| TL;DR There is no single best eczema cream; the right cream depends on your skin type, severity, and daily routine. In the UK, eczema management follows a stepped-care approach: unperfumed emollients are the daily foundation, applied generously and frequently to the whole body. Topical corticosteroids are added during flare-ups, matched to the body site and severity. Prescription treatments, including calcineurin inhibitors and biologics, are reserved for moderate-to-severe cases not controlled with standard care. |
Eczema affects an estimated 15 million people in the UK, roughly one in five children and one in twelve adults at any given time. For most of them, managing it comes down to finding the right cream. But walk into any pharmacy and the shelf is bewildering: lotions, creams, ointments, steroid treatments, fragrance-free formulations, oat-based products, paraffin-based ointments, prescription and over-the-counter options side by side.
Understanding What Eczema Creams Need to Do
Before reviewing specific products, it is worth understanding what any effective eczema cream must achieve at a biological level, because this determines why some products work and many others fall short.
Atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition characterised by skin barrier dysfunction and altered inflammatory responses. The skin barrier in eczema is structurally deficient, moisture escapes, irritants penetrate, and the immune system overreacts, triggering the characteristic itch-scratch cycle.
An effective eczema cream must do at least two things: restore and maintain hydration by replacing water lost through the damaged barrier, and reduce the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) that perpetuates dryness. More advanced formulations also address barrier repair at a deeper level, replacing the ceramides and lipids that are structurally deficient in eczematous skin.
This is why a standard moisturiser from a supermarket shelf rarely works for eczema. It may hydrate briefly, but it does nothing for barrier repair or inflammation. And this is also why the NHS approach to eczema treatment is built on a specific class of products, emollients, rather than general moisturisers.
The NHS Stepped-Care Approach: Why Emollients Come First
The NICE guidelines on eczema management and current NHS formulary guidance are unambiguous on one point: emollients are the basis of management and should always be used, even when atopic eczema is clear. All other treatments are added on top of, not instead of, a consistent emollient routine.
NHS guidance advises offering a choice of unperfumed emollients for daily use, prescribing large quantities of leave-on emollients — 250g to 500g weekly for adults — and reviewing prescriptions at least once a year. That quantity figure surprises many people. To apply an emollient properly to the whole body twice daily, an adult with eczema should be getting through roughly half a kilogram of product every week. Most people significantly under-apply, which is one of the most common reasons emollients appear not to work.
Types of Eczema Cream
Ointments
Ointments are the most occlusive formulation. They are thick, greasy, and water-repellent, which makes them the most effective option for very dry, thickened, or severely compromised skin. Because they contain few or no preservatives, they are also the lowest-risk option for people with sensitivities to emollient ingredients. Their downside is cosmetic — they leave skin visibly shiny and feel heavy, which makes them impractical for daytime use. They are best reserved for nighttime application, particularly on hands, feet, or severely affected areas.
Examples: Epaderm Ointment, Hydromol Ointment, 50/50 White Soft Paraffin
Creams
Creams are the most versatile and most widely used form for daily eczema management. They contain both oil and water components, absorb reasonably quickly into the skin, and are acceptable for twice-daily whole-body application. They require preservatives to prevent contamination, so a small minority of users may find certain preservatives irritating. Creams sit between ointments and lotions on the emolliency spectrum — less occlusive than ointments but more substantive than gels or lotions.
Examples: Epaderm Cream, Cetraben Cream, Diprobase Cream, Doublebase Gel, CeraVe Moisturising Cream, Aveeno Dermexa
Gels and Lotions
Gels and lotions are lighter, absorb faster, and leave little residue. They suit mild eczema, daytime use, or hairy areas of the body where heavier formulations are impractical. Lotions are generally more expensive than creams or ointments and are only appropriate where there is a clear rationale — they are not a substitute for richer emollients in moderate to severe disease.
The Products: What to Know and What to Buy
Epaderm Cream — A Pharmacy and NHS Favourite
Epaderm Cream is a soft white paraffin and liquid paraffin-based emollient in cream form, making it more user-friendly than the ointment version while retaining good occlusive properties. It can be used as both a leave-on moisturiser and a soap substitute — a practical dual-use that makes it particularly popular with families managing eczema in children. It is fragrance-free, lanolin-free, and available in large pump dispensers that reduce contamination risk. It is stocked on the NHS formulary and widely prescribed.
Epaderm Cream is available directly from Star Pharmacy — you can find Epaderm Cream on our website, suitable for adults and children from birth.
Best for: Moderate to severe dry skin, daytime use where a lighter option than Epaderm Ointment is preferred, adults and children.
E45 Itch Relief Cream — Targeted Antipruritic Action
E45 Itch Relief Cream contains 5% urea and 3% lauromacrogols. The urea acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and softening thickened areas, while lauromacrogols have a direct antipruritic (anti-itch) effect on the skin’s sensory nerve endings. This makes it meaningfully different from standard E45 cream, which is primarily a basic emollient without anti-itch activity.
Urea-containing emollients are particularly suited to skin with significant thickening or lichenification, the rough, leathery texture that develops in chronic eczema from repeated scratching. Urea-containing emollients are well-suited to large areas of skin over long periods in patients with atopic eczema, though in clinical practice, not all patients tolerate them; they can cause transient burning and stinging on acutely inflamed or broken skin.
E45 Itch Relief Cream is available at Star Pharmacy directly from our website.
Best for: Chronic, thickened eczema; significant itch; adults and older children (not suitable for acutely inflamed, broken skin).
Cetraben Cream — The NHS Default Starting Point
Cetraben is one of the most frequently prescribed emollient creams in UK primary care — it is often the first thing a GP reaches for when a patient with eczema asks for a moisturiser on prescription. It is a light paraffin-based cream, fragrance-free, available in large pump dispensers, and broadly well-tolerated. Its main virtue is consistency — it is widely available, affordable, and most people can use it without irritation.
Its limitation is that it is relatively basic. For mild eczema or dry skin, Cetraben is a reliable choice. For more severe eczema, many patients find it insufficiently emollient and require something richer.
Best for: Mild eczema, daily maintenance, first-line NHS prescription, all ages, including babies.
Doublebase Gel and Dayleve Gel — Light Texture, Long-Lasting
Doublebase Gel contains isopropyl myristate and liquid paraffin in a gel formulation that absorbs quickly, feels light, and leaves no greasy residue. The Dayleve version includes povidone, which extends TEWL protection to approximately 12 hours — making it more substantive than standard Doublebase despite the similar texture. The pump dispensers on both have high efficiency, minimising product waste. For people who find heavier creams cosmetically unacceptable during the day, Doublebase offers a compromise between emolliency and wearability.
Best for: Daytime use, mild to moderate eczema, men and older children who resist heavier creams.
Aveeno Dermexa — Colloidal Oatmeal for Sensitive Skin
Aveeno’s Dermexa range uses colloidal oatmeal as its active soothing ingredient. Colloidal oatmeal has a well-established evidence base for eczema — it reduces itch, reduces TEWL, and has mild anti-inflammatory properties. The Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream is fragrance-free, steroid-free, and clinically shown to reduce itchy sensations for up to 6 hours.
Aveeno products are popular and often work well, but it is worth noting that some standard Aveeno formulations outside the Dermexa range contain ingredients (including certain preservatives) that can cause irritation in very sensitive skin. The Dermexa range is specifically formulated to reduce this risk.
Best for: Mild to moderate eczema, sensitive skin, people who prefer natural-derived ingredients, and children.
Diprobase Advanced Eczema Cream — OTC Steroid-Free Relief
Diprobase Advanced is a steroid-free, fragrance-free emollient cream with a cooling sensation that many users find helpful during active itching. It provides up to 8 hours of hydration and is available over the counter without a prescription. It is a step up from basic Diprobase Cream in terms of skin barrier support.
Best for: Moderate eczema flare-ups, people who want OTC relief beyond standard emollients, daily use.
The Products to Avoid — What the NHS and MHRA Actually Say
This section is one of the most important in the guide, and it is the one most competitor articles skip entirely.
Aqueous Cream — The One to Avoid
Aqueous cream is still found on many bathroom shelves and is occasionally still recommended. It should not be used as a leave-on emollient. Aqueous cream contains sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) — a surfactant that irritates and damages the skin barrier. It should never be put on eczema-prone skin, and emulsifying ointment, which contains 3% SLS, similarly should not be applied as a leave-on treatment.
Clinical guidance explicitly states: avoid aqueous cream as a leave-on emollient, due to high risk of skin irritation. Its continued prevalence as a suggested product reflects outdated information. If you currently use it, switch to any of the alternatives described above.
Fragranced Products and Certain Natural Oils
Fragrance is the most common contact allergen in cosmetic products and a well-recognised eczema trigger. Any product — however “natural” it appears — that contains fragrance, essential oils, or perfume should be avoided in eczema management. This includes many products marketed as natural skincare solutions. Olive oil, which is sometimes suggested as a “gentle” natural option, has been shown in clinical studies to damage the skin barrier in infants and is not recommended for eczema-prone or neonatal skin.
The MHRA Fire Hazard Warning
This is a safety point that many articles omit entirely. The MHRA has issued warnings about the fire hazard associated with the build-up of emollient residue on fabric from paraffin-containing products. This applies to the majority of emollient creams and ointments on this list. Clothing, bedding, and dressings that have absorbed paraffin-based emollients become highly flammable. Keep away from naked flames and open fires, do not smoke while applying or after applying these products, and wash bedding and clothing regularly at high temperatures to reduce residue build-up.
When You Need a Topical Corticosteroid (Steroid Cream)
Emollients manage eczema between flare-ups. During a flare — when skin becomes red, inflamed, and intensely itchy, a topical corticosteroid is typically needed to bring the inflammation under control.
Topical corticosteroids are categorised in four potency groups in the UK, and matching the potency to the severity and body site is essential:
Mild: Hydrocortisone 0.5% and 1%. Used for the face, neck, flexures (inside of elbows and knees), and genital area. Available over the counter. The rule of thumb is mild steroids for delicate or thin-skinned areas, always.
Moderately potent: Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate). Available over the counter for mild to moderate eczema on the body. Not for face.
Potent: Betamethasone valerate 0.1% (Betnovate), mometasone furoate 0.1% (Elocon). Prescription-only. For body eczema flares not responding to milder steroids.
Very potent: Clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Dermovate). Prescription-only, specialist supervision. Short courses only.
Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream
Daktacort is a combination product containing hydrocortisone 1% (a mild topical corticosteroid) and miconazole nitrate 2% (an antifungal). It is indicated for eczema or dermatitis where a secondary fungal infection is suspected or confirmed. The hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and itch, while the miconazole treats the fungal component. It should not be used long-term and is not suitable for use on the face without clinical guidance.
Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream is available at Star Pharmacy. Buy Daktacort cream directly and visit for full prescribing information.
How to Use Steroid Creams Correctly
Topical corticosteroids should only be applied to areas of active eczema or skin that has been active within the past 48 hours. Treatment should continue for approximately 48 hours after the flare resolves — stopping too early allows rapid recurrence.
When using an emollient and a steroid cream at the same time, apply one product at a time and wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying the next. The order does not matter clinically — what matters is the waiting time, which allows each product to absorb before the next is applied.
Prescription Options for Moderate to Severe Eczema
When emollients and topical steroids are insufficient to control eczema, prescription escalation is appropriate.
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (TCIs)
Tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams that work by suppressing the local immune response in the skin. They are particularly valuable for facial eczema, where repeated steroid use risks skin thinning, and for sensitive areas, including the eyelids and neck. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are useful second-line agents, particularly for facial eczema unresponsive to moderate topical corticosteroids. Tacrolimus 0.03% is licensed for patients from age 2 to 12, and 0.1% is licensed for those 16 and over.
Dupilumab (Dupixent)
Dupilumab is a biologic injection targeting two specific inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, that drive the immune overreaction underlying eczema. NICE approved dupilumab for adults with moderate to severe eczema in 2018, and it has since been approved for adolescents and children. It is administered as a fortnightly subcutaneous injection and produces dramatic improvements in many patients who have failed conventional systemic treatments. It is available on the NHS for eligible patients.
Oral Immunosuppressants
Ciclosporin, methotrexate, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil are used by dermatologists for severe refractory eczema. They are effective but carry systemic side effects requiring regular monitoring. They are typically a bridge to biologic therapy rather than long-term treatments.
How to Apply Emollients Correctly — What Most People Get Wrong
Getting the application technique right is as important as choosing the right product. These are the key principles from NICE guidance on eczema management and NHS formulary advice:
Smooth the emollient onto the skin in the direction of hair growth; never rub it in vigorously. Rubbing in the wrong direction can irritate hair follicles. Apply to damp skin immediately after bathing to lock in existing moisture. Use generous quantities; most people apply far too little. Adults managing body eczema should aim for 500g per week of leave-on emollient. Use a clean spoon or spatula to remove ointment from tubs; fingers introduce bacteria. Applying emollients from the fridge can help with itch; the cooling effect provides immediate relief during a flare.
Final Thoughts
Managing eczema well in 2026 means understanding the stepped-care approach, using the right product at the right stage, applying emollients in genuinely adequate quantities, and knowing when to escalate to prescription treatments. The vast majority of eczema is manageable with a consistent emollient routine and occasional short courses of topical steroids — the challenge for most people is not finding the perfect cream but finding one they will actually use regularly, in sufficient amounts, every day.
If your eczema is not responding to over-the-counter emollients and mild steroids, speak to your GP. If you are looking for accessible, high-quality eczema products without the wait, our eczema treatments at Star Pharmacy stock a curated range of NHS-approved emollients and steroid creams. You can also contact our pharmacy team for personalised guidance on which product is most likely to suit your skin type and severity.
FAQs
What is the best eczema cream available in the UK?
There is no universally best eczema cream. The right choice depends on your skin type, the severity of your eczema, and practical factors like how greasy a product feels. The best emollient is the one the patient will actually use consistently; a slightly less emollient product applied twice daily every day outperforms a clinically superior one that sits unused because it feels too greasy. For mild eczema, Cetraben, Diprobase, or Aveeno Dermexa are good starting points. For moderate to severe eczema, Epaderm Cream or Doublebase Gel for daytime and Epaderm Ointment at night is a common and effective combination. For targeted itch relief, E45 Itch Relief Cream with urea is a useful addition.
Can I get eczema cream on prescription from the NHS?
Yes. Emollient creams, gels, and ointments are prescribable on the NHS for eczema, as are topical corticosteroids. NICE recommends prescribing large quantities of leave-on emollients — 250g to 500g weekly for adults, that are easily available for use at home, in the nursery, or at work. Speak to your GP or pharmacist. Many of the products covered in this guide are also available over the counter from our eczema product range at Star Pharmacy without a prescription.
Can I use steroid cream on my child’s face?
Only mild potency steroid creams should be used on a child’s face, and only under healthcare guidance. Hydrocortisone 1% is the appropriate choice for facial flares in children — stronger potency steroids should not be used on the face as the thin skin absorbs them at a higher rate, increasing the risk of local side effects, including thinning. For facial eczema that does not respond to hydrocortisone, a topical calcineurin inhibitor such as tacrolimus 0.03% is the preferred next step, prescribed by a GP or dermatologist.
How often should I apply eczema cream?
Emollients should be used in larger amounts and more often than other eczema treatments, applied to the whole body — both when eczema is clear and while using all other treatments. Twice daily is the standard minimum, but during flare-ups or in cold, dry weather, more frequent application is both appropriate and recommended. Topical steroids are used only on inflamed areas and only during flares — typically for short courses of 5 to 14 days, continued for 48 hours after the flare resolves.
Is Epaderm good for eczema?
Yes — Epaderm Cream is one of the most widely prescribed and consistently well-regarded emollients in UK eczema management. It is paraffin-based, fragrance-free, and suitable from birth. Its dual function as both a leave-on cream and a soap substitute makes it practical for everyday use. The Epaderm Ointment version is more appropriate for very dry or severely affected skin, particularly for night-time use. Both are available on NHS prescription and over the counter. You can find Epaderm Cream at Star Pharmacy with straightforward ordering and fast UK delivery.