The 11 Best Anti-itch Creams That Provide Instant Relief – 2024
Get a permanent solution for your sensitive skin issues with these effective products.
Expertise: Cosmetic Dermatology
Experience: 7 years
Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.H... more
Kirtana Divakar MA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after re... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Swathi EMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care
Experience: 2.5 years
Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over two years of experience in writing on health and lifestyle. She also has a... more
Image: Shutterstock
Itching is discomforting and embarrassing when you are in a public place. For example, if you are attending a video conference with your colleagues, scratching your skin in front of everyone might lead to awkward silence. What is the solution? Try the best anti-itch creams. An anti-itch cream will relieve skin concerns like eczema, dry skin, rashes, and skin irritation. It will also relieve the pain from sunburn, insect bites, cuts, burns, scrapes, rashes, or other skin irritations. But, before applying any of the OTC products, it is always advisable to seek a doctor’s recommendations.
Nowadays, many anti-itch products are widely available for instant eczema and psoriasis relief. But, if you don’t know where to begin, this article will help you. We have curated a list of the best anti-itch creams that will offer instant relief to your itchy skin. Scroll down to check out the list now!
In This Article
11 Top Anti-itch Creams To Soothe Itchiness – Our Top Picks
Best Homeopathic:emuaidMAX First Aid Ointment
Image: Emuaid Dry, itchy skin can look and feel a bit lizard-like and there could be multiple skin issues as to why you have that uncomfortable feeling. Hence, you need something that offers versatile treatment. Try this medicated anti-itch cream that can treat over 100 resistant skin issues. As the name mentions, it provides maximum relief from chronic skin conditions such as severe boils, hemorrhoids, eczema, fungal skin infections, psoriasis, and other itchy, painful conditions. Dr. Schwarzburg, MD, says, “Oftentimes the source of itching is due to a bacterial infection. emuaidMax First Aid Ointment is antibacterial which will almost always relieve itching sensations. This rash treatment ointment is rich in moisture and skin barrier protection making it an optimal solution to treat your itchy skin.” Made with natural healing ingredients like tea tree leaf oil, vegetable oil, ceramide 3, emu oil, hydrogenated castor oil, and olea europaea fruit oil in an FDA-registered homeopathic medicine facility, it kills 99.9% bacteria.
Pros
- Paraben and fragrance-free
- No petrochemicals
- Relieves from over 100 skin issues
- Kills fungus, bacteria, and mold
- Natural healing ingredients
- Safe to use anywhere on the body
- Promotes skin repair
Cons
- May not help with eczema for some.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 4,097 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Best Clinically-Tested:CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream
Image: Cerave Developed by dermatologists, this anti-itch cream has 3 essential ceramides to help relieve itching due to minor skin irritations, insect bites, and sunburn. The clinically-tested emollient-based cream repairs and restores the skin’s natural barrier, making it highly effective for dry skin relief. Suitable for a variety of skin types, this non-comedogenic and non-irritating formula contains 1% hydrochloride and shea butter that leave your skin hydrated all day long. This product by a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand has also received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Pros
- Clinically-tested
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Steroid-free
- Gentle on skin
- Accepted by National Eczema Association
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Contains xanthan and alcohol
Pro TipBest For Foot-Care:THENA Tree Oil Antifungal Cream
Image: Thena If you are someone who frequently suffers from irritated feet caused due to cracked skin or fungal infections, then the THENA Tree Oil Antifungal Cream is the perfect pick for you. This fast-acting balm is infused with the goodness of vitamin E, arnica, turmeric, neem, and a blend of restorative oils, such as tea tree, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and lavender that protects your skin from cracking, dryness, itchiness, and red feet. This antifungal cream has a refreshing formula that can be used by both men and women to get relief from any foot-related skin irritation. If you’re still on the fence, go through the unbiased reviews of customers online before making the purchase.
Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- 100% natural plant-based ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Fast absorbing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Suitable for night and day use
Cons
- May feel oily on skin
emuaidMAX First Aid Ointment Best Homeopathic | CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream Best Clinically-Tested | THENA Tree Oil Antifungal Cream Best For Foot-Care | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 82 Grams | - | - |
| Dimensions | - | 3.56 x 1.63 x 3 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 12.8 Ounces | - |
| Package Dimensions | - | - | 2.56 x 2.32 x 2.32 inches; 4.97 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,097 | 9,313 | 2,086 |
| Price | $59.99 | $19.97 | $28.87 |
Best For Sensitive Skin:Vagisil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Creme
Image: Vagisil You need to be more careful when it is about your intimate parts as it has delicate and sensitive skin. This feminine anti-itch cream has been specifically designed for sensitive skin with gynecologist-recommended ingredients. It relieves pain and itch due to yeast infections, stress, antibiotics and other 60 causes. This hydrocortisone anti-itch cream also contains patented odor block protection to prevent odor. Its hypoallergenic formula contains soothing oatmeal, vitamins, aloe, and hydrocortisone that give immediate and long-lasting comfort and support natural healing of the skin. Dr. Schwarzburg, MD, adds, “Vagasil can be a great temporary option to relieve itchiness. However, depending on the cause of your itching and how long it lasts, it is best to see a doctor to confirm that you don’t have an ongoing infection that may require antibiotics or prescription-grade medications.” If you wish to know more about the product, you can check it online for unbiased reviews and go through testimonials by numerous reviewers.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Gynaecologically-tested
- Non-irritating formula
- Instant relief
- Fragrance and dye-free
Cons
- Contains EDTA
Best Plant-Based:Puriya Mother Of All Creams
Image: Puriya The Puriya Mother Of All Creams provides your skin with intense hydration to treat dryness and help to calm sensitive, cracked, and irritated skin. The clinically-tested cream is infused with plant-derived, natural ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, honey, jojoba, and amaranth oil, along with vitamin C and E as active ingredients that deeply nourish your skin, strengthen the skin barrier, protect it from rashes and soothe redness. It gets absorbed into your skin easily without being greasy on the surface and gives fast relief from skin itchiness. So, don’t wait up, go ahead and test it out yourself and big goodbye to severe skin itching!
Pros
- Can be used on the whole body
- Dermatologically tested
- Clinically-tested
- Contains natural ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Petroleum-free
- Steroid-free
Cons
- May clog pores
Best For Temporary Mild Pain Relief:Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream
Image: Benadryl Itching can be very stressful as you need to constantly excuse yourself when you step out in public. Try this most effective anti-itch cream that gives relief from most types of itches and take a chill pill. It can be an effective temporary solution for your pain and itch due to insect bites, minor burns, sunburn, minor skin irritations, cuts, scrapes, and rashes. Made with 2% diphenhydramine hydrochloride topical analgesic and 0.1% zinc acetate skin protectant, and histamine blocker, it also helps treat poison ivy rashes and other related conditions.
Pros
- Antihistamine
- Relieves pain and itching
- Soothes minor skin irritation
- Helps with skin damage due to sunburn
- Dries oozing and weeping of poison ivy
Cons
- Contains paraben
Best Moisturizing:Manuka Honey Seborrheic Dermatitis Face Cream
Image: Phat 5.5 Itchy skin can affect your self-confidence but not anymore. With this amazing anti-itch cream, itchy skin will become a thing of your past. Specifically formulated at a balanced pH of 5.5, with organic and natural ingredients like manuka honey, harvested by professional beekeepers in New Zealand, it is hence, gentle and safe to be used on face and sensitive skin. The anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties of shea butter, aloe, blue green algae, coconut oil, and hemp seed oil can help soothe inflammatory skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, hives, etc. It penetrates deep into your skin, moisturizes it and promotes repair and healing.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes skin
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Gluten-free
- Paraben and sulphate-free
- Safe for use on face and sensitive skin
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties
Cons
- It can take up to 60 days to show results.
Best For Instant Relief:Recuren Plus Healing Max Cream
Image: Recuren Plus The Recuren Plus Healing Max Cream is designed with a soothing formula that provides a cooling sensation and instant relief to skin with rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, acne, and more. This quick-healing cream is rich yet gentle on the skin and contains the goodness of plant-based ingredients without any artificial medications, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. The cream is non-comedogenic, which means it treats irritated skin and cystic acne without clogging pores or making the skin greasy. The premium formula offers instant itch control and can treat symptoms of up to 100+ skin conditions.
Pros
- Suits all skin types
- Contains natural ingredients
- Provides quick relief
- Does not clog pores
- Soothing formula
- Multipurpose
Cons
- Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Has a medicine smell
Quick tipBest With Active-Ingredients:Amazon Basic Care Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream
The Amazon Basic Care Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream provides long-lasting relief from itchiness, itchiness, and insect bites for up to 10 hours. This healing cream contains moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomilla, and vitamins A, C, and E that deeply nourish and hydrate the skin and helps to calm down irritated skin. This anti-itch cream from Amazon is clinically-proven and contains 1% hydrocortisone as the active ingredient to heal any swelling or itching. The anti-allergic formula is safe for adults, children, and people with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Clinically proven
- Creamy texture
- Contains natural ingredients
- 24 hours long hydration
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Can cause itchiness
Best Cruelty-Free:Skintensive Siberian Silk Daily Moisturizing Cream
Image: Skintensive If you’ve been trying to remediate itching without succeeding, you need this anti-itch moisturizing cream right away! Reach for one of the best creams for itchy skin when you also need an extra dose of moisturization. Thanks to antioxidants like sea buckthorn, coconut oil, ceramides, and vitamins C and E, this cream is ideal for daily use to help restore and soothe your sensitive skin. Developed by Harvard-trained dermatologists, it works wonders for itchy skin and irritation in eczema treatment. The non-greasy cream helps soothe eczema and psoriasis-prone skin by getting absorbed quickly into the skin and offering deep moisturization. Moreover, the product is not tested on animals, making it a good cruelty-free option to invest in.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-developed
- Paraben and steroid-free
- High concentration of antioxidants
- Soothes sensitive skin
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Contains xanthan
Best All-Natural:Dermaka Nature's All Purpose Cream
Image: Dermaka If you are looking simply for a no-fuss cream to control itching, add this raved-about cream to your shopping cart. Apart from relieving itching, the cream helps minimize bruising, redness, and skin irritation. It fades discoloration and repairs damaged skin due to sun exposure and minor surgeries like phlebectomy. Also a great moisturizer, it contains antioxidants, green tea extract, arnica montana flower extract, pineapple extract, chamomile extract, and licorice, which are known to have amazing healing properties for the skin. This anti-itch cream made with 100% natural ingredients claims to have no side-effects reported so far as it treats several skin conditions with its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties.
Pros
- 100% natural ingredients
- Lightweight
- Reduces bruise, discoloration, and redness
- Soothes skin irritation
- Can be used for hands, feet, legs, and arms
- Silky, refreshed skin
Cons
- May not completely get rid of extreme redness for some
Find your hero product for flawless skin. Here’s your checklist of things you think to remember while you are purchasing an anti-itch cream.
How To Choose An Anti-itch Cream For Your Skin
- Ingredients
It’s the active ingredient that plays the biggest part in the healing process of your skin and this could be either natural ingredients like aloe vera or medical ones like menthol. Menthol and camphor are good for calming mild shingles pain and providing brachioradial pruritus relief. Topical anesthetics like pramoxine help with itch associated with histamine. On the other hand, hydrocortisone works well for skin inflammation or allergy relief in conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and bug bites. Another important thing to consider is its non-drowsy formula – it is suitable for times you have to go out, drive, or be at work.
- Irritants
While you pick an anti-itch cream, it is safer to look out for some possible irritants especially if you have sensitive skin. Avoid products with fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and other chemical additives while you pick out anti-itch creams as well. Steroids, even though used for medical purposes, can lead to allergic reactions in some.
- Hydrocortisone
Get an anti-itch cream which has at least 1 percent hydrocortisone as it manages inflammatory responses in the body and can help calm and soothe your itchy skin.
- Moisturizers
Look for an antihistamine cream with moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and ceramides cream. Other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and urea can also hydrate and lock-in the moisture.
- Fragrance
A nice fragrance can be a treat to your senses. It can lift your mood, make you feel energized, or also help you relax. But be watchful as any artificial fragrance can also cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, pick a calming formula that is free of fragrance.
The Bottom Line
Itching is very uncomfortable and extremely embarrassing if you are in public. It might occur for various reasons and skin conditions like rashes, dry skin, and eczema. Topical application of anti-itching creams can reduce the itchiness and soothe the pain caused due to sunburns or cuts. OTC products contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter that penetrate deep into the skin and moisturize and repair the skin’s barrier. The non-greasy emuaidMAX First Aid Ointment addresses multiple skin issues, such as eczema and psoriasis, while the CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream, as the name suggests, combines itch relief with essential hydration with its non-comedogenic formula. On the other hand, the THENA Tea Tree Oil Antifungal Cream helps heal foot infections, cracked skin, and skin irritation. These anti-itching creams are gentle and safe to use anywhere on the body, and they are easily absorbed into the skin. Often, they are also made paraben-free. Some products may take time to show accurate and visible results. Consult your doctor before picking the right cream that suits your skin concerns or opt for dermatologist-recommended creams if you have highly sensitive skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skin care enthusiast. She browsed online to check the details of the various anti-itch cream to ensure that they are suitable for your skin type. She also went through hundreds of reviews to provide the best anti-itch cream. Apart from relieving skin irritation, the anti-tich creams can also smooth rashes and inflammation. In addition, the cream also helps with treating sunburns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vaseline good for itchy skin?
Vaseline can provide good relief from dry itchy skin by moisturizing it.
Is anti-itch cream good for eczema?
Yes, it can help relieve the itch due to eczema. Look for a cream or lotion containing at least 1% hydrocortisone and apply it to the affected area before moisturizing it.
Is anti-itch cream safe during pregnancy?
Creams like calamine lotion can be used during pregnancy to relieve itching. However, it is best to consult your doctor before you use any cream.
How long does anti-itch cream take to work?
An anti-itch cream usually takes 1 week to start working.
How do I stop uncontrollable itching?
Use a moisturizer, anti-itch creams, a cold compress, or a warm bath to soothe uncontrollable itching at home. If the itching is severe, seek emergency medical attention.
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