Finding the right moisturiser when you are dealing with eczema can feel overwhelming. Walk into any pharmacy and you will see shelves of creams, ointments, and gels, all promising to help. The truth is, there is no single “best” option. What works for one person may not suit another, and sometimes it takes a little trial and error.
What does help is starting with tried and trusted emollients that are widely recommended in the UK. Below are five of the most commonly used moisturisers for eczema relief, all fragrance-free and designed to soothe dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
E45 Moisturising Cream
A long-standing favourite in many households, E45 is easy to find in supermarkets and chemists. It is a mid-weight cream made from paraffin oils that help lock in moisture. Many people like it because it spreads easily, sinks in reasonably quickly, and comes in handy pump bottles.
Good for: everyday moisturising and those who prefer a familiar, widely available brand.
Consider: some versions contain lanolin derivatives, which can cause irritation in people sensitive to lanolin.
Cetraben Cream
Cetraben is specially made for eczema-prone skin. It combines paraffin with glycerol, which draws water into the skin and helps it feel softer. One practical advantage is the airless pump bottles, which reduce mess and contamination.
Good for: families who want a reliable, no-frills cream that can be used on both adults and children.
Consider: it contains cetostearyl alcohol, which very occasionally causes reactions.
Doublebase Gel
Not everyone enjoys creams or ointments, especially if they feel greasy. Doublebase Gel is a lighter option that still delivers a good level of oil. The gel texture makes it a popular choice for daytime use or for hands that need frequent reapplication.
Good for: people who dislike heavy creams, or need a lighter emollient during the day.
Consider: it still contains paraffin, so follow fire safety precautions, as with all emollients.
Epaderm Cream
Epaderm is a versatile option because it doubles as both a moisturiser and a soap substitute. That means you can use it directly on your skin or in place of regular soap, which is helpful since ordinary soap often dries out eczema-prone skin. It is safe for all ages, including babies.
Good for: households that want one product for both cleansing and moisturising.
Consider: contains chlorocresol, a preservative that can occasionally irritate sensitive skin.
Diprobase Cream
Diprobase has been trusted for many years as a go-to emollient for dry, inflamed skin. It is another paraffin-based cream, widely available in large pump bottles.
Good for: those who want a reliable, traditional cream that does not sting and is easy to find.
Consider: like Epaderm, it contains chlorocresol and cetostearyl alcohol, which may irritate a small number of users.
Using emollients effectively
Whichever cream you choose, the way you use it matters just as much as the product itself. Apply liberally and often, at least twice a day, and more during flare-ups. Do not rub it in like a lotion; smooth it gently in the direction of hair growth. If you are using topical steroids as well, leave at least 20 minutes between applications.
It is also important to use your emollient as a soap substitute or cleanser. Regular soap and bubble baths can strip the skin and make eczema worse. Finally, remember that all emollients, even paraffin-free ones, can soak into fabrics and make them more flammable, so keep away from naked flames and wash clothing and bedding regularly.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Texture | Key Ingredients | Best For | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E45 Cream | Cream | Paraffin oils, some lanolin | Everyday use, wide availability | Lanolin sensitivity in some versions |
| Cetraben Cream | Cream | Paraffin, glycerol | Families, airless pump packaging | Cetostearyl alcohol sensitivity |
| Doublebase Gel | Gel | Liquid paraffin, isopropyl myristate | Lighter feel, daytime use | Paraffin fire-safety precautions |
| Epaderm Cream | Cream | Paraffin, glycerine, chlorocresol | Dual use as moisturiser and cleanser | Rare reactions to preservative |
| Diprobase Cream | Cream | Paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol | Long-trusted option, easy to source | Rare irritation from ingredients |
I absolutely hate greasy moisturiser. Are any of those non greasy and if so, are they any good?
I’ve used Doublebase Gel and looked into it quite a bit, so here’s a balanced take.
It’s classed as a hydrating gel emollient, not a heavy ointment. It contains isopropyl myristate and liquid paraffin, but because it’s in a gel base, it spreads easily and absorbs quite quickly. Most people describe it as non-greasy or at least less greasy than typical paraffin creams. That said, it still leaves a bit of a protective film, especially if you use a lot of it, so it’s not completely dry-touch like a lotion.
As for eczema, yes, it’s a solid option. It helps repair the skin barrier, keeps moisture in, and can be used alongside steroid creams or other treatments. It’s steroid-free, suitable for all ages, and often recommended by pharmacists for mild to moderate eczema or as maintenance once a flare has calmed down.
A few things to note:
If your eczema is very cracked or severe, you might find a thicker ointment (like Hydromol or Epaderm) works better.
Some people find it can sting on broken skin, though that’s rare.
Because it contains paraffin oils, there’s a fire risk with clothing or bedding that’s been in contact with it.
In short, it’s lighter and easier to live with than most ointments, but still gives decent hydration. I’d say it’s worth trying if you want something that feels clean and absorbs fairly fast.