While it may be the season of changing leaves, costumes and candy, October is also dedicated to eczema awareness. During the month, the National Eczema Association aims to bring greater attention to eczema’s impact while working to reduce stigma and build compassion. Considering more than 31 million Americans have some form of eczema, it’s an important message that hits many. From OTC medications to shampoos, skin care and more, here’s what the experts recommend for eczema.
Seal Standard
The National Eczema Association actually has a seal that signifies a product has met the strict standards established by its Scientific Oversight Committee. The panel of leading dermatologists, allergists and eczema experts test for sensitivity, irritation and toxicity, as well as a review of ingredients and formulation data. The site’s database is easy to use, browse and understand and includes everything from lip care to laundry.
Baby-Approved
A quick gander at the National Eczema Association’s product-approved database delivers a slew of Aveeno, including the brand’s Baby line. Powered by oat science, the trusted brand has been soothing eczema-prone skin since 1945 and is clinically proven (and backed by derms) to do so.
Easy-to-Use Cleanser
Besides “loving” Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser ($15.50), Phoenix, AZ dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal says the product is ridiculously easy to use. “It doesn’t even need to be washed off! Plus, it keeps hydrating skin even after you wash it off (if you choose to). This is my go-to cleanser for patients with eczema.”
All-Over Moisturizer
With shea butter, niacinamide and a whole host of good-for-your-skin ingredients, La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer For Dry Skin ($20) is a “must” in Dr. Lal’s book. “I especially like it because it’s affordable and you can use it head-to-toe,” he says, offering this cost-effective note: “A lot of my patients have eczema all over their body, so you need a product that delivers a good amount. It’s a great product for all patients of all ages.”
Instant-Relief Cream
If a patient has “super inflamed” skin, Dr. Lal says he always recommends Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream ($28). “It has a special skin-restoring complex, it is super soothing and you will immediately feel the relief,” he says. “I had a friend use it over the weekend. I could literally see it working in front of me.”
Sensitive Skin-Friendly SPF
Dr. Lal prefers patients with eczema use mineral sunscreens, even though he typically likes and uses chemical ones. “CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($15) is amazing and very soothing,” he says. “It is my favorite mineral SPF on the market. I also like the brand’s tinted version for the face. It’s great for eczema and anyone with super sensitive skin.”
The Leave-On Treatment
The candy-colored Byoma bottles garner dermatologist attention on TikTok, and the National Eczema Association is a fan as well. The restorative Barrier + Repair ($19) leave-on facial treatment combines humectants, emollients and occlusives to repair and rebuild the skin barrier.
Day Lotion
The brand is never boastful, but the trusted Burt’s Bees line has a solid lineup of various products with the seal. The Sensitive Solutions Calming Day Lotion ($15), in particular, gets praise for having “more moisture, less sensitivity.”
Comfort Crème
Recognized by the National Eczema Association with its Seal of Acceptance, the ultra-calming LATHER Comfort Crème ($29) soothes and moisturizes dry, stressed skin. Created with sensitive and eczema-prone skin in mind, the formula is fragrance-free, as well as dermatologist and allergy-tested.
The Balm-Cream
The balmy-cream formula of Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream ($64) melts into the skin quickly to alleviate redness and help prevent future irritation. Ideal for reactive or sensitive skin, the proprietary Ceramide-Building Complex provides nourishing lipids, strengthening the skin’s barrier to lock in moisture.
Hand Relief
As the name suggests, the fast-absorbing Skinfix Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream ($25) is clinically proven to treat eczema and dry, cracked, sensitive skin on hands. It not only displays the seal but also has a Scientific Advisory Board of experts to back the efficacy.
Simple Shampoo
Shampoos (and hair products in general) are tough for eczema-prone skin because many contain fragrance and hit more than just your head, says Dr. Lal. “The only shampoo I have found that is good for eczema patients is Vanicream Free & Clear ($11). It’s minimalistic and won’t trigger eczema or skin allergies.”
Leave-In Conditioner
As mentioned above, the hair category can be tough for sensitive-skin types. The derm-developed SEEN Leave-In Conditioner, Fragrance Free ($27) detangles hair while delivering lightweight hydration and heat, pollution and UV protection. Plus, the super popular product—it sold out at Sephora when it first launched in September—boasts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, as does the entire portfolio.
