How To Shop For Moisturiser When You Have Eczema

When shopping for any skin condition (be it rosacea, acne or eczema) the list of products you can't use is often far longer than the ones you can, making stocking on moisturisers that you're actually excited to use a bit of a chore.

In 2024, skincare's offering of hydrating creams, gels and ointments is endless, but deciphering whether an INCI list (the long, long list of ingredients on the back of the bottle) will work for itchy, dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin, without causing further inflammation, is no small feat. If you have sensitive skin you may already be accustomed to skipping out on playful scents and and punchy formulas, but that doesn't need to mean compromising on a sensorial moisturiser that feels luxurious to use – even at an accessible price point.

From triggering ingredients to put on the back-burner to how to soothe irritated skin safely, these are the best moisturisers suitable for eczema-prone skin.

What Are The Symptoms Of Eczema?

'The primary symptoms of eczema are itchy, dry and sensitive skin, which often presents as red, flaky patches in the joint creases, such as inside of elbows and wrists and backs of knees, although it can affect any part of your skin,' says dermatologist Dr. Cristina Psomadakis.

It's worth noting that eczema will also present different across skin tones; in deeper complexions patches can appear darker brown, purple or grey rather than the red shade it's commonly associated with on lighter skin.

'People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (known as flare-ups),' adds Charlotte Wood, Avène Training Specialist.

Which Moisturiser Is Best For Eczema?

Dermatologists will agree that bringing moisture back to the skin is one of the most important ways to maintain complexions that are eczema-prone.

'Eczema involves a weakened skin barrier, so one of the most important ways to take care of it is to moisturise several times per day to reinforce your skin barrier and provide hydration,' explains Dr Psomadakis. 'Ingredients like colloidal oat and ceramides are fantastic for nourishing your skin.'

It's important to keep formulas simple, too; avoid actives that can agitate inflamed patches or trigger a skin reaction.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid With Eczema?

'Eczematous skin is sensitive with numerous cracks in it, so it requires very gentle ingredients. I would avoid anything with fragrance and essential oils, and stick to very neutral, hydrating, hypoallergenic ingredients formulated for sensitive skin,' says Dr Psomadakis.

Wood also advises veering away from active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs and retinols as these are often associated with irritating the skin.

Shop The Best Moisturisers For Eczema-Prone Skin