From the Research
For eczema, the most effective emollients are those containing glycyrrhetinic acid, urea, and glycerol, as they have been shown to work better than their controls, according to a 2017 Cochrane systematic review 1. These emollients help repair the skin barrier and retain moisture, which is essential for managing eczema. Some examples of effective emollients include:
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
- Eucerin
- CeraVe
- Aquaphor It is recommended to apply emollients at least twice daily, especially after bathing while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. For severe cases, prescription emollients containing ceramides may be more effective. When selecting an emollient, avoid products with fragrances, dyes, or potential irritants as these can trigger flare-ups. Emollients work by creating a protective layer on the skin that prevents water loss and protects against environmental irritants. They also help reduce inflammation and itching associated with eczema. For best results, use emollients consistently even when skin appears normal, as this helps prevent flare-ups and maintains skin health. If over-the-counter options don't provide relief, consult a dermatologist for prescription-strength alternatives. It's also important to note that adding moisturizers to topical anti-inflammatory treatment was more effective than anti-inflammatory treatment alone and resulted in fewer flares, as shown in a 2017 study 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2017, which provides the best evidence for the effectiveness of emollients in managing eczema 1.