Best Non-Greasy Eczema Moisturisers in the UK: Dermatologist-Recommended Picks for 2025
31 Jul 2025
Direct Care | 31 Jul 2025
Best Non-Greasy Eczema Moisturisers in the UK: Dermatologist-Recommended Picks for 2025
When managing eczema, moisturisers are more than just skincare—they’re daily essentials that protect and restore your skin barrier. But many creams feel thick or greasy or leave residue on clothing. If you’re looking for eczema-friendly moisturisers that absorb quickly and offer all-day hydration without a heavy finish, this guide is for you. We’ve shortlisted five of the best non-greasy eczema creams available online and in our skincare category. All are fragrance-free, dermatologist-approved, and designed to treat dry, itchy skin without the need for steroids. In this blog, you’ll learn about each cream’s unique benefits, the difference between cetomacrogol vs aqueous cream, and how to choose the best option for your skin type.
1. Cetraben Body Cream Moisturiser
- Light, non-greasy emollient that soothes and hydrates dry, eczema-prone skin.
- Clinically proven to help restore the skin barrier and relieve tightness and flaking.
- Fragrance-free and safe for use on sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
- Great daily option for how to treat dry skin without steroids.
2. Aactimed Cetomacrogol Cream Formula A (500g)
- Excellent option for those searching for the benefits of cetomacrogol cream.
- Lightweight and soothing—absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
- Used as both a moisturiser and a soap substitute for sensitive skin.
- Highly suitable for people asking what cetomacrogol cream is used for: dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, and beyond.
3. Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream
- Formulated with prebiotic oat and ceramides to strengthen skin and calm irritation.
- Light yet nourishing—ideal for both adults and children with eczema.
- Rated as one of the best creams for dry, itchy skin in the UK.
- Absorbs fast, making it ideal for daytime wear under clothing.
4. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream (340g)
- Combines salicylic acid with three essential ceramides for exfoliating and barrier repair.
- Perfect for rough, bumpy, or keratosis-prone eczema areas.
- Light, non-comedogenic, and suitable for both face and body use.
- One of the most popular nonsteroid creams for eczema and sensitive skin conditions.
5. Epimax Original Cream (500g)
- Dual-purpose cream that works as both an emollient and a gentle body wash.
- Rich yet non-greasy formulation, ideal for a fragrance-free cream for sensitive skin.
- Popular with families and older adults managing chronic eczema.
- Budget-friendly option with widespread NHS endorsement.
How to Choose the Right Moisturiser for Your Skin
- If your skin is flaking, tight, or inflamed, choose a cream that contains ceramides and humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerine.
- For sensitive skin, prioritise fragrance-free and lanolin-free formulas to reduce flare-ups.
- To avoid steroid use, select emollients that repair the skin barrier without prescription ingredients—ideal for those seeking how to treat dry skin without steroids.
- Check the ingredient list if you’re comparing cetomacrogol vs aqueous cream—cetomacrogol is typically lighter and preferred for facial or daytime use.
Tips for Daily Moisturising with Eczema
- Apply moisturiser within 3 minutes of bathing to trap water in the skin.
- Use creams at least twice daily—even if symptoms improve—to prevent relapse.
- Store creams at room temperature, and avoid sharing products to prevent contamination.
- Choose a pump dispenser or tub with a clean spatula to reduce bacterial exposure.
When to Consult a GP or Dermatologist
- If nonsteroid creams aren’t helping or eczema is getting worse, seek clinical advice.
- Look for signs of infection (oozing, yellow crusting) or new allergies—these may require prescription treatment.
- Always check if a moisturiser is safe for children or use around the eyes if you’re unsure.
- If you’re trying a new product, perform a patch test first—especially with sensitive or broken skin.
Shop The Right Moisturiser for Your Skin
Finding the right moisturiser can transform your skin—and your confidence. Whether you prefer oat-based relief like Aveeno, ceramide-rich formulas like CeraVe, or a gentle emollient like Aactimed Cetomacrogol, Direct Care offers trusted, non-greasy solutions for every skin type. Explore our dermatologist-approved, eczema-friendly moisturisers today and manage eczema with clarity and confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An eczema-friendly moisturiser is one that is fragrance-free, free from common irritants (like lanolin or alcohol), and specifically designed to protect the skin barrier. It should help reduce water loss from the skin while calming inflammation, without causing stinging or greasy buildup.
Yes, non-greasy creams can still be highly effective, especially when applied regularly and after bathing. Many modern formulations use ceramides, colloidal oats, and humectants like glycerin to hydrate deeply without leaving a heavy film. However, during flare-ups, some people may still need thicker ointments or prescribed treatments alongside a daily cream.
Cetomacrogol cream is used as an emollient for dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, and other conditions involving skin irritation. It works by forming a protective layer over the skin, reducing moisture loss, and helping to restore the skin’s natural barrier function. It can also be used as a soap substitute for sensitive skin.
Both are used to manage dry skin, but cetomacrogol cream typically contains emulsifying agents that improve absorption and feel less greasy. Aqueous cream can sometimes cause stinging in eczema-prone skin, especially if used as a leave-on moisturiser. Many NHS trusts now recommend cetomacrogol over aqueous cream for daily use.
Many of them are. For example, Aveeno Dermexa and Epimax Original Cream are frequently recommended by paediatric dermatologists in the UK. However, parents should always check age guidelines on the packaging and consult a GP for long-term or severe eczema in young children.