Effective Barrier Creams for Maintaining Healthy Skin

Does your skin often feel dry, flaky, red, itchy, or rough? If so, it may indicate a compromised skin barrier, says Dr. Terrence Keaney, a board-certified dermatologist. Instead of using your usual lotion or moisturizer, consider opting for a cream specifically designed to support and repair the skin barrier.

“Repairing the skin barrier means providing it with essential lipids and increasing hydration,” explains Dr. Stacy Chimento, another board-certified dermatologist. Unlike ordinary creams or lotions that merely provide hydration, barrier creams aid in healing the barrier while protecting against water loss and the infiltration of allergens and irritants, according to Dr. Stephen Suah, a board-certified dermatologist.

Throughout my life, I’ve struggled with eczema and concentrated on repairing and maintaining my skin barrier to prevent further aggravation of the condition. This led me to consult dermatologists for advice on selecting the best barrier creams and compile their recommendations, along with favorite picks from NBC Select staff.

Top Choices for Barrier Creams

Best Overall

This cream is ideal for both the face and body due to its fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula which includes three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, says Chimento. It suits all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, because it is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. Available in two sizes, this cream carries the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Best Moisturizer

Recommended by Dr. Stephen Suah, this cream contains ceramides to support the skin, panthenol to reinforce the barrier, preventing water loss, and glycerin for added moisture. Its thick and creamy consistency is especially beneficial during winter or eczema flare-ups. Available in travel size for convenience.

Best Splurge

This facial moisturizer mimics the skin’s natural lipid levels, according to Keaney. It includes ceramides to bolster moisture, cholesterol to speed up barrier recovery, and fatty acids to enhance elasticity. For effective application, warm a small amount between your fingers and apply gently to the face, neck, and chest.

Most Gentle

Especially suitable for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin, this Tower 28 moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and allantoin to reduce irritation and lock in moisture. Preferred for morning use due to its lightweight, all-day hydrating feel, it’s recommended by NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez.

Editor’s Pick

This moisturizer, favored by both Dr. Chimento and NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, offers ceramides and niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and soothe redness. Its lightweight feel makes it ideal for daily wear under makeup.

Best for Very Dry Skin

This thick cream combines hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and emollients to deeply hydrate and soothe dry, flaky skin. Its thick layer of hydration is particularly effective during eczema flare-ups.

Most Soothing

Infused with Avène’s Thermal Spring Water, this cream calms inflammation while reducing redness and irritation. Former NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg recommends it for its moisturizing effects on rosacea-affected skin.

Best Multipurpose Cream

This versatile cream can be used on the face, body, and lips to alleviate dryness. It includes vitamin B5, shea butter, and centella asiatica (cica) and is suitable even for infants over one week old.

Best for Dull Skin

The Skinfix face cream incorporates humectants, emollients, and occlusives for maximum nourishment. Apply daily in the morning and night for best results.

Best for Redness

Containing colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, and niacinamide, this cream hydrates while reducing redness linked to rosacea. Apply both morning and night for optimal effects.

Best Moisturizer with SPF

This day cream multitasks as moisturizer and SPF, while ceramides and prebiotics protect sensitive skin. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.

Best Body Lotion

Recommended by Dr. Keaney, this body moisturizer supports the skin barrier with ceramides, shea butter, and niacinamide.

Best Night Cream

Ideal for mildly irritated skin, this overnight repair cream is enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and soothing botanicals. Apply nightly before bed for best results.

Best Serum

This SkinMedica hyaluronic acid serum hydrates the skin before moisturizing. Apply with wet fingertips for best absorption.

Best Budget Pick

This affordable moisturizer is ideal for irritated skin, featuring panthenol, madecassoside, and anti-inflammatory green tea extract. Use morning and night.

Most Rich

Containing zinc, copper sulfate, and thermal water, this cream soothes and repairs both face and body skin. Its rich consistency makes it a best choice for nighttime use.

Shopping for Barrier Creams

Ingredients

When choosing a barrier cream, focus on ingredients such as emollients, humectants, and occlusives, each supporting different aspects of the skin barrier. Ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol are vital for barrier repair, while humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin prevent water evaporation. Occlusives help lock in moisture and block irritants.

Consistency

The thickness of your cream may vary depending on skin type and environmental conditions. Thicker creams lock in more moisture, ideal for dry or eczema-prone skin, while lighter creams work well for oily or acne-prone types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Barrier creams provide universal benefits and are especially vital for those with sensitive, rosacea, or eczema-prone skin. Regular use of these creams can help prevent premature aging, infections, and rashes. Some may require prescription-strength solutions, especially if the barrier is severely compromised.

It is recommended to apply barrier creams twice a day, ideally on damp skin, to maximize hydration benefits. While over-moisturization isn’t usually a concern, those with acne-prone skin should minimize use of heavy products.

Meet Our Experts

NBC Select collaborates with experienced dermatology experts like Dr. Stacy Chimento, Dr. Terrence Keaney, and Dr. Stephen Suah for their professional insights and advice.

Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter for NBC Select, has explored various barrier creams through expert interviews and personal testing, ensuring reliable product recommendations.