CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is our best all-around pick. It feels rich without being greasy and works on both the face and body. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is a very rich option for small dry patches, while CeraVe Healing Ointment is better for very dry or cracked spots.
All five products earned 5/5 when we used them. In September 2026, we checked that the current US versions are still fragrance-free and carry the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. We also checked that the products linked below still match the ones we reviewed.
Our picks at a glance
| Product | Why choose it? | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | An everyday face and body cream | 5/5 |
| Vanicream Moisturizing Cream | Small patches of very dry, sensitive skin | 5/5 |
| CeraVe Healing Ointment | Extra-dry patches and cracked hands | 5/5 |
| Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm | A rich balm for dry, itchy skin at night | 5/5 |
| CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream | Short-term medicated itch relief | 5/5 |
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What is eczema?
Eczema is the name for a group of inflammatory skin conditions that can cause dry, itchy, inflamed, rough, or scaly skin. It is not contagious, and it can look different depending on the type of eczema and your skin tone. Symptoms may improve for a while and then return during a flare.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form, but there are seven types of eczema:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Neurodermatitis
- Nummular eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis
It is possible to have more than one type. Common symptoms include dry or itchy skin, rashes, inflammation, discoloration, rough or scaly patches, oozing or crusting, and swelling. Because several types can look similar, see a doctor if you are unsure what is causing your symptoms.
What eczema-prone skin needs from a moisturizer
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that eczema creates tiny cracks in the skin, allowing water to escape more quickly. That is why dryness, itching, roughness, and cracking often go together. Moisturizer does not remove every trigger or replace prescribed treatment, but regular use can help keep the skin hydrated and protect it from drying out further.
The National Eczema Association describes lotions as the lightest option, creams as richer and good at sealing in moisture, and ointments as the most oil-based. Ointments can be useful on cracked or very dry patches but less convenient over a large area. In our own testing, that difference in texture mattered as much as the ingredient list because a product only helps if you are comfortable using it often.
There is no single trigger shared by everyone with eczema. The AAD lists fragrance, harsh detergents, weather, wool clothing, and stress among common triggers, but the pattern varies from person to person. It is worth noticing what makes your own skin worse rather than assuming one product will work for everyone.
How to care for dry, eczema-prone skin
If you have atopic dermatitis, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a fragrance-free cream or ointment rather than a lotion. Apply it after a short, warm bath or shower while your skin is still damp. Use it again whenever your skin feels dry.
Fragrance is one possible trigger, but it is not the only one. Before using a new product all over, test it on a small patch of skin. Moisturizer can help with dryness, but it may not be enough on its own. Always talk to a doctor if your eczema is severe or is not improving.
All five products in this guide currently carry the NEA Seal of Acceptance. To earn the seal, a product goes through an ingredient review and clinical safety testing. The seal can make it easier to narrow down your choices, but everyone's skin is different.
The best fragrance-free moisturizers for eczema-prone skin
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
We found CeraVe Moisturizing Cream rich and creamy without a greasy finish. It is an easy all-around option when you want one cream for both your face and body, and we also liked it for ordinary winter-dry skin.
The current CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is fragrance-free and contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, and dimethicone. CeraVe describes it as suitable for normal to dry skin on the face and body, and the current product carries the NEA Seal.
Our rating: 5/5
2. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Vanicream is one of our go-to creams for very sensitive skin. It felt very rich and absorbed well. We especially liked it on dry hands, feet, and elbows, but found it too thick for covering the whole face or body.
The current Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, botanical extracts, and essential oils. It also carries the NEA Seal. If you want something lighter for larger areas, try Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion.
Our rating: 5/5
3. CeraVe Healing Ointment
We liked CeraVe Healing Ointment for extra-dry patches on the face and body. It was especially useful on dry, cracked hands. Choose it when a cream is not rich enough or when you only need to cover a small area.
The current CeraVe Healing Ointment is a fragrance-free skin protectant with 46.5% petrolatum. It also contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and it carries the NEA Seal.
Our rating: 5/5
4. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm
We used this balm on irritated, dry patches and found that it eased the discomfort without leaving our skin greasy. It is richer than an everyday cream, so it makes the most sense at night or when your skin needs more moisture.
The product is now called Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm. The current fragrance-free balm contains colloidal oatmeal and ceramide and carries the NEA Seal.
Our rating: 5/5
5. CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream felt rich and worked well when our skin was dry and itchy. It is a medicated anti-itch cream rather than a basic everyday moisturizer.
The current CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream is fragrance-free and carries the NEA Seal. Its active ingredient is pramoxine hydrochloride 1%, which temporarily relieves itching from minor skin irritation. Read the Drug Facts before using it. Stop and ask a doctor if your condition gets worse, lasts more than seven days, or clears up and quickly returns.
Our rating: 5/5
Which one should you choose?
Choose CeraVe Moisturizing Cream if you want one rich cream for everyday use on your face and body. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is better for small, very dry patches because it is thicker, while its lighter lotion is easier to spread over larger areas. For cracked skin, CeraVe Healing Ointment is the better fit.
Choose Aveeno's balm when you want the richest nighttime option. For short-term relief from itching caused by minor skin irritation, CeraVe Itch Relief Cream is the medicated choice. Follow the Drug Facts instead of using it as your regular moisturizer.
If you want something lighter for daily use, compare our fragrance-free body lotions and creams. If your hands need extra care, see our fragrance-free hand cream guide.
