These 11 Anti-Itch Creams Will Soothe All Types of Irritation, According to Experts

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Let’s face it: There’s nothing worse than an itch you can’t scratch or soothe. Whether your itchiness is from a bug bite, a sweat-induced eczema flare-up, or maybe even a surprise encounter with poison ivy while weeding, it’s crucial to have the best anti-itch cream on hand that actually works—and fast.

Luckily, there are many over-the-counter anti-itch creams that can help alleviate itchiness to provide calm, soothing relief. Besides bug bites, eczema, and skin rashes, you can use anti-itch creams to relieve itchiness from psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, sunburns, allergic reactions, and more, explains Anar Mikailov, M.D., F.A.A.D. founder of Skintensive. Although you may immediately think of hydrocortisone cream, it’s actually not the only option.

“Anti-itch creams often contain an ingredient called pramoxine hydrochloride that acts as a topical anesthetic, minimizing the sensation of itching or pain,” explains Rebecca Marcus, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD. “Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone decrease itch by decreasing inflammation.”

Meet the experts: Anar Mikailov, M.D., F.A.A.D., founder of Skintensive; Merry Thornton, PA-C, board-certified physician assistant and founder of Element Medical Aesthetics; and Rebecca Marcus, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei M.D.

Other ingredients you may want to look in a good anti-itch cream include menthol, which can help by stimulating sensations of warmth and cooling that “detracts from the itch sensation,” says Dr. Marcus. Even coconut oil, Dr. Mikailov adds, has anti-itch properties because it’s moisturizing, and dryness can cause your skin to crawl.

If you’re unsure exactly what to look for, don’t worry: We’ve done the work for you and rounded up all the best anti-itch creams out there, as recommended by doctors and dermatologists, to help you find soothing, fast-acting relief.

Our top picks

Ready to soothe your itches? Ahead, find top-rated creams, gels, ointments, and lotions that experts recommend to beat the itch.

Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream

Both Dr. Mikailov and Dr. Marcus recommend this tried-and-true pick. CeraVe is always a go-to brand for derms, and this cream is no exception. “It contains pramoxine hydrochloride, which works within a few minutes to soothe itching,” explains Dr. Marcus. “It also contains ceramides to help reinforce the skin barrier and maintain the skin’s first line of defense.” Plus, it earns a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, and is marketed for use on everything from sunburn to bug bites.

“I have been battling itchy skin for a few years and have tried many products—none of which worked. This is hands down the best product I have tried,” raved one Amazon reviewer. “It truly does stop the itching almost immediately. I only need to apply it in the morning and it lasts all day. Highly recommend!”

Intensive Healing Creme

Looking for a reliable hydrocortisone cream? Dr. Marcus recommends this one because it’s a decent-strength topical steroid for over-the-counter that reduces inflammation caused by sunburn and other skin irritations like poison ivy or bug bites. However, Dr. Mikailov adds that it’s important to use a steroid cream for no longer than two weeks consistently to avoid withdrawal or resistance, which can worsen irritation.

“This is the original stuff! It works the BEST at stopping those maddening itches,” said one Amazon customer. “I’ve tried others with aloe but this is the absolute best for my dry skin itches. It stops me from scratching until I bleed.”

Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

Approved by the National Psoriasis Foundation, this top-rated CeraVe Cream is specifically formulated to moisturize and exfoliate dry, itchy, and scaly skin that’s associated with psoriasis. It contains 2% salicylic acid and lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, as well as skin-soothing niacinamide, ultra-moisturizing urea, and three essential ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural barrier. The formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy-tested—however, you should make sure not to skip sunscreen when using this product, as it contains alpha hydroxy acid, which can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunburn.

“This is the best product I have found for treatment of severe psoriasis, and I have tried many. To me, it is a miracle in a jar,” wrote one reviewer. “It not only softened my skin but also worked on the scales...But the best result by far is that the itch is gone.”

Maximum Strength Medicated Anti-Itch Cream

Great for treating insect bites, poison ivy rashes, and even minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, Gold Bond’s anti-itch cream not only contains pramoxine hydrochloride to help relieve itching, but also menthol—an ingredient that Dr. Marcus recommends for its cooling and warming sensation that detracts from itchiness. The fast-acting, steroid-free formula also contains aloe and vitamin E, which further helps soothe irritated skin.

Reviewers say the cream truly works to relieve itchiness quickly and effectively, with one Amazon customer writing: “The best!!! Instantly takes away the itch and cools your skin. No lingering smell, no mess. Love this stuff!”

Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Gel

Merry Thornton, PA-C, board-certified physician assistant and founder of Element Medical Aesthetics, prefers this anti-itch gel. Thornton recommends the ingredient diphenhydramine for itchiness caused by insect bites and sunburn. This gel can also calm skin irritation from poison ivy, scrapes, rashes, and other outdoor itches. It’s racked up over 34,000 ratings on Amazon, with one reviewer writing: “This stuff is a god-send! It usually starts working within 2-3 minutes after I put it on, it’s lightweight, and doesn’t leave a sticky or oily residue after it absorbs.”

Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

Like Cortisone 10, this maximum-strength cream contains anti-inflammatory hydrocortisone, so it should be used in no more than two-week bouts. However, it provides fast-acting relief for rashes like poison oak, bug bites, and sunburn, and shoppers love the added benefits of soothing colloidal oatmeal, aloe, and vitamin E. “This is from someone who is severely allergic to insect and spider bites. We’re talking large, red welts here that itch mercilessly. A small amount works well. Penetrates the skin quickly. Gets to work fast. No obnoxious smell,” one reviewer said. Plus, one tube lasts a long time.

Anti-Itch Hydrogel

This ointment, recommended by Dr. Mikailov, contains aluminum acetate, which acts as an astringent to relieve itch. It doesn’t contain steroids, which means it’s safe to use as often as needed—making it a great alternative to hydrocortisone creams which are not recommended to use long-term. The gel is easily applied and marketed for use on bug bites, poison oak or sumac, and even athlete’s foot—plus, it’s also approved by the National Eczema Association.

“Wow, this stuff has made a big difference! I have CONTINUOUS itching along a nerve in my back, and this actually ‘calms’ it for hours at a time,” an Amazon reviewer wrote. “So far, it's the best I’ve used, and I love that there are no steroids.”

Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion

Sarna’s anti-itch lotion contains pramoxine hydrochloride to help with itching, and is fragrance-free and moisturizing, says Dr. Marcus. “Hydration is key for those with dry, sensitive skin, and for those with eczema,” she says. In fact, this cream is designed specifically for sensitive skin, with a gentle formula that doesn’t contain potentially-irritating steroids, parabens, or fragrances—not to mention, it also has a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.

One Amazon reviewer calls it a “lifesaver,” writing: “I have SUPER sensitive skin and breakout in hives and eczema. I’ve never heard of this lotion before but it was recommended by my dermatologist. It is amazing. It’s unscented and your skin feels so good afterwards...I love it and it has helped me so much!”

Eczema Relief Cream

“Eucerin Eczema Relief contains colloidal oatmeal to calm inflamed skin, as well as ceramides-3 and licochalone to soothe dry, itchy skin,” explains Dr. Marcus. Specifically formulated to soothe eczema, this soothing cream is free of fragrances, dyes, and steroids. It’s even safe for use on children and babies, too: In a clinical study, daily use of it saw four out of five children remain eczema flare-free for six months, according to the brand.

“I have tried every single product for eczema and none of them ever worked until I tried this one...I’ve seen the best results ever,” said one Amazon shopper. “I’ve personally have really bad eczema on my hands and around my lips and when I tell you, I feel like a brand new person, I do!”

Body Butter with Ceramides and Sea Buckthorn Berry

If you’re looking to soothe a full-body itch that seems angriest after hopping out of a hot shower, a good, moisturizing body butter should do the trick. Soothing ceramides and cocount oil in this one from Dr. Mikailov’s brand help restore the skin’s barrier and therefore eliminate skin crawling or creeping of any kind. Vitamins C and E in sea buckthorn oil are referred to as “liquid gold,” giving the skin an added boost of protective antioxidants. “This helps me with my itching and scaling areas quite a bit...Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feeling behind,” said one reviewer.

Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion

Safe for use from head to toe, this affordable body lotion has been a saving grace for users’ dry skin, allergic reactions, eczema, and more. It contains an advanced ceramide complex, pro-vitamin B5, and shea butter, making it gentle enough for everyday use. And at just $11, you get a long-lasting 20-ounce bottle. “This lotion is amazing! I’m so happy I finally found something that works,” an Amazon customer raved. “From just one day of using it, my eczema has already cleared up significantly.”

Dermeleve® Cream

This soothing cream “stops itch at its source,” per the brand’s site, using 0.2% aluminum acetate. Dr. Mikailov recommends it for use on bug bites, rashes, and general itchiness or irritation. Added ceramides, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E offer hydration and antioxidants that will leave skin looking and feeling better than it did before.

Original Anti-Itch Lotion

The original Sarna formula contains menthol and camphor, “which act as analgesics and provide a cooling sensation” to distract from itch and pain that may be caused by sunburn and insect bites, explains Dr. Marcus. It also might feel particularly refreshing after a hot day or warm shower. It does contain fragrance, though, so Marcus recommends those with sensitive skin opt for the sensitive version.

How to choose (and use) the best anti-itch cream

Look for active ingredients pramoxine hydrochloride, camphor, menthol, and colloidal oatmeal: These ingredients specifically target the itch or create a sensation that distracts from it.

Tread lightly with hydrocortisone: “Sometimes over-the-counter, low-strength hydrocortisone can help with certain causes of itch, but it is important to limit use to 14 days,” says Dr. Mikailov, because steroid cream withdrawal or resistance can develop.

Know that anti-itch creams offer temporary relief: They are not a cure. If your skin irritation worsens quickly, does not resolve within two to three days, or comes with other systemic symptoms, both Dr. Mikailov and Dr. Marcus advise seeking professional help.

“Also, if you have persistent itching and no identifiable rash, it’s a good idea to have a doctor evaluate you as generalized itching can be caused by medical conditions including anemia, thyroid disorders, and lymphoma,” adds Dr. Marcus.

How does anti-itch cream work?

Recent research shows that the chemical ingredients in anti-itch creams work like a key and lock system. The anti-itch chemical is the “key” that reacts with cells’ receptor proteins, which is the “lock.” One of these receptors is on itch-sensing neurons, so when the chemical opens the cell, a chain reaction releases histamines, which causes itching. Anti-itch creams that have antihistamines reduce this response and block the histamines from forming to stop itchiness.

What ingredients are best at combating itchiness?

The best ingredients at combating itchiness depend on why your skin is itchy in the first place. Regular dry skin can be treated with menthol, calamine, and hydrocortisone, which will help relieve itching.

“For sunburn, insect bites, and minor skin irritation, I like Cerave Itch Relief, which has pramoxine, or Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Gel which has diphenhydramine,” Thornton says.

If your itchiness is due to eczema or poison ivy, over-the-counter ingredients may not cut it. Instead, Thornton suggests using a potent prescription topical steroid. Topical corticosteroids used to treat eczema have multiple levels of potency, each with different ingredients. Low-potency corticosteroids have hydrocortisone and prednisolone, moderate-potency has prednicarbate, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone; and high-potency corticosteroids have betamethasone and mometasone.

Why is my skin so itchy?

Again, it depends on the cause. Dry skin makes your skin feel itchy, according to Mayo Clinic. Eczema, sunburn, low outdoor temperature, lack of moisturizing, smoking, and even taking long-hot showers are just some of the conditions and behaviors that cause dry, itchy skin.

When your skin is more itchy than normal or you cannot find relief with lotions, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction. “Itchy skin can be due to a high level of histamines from allergens such as dust, mold, dander, food, or medications,” Thornton says. “This is also seen with bee stings, insect bites, and hives.”

Thornton also says viruses that affect the nerves can cause itching, such as shingles and herpes simplex.

When to see a doctor

Itchy skin isn’t always a cause for concern, and a bit of moisturization and anti-itch creams can help quickly. However, when you’re lathering on creams and lotions but you can’t stop scratching, it might be time to see a doctor. “If the itch is not improving after two weeks of using the anti-itch cream, you should see a doctor to make sure of the diagnosis and appropriate treatment,” Thornton says.

“If the skin looks infected (red, hot to touch, oozing), you should see a doctor,” Thornton says. “Also, if the itch is not improving after 2 weeks of using the anti-itch cream, you should see a doctor to make sure of the diagnosis and appropriate treatment.”

Seeing a doctor can help you identify and treat the root of the problem, especially if the itching is masking a more serious health problem. “Shingles can start out looking like a bug bite, but can become serious without oral antiviral treatment,” Thornton says. “Also, eczema and poison ivy can become severe without systemic prescribed medications.”

When the itching is severe, long-lasting, or consistent, a doctor can provide long-term treatment plans to help your skin feel calmer and less itchy.

How we chose the best anti itch creams

We asked Anar Mikailov, M.D., F.A.A.D., founder of Skintensive; Merry Thornton, PA-C, board-certified physician assistant and founder of Element Medical Aesthetics; and Rebecca Marcus, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei M.D., for their recommendations. We researched products individually and explored hundreds of customer reviews to include some of the market’s best-sellers. We also conducted our own research.

Why trust us?

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

You Might Also Like

• Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss?

• Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50