The Best Anti-Itch Creams to Relieve Dry, Irritated Skin
When itchy skin comes knocking, soothing it is the number one priority. While severely itchy skin should be examined and treated by a doctor, you can also find plenty of anti-itch creams and deeply hydrating lotions readily available over the counter.
As a rule of thumb, the cream you choose should be fragrance-free, dye-free, and perfume-free, says Dr. Sherwin Parikh, dermatologist, founder of Tribeca Skin Center, and co-founder of A.P. CHEM Beauty. With his guidance, we spent hours vetting top-performing anti-itch creams and lotions, considering formula types, ease of use, and ingredients—here’s what we found.
Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream at Target
$10
$6
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The formula aids in barrier repair.
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The tub packaging might be hard for some to open.
Beloved by many dermatologists, the CeraVe Itch Relief Moisture Cream is a non-comedogenic and fragrance-free treatment for those with dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. Barrier-restoring ceramides, calming niacinamide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid help this cream balance skin's hydration levels with instant absorbability. The star of the formula, however, is pramoxine hydrochloride, which calms itchy and irritated skin within two minutes and can provide up to eight hours of reprieve. With the Eczema Association seal, you can trust that you're incorporating a gentle, healing, and effective formula into your routine.
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Pramoxine hydrochloride and ceramides | Size: 12 and 19 ounces
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The amount of product you get for the price is high compared to other formulas.
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Some might find the formula to feel too waxy after application.
The unscented and dermatologist-recommended Itch Defense Lotion from Curel is the economical and results-driven option, offering the most amount of product at a reasonable price. This lotion is a lightweight and nongreasy blend of ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and provitamin B5, all of which aid in balancing the skin's moisture levels and aiding in things like itching and irritation. Another option that is formulated with sensitive skin conditions like eczema in mind, this universal lotion will soothe skin upon application and with continued use.
Type: Lotion | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter, provitamin B5 | Size: 13 and 20 ounces