The best natural oils for eczema relief

Imed Bourogaa
2026-03-30T19:04:58-03:00

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes redness, itching, and severe dryness of the skin. While several treatments exist, many people turn to natural solutions like vegetable oils to soothe their skin.

Eczema affects millions of people and manifests as dry, irritated, and itchy skin.

Faced with this problem, natural oils are attracting increasing interest. But which ones are truly suitable? What does science say? And above all, how to use them safely according to Health Canada's recommendations?

👉 This comprehensive guide answers these questions with a scientific, regulatory, and practical approach.

In this article, discover the most commonly used natural oils, their properties, and the precautions to observe. Why use natural oils for eczema?

Vegetable oils are known for their properties:

Moisturizing

Protective (skin barrier)

Soothing

They can help improve the comfort of dry and sensitive skin, often associated with eczema.

⚠️ Important: Natural oils do not replace medical treatment. They can be used as a supplement, according to the recommendations of a healthcare professional.

🌿 1. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is widely used to moisturize the skin.

✔️ Properties:

Helps maintain hydration

Soothing effect

Rich and protective texture

📊 According to some sources

May improve hydration and reduce itching - Medical News Today

May limit the presence of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus - Healthline

Slight anti-inflammatory activity confirmed in in vitro studies - National Eczema Association

👉 It is often applied directly to dry areas. Ideal for dry skin, prevention of flare-ups

🌰 2. Sweet almond oil

Very popular for sensitive skin.

✔️ Properties:

Softening

Nourishing

Helps reduce the feeling of tightness

📚 According to some sources

Indicates that cosmetics must be safe and not pose a health risk when used according to instructions - Health Canada

Shows that certain oils can improve the skin barrier, but their effects vary depending on the type of oil - Danby SG et al. (2013) – British Journal of Dermatology

Concludes that several vegetable oils are safe for topical use in cosmetic products - Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

👉 Suitable for daily use.

🌼 3. Calendula oil

Extracted from a plant known for its calming properties.

✔️ Properties:

Soothing

Helps reduce skin discomfort

Suitable for fragile skin

📚 References

Shows that calendula possesses compounds that can help soothe skin inflammation - Della Loggia R et al. (1994) – Planta Medica

Classifies botanical extracts as cosmetic ingredients when used without therapeutic claims - U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

🌿 4. Jojoba oil

Similar to the skin's natural sebum.

✔️ Properties:

Light hydration

Rapid absorption

Helps maintain skin balance

Rich in essential fatty acids.

📚 References

Indicates that jojoba has anti-inflammatory properties observed in the laboratory - Habashy RR et al. (2005) – Pharmacological Research

Explains that vegetable oils can support the skin barrier and reduce water loss - Lin TK et al. (2018) – International Journal of Molecular Sciences

🌱 5. Borage oil

✔️ Properties:

Helps strengthen the skin barrier

Contributes to skin suppleness

Suitable for very dry skin

📚 References

Concludes that GLA-rich oils have variable results and that evidence of efficacy for eczema is limited - Bamford JT et al. (2013) – Cochrane Database

⚠️ Important precautions

For safe use:

Always perform a skin test before use

Avoid applying to irritated or broken skin without medical advice

Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen

Choose pure and quality oils

For children or pregnant women, seek professional advice

👉 According to Health Canada's recommendations, it is essential to avoid any use that could lead to undesirable reactions.

When to consult a professional?

It is recommended to consult if:

Symptoms persist or worsen

Itching becomes intense

The skin shows signs of infection

📝 Conclusion

Natural oils can be an interesting option to improve the comfort of eczema-prone skin. Well-chosen and used with caution, they help moisturize and soothe the skin daily.

However, they should be part of a global and supervised approach if necessary.