9 Best Barrier Creams For Sensitive Skin Woes, As Per An Expert – 2024
Add a protective layer to your skin to avoid allergic reactions and heal scaliness.
Georgia Smith is a cosmetologist-turned-cosmetic chemist and has been in the industry for over 13 years as a beauty therapist. She is the founder of Skin Sister and owns a hugely successful, skin focused beauty salon in Sydney, Australia. Georgia is also a qualified Cosmetic Chemist, and she learned about the chemistry behind the skin and the complex science behind skin care ingredients to transform her clients’ skin and fix their skin concerns.
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Experience: 5 yearsSakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her to take up literature and follow that up with creative writing after completing her education.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Many skin care products contain certain harsh chemicals that might trigger allergic reactions on your skin. But, that does not necessarily mean that you stop using those products. The best barrier cream acts as a protective barrier between any allergens or contaminants and your skin. They are made of specific topical solutions that prevent issues like inflammation, redness, and more.
Various barrier creams are available on the market, and you can use them differently. Some are anti-solvent gels, protective skin creams, and pre-work creams, while others work as shielding lotions and protective ointments. While many options are available online, we have compiled a list of the best barrier creams in this article. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
9 Best Barrier Creams To Buy In 2024
1. Best Hydrating Formula:Epionce Medical Barrier Cream
The Epionce Medical Barrier Cream is a therapeutic cream that heals damaged and vulnerable skin. It helps heal scaly skin and treats all the symptoms related to it. The clinically proven cream hydrates damaged skin and acts as a protective barrier that creates a suitable environment for skin healing. Its breathable formula does not contain sanitizers and preservatives, unlike most other standard moisturizers. Reviewers love this product due to its lightweight and non-greasy texture that hydrates the skin.
- Hydrates skin
- Restores the protective skin barrier
- Non-comedogenic
- Removes the signs of scaly skin
- Best for skin that is resistant/allergic to sanitizers and preservatives
None
"For my dry skin, this moisturizer is a treat. It gives me smooth, supple skin, whether used alone or combined with my skincare routine. Loving it for its non-greasy finish and its bonus application as a gentle lip balm, it has been consistently doing wonders for me for years."
Quick Tip2. Best For Redness:Baza Protect Barrier Cream
The Baza Protect Barrier Cream helps heal the damaged skin by providing hydration and protection barrier to the skin. It can be used to repair the cuts and redness on the skin that occur due to long bed rest. This cream may also promote skin repair in patients undergoing chemotherapy. It acts as a layer between the skin and the environment, thus protecting the damaged skin from further infections.
- Absorbed fast into the skin
- Prevents itching and burning of the skin
- Recommended by doctors for healing major wounds and cuts on the skin
- Cures skin redness
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3. Best Fragrance-Free Cream:Cavilon 3M Durable Barrier Cream
The Cavilon 3M Durable Barrier Cream is a fragrance-free therapeutic cream used to treat damaged skin. It gets absorbed in the skin in no time and protects against external skin-damaging agents and body fluids. It promotes skin healing by giving it a proper environment. The cream has proven efficacy and does not get washed off easily. Hence, frequent reapplication is not required. Doctors recommend this cream for the dressing of wounds and cuts.
- Clinically-proven formula
- No scrubbing required
- Easy to apply
- Hydrates the skin and provides a protective barrier
- Helps to heal cuts and wounds
- Fast-absorbing
- Does not require frequent reapplication
- Not mineral oil-free
"It's odorless, not too heavy, and a little dab goes far. Most importantly, it does what it promises to do, which is to protect the skin barrier. Although I need to reapply after several hand washes, it's worth it!"
Epionce Medical Barrier Cream Best Hydrating Formula | Baza Protect Barrier Cream Best For Redness | Cavilon 3M Durable Barrier Cream Best Fragrance-Free Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 3 inches | 3 x 3 x 3 inches | 7 x 5 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 8 Ounces | 6.5 Ounces |
| Weight | - | - | 6.5 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 141 | 295 | 324 |
| Price | $50.0 | $20.99 | $14.95 |
4. Best Dermatologist Tested:L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Cicacream
The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Cicacream is enriched with Centella asiatica (also known as tiger grass). It is a formulation made with reference from Chinese skin care medicines. It helps improve barrier function, protecting the skin from external and internal environments. The Cicacream is an anti-aging cream that reduces wrinkles, spots, and other signs of aging and is specially designed for facial skin care. It is a day and night cream that is applied after cleaning the face and before applying a moisturizer or SPF. Multiple Amazon reviews suggest this cream has a thick consistency but it absorbs well and shows visible results.
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Fights the signs of skin aging
- Dermatologist tested and approved
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Gentle on dry and sensitive skin types
None
"While I initially purchased this moisturizer for my dry skin, it's a pleasantly surprising fit for my make-up routine. Its hydration effectiveness is notable and I appreciate the faint, quick-fading scent. It's a decent product."
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 321 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
5. Best For Damaged Cuticles:Medline Soothe And Cool Inzo Barrier Cream
The Medline Soothe and Cool Inzo Barrier Cream is easy to use and easy to wash. It prevents dryness and itchiness. The cream protects the damaged cuticles and helps to heal them by protecting the skin from the external and internal environments. It prevents urine, fecal matter, and moisture from coming in contact with the skin. Test it out today to experience visible results!
- Moisturizes the skin
- Has a skin-soothing effect
- Dye-free
- No fragrance
- Contains vitamins A, D, and E that nourish the skin
- Ideal for peri-wound skin to protect it from maceration damage
- Non-greasy
- Invisible moisture barrier
- Does not list all ingredients.
"This cream is highly effective at relieving dry itch skin and humidity-induced rashes. It gets absorbed into the skin, leaving no greasy layer - quite a pleasant change from other barrier creams. This cream has become an irreplaceable part of my routine."
6. Best Lightweight Formula:Etude House Barrier Intensive Cream
The Etude House Barrier Intensive Cream provides gentle skin care to rough, damaged, and dry skin. It helps soothe skin irritation. The panthenol in the cream calms the skin down, and the madecasone the cream contains heals skin wounds.
- Dermatologically-tested
- Lightweight cream
- Non-sticky
- Fast-absorbing
- Provides a protective barrier to the skin
- Provides a suitable environment to damaged skin
- Unscented
None
"I was seeking a daytime moisturizer that could quench the frequent dryness I experience, and this cream served the purpose well, lasting all day. It also integrates smoothly into my broader skin care routine. While it is very hydrating, it is surprisingly not thick or oily. The product doesn't irritate my skin either. Using this cream consistently left my skin feeling soft, looking glowy. This non-aromatic moisturizer is certainly a delightful find!"
7. Best For Eczema Prone Skin:Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream
Protect your skin and nourish it with the dermatologist-tested Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream. It is a rich cream clinically proven to help repair the skin’s barrier in 24 hours, ensuring it relieves the flare-up and irritation caused by eczema. This restorative and repairing cream contains 2% skin-protectant colloidal oatmeal along with naturally derived ad-resyl, specially designed to restore the skin’s healthy microbiome. It defends your skin against dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and weakened skin barrier. This anti-irritation product is best suited for sensitive skin because it is free of all toxins and harmful ingredients that cause acne flare.
- Provides intense hydration
- Clinically tested for sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Steroid-free
- Does not work on rashes
"I admire this lotion for its calming effect on my sun-exposed or flaring skin. My dry skin troubles eased significantly after using this. It's a good cream offering mild relief for anyone with eczema. It's not a miracle, but it works well as a thick moisturizer. I find it effective. Worth a try!"
8. Best UV Protection:CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion
The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a sunscreen moisturizer with an SPF of 30. Apply it 10-15 minutes before exposure to sunlight and roam freely in the sun with no fear of tanning or skin damage. You need to reapply it every 2 hours for visible results. It gives daily UV protection to the skin by acting as a protective barrier. It is formulated by using the MultiVesicular Technology that ensures the moisturizing contents are absorbed slowly in the skin, resulting in long-lasting hydration.
- Clinically-tested to maintain skin barrier function
- Provides skin protection against UV radiation
- Contains microfine zinc oxide that renders broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
- Non-comedogenic
- Includes three essential ceramides for nourishing the skin
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as adequate protection against UV light
- Needs continuous reapplication every 2 hours.
"The cream has decent niacinamide content that does a good job of reducing dark spots. It doesn't leave a white cast or sticky residue, which is a huge plus. The fragrance-free and non-greasy finish works great under makeup or alone. As a cherry on top, a friend, who usually avoids sunscreen, found it agreeable! The convenience and performance of this 2-in-1 moisturizer and sunscreen make it a worthy addition to my routine."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 4,413 great reviews on Amazon.
9. Best For Skin Dryness:Theraplex Healing Emollient
Theraplex’s Healing Emollient penetrates deep into the fissures and cracks of the skin. It gives your skin a durable micro-protection barrier. This barrier helps provide moisture where it is needed the most and does not leave a greasy feel. The lotion functions as a whole-day moisturizer. It is also used for skin care in chronic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, etc. Dermatologists have been using and recommending this product to their patients for over 20 years. Amazon reviews suggest that this product is the best for those with extremely sensitive skin.
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Suitable for dry skin
- Irritation-free for eczema or other skin conditions
- Long-lasting moisturization
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Preservative-free
None
"Theraplex is remarkable in soothing my skin. The cream has incredible effects post-application, smoothening the skin and alleviating dry patches. It's truly a saviour anyone dealing with similar skin issues, showing visible improvements in no time. Surprisingly, it gets absorbed swiftly into the skin despite its thick consistency. And indeed, a little of it goes a long way. It's a trustworthy product for me."
The Bottom Line
From oily and acne-prone to dull and stressed skin, there are thousands of skin concerns to address when perfecting the right skincare routine. You do not always have to worry about the many chemicals in your cosmetic kit; the right barrier cream you choose can take care of everything. The Epionce Medical Barrier Cream hydrates and heals scaly and dry skin, while the Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream is perfect for calming inflamed skin, and the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Cicacream addresses aging concerns while nourishing the skin. These creams are made of specific topical solutions that prevent redness, inflammation, and more. Always opt for non-comedogenic, skin-friendly formulas that are quickly absorbed into the skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Sakshi Bahal is a skin care enthusiast who finds joy in trying out various new products. She has a great deal of knowledge of what ingredients work best for your skin. She has done a fair amount of research and carefully reviewed many customer testimonials to choose the best barrier creams for her readers. These not only act as a protective barrier between any allergens or contaminants and your skin but are also made of specific topical solutions that prevent issues like inflammation, redness, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you put on a barrier cream?
You can apply a barrier cream directly or after applying a moisturizer to help soak in the goodness of the formulas.
Is Vaseline a barrier cream?
No, Vaseline is not a barrier cream although it works to create a mild barrier and prevents moisture loss.
Where do you apply barrier cream?
You can apply barrier creams directly on the skin of your face, hands, and elbows. If you use antioxidant-rich, anti-aging, and other treatment serums in your skincare routine, you can apply barrier creams after them.
What happens if you use too much barrier cream?
Too much barrier cream makes the skin susceptible to irritation caused by the hydrophilic sodium lauryl sulfate.
How long can you use a barrier cream?
You can use a barrier cream as long as your skin needs it. But they usually start showing results within three-four months.
Can you use a barrier cream every day?
Yes, if your barrier cream has a gentle formula, you can use it every day.
Does barrier cream stop itching?
Yes, a barrier cream maintains the skin’s physical barrier and protects it from irritation caused by chemicals and environmental factors. Hence, they also stop or help reduce itching.
Read full bio of Georgia Smith
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