Rich moisturizer (cream or ointment)
A thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment, such as petrolatum-based products, that seals water into the skin and protects it.
Why it helps
Thicker products hold in more moisture and last longer than thin lotions. Regular use eases dryness, tightness, flaking, and itch, and in eczema it can lessen how bad flares get and how much medicated cream is needed.
Look for
- Fragrance-free and dye-free
- Ointment or thick cream in a tub or tube
- Petrolatum, mineral oil, dimethicone, or shea butter
- Glycerin or other humectants
- Simple, short ingredient list
Avoid
- Thin lotions in pump bottles for very dry areas
- Added fragrance, essential oils, or botanical extracts
- Dipping fingers into a tub repeatedly; use a clean spoon or scoop
Caution
Skin and fabrics soaked in paraffin or petrolatum products can catch fire more easily, so keep them away from flames and cigarettes, and bathroom floors get slippery.
Worth asking a clinician about
For eczema or very cracked skin, a clinician can suggest stronger or medicated options if moisturizer alone is not enough.
Sources
Products
Vanicream
Moisturizing Cream
Price: medium price · Face and body
A thick, fragrance-free and dye-free cream with petrolatum and 11 ingredients, for face and body.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Dye free
- Petrolatum
- Non-comedogenic (brand)
CeraVe
Moisturizing Cream
Price: medium price · Face and body
A rich, fragrance-free cream with three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, and dimethicone, for face and body.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Petrolatum
Aveeno
Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Price: medium price · Face and body
A fragrance-free cream with colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and petrolatum, made for sensitive skin.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Ceramides
- Petrolatum
Aquaphor
Healing Ointment
Price: medium price · Face and body
A water-free ointment with 41% petrolatum, made without preservatives or fragrance.
- Fragrance free
- Petrolatum
Cetaphil
Moisturizing Cream
Price: medium price · Face and body
A thick, fragrance-free cream with glycerin, niacinamide, petrolatum, and dimethicone, for face and body.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Glycerin
- Niacinamide
- Petrolatum
Eucerin
Advanced Repair Cream
Price: medium price · For body
A thick cream with alpha hydroxy ingredients, made without fragrance, dyes, or parabens, for very dry skin.
- Fragrance free
- Dye free
- Paraben free
Badger
Badger Balm Unscented
Price: medium price · Face and body
A two-ingredient balm of organic olive oil and organic beeswax for dry skin.
- USDA Organic
- Fragrance free
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Weleda
Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
Price: medium price · Face and body
An ultra-rich cream with plant oils, beeswax and lanolin for dry, rough skin on the face and body.
- Labeled natural
California Baby
(No Fragrance) Super Sensitive Cream
Price: medium price · Face and body
A plant-based, fragrance-free cream with calendula and aloe for everyday face and body moisturizing.
- Fragrance free
- For sensitive skin (brand)
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.