The 12 Best Anti-Itch Creams of 2024

A collage of anti-itch creams we recommend on a colorful background — Real Simple / Alli Waataja

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.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Itch Relief at Amazon ($18)

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Best Budget:

Curel Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion at Amazon ($11)

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Best Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream:

Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream at Amazon ($14)

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Best Calamine Anti-Itch Cream:

Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion at Amazon ($10)

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Best Oatmeal Anti-Itch Cream:

CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil at Amazon ($16)

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Best Menthol:

Eucerin Itch Relief Lotion at Amazon ($13)

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion at Amazon ($11)

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Best Anti-Itch Cream for Eczema:

Skinfix Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream at Sephora ($39)

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Best for Psoriasis:

CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream at Amazon ($22)

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Best Anti-Itch Cream for Face:

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream at Amazon ($31)

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Best Overall

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Itch Relief

CVS

View On Amazon $18 View On CVS View On Walgreens $24

What Stands Out

The formula aids in barrier repair.

What Could Be Improved

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

Best Budget

Curel Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion

Amazon

View On Amazon $11 View On Walmart $18 View On Target $11

What Stands Out

The amount of product you get for the price is high compared to other formulas.

What Could Be Improved

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

Best Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream With 24-Hour Moisture

Amazon

View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $18 View On Target $5

What Stands Out

The medicated cream can be used to soothe general irritation as well as rashes and bug bites.

What Could Be Improved

It lacks the cooling properties of a gel, and users must be cognizant of where they’re applying it on the body.

Hydrocortisone is a highly-regarded topical steroid best known for its anti-itch properties. Specifically, the Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream With 24-Hour Moisture takes the lead in this category as the "#1 Doctor Recommended OTC Topical Anti-Itch Brand," as it’s made with seven moisturizers and skin-nurturing vitamins A, C, and E. The list includes glycerin, aloe, jojoba, and petrolatum, all of which allow this product to alleviate itching and irritation for up to 24 hours while providing intense hydration.

It’s free from fragrance and dyes, and is suitable for eczema, psoriasis, and skin irritations like bug bites and poison ivy. Use only on the affected area no more than 3-4 times a day.

Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Hydrocortisone | Size: 2 ounces

Best Calamine Anti-Itch Cream

Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion

Amazon

View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $12 View On Riteaid.com $11

What Stands Out

It’s suitable for people dealing with rashes, hives, or other inflammatory skin conditions.

What Could Be Improved

It doesn’t have a high percentage of calamine.

All of Aveeno’s lotions are highly nourishing and soothing, but there’s only one made solely with itchy skin in mind: the Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion. Made with a blend of oat extracts and complete with soothing calamine (an over-the-counter medication that treats itchiness), this lotion eases itchiness associated with bug bites, hives, rashes, and inflammatory skin conditions. While the bottle size is small, the overall formula is worth the purchase.

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

Best Oatmeal Anti-Itch Cream

CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil

Target

View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $16 View On Target $16

What Stands Out

It’s fast-absorbing and nourishing, but still lightweight.

What Could Be Improved

It’s not as thick as other hydrating creams.

Oat is a powerful ingredient for calming irritated skin and repairing a damaged skin barrier. So, CeraVe’s Eczema Relief Creamy Oil, which contains colloidal oatmeal, is a great option for those looking for relief from dry, itchy skin—especially eczema. The usual ceramides in every CeraVe formula add to the moisturizing benefits, as do other ingredients like safflower oil and glycerin. Unlike other lotions, this CeraVe product is part lotion, part body oil, giving it a lightweight feel that blends seamlessly into the skin.

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

Best Menthol

Eucerin Itch Relief Lotion

Eucerin Itch Relief Intensive Calming Lotion

Amazon

View On Amazon $13 View On Walmart $13 View On Riteaid.com $16

What Stands Out

The formula sinks into the skin quickly, making it good for daytime use.

What Could Be Improved

The naturally occurring scent might be too strong for some.

Often blended into formulas to help soothe irritation, the menthol-packed Eucerin Itch Relief Intensive Calming Lotion is the top choice for practically instant irritation and itch relief. The formula infuses 0.1% menthol (for noticeable cooling benefits) with ceramide-3 to support the skin moisture barrier during application. What's left is skin that's hydrated, nourished, and no longer inflamed. It helps that common irritants like fragrances, dyes, and parabens aren't included in the ingredient list. It’s another lightweight option that sinks into the skin quickly, allowing for an easy application process with no greasy residue.

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

Best for Sensitive Skin

Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion

Sarna Steroid-Free Anti-Itch Lotion for Dry Irritated Skin

Amazon

View On Amazon $11 View On Walmart $11 View On Riteaid.com $15

What Stands Out

It has the highest percentage of pramoxine hydrochloride without a prescription.

What Could Be Improved

The formula is not thick, which might be a turnoff for some.

The Sarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion is one of the most potent over-the-counter formulas for anti-itch relief. The lotion uses pramoxine hydrochloride to provide immediate and long-term benefits at 1%, making it the strongest and highest-regarded option. As a dermatologist-recommended treatment, the Sarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion is fast to absorb and non-greasy, meaning you can go about your day without an uncomfortable residue on the skin. It is free from steroids, parabens, and fragrances with approval from the National Eczema Association, making it a safe bet for those with sensitive or sensitized skin.

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

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Eczema

Skinfix Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream

Sephora

View On Sephora $39 View On Skinfix.com

What Stands Out

Its extra rich formula is suitable for eczema and sensitive skin.

What Could Be Improved

You should avoid using it alongside prescribed topicals.

Skinfix is a newer brand that focuses on healing a damaged skin barrier, and their Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream is a fantastic option for those with eczema. This cream is jam-packed with humectants to pull in moisture, emollients to soften and soothe the skin, and occlusives to protect against moisture loss.

The texture feels rich and luxurious without weighing the skin down, and it’s also suitable for those with rashes and general winter skin irritation. Finally, it has the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

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

Best for Psoriasis

CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

Amazon

View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $22 View On CVS

What Stands Out

The ergonomic pump makes it effortless to dispense the perfect product amount.

What Could Be Improved

The additional need for an SPF might make this too fussy to use daily.

There are many contributing factors to a psoriasis flare, one of them being the ingredients in your body care. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Psoriasis is a treatment that offers considerable relief in a non-greasy formula. By using salicylic acid at 2%, this cream helps gently exfoliate the skin, helping to texturize plaque–one of the noticeable signs of psoriasis. Additional benefits such as soothing irritation, calming redness, and counteracting itchiness are thanks to ceramides, niacinamide, and urea. Even the National Psoriasis Association recommends this effective blend. You should remember that because this contains exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, it is important to incorporate SPF into your routine.

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

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Face

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Sephora

View On Amazon $31 View On Nordstrom $18 View On Sephora $18

What Stands Out

The hydrating cream is safe for the sensitive skin on your face.

What Could Be Improved

It’s thicker than lightweight, gel moisturizers.

Most anti-itch creams can only be used on the body. That's why, when it comes to the face, trusting a formula like the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a no-brainer. This vegan, cruelty-, and gluten-free brand uses the power of allantoin, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal to restore balance to the skin.

This product has gone viral repeatedly, particularly for anyone experiencing the effects of eczema, psoriasis, and accutane treatments. With multiple sizes, there is sure to be an option that you can add to your next skincare haul.

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

Best for Bug Bites

Benadryl Anti-Itch Gel

Benadryl Extra Strength Cooling Anti-Itch Gel

Amazon

View On Amazon $6 View On Walmart $7 View On Walgreens $8

What Stands Out

The topical works for more than just bug bites–and fast.

What Could Be Improved

This does not offer hydrating benefits.

Bug bites are the ultimate itch-inducer, with the Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Gel being the efficiently swift antidote. This topical gel is not to be confused with the oral counterpart, as this form of 2% diphenhydramine HCI is for direct skin application. While the formula is primarily suitable for bug bites, it also works fast to relieve burning, itching, redness, and pain from minor cuts, poison ivy, and even sunburn. The consistency isn't like other gels as it is more viscous, allowing you to cover larger areas with less product and not sacrifice the topical benefits.

Type: Gel | Key Ingredients: Diphenhydramine HCI | Size: 3.5 ounces

Best for Sunburn

Alocane Emergency Burn Gel

Amazon

View On Amazon $12 View On Target $8 View On Walgreens $11

What Stands Out

There is no sticky residue, even after repeated applications.

What Could Be Improved

This does not replace medical treatment for burns above first-degree.

Severe sunburns should seek medical treatment, but for those days you spend just a bit too long in the sun, the Alocane Emergency Burn Gel soothes irritation and pain effortlessly. The formula uses a blend of 4% lidocaine for maximum relief with soothing aloe vera and nourishing vitamin E to heal everything from sunburns to heat exposure post-application. It takes a few minutes to notice a change in the irritation and pain, but the topical gel-ointment hybrid won't feel sticky or tacky while the benefits set in. You can even use the Alocane Emergency Burn Gel on the affected area up to four times daily until the pain or itch dissipates. With an immediate cooling sensation, the typical heat of the skin following a sunburn is a thing of the past.

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

Final Verdict

The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is our top choice thanks to the efficacious formula, accessible price point, and practical packaging. It's a favorite of dermatologists for its hydrating and soothing properties for both the face and body. If you're looking for a product that’s more budget-friendly, we recommend the Curel Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion.

How to Shop for Anti-Itch Creams Like a Pro

Type

When shopping for a moisturizer that soothes itchy and irritated skin, it is worth distinguishing if you want a lotion, cream, or balm. While all three provide ample hydration to the skin, each formula type differs in consistency.

A lotion feels more lightweight and is usually used during the day to maintain nourished and soothed skin. Creams, on the other hand, are richer in texture and typically penetrate deeper into the skin, offering a more luxurious and beneficial experience. It is worth noting that anyone opting for a balm might have better luck using it in their evening routine. Since this formulation has minimal viscosity (or is highly occlusive), it takes considerable time to sink into the pores for itching and sensitivity relief.

Formula

With so many ingredients on the market, it can be hard to tell which ones will alleviate itching commonly associated with conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, and medicines like calamine and hydrocortisone, work fast for near-immediate relief.

While these results can happen quickly, they differ from something you would receive as a prescription from a dermatologist. In those instances, topical steroids and antihistamines are usual suggestions if the itching and sensitivity are a result of allergic reactions or bacterial infections on the skin's surface.

“Prescription steroids reduce inflammation in patchy areas of skin, while oral antihistamines reduce sensations of itching and reduce scratching behavior,” Dr. Parikh says.

When looking at over-the-counter options, consider what other factors, aside from itching, you need to treat. Something like oatmeal can deeply moisturize while simultaneously stopping any itching, making it best for those with general dry skin. Hydrocortisone and calamine, however, tackle itching as well as pain and swelling, so they’re best for rashes, bug bites, and poison ivy.

Questions You Might Ask

Can you use a lotion for itchy skin every day?

If you’re using a general lotion or cream, then you can follow the words of Dr. Parikh: "Yes! Everyday." Whether you decide on a lightweight lotion or a rich balm, the continued use of any product will keep ailments like itching, inflammation, psoriasis plaque, or eczema patches at bay.

What's more crucial is technique. Dr. Parikh suggests applying your product of choice after a shower while the skin is still damp. This application technique allows you to lock in any moisture the skin draws into your pores during your cleansing routine. He also recommends avoiding hot water as it can further dry out the skin, resulting in a greater need to scratch.

Take note, though, that medications like hydrocortisone shouldn’t be used every day for extended periods of time. Instead, they should be used for a week (any longer should be approved by your doctor), until the issue is resolved.

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

Product packaging only matters when you compare it to the product formula. If you're using lotion, you'll notice the viscosity is much more fluid and runny. In this case, a pump or tube will allow you to get and apply the product with little to no mess. Thicker creams or balms will likely be in a jar or squeeze tube. Again, this allows for a clean application process.

The one downside to consider here, and what the beauty industry often misses, is how these packaging styles don’t often work for people with physical conditions that result in difficulty opening products.

What types of ingredients should people with itchy skin avoid?

People with itchy skin likely have sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema. With this in mind, individuals who fall into this category should avoid ingredients that overstimulate the skin, like high percentages of retinol, exfoliating acids, or drying alcohol. They should also steer clear of fragrances, dyes, and perfumes, which are known irritants for sensitive skin.

Instead, they should seek products with humectants, ceramides, occlusives, and soothing agents. Dr. Parikh is a fan of colloidal oatmeal and frequently instructs clients to incorporate it into their routines.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Grace Parsons, a beauty industry veteran and writer with experience across the cosmetics, skin, and wellness industries. She researched countless sites and brands to find anti-itch creams that were efficacious in formulation, easily accessible to consumers, and offered additional benefits to itchy dry skin. She also consulted Dr. Sherwin Parikh, a dermatologist who is the founder of Tribeca Skin Center and co-founder of A.P. CHEM Beauty.