If you have easily irritated skin, focus on what not to apply. “Bland is better,” says Sandy Tsao, a dermatologist in Boston. Stay away from lanolin and exfoliants, such as AHAs, and make sure the label says “fragrance-free.” To soothe the prickly patches that often result from dry skin, look for itch relievers such as lidocaine and oatmeal, says Jeffrey Dover, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.

Curél Continuous Comfort Fragrance Free Lotion, $7.50

The list of ingredients sticks to the basics — petrolatum, glycerin, and shea butter — leaving little chance for irritation. “It’s thick but soaks in quickly,” said one tester.

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion, $4.50

Made for newborns, this lotion features colloidal oatmeal, a natural ingredient recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a skin protector. It’s also long-lasting.

Lumene Blue Sensitive Tender Drops Soothing Moisture Cream, $10

Linseed oil, with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, eases irritation and leaves facial skin well hydrated. One tester raved about her skin’s silky texture.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Soothing Relief Anti-Itch Moisturizer, $8

Camphor (an oil extracted from an Asian evergreen tree) produces an immediate sensation of coolness, while lidocaine provides longer-lasting itch relief. It’s safe for use over the entire body.

Eucerin Calming Creme, $7.50

Mineral oil, a potent and nonirritating moisturizer, is combined with colloidal oatmeal to help ease the symptoms of inflamed skin. Some pediatricians recommend it for children who suffer from eczema.

Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion with SPF 15, $9

This oil- and fragrance-free facial moisturizer provides ample hydration, but it’s light enough not to clog pores. It also filters out both A and B ultraviolet rays.