
- NEA seal of approval
- Grainy texture
Best affordable baby eczema cream
One of the thickest ointments out there? Plain old petroleum jelly! It’s a dermatologist favorite for deep hydration, marking it out as one of the best eczema cream for babies. It’s triple-purified to remove irritants—plus, a thin layer moisturizes the skin and forms a protective barrier to prevent chafing. And it’s super-affordable too! The only downside? It’ll pretty much turn your babe into a slippery, greased-up watermelon. Instead of applying it all over every day, save it for hot spots or intense flare-ups.
- Affordable price point
- Fragrance-free
- NEA seal of approval
- Greasy texture
About the expert:
Brittany Craiglow, MD, is a pediatric dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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