Imagine the constant itch, the dry, flaky patches, and the redness that eczema and psoriasis can bring. For millions, these skin conditions are more than just an annoyance; they’re a daily challenge that impacts comfort and confidence. When flare-ups hit, the urge to find relief fast is powerful.
But stepping into the pharmacy aisle can feel overwhelming. So many creams, lotions, and ointments promise to help, each with a long list of ingredients. How do you know which ones are truly effective for eczema or psoriasis? Which ones are safe and won’t make things worse? It’s easy to feel lost in the sea of choices, wondering if you’re picking the best option for your skin.
This is where we come in. We’re going to break down what makes an over-the-counter cream a good choice for these specific conditions. By the end, you’ll understand the key ingredients to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose a product that offers real relief without a prescription. Get ready to navigate the world of OTC eczema and psoriasis creams with confidence.
Our Top 5 Over The Counter Cream For Eczema And Psoriasis Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Counter Cream For Eczema And Psoriasis Detailed Reviews
1. Gold Bond Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream
Rating: 9.3/10
Dealing with psoriasis can be tough. It causes skin to itch, get red, and flake. This Gold Bond Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream is designed to help. It comes in a 4 oz. tube and aims to soothe many of these uncomfortable symptoms.
What We Like:
- It provides relief for itchy, irritated, red, flaking, and scaling skin caused by psoriasis.
- The cream is steroid-free and fragrance-free, making it gentle.
- You can use it every day as directed.
- It contains salicylic acid, which helps stop psoriasis symptoms from coming back.
- The National Psoriasis Foundation recognizes Gold Bond for helping with psoriasis symptoms.
- You can recycle your empty Gold Bond packaging by creating a TerraCycle account.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4 oz. size might run out quickly for some users.
- While it addresses many symptoms, individual results can vary.
This cream offers a multi-symptom approach to psoriasis relief. It’s a good option to consider for managing your skin.
2. Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream for Dry
Rating: 8.6/10
If you struggle with dry, itchy skin due to eczema or psoriasis, the Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream might be your new best friend. This cream aims to soothe and hydrate your skin, using natural ingredients like Manuka honey and aloe vera.
What We Like:
- It deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin, leaving it feeling balanced and healthy.
- The cream uses aloe vera as its base, not water, which is a great choice for sensitive skin.
- It’s packed with UMF 12+ Manuka honey, which is rich in vitamins and minerals to help seal in moisture and protect damaged skin.
- The formula is pH-balanced at 5.5, meaning it’s gentle and easily absorbed without causing irritation.
- It’s safe for all skin types, including babies, and is 100% steroid-free.
- The cream is lightweight and non-greasy, so it soaks in quickly without leaving a sticky feeling.
- It’s free from harsh ingredients like petroleum, parabens, gluten, dyes, and artificial colors.
- The product is cruelty-free and proudly made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the Manuka honey is a key ingredient, its specific benefits for every type of eczema or psoriasis might vary.
- The “fast-acting relief” claim could be more specific about the typical timeframe for noticeable improvement.
This Wild Naturals cream offers a natural approach to managing dry, itchy skin with a focus on hydration and gentle care.
3. BALM OF GILEAD Manuka Eczema Honey Cream – Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Rating: 9.4/10
Introducing the BALM OF GILEAD Manuka Eczema Honey Cream, a powerhouse moisturizer designed to bring relief and nourishment to sensitive skin. This cream is specially formulated to tackle issues like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, offering a natural and effective solution for those struggling with dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
What We Like:
- Recognized for Excellence: US Weekly chose it as “Best for Healing Skin Conditions in 2023,” highlighting its intensive healing power.
- Deeply Moisturizing: It provides thorough hydration, leaving skin soft, smooth, and feeling comfortable.
- Rich in Nutrients: Packed with Manuka honey (UMF 16+ / MGO 573+), avocado oil, and grassfed tallow, it nourishes skin with essential vitamins like A, C, D, E, and K.
- Fast-Acting Relief: Scientifically formulated to quickly soothe and soften dry, itchy skin, offering comfort for sensitive skin types.
- Potent Manuka Honey: Features exclusive New Zealand Manuka honey and Manuka essential oil, which is 20 times more potent than tea tree oil, for quick skin relief.
- Non-Greasy Formula: The cream absorbs easily and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling, unlike many watered-down alternatives.
- Safe for All Ages: Simple, effective, and safe for men, women, and children, including those with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea.
- All-Natural Ingredients: Made with all-natural ingredients, and it’s AIP Friendly.
- Generous Size and Guarantee: Comes in a large 4 oz size and is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- Availability: While made in the USA, the exclusive New Zealand ingredients might affect widespread availability in some regions.
- Scent Profile: Some users might prefer a more varied scent option beyond the natural Manuka oil.
This BALM OF GILEAD Manuka Eczema Honey Cream offers a truly transformative experience for compromised skin. Its potent, natural ingredients and proven effectiveness make it a standout choice for anyone seeking lasting comfort and healing.
4. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Psoriasis Treatment
Rating: 8.7/10
Dealing with dry, itchy skin and psoriasis can be tough. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Psoriasis Treatment is designed to help. It aims to soothe and moisturize skin that’s prone to psoriasis, making it feel more comfortable. You can use it on your face, hands, or anywhere your skin needs extra care.
What We Like:
- It helps relieve itching and dryness caused by psoriasis.
- It gently exfoliates rough and bumpy skin.
- It contains Salicylic Acid to calm redness and irritation.
- Niacinamide helps to soothe your skin.
- Urea works to keep your skin moisturized.
- It’s made with three essential ceramides to support your skin’s natural barrier.
- The cream is fragrance-free and allergy-tested, making it gentle.
- It’s recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
- It’s FSA and HSA eligible.
What Could Be Improved:
- It contains an alpha hydroxy acid, which can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You’ll need to use sunscreen.
- The directions suggest using it up to four times a day or as a doctor advises, which might require consistent application.
This CeraVe cream offers a good blend of ingredients to tackle psoriasis symptoms. It’s a solid option for those seeking relief and better skin hydration.
5. Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream
Rating: 8.6/10
Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream is a full-body lotion designed to help soothe and moisturize skin prone to eczema. This cream contains colloidal oatmeal, which acts as a skin protectant, and Ceramide-3 to help restore the skin’s natural barrier. It’s made to provide long-lasting hydration and is suitable for the whole family, including babies as young as three months old.
What We Like:
- Provides 24 hours of hydration, keeping skin moisturized all day.
- Contains key ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, Ceramide-3, and Licorice Root Extract for skin relief.
- It’s fast-absorbing, so it won’t feel greasy on your skin.
- The cream is fragrance-free, dye-free, and steroid-free, making it gentle for sensitive skin.
- It’s safe for adults, children, and babies 3 months and older.
- Daily use can help keep eczema flares at bay.
- Eucerin is a trusted brand for eczema care.
What Could Be Improved:
- While effective for many, results may vary for individuals with very severe eczema.
- The 8 oz tube might not be enough for very frequent or extensive use for some people.
This Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream offers reliable hydration and soothing relief for eczema-prone skin. It’s a great option for families seeking gentle, effective skincare.
Choosing the Right Cream for Eczema and Psoriasis: Your Guide
Dealing with eczema and psoriasis can be tough. These skin conditions cause redness, itching, and dryness. Luckily, many over-the-counter (OTC) creams can help you feel better. This guide will help you find the best cream for your needs.
What to Look For in an OTC Cream
When you shop for a cream, keep these important things in mind.
Key Features to Consider:
- Moisturizing Power: Look for creams that are very good at adding moisture to your skin. Dry skin makes eczema and psoriasis worse. Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter help lock in moisture.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many creams contain ingredients that calm down redness and swelling. Oatmeal, aloe vera, and chamomile are natural choices that can soothe your skin.
- Itch Relief: Itching is a big problem for people with these conditions. Ingredients like menthol or pramoxine can offer temporary relief from itching. Be careful, though, as some people might find these ingredients irritating.
- Barrier Repair: Your skin’s natural barrier protects it. Creams with ceramides or petrolatum help rebuild this barrier, keeping irritants out and moisture in.
- Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free: To avoid making your skin more sensitive, choose creams that are made for sensitive skin. They usually don’t have added perfumes or harsh chemicals that can cause reactions.
Important Ingredients to Know:
- Hydrocortisone: This is a mild steroid that reduces redness, itching, and swelling. It’s often found in lower strengths in OTC creams. Use it as directed.
- Salicylic Acid: This ingredient helps to soften and remove scales from psoriasis patches. It can also help unclog pores.
- Coal Tar: Another ingredient for psoriasis, coal tar can slow down skin cell growth and reduce scaling and itching. It can have a strong smell and may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Oatmeal (Colloidal Oatmeal): This natural ingredient is great for soothing itchy and irritated skin. It helps to calm inflammation.
- Ceramides: These are natural fats that are part of your skin’s barrier. They help to keep moisture in and irritants out.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient attracts and holds water, helping to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
- Shea Butter & Glycerin: These are excellent moisturizers that soften and smooth the skin.
Factors Affecting Cream Quality
Not all creams are created equal. Here’s what can make a difference.
What Improves Quality:
- Clinically Proven Ingredients: Look for creams that mention they use ingredients that have been tested and shown to work.
- Dermatologist Recommended: Products recommended by skin doctors often have good formulations.
- Good Reviews: Real user experiences can tell you a lot. Look for creams with many positive reviews from people with similar skin issues.
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Harsh Chemicals: Alcohol, artificial fragrances, and certain preservatives can irritate sensitive skin.
- Comedogenic Ingredients: Some ingredients can clog pores, which you want to avoid, especially if you have acne-prone skin in addition to eczema or psoriasis.
- Low Concentration of Active Ingredients: If a cream has an ingredient meant to help, but only a tiny amount is in it, it might not be very effective.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use a cream and your personal experience matter a lot.
How to Use Them:
- Apply Regularly: For best results, apply the cream to clean, dry skin at least twice a day, or as your doctor suggests.
- Patch Test: Before using a new cream all over, try a small amount on a less sensitive area of your skin to check for any reactions.
- Consistency is Key: Stick with a cream for a few weeks to see if it helps. Sometimes it takes time.
When to Use Them:
- Daily Moisturizing: Use rich, hydrating creams every day to keep your skin from getting too dry.
- Flare-Up Relief: When you have a flare-up, use creams with anti-inflammatory or itch-relieving ingredients to calm your skin.
- After Bathing: Apply cream right after a shower or bath while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use any OTC cream for both eczema and psoriasis?
A: While some creams help both, it’s best to look for ones specifically designed for your condition or with ingredients that target your main symptoms (like itching for eczema or scaling for psoriasis).
Q2: How long does it take for these creams to work?
A: It varies. Some offer quick itch relief, while others take a few days or weeks of regular use to show significant improvement in redness and dryness.
Q3: Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
A: Some ingredients, like hydrocortisone, should be used sparingly. Others, like fragrances, can cause irritation. Always read the label and do a patch test.
Q4: Can I use these creams on my face?
A: Be cautious. Facial skin is more sensitive. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas and avoid ingredients that can be too harsh. Always patch test.
Q5: How much hydrocortisone should be in an OTC cream?
A: OTC hydrocortisone creams are usually 0.5% or 1%. Higher strengths require a prescription.
Q6: What if the cream doesn’t work after a few weeks?
A: If you don’t see improvement or your condition gets worse, it’s time to see a doctor or dermatologist. They can offer stronger treatments or a different diagnosis.
Q7: Are natural ingredients always better?
A: Natural ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera are often gentle and effective. However, “natural” doesn’t always mean “better” for everyone. Some people can still react to natural ingredients.
Q8: Can I use these creams with other treatments?
A: Always ask your doctor before combining OTC creams with prescription medications or other treatments to avoid interactions.
Q9: What is the difference between a cream and an ointment?
A: Ointments are thicker and greasier, making them very good at sealing in moisture. Creams are lighter and absorb more easily, but may not be as moisturizing.
Q10: How should I store my eczema and psoriasis cream?
A: Store most creams at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Check the product label for specific storage instructions.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.