Ceramide is an essential lipid that promotes optimal structural integrity of the skin barrier and moisture retention, making it vital for eczema-prone skin.

A meta-analysis found that moisturizers containing ceramide significantly improved SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD; P=0.003)1. Other studies with longer duration have shown ceramide moisturizers improve transdermal epidermal water loss (TEWL).

A review of 12 reports revealed that ceramide-containing formulations

improve skin dryness and barrier integrity better or equally to other products by reducing TEWL and increasing lipid content, also showing anti-inflammatory properties comparable to corticosteroids in moderate to severe AD [2].

Clinical trials also indicated that ceramide moisturizers reduce AD flares [3,4] and incidence in high-risk infants [5,6], and combining corticosteroids with ceramide and linoleic acid moisturizers accelerates skin barrier restoration and reduces pruritus in adults with AD [5].

Colloidal oatmeal soothes and protects skin, providing relief from itching and irritation. It forms a protective film on the skin's surface, reducing water loss and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

Oats contain 36-46% linoleic acid, which supports skin barrier repair and avenanthramides and, in turn, inhibits NF-kB to reduce inflammatory cytokines [6]. Starches and B-glucans exhibit an occlusive effect to moisturize and reduce itching [7]. OTC colloidal oatmeal 1% cream was found in a clinical trial to be as effective as prescription barrier cream for the management of mild to moderate AD symptoms in children. It has additionally been reported that colloidal oatmeal may play an important role in reducing reliance on corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors for AD management [8].

Two single-centre, single-arm clinical trials assessed colloidal oatmeal 1% monotherapy for 2 weeks in 59 patients with mild to moderate AD [9]. In the first study, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, Investigator’s Global Atopic Dermatitis Assessment (IGADA) score, and pruritus (visual analog scale (VAS)) improved by 82.8%, 62.1%, and 85.7%, respectively, on day 14; in the second study, EASI, pruritus, and skin hydration improved significantly, while TEWL reduced significantly. No adverse events were reported.

Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter is a superb moisturizer that helps to soothe and heal dry, cracked skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and swelling, making it ideal for eczema treatment.

Known for its deep moisturizing properties, coconut oil contains lauric acid which helps to reduce bacterial presence on the skin, reducing the risk of infection. It also helps to lock in moisture, providing long-lasting hydration.

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, which help to protect and repair skin cells. Its moisturizing properties make it beneficial for soothing and softening dry, irritated skin.

Beeswax forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, locking in moisture and protecting against environmental irritants. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm irritated skin.

A powerful humectant, glycerin draws moisture into the skin and helps to keep it hydrated. It enhances the skin's natural barrier function and promotes healing of dry and damaged skin.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It supports skin healing and regeneration, providing relief from dryness and irritation associated with eczema. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents rancidity and preserves stability of oil ingredients.

[Only included in the Scented Option]

Peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation that can soothe itchy skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce redness and prevent infection. Lavender oil is renowned for its calming and soothing properties. It helps to reduce inflammation and can promote the healing of minor skin irritations. Its pleasant scent also provides a relaxing aromatherapy benefit.

1. Nugroho et al. The Efficacy of Moisturisers Containing Ceramide Compared with Other Moisturisers in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian J Dermatol. 2023 Jan-Feb;68(1):53-58.

2. Kono T, Miyachi Y, Kawashima M. Clinical significance of the water retention and barrier function-improving capabilities of ceramide-containing formulations: A qualitative review. J Dermatol. 2021 Dec;48(12):1807-1816.

3. Angelova Fischer I, Rippke F, Richter D, et al. Stand-alone emollient treatment reduces flares after discontinuation of topical steroid treatment in atopic dermatitis: A double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled, left-right comparison study. Acta Derm Venereol. 2018;98:517523.

4. 4 Ma L, Li P, Tang J, et al. Prolonging time to are in pediatric atopic dermatitis: A randomized, investigatorblinded, controlled, multicenter clinical study of a ceramidecontaining moisturizer. Adv Ther. 2017;34:2601-2611.

5. Yang Q, Liu M, Li X, Zheng J. The benefit of a ceramide-linoleic acid-containing moisturizer as an adjunctive therapy for a set of xerotic dermatoses. Dermatol Ther. 2019;32:e13017.

6. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 27;19(1):70.

7. Fowler JF Jr. Colloidal oatmeal formulations and the treatment of atopic dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014 Oct;13(10):1180-3; quiz 1184-5.

8. Hebert AA, Rippke F, Weber TM, Nicol NH. Efficacy of Nonprescription Moisturizers for Atopic Dermatitis: An Updated Review of Clinical Evidence. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2020 Oct;21(5):641-655.

9. Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M. The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Mar 25;13:241-251.