Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream Review

Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
3.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Dimethyl MEA, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Dimethyl MEA provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Dimethyl MEA may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing that is well-suited for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyltrimethylsiloxysilicate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl MEA
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
All humectants
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Dimethyl MEA
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.2
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
2
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.6 5 No
All soothing
2.6
2
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Ceteareth-20
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-20A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
Isopropyl Myristate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl MyristateA fast-spreading, cost-effective, non-greasy emollient that is typically used for lubrication, spreadability, or to remove “tackiness” from a product. Isopropyl Myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel FlourA mild abrasive, finely milled oat kernel flour that is also used as a formula helper.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Cetyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl PalmitateA moisturizing occlusive and emollient wax ester that consists of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. In nature, cetyl palmitate is found, and was first identified, in spermaceti, a waxy substance from inside the skull of the sperm whale.
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Dimethicone/Vinyltrimethylsiloxysilicate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyltrimethylsiloxysilicate Crosspolymer
Potassium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Lactate
Dimethyl MEA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethyl MEA

Dimethyl MEA, also known as DMAE, or deanol, is a colorless liquid with a fishy smell. It can also be supplied as a crystalline white powder. Some studies suggest it may have some effects on skin firmness. Additionally, DMAE is used to regulate pH balance. It has the potential to be toxic.

PEG-40 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 StearateThis PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is excellent at emulsifying water and oil together to form oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its water-loving nature, PEG-40 stearate can also act as a cleansing agent.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.