Has decent evidence
Colloidal oatmeal
One of the better-supported natural options. A randomized study in children found colloidal-oatmeal creams worked about as well as some prescription creams for mild-to-moderate eczema, and oatmeal is known to soothe, support the barrier, and even reduce staph. Oatmeal baths and oatmeal-containing moisturizers are a reasonable, gentle thing to try.
Sunflower seed oil
Among the strongest evidence for infants. A 2024 study found people using a sunflower-oil emollient were markedly more likely to report less itch than controls; it appears to support the skin barrier. (Note: sunflower oil — not all plant oils behave the same.)
Promising but weaker / mixed
- Virgin coconut oil. Some studies suggest it can reduce staph bacteria and water loss and calm inflammation. Reasonable for many, though a minority find any oil irritating — patch-test first.
- Manuka honey. A small study showed improvement, but evidence is thin. Critical safety note: never give honey to a baby under 12 months (risk of infant botulism), and applying it to broken skin is a doctor conversation.
Little to no good evidence
Many popular ‘natural’ fixes — and most oral supplements — don't hold up in trials. And ‘natural’ absolutely does not mean ‘safe’: essential oils and many botanical extracts are common irritants for eczema skin, and some (like tea tree oil, or fragranced ‘herbal’ creams) can trigger flares or allergic reactions.
Two safety rules for any remedy: (1) Patch-test — a small amount on one spot for a few days before using it widely. (2) Natural remedies complement, they don't replace your doctor's plan — and if a flare is severe, infected, or not improving, that needs medical care, not another oil. Be wary of anything promising to ‘cure’ eczema.
The honest bottom line
A couple of natural options (colloidal oatmeal, sunflower oil) are genuinely worth trying and can sit happily alongside good skin care. But the foundation is still the boring, proven stuff — gentle cleansing, faithful moisturizing, treating flares. No jar, natural or not, replaces that.
See if a remedy actually helps your child
Trying oatmeal baths or a new oil? Note it in Ollowen and watch the skin over the following weeks — real evidence for your child, not a stranger's testimonial.
Opening soonFree for 14 days · no card, no account · your child's data stays on your device
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Can oils, probiotics, or vitamins heal eczema?
- Randomized trial. Isosorbide diesters from coconut and sunflower fatty acids on pediatric atopic dermatitis.
- NCCIH (NIH). Skin conditions and complementary health approaches: what the science says.
More Ollowen guides: see all →