Top Anti-Itch Creams for Smoothing Dry, Irritated Skin

Top Pick

Praised by numerous dermatologists, CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream is a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free solution ideal for dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. This formula combines ceramides to restore the skin barrier, calming niacinamide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid for immediate absorption and balanced hydration. The standout ingredient, pramoxine hydrochloride, works to alleviate itching and irritation in just two minutes, providing relief for up to eight hours. Approved by the Eczema Association, this cream offers a gentle, healing, and effective remedy you can rely on in your skincare routine.

Product Type: Cream | Main Ingredients: Pramoxine hydrochloride and ceramides | Available Sizes: 12 and 19 ounces

Best Value

Curel's unscented, dermatologist-recommended Itch Defense Lotion stands out as an affordable yet highly effective option. It provides the most product for the price compared to other formulas. This lotion is a light, non-greasy blend of ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and provitamin B5, which help restore the skin's moisture balance and relieve irritation and itching. Designed with sensitive skin conditions like eczema in mind, this lotion offers immediate soothing relief upon application and continues to improve skin with regular use.

Product Type: Lotion | Main Ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter, provitamin B5 | Available Sizes: 13 and 20 ounces

Top Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

Hydrocortisone is a well-known topical steroid prized for its anti-itch abilities. The Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream with 24-Hour Moisture is the leader in this category, claiming the title of "#1 Doctor Recommended OTC Topical Anti-Itch Brand." This formula includes seven moisturizers and vitamins A, C, and E, as well as glycerin, aloe, jojoba, and petrolatum. These ingredients work together to relieve itching and irritation for up to 24 hours, all while delivering deep hydration.

This product is free of fragrances and dyes, making it suitable for those with eczema, psoriasis, and irritations such as bug bites or poison ivy. Apply to affected areas no more than 3-4 times per day.

Product Type: Cream | Active Ingredient: Hydrocortisone | Available Size: 2 ounces

Top Calamine-Based Anti-Itch Cream

Aveeno lotions are well-known for their nourishing and calming effects, but the Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion is the one formulated specifically for relieving itchy skin. Combining oat extracts with calming calamine, an over-the-counter remedy for itchiness, this lotion effectively alleviates discomfort from bug bites, hives, rashes, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Though the bottle is small, the potent formula justifies the price.

Product Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Calamine, Pramoxine HCl, Triple Oat Complex | Size: 4 ounces

Top Oatmeal-Based Anti-Itch Cream

Oat is an effective ingredient known for soothing irritated skin and repairing a compromised skin barrier. CeraVe’s Eczema Relief Creamy Oil, enriched with colloidal oatmeal, is an excellent choice for individuals seeking relief from dry, itchy skin, particularly eczema. The signature ceramides in CeraVe products further enhance moisturizing effects, complemented by safflower oil and glycerin. This unique formula combines the benefits of a lotion and a body oil, providing a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin.

Product Type: Creamy Oil | Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, Ceramides, safflower oil | Size: 8 ounces

Top Menthol Anti-Itch Cream

The Eucerin Itch Relief Intensive Calming Lotion, packed with menthol, is the go-to solution for quick relief from irritation and itching. This formula combines 0.1% menthol for a cooling effect with ceramide-3 to help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. The result is hydrated, nourished skin without inflammation. Free from common irritants like fragrances, dyes, and parabens, this lightweight lotion absorbs quickly, providing an easy application with no greasy residue left behind.

Type: Lotion | Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3 and menthol | Size: 8.4 ounces

Best for Sensitive Skin

The Sarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion stands out as one of the strongest over-the-counter anti-itch treatments. With 1% pramoxine hydrochloride, it offers both immediate and lasting relief, earning its reputation as the most potent option available. This dermatologist-recommended lotion absorbs quickly and is non-greasy, ensuring you can go about your day without any sticky residue. It’s free from steroids, parabens, and fragrances and carries the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval, making it a trusted choice for those with sensitive skin.

Type: Lotion | Key Ingredients: Pramoxine hydrochloride | Size: 7.5 ounces

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Eczema

Skinfix, a brand focused on repairing damaged skin barriers, offers the Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream as a powerful option for those dealing with eczema. Packed with humectants to attract moisture, emollients to soften and calm, and occlusives to seal in hydration, this cream provides comprehensive relief for sensitive skin.

The texture is indulgently rich and silky, yet lightweight enough not to overwhelm the skin. It’s also ideal for soothing rashes and alleviating winter skin irritation. Additionally, it has earned the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance.

Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, sweet almond oil | Size: 8 ounces

Best for Psoriasis

Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by various factors, including the ingredients in body care products. CeraVe's Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream offers relief with its non-greasy formula. It contains 2% salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin to help smooth out plaques, a common symptom of psoriasis. Other ingredients, including ceramides, niacinamide, and urea, work to soothe irritation, reduce redness, and relieve itching. This blend is even endorsed by the National Psoriasis Association. Keep in mind that due to the exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, you should add SPF protection to your daily routine.

Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, urea | Size: 8 ounces

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Face

While most anti-itch creams are designed for body use, the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is perfect for the face. This vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free cream leverages the healing properties of allantoin, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal to restore the skin's natural balance.

This product has become a viral sensation, especially among those dealing with eczema, psoriasis, or the side effects of accutane treatments. With various size options available, you're sure to find one that fits perfectly into your next skincare routine.

Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Size: 6 or 8 ounces

Best for Bug Bites

Bug bites can trigger an intense itch, but the Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Gel acts as a rapid solution. Unlike the oral form, this gel contains 2% diphenhydramine HCI and is designed specifically for direct skin application. Although it's great for bug bites, it also works quickly to alleviate discomfort caused by minor cuts, poison ivy, redness, and even sunburn. The gel's consistency is thicker than other gels, allowing for broader coverage with less product, while still delivering its targeted effects.

Type: Gel | Key Ingredients: Diphenhydramine HCI | Size: ounces

Best for Sunburn

While severe sunburns require medical attention, the Alocane Emergency Burn Gel offers immediate relief for those times you stay a little too long in the sun. Its formula combines 4% lidocaine for quick relief, with aloe vera to soothe and vitamin E to nourish. The gel starts working within minutes to ease irritation and pain without leaving a sticky or tacky feeling on your skin. You can apply it up to four times a day until the discomfort fades, and it provides an instant cooling effect to eliminate the burning sensation from sun exposure.

Type: Gel | Key Ingredients: Lidocaine, aloe vera, vitamin E | Size: 2.5 and 4 ounces

Final Verdict

The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is our top pick due to its highly effective formula, affordable price, and practical packaging. Dermatologists recommend it for its hydrating and calming benefits for both the face and body. For a more budget-friendly alternative, consider the Curel Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion.

How to Shop for Anti-Itch Creams Like a Pro

Type

When selecting a moisturizer to soothe itchy, irritated skin, it’s essential to determine whether you prefer a lotion, cream, or balm. While all three options offer excellent hydration, each has a unique consistency that can impact its effectiveness and how it feels on your skin.

Lotion tends to be lighter in texture, making it ideal for daytime use to keep your skin hydrated and calm. Creams are thicker and often penetrate deeper, providing a richer, more indulgent experience. Balms, which are more occlusive and less viscous, are best suited for nighttime use, as they take longer to absorb and offer prolonged relief for itching and sensitivity.

Formula

With countless ingredients available, it can be overwhelming to choose the ones that will effectively relieve itching related to conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Fast-acting ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, calamine, and hydrocortisone are excellent choices for immediate relief.

While these ingredients can provide quick relief, they differ from prescriptions offered by dermatologists. In such cases, topical steroids and antihistamines are typically recommended for itching and sensitivity caused by allergic reactions or bacterial infections on the skin’s surface.

"Prescription steroids help alleviate inflammation in localized areas of skin, while oral antihistamines work to ease the itching sensation and curb the urge to scratch," explains Dr. Parikh.

When choosing an over-the-counter solution, consider what additional symptoms need addressing beyond itching. Oatmeal is ideal for those with general dry skin, as it offers deep hydration and soothes itching simultaneously. On the other hand, hydrocortisone and calamine not only relieve itching but also reduce pain and swelling, making them more suitable for conditions like rashes, bug bites, and poison ivy.

Questions You Might Ask

Can you use a lotion for itchy skin every day?

Dr. Parikh suggests, "Yes! Every day." Whether opting for a light lotion or a thick balm, consistent use of these products can help manage skin issues such as itching, inflammation, psoriasis plaques, or eczema patches.

What truly matters is technique. Dr. Parikh recommends applying your chosen product right after a shower while your skin is still damp. This method helps lock in moisture absorbed by the skin during your cleansing routine. He also advises against using hot water, as it can dry out the skin further, intensifying the urge to scratch.

However, it’s important to note that medications like hydrocortisone shouldn't be applied daily for long stretches. They should be used for no more than a week, unless otherwise directed by your doctor, until the issue is resolved.

Are tubes, pumps, or jars better for anti-itch lotions?

The type of packaging becomes relevant mainly in relation to the formula. If you're using a lotion, its thinner, more fluid consistency means a pump or tube is more effective for mess-free application. Thicker creams or balms are often found in jars or squeeze tubes, which facilitate a cleaner application process.

One potential downside of this packaging system, however, is that it may not be user-friendly for individuals with physical limitations that make opening products challenging. This aspect is often overlooked in the beauty industry.

What ingredients should people with itchy skin avoid?

Individuals experiencing itchy skin often suffer from sensitivities due to conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema. People in this group should avoid products with ingredients that can overstimulate the skin, such as high levels of retinol, exfoliating acids, or alcohols that cause dryness. It's also wise to stay away from fragrances, dyes, and perfumes, as these are common irritants for sensitive skin.

Instead, those with itchy skin should look for products containing humectants, ceramides, occlusives, and calming agents. Dr. Parikh highly recommends colloidal oatmeal and regularly advises his clients to add it to their skincare routines.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Grace Parsons, a seasoned beauty industry writer with experience across the cosmetics, skin, and wellness fields. She thoroughly researched a wide range of brands and websites to find anti-itch creams that combine effective formulas, easy availability, and extra benefits for dry, itchy skin. She also consulted Dr. Sherwin Parikh, a dermatologist, founder of Tribeca Skin Center, and co-founder of A.P. CHEM Beauty.