In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsTypes of Anti-Itch Creams & Ingredients to Look forWhich Cream Is Right for You?What Healthcare Providers Want You to KnowWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderHow We Tested the Anti-Itch CreamsOur ExpertsWhy Trust Verywell Health
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
Types of Anti-Itch Creams & Ingredients to Look for
Which Cream Is Right for You?
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
When to See a Healthcare Provider
How We Tested the Anti-Itch Creams
Our Experts
Why Trust Verywell Health
Verywell Health / Julia Warren
Anti-itch cream can help with more than just the annoyance of itchy skin—long-term, continuous scratching can actually amplify the sensation of itchiness, leading to seriousskin damage and potential scarring, saysRichard Lucariello, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon with Waccamaw Dermatology in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Finding the right form of relief is crucial, whether the sensation is frombug bites, a rash, or a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. We chatted with five board-certified dermatologists and tested 23 of the best-rated anti-itch creams ourselves. These are the ones we think are worth your money and willdeliver relief from itchy skin.
You shouldavoid lidocaine and benzocaine, which numb the skin similar to menthol and pramoxine hydrochloride but are more likely to cause allergic reactions and skin rashes, according toCynthia Bailey, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care.
The best anti-itch cream for bug bites is different than what you should use for eczema. Depending on what’scausing the itch, here are a few common sources of discomfort and what type of product will bring you relief.
Zubritsky advises that you should go see a dermatologist if:
There are several effective (and safe) treatment options that are prescription only and not available OTC, she adds.
Our Top PicksBest Non-Steroid:Aveeno Itch Relief Balm at Amazon$14Jump to ReviewBest Steroid:Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream at Walmart$14Jump to ReviewBest Anesthetic:Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Body Lotion at Walmart$10Jump to ReviewBest Antihistamine:SALEBenadryl Itch Cooling Spray at Amazon$9$7Jump to ReviewBest for Bug Bites:SALECampho-Phenique Maximum Strength Antiseptic Gel at Amazon$10$5Jump to ReviewBest for Sensitive Skin:SALESarna Anti-Itch Lotion at Amazon$11$9Jump to ReviewBest for Rashes:Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest for Immediate Relief:Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer at Amazon$17Jump to Review
Best Non-Steroid:Aveeno Itch Relief Balm at Amazon$14Jump to ReviewBest Steroid:Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream at Walmart$14Jump to ReviewBest Anesthetic:Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Body Lotion at Walmart$10Jump to ReviewBest Antihistamine:SALEBenadryl Itch Cooling Spray at Amazon$9$7Jump to ReviewBest for Bug Bites:SALECampho-Phenique Maximum Strength Antiseptic Gel at Amazon$10$5Jump to ReviewBest for Sensitive Skin:SALESarna Anti-Itch Lotion at Amazon$11$9Jump to ReviewBest for Rashes:Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest for Immediate Relief:Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer at Amazon$17Jump to Review
Best Non-Steroid:Aveeno Itch Relief Balm at Amazon$14Jump to Review
Best Non-Steroid:Aveeno Itch Relief Balm at Amazon$14
Best Non-Steroid:
Best Steroid:Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream at Walmart$14Jump to Review
Best Steroid:Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream at Walmart$14
Best Steroid:
Best Anesthetic:Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Body Lotion at Walmart$10Jump to Review
Best Anesthetic:Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Body Lotion at Walmart$10
Best Anesthetic:
Best Antihistamine:SALEBenadryl Itch Cooling Spray at Amazon$9$7Jump to Review
Best Antihistamine:SALEBenadryl Itch Cooling Spray at Amazon$9$7
Best Antihistamine:
SALE
Best for Bug Bites:SALECampho-Phenique Maximum Strength Antiseptic Gel at Amazon$10$5Jump to Review
Best for Bug Bites:SALECampho-Phenique Maximum Strength Antiseptic Gel at Amazon$10$5
Best for Bug Bites:
Best for Sensitive Skin:SALESarna Anti-Itch Lotion at Amazon$11$9Jump to Review
Best for Sensitive Skin:SALESarna Anti-Itch Lotion at Amazon$11$9
Best for Sensitive Skin:
Best for Rashes:Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion at Amazon$10Jump to Review
Best for Rashes:Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion at Amazon$10
Best for Rashes:
Best for Immediate Relief:Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer at Amazon$17Jump to Review
Best for Immediate Relief:Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer at Amazon$17
Best for Immediate Relief:
Best Non-SteroidAveeno Itch Relief BalmPHOTO: Walmart$14 at Amazon$14 at Walmart
Best Non-SteroidAveeno Itch Relief Balm
Best Non-Steroid
Aveeno Itch Relief Balm
PHOTO: Walmart
$14 at Amazon$14 at Walmart
ProsEffective against itchy skinTreats a range of causes, including eczema, bug bites, and dry skinFragrance-free and safe for sensitive skinSteroid-freeConsGoes on a little greasy before it’s absorbedNot the best packaging design
ProsEffective against itchy skinTreats a range of causes, including eczema, bug bites, and dry skinFragrance-free and safe for sensitive skinSteroid-free
Effective against itchy skin
Treats a range of causes, including eczema, bug bites, and dry skin
Fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin
Steroid-free
ConsGoes on a little greasy before it’s absorbedNot the best packaging design
Goes on a little greasy before it’s absorbed
Not the best packaging design
Key Specs:
Type:Non-steroid |Size:4 oz |Active Ingredients:Pramoxine HCL
Why We Recommend It
The Aveeno balm comes out very creamy, making it easy to spread onto the skin. We like this anti-itch lotion for most people because it’s effective to help stop most itching, creamy enough to also be an effective everyday hand moisturizer, and it’sboth fragrance-free and safe on sensitive skin(as it was tested on both a highly sensitive adult and a toddler). Also, it’s steroid-free, so you canuse it for long periods of timewithout any worry.
Our editor used this cream on her toddler when his eczema would flare up, and she reported that he wouldstop scratching immediately. It doesn’t treat the eczema itself (a prescription can help with that), but it does effectively soothe dry skin almost instantly.
If you’re looking for additional non-steriod treatments specifically for eczema, we also recommendSarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Moisturizing Lotion, which is a top, dermatologist-recommended formula that boasts a seal from theNational Eczema Association. Our editor, who has very sensitive skin, used this lotion and found it was indeed non-irritating (it’s also fragrance-free).
Keep In Mind
This lotion is a little oily when it is first applied, though that goes away quickly. Also, our editor found thanks to the design of the tube, sometimes lotion continues to seep out if you don’t put the cap back on quick enough.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Julia WarrenPHOTO: Verywell Health / Julia WarrenPHOTO: Verywell Health / Julia WarrenPHOTO: Verywell Health / Julia WarrenPHOTO: Verywell Health / Julia Warren
Best SteroidCortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch CreamPHOTO: Amazon$14 at Walmart$10 at Target$8 at Walgreens
Best SteroidCortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
Best Steroid
Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
PHOTO: Amazon
$14 at Walmart$10 at Target$8 at Walgreens
ProsContains highly effective hydrocortisoneExpert recommended for eczema and psoriasisAlso effective on bug bitesConsExpensive for everyday useSmall tube
ProsContains highly effective hydrocortisoneExpert recommended for eczema and psoriasisAlso effective on bug bites
Contains highly effective hydrocortisone
Expert recommended for eczema and psoriasis
Also effective on bug bites
ConsExpensive for everyday useSmall tube
Expensive for everyday use
Small tube
Key Specs
Type:Steroid |Size:2 oz |Active Ingredients:Hydrocortisone
Eczema and Psoriasisare two common, inflammatory skin conditions that make one’s skin super itchy and super sensitive. The right lotion can help, but it’s hard to find something that’s both gentle and effective.
During testing, we found it was also effective at calming the irritation from bug bites, as it both relieved itchiness and helped soothe the burning sensation that can come with a bite. Our editor also reported that the cream wasscent-free, thick-but-smooth on skin, and absorbed well.
And, while topical steroids come with risks like potential skin discoloration, thinning, or atrophy, Zubritsky says Cortizone-10 has a very low potency form of topical steroids in it. So, while the risk is still theoretically there, it’s incredibly low.
At 2 ounces, the small tube has its drawbacks, but we do love that it can easily be tossed in a bag for flare-ups on the go.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Tatiana KennedyPHOTO: Verywell Health / Tatiana KennedyPHOTO: Verywell Health / Tatiana KennedyPHOTO: Verywell Health / Tatiana Kennedy
Best AnestheticGold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Body LotionPHOTO: CVS$10 at Walmart$8 at WalgreensView on Instacart.comProsEffective ingredientsSteroid freeMenthol provides some cooling reliefConsMenthol smell might irritate someKey SpecsType:Non-steroid |Size:5.5 oz |Active Ingredients:Menthol, Pramoxine HCIWhy We Recommend ItTopical steroids likehydrocortisoneare very effective against itching. But long-term, continual use can lead to more skin problems and certain health risks, Lucariello says. So, if you’re highly sensitive to insect bites but live in a mosquito-heavy area, you’ll want an anti-itch cream you can use long-term without worry, like thisanestheticoption.We particularly likeGold Bond Anti-Itch Body Lotionbecause, during testing, this lotion helpedbug bite itchinessto subside within three minutes and go away completely within five minutes. Our editor, who is highly sensitive to mosquitos, said this cream also helped toget rid of the bite bumps faster.The formula contains about 0.5% menthol, and it definitely smells like it. But that also provides a faint cooling sensation “like a light breeze.” The cream is thick but goes on smooth and doesn’t leave any grease or build-up.Keep In MindMenthol smell might be irritating to some.PHOTO: Verywell Health / Hanna WattPHOTO: Verywell Health / Hanna WattPHOTO: Verywell Health / Hanna Watt
Best AnestheticGold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Body LotionPHOTO: CVS$10 at Walmart$8 at WalgreensView on Instacart.com
Best AnestheticGold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Body Lotion
Best Anesthetic
Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Body Lotion
PHOTO: CVS
$10 at Walmart$8 at WalgreensView on Instacart.com
ProsEffective ingredientsSteroid freeMenthol provides some cooling reliefConsMenthol smell might irritate some
ProsEffective ingredientsSteroid freeMenthol provides some cooling relief
Effective ingredients
Steroid free
Menthol provides some cooling relief
ConsMenthol smell might irritate some
Menthol smell might irritate some
Type:Non-steroid |Size:5.5 oz |Active Ingredients:Menthol, Pramoxine HCI
Topical steroids likehydrocortisoneare very effective against itching. But long-term, continual use can lead to more skin problems and certain health risks, Lucariello says. So, if you’re highly sensitive to insect bites but live in a mosquito-heavy area, you’ll want an anti-itch cream you can use long-term without worry, like thisanestheticoption.
We particularly likeGold Bond Anti-Itch Body Lotionbecause, during testing, this lotion helpedbug bite itchinessto subside within three minutes and go away completely within five minutes. Our editor, who is highly sensitive to mosquitos, said this cream also helped toget rid of the bite bumps faster.
The formula contains about 0.5% menthol, and it definitely smells like it. But that also provides a faint cooling sensation “like a light breeze.” The cream is thick but goes on smooth and doesn’t leave any grease or build-up.
Menthol smell might be irritating to some.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Hanna WattPHOTO: Verywell Health / Hanna WattPHOTO: Verywell Health / Hanna Watt
Best AntihistamineBenadryl Itch Cooling SprayPHOTO: Amazon$9$7 at Amazon$18 at Walmart$7 at TargetProsEffective ingredientsSpray form makes for easy applicationAffordableConsFormula burns on open bites or woundsSlight medicinal smellKey SpecsType:Antihistamine |Size:2 fl oz |Active Ingredients:Diphenhydramine HCl, zinc acetateWhy We Recommend ItBenadrylis a household name used to fight off allergic reactions. ItsExtra Strength Topical Analgesic Sprayleverages a formula based on diphenhydramine HCl, an antihistamine, and zinc acetate, which is part anesthetic and part skin protectant, to deliver relief from itching.When our editor used this on bug bites, which she was highly sensitive to, she found it provided complete reprieve within three minutes, taking her itchiness from a 10 to a zero. Our editor noted that the formula also has a cooling effect. What’s more, the bug bite relief lasted for five hours.In a spray form, this remedy iseasyto use without having to get your hands dirty and its small size means you can keep it stashed in a car ortravel kit. The formula can also be used for cooling relief frompoison ivy or oak, sunburns, or even minor cuts and scrapes.In contrast,we also tested Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream.However,despite being from Benadryl with a formula similar to the Analgesic Spray, our editor found the cream didn’t relieve itching, so we recommend sticking with the spray.Keep In MindThe spray does burn on top of active mosquito bites, our editor warned. And it has a slight medicinal scent.PHOTO: Health / Alexander HuangPHOTO: Health / Alexander Huang
Best AntihistamineBenadryl Itch Cooling SprayPHOTO: Amazon$9$7 at Amazon$18 at Walmart$7 at Target
Best AntihistamineBenadryl Itch Cooling Spray
Best Antihistamine
Benadryl Itch Cooling Spray
$9$7 at Amazon$18 at Walmart$7 at Target
ProsEffective ingredientsSpray form makes for easy applicationAffordableConsFormula burns on open bites or woundsSlight medicinal smell
ProsEffective ingredientsSpray form makes for easy applicationAffordable
Spray form makes for easy application
Affordable
ConsFormula burns on open bites or woundsSlight medicinal smell
Formula burns on open bites or wounds
Slight medicinal smell
Type:Antihistamine |Size:2 fl oz |Active Ingredients:Diphenhydramine HCl, zinc acetate
Benadrylis a household name used to fight off allergic reactions. ItsExtra Strength Topical Analgesic Sprayleverages a formula based on diphenhydramine HCl, an antihistamine, and zinc acetate, which is part anesthetic and part skin protectant, to deliver relief from itching.
When our editor used this on bug bites, which she was highly sensitive to, she found it provided complete reprieve within three minutes, taking her itchiness from a 10 to a zero. Our editor noted that the formula also has a cooling effect. What’s more, the bug bite relief lasted for five hours.
In a spray form, this remedy iseasyto use without having to get your hands dirty and its small size means you can keep it stashed in a car ortravel kit. The formula can also be used for cooling relief frompoison ivy or oak, sunburns, or even minor cuts and scrapes.
In contrast,we also tested Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream.However,despite being from Benadryl with a formula similar to the Analgesic Spray, our editor found the cream didn’t relieve itching, so we recommend sticking with the spray.
The spray does burn on top of active mosquito bites, our editor warned. And it has a slight medicinal scent.
PHOTO: Health / Alexander HuangPHOTO: Health / Alexander Huang
Best for Bug BitesCampho-Phenique Maximum Strength Antiseptic GelPHOTO: Amazon$10$5 at Amazon$12 at Walmart
Best for Bug BitesCampho-Phenique Maximum Strength Antiseptic Gel
Best for Bug Bites
Campho-Phenique Maximum Strength Antiseptic Gel
$10$5 at Amazon$12 at Walmart
ProsNon-irritating formulaPleasant eucalyptus formulaSmall, travel-size tubeEffective within 1 minuteConsNot effective against dry skin itchiness
ProsNon-irritating formulaPleasant eucalyptus formulaSmall, travel-size tubeEffective within 1 minute
Non-irritating formula
Pleasant eucalyptus formula
Small, travel-size tube
Effective within 1 minute
ConsNot effective against dry skin itchiness
Not effective against dry skin itchiness
Type:Non-steroid |Size:0.5oz |Active Ingredients:Camphorated Phenol
During testing, we found that you only need toapply adab,and the bug bite itchiness would subside after about 60 seconds andlast for roughly an hour. The formula wasn’t irritating to the skin and had a lovely,calming eucalyptus smell,which our editor felt contributed to its soothing qualities.
This gel isn’t the right formula to help reduce itch from eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin. But we love that it’s a strong formula against insect bites and comes in asuper small tube(just 0.5 ounces) that’s convenient to stash in a first aid kit or car glove box for outdoor adventures.
Relief only lasts for about an hour, and the gel is a little greasy.
Best for Sensitive SkinSarna Anti-Itch LotionPHOTO: Amazon$11$9 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$9 at Target
Best for Sensitive SkinSarna Anti-Itch Lotion
Best for Sensitive Skin
Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion
$11$9 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$9 at Target
National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Contains effective ingredients
ConsDidn’t clear up eczema entirely
Didn’t clear up eczema entirely
Type:Non-steroid |Size:7.5oz |Active Ingredients:Pramoxine HCL
Sarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Moisturizing Lotionis a top dermatologist-recommended formula that boasts aseal from the National Eczema Association. Our editor, who has very sensitive skin, used this lotion and found it was indeednon-irritating(it’s alsofragrance-free).
Moreover, when applied to hereczema, she found it provided a soothing, cooling effect on her irritated, dry skin, likely thanks to the Pramoxine HCL active ingredient. It didn’t clear up her eczema patches entirely, but it was soothing enough that she said she’d recommend it.
It alsoworks fast—nearly instantly, according to our testing. This lotion is on the thinner side (not watery, though), which some people really prefer to make of the thicker creams on our list. It’s alsonot greasyand absorbed into the skin quickly.
Our testing found this lotion isn’t quite strong enough to clear up eczema patches entirely, but it does help clear up some patches, and it helps with symptom relief.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Phoebe SklanskyPHOTO: Verywell Health / Phoebe SklanskyPHOTO: Verywell Health / Phoebe SklanskyPHOTO: Verywell Health / Phoebe Sklansky
Best for RashesAveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated LotionPHOTO: Amazon$10 at Amazon$12 at Walmart$12 at Riteaid.com
Best for RashesAveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion
Best for Rashes
Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion
$10 at Amazon$12 at Walmart$12 at Riteaid.com
ProsAffordableEffective ingredientsOatmeal scentedMoisturizes the skinSteroid-freeConsLotion is a little greasy
ProsAffordableEffective ingredientsOatmeal scentedMoisturizes the skinSteroid-free
Oatmeal scented
Moisturizes the skin
ConsLotion is a little greasy
Lotion is a little greasy
Type:Non-steroid |Size:4 oz |Active Ingredients:Calamine, Pramoxine HCL
TheAveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotionis not only highly affordable but it’s got a super-star ingredient list to stop the itching sensation: It utilizesPramoxine HCL, a compound known to temporarily help relieve itching and pain from a variety of causes;calamine, which provides a slight cooling sensation to alleviate pain; andcolloidal oatmealto naturally soothe the skin.
This cream has a light oatmeal scent but nothing unpleasant or strong. It feels light on application and absorbs very fast.
Our tester did report that this lotion felt slightly greasy, but it absorbed quickly and didn’t stain his clothing or anything.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Mike NavarroPHOTO: Verywell Health / Mike NavarroPHOTO: Verywell Health / Mike NavarroPHOTO: Verywell Health / Mike Navarro
Best for Immediate ReliefCurél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin MoisturizerPHOTO: Amazon$17 at Amazon$25$19 at WalmartView on Curel.com
Best for Immediate ReliefCurél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer
Best for Immediate Relief
Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer
$17 at Amazon$25$19 at WalmartView on Curel.com
ProsIngredients to repair skin barrierFormulated for sensitive skinCan be layered with other creamsBoasts the National Eczema Association Seal of AcceptanceConsRequires air dry post-showerCon 2
ProsIngredients to repair skin barrierFormulated for sensitive skinCan be layered with other creamsBoasts the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Ingredients to repair skin barrier
Formulated for sensitive skin
Can be layered with other creams
Boasts the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
ConsRequires air dry post-showerCon 2
Requires air dry post-shower
Con 2
Type:Non-steroid |Size:12 oz |Active Ingredients:Ceramide Complex
The best way to relieve always-itchy skin is toapply a moisturizer when your skin is damp, says Zubritsky, This helps lock in the moisture and repair your skin barrier. And while you can use any lotion after you shower, there’s a special category of product made just for this: in-shower lotions, which Zubritsky says are an easy way to get the same effect.
One of our editors, who has dry, itchy skin most of the time, but especially after a long workout, loved usingCurél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizerin her post-run shower. She reported that applying it immediately after rinsing the soap off helpedalleviate the itchy feeling almost immediately, and the relief helped for a few hours post-shower.
Curél Hydra Therapy is formulated withceramide complex, lipids that help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier;oatmeal extract, which is soothing for sensitive skin; andvitamin E, which further nourishes and smooths the skin, keeping it softer and more resilient against environmental stressors.
There’s definitely an adjustment period when using this lotion, as it can feel odd to apply a product to wet skin, and it requires a few minutes of drying off naturally to fully absorb before you swipe it with a towel. Also, not everyone loves the scent.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Kim SouzaPHOTO: Verywell Health / Kim SouzaPHOTO: Verywell Health / Kim Souza
We consulted the following experts throughout the research and writing of this article:
Rachael Schultzis a science-based health and wellness writer based outside Aspen, Colorado. She specializes in digging into the research behind product ingredients and health conditions and sussing what science says will actually help.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
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