Eczema affects roughly one in three Australian children, and because it tends to run in families the odds are stacked early: if one parent has eczema, a child’s risk is meaningfully higher, and if both parents are affected that risk climbs further still. Finding skincare products for eczema-prone skin across babies, kids and adults can be difficult, especially when you’re trying to find a safe, consistent routine everyone can share.
Thankfully, in Australia, we have five ranges that turn up again and again on Australian pharmacy shelves for eczema-prone skin. These include: Mustela Stelatopia, QV Dermcare, Aveeno Dermexa, Cetaphil PRO Eczema and Bioderma Atoderm. Below we compare all five across ingredients, product range and use-case fit, so you can match the right range to your family’s skin.
About Each Range
Mustela Stelatopia
A French range made for eczema-prone skin from birth and gentle enough for the whole family to share. What makes it stand out: instead of just sitting on top of the skin, its patented Active Relipidation® actually helps the skin make more of its own protective oils, while a prebiotic (BioEcolia®) helps calm flare-ups before they start.
It’s the only range here that’s certified organic and tested for use during pregnancy, so it’s a reassuring pick from bump to baby and beyond.
QV Dermcare
The trusty Aussie all-rounder, made by Ego Pharmaceuticals. It uses ceramides and a protective petrolatum layer to lock moisture in and keep irritants out, no bells and whistles, just dependable daily relief. Fragrance-free, affordable and available in big bottles, it’s the one many families reach for when everyone needs slathering, every day.
Aveeno Dermexa
An oat-lover’s range backed by Ceramide NP to help repair the barrier. With both a baby and an adult line, it’s an easy choice for households where the little ones and adults are both scratching. Fragrance-free and dermatologist tested.
Cetaphil PRO Eczema
A widely stocked, easy-to-find option built around ceramides and Filaggrin Technology to boost hydration and strengthen the barrier, with up to 48 hours of moisture from a single application. The wash-and-moisturise duo is simple, gentle from newborns up, and kind on the budget.
Bioderma Atoderm
A French-pharmacy favourite with a clever twist: its patented Skin Barrier Therapy™ helps stop the bacteria linked to flare-ups from taking hold, while zinc and a soothing anti-itch ingredient calm angry, scratchy patches. The rich Intensive Baume is fragrance-free and suits babies through to adults.
At-a-Glance Comparison
The table below compares all five ranges across origin, formulation and key attributes.
| Attribute | Mustela Stelatopia | QV Dermcare | Aveeno Dermexa | Cetaphil PRO Eczema | Bioderma Atoderm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin / maker | France · Laboratoires Expanscience | Australia · Ego Pharmaceuticals | USA · Kenvue | Canada/France · Galderma | France · NAOS |
| Key actives | Active Relipidation® (Sunflower Oil Distillate®) + BioEcolia® prebiotic | Ceramides + petrolatum + dimethicone | Triple Oat Complex + Ceramide NP | Filaggrin Technology + ceramides + Ad-Resyl™ | Skin Barrier Therapy™ + Lipigenium™ + zinc, PEA |
| Formulation approach | Stimulates skin’s own lipid production + microbiome support | Replenishes & seals in lipids (occlusive) | Oat-based soothing + barrier repair | Hydration + barrier & microbiome support | Barrier repair + anti-bacterial-adhesion |
| From birth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fragrance-free | Yes (whole range) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Intensive Baume) |
| Paraben-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steroid-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Certified organic option | Yes (Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream) | No | No | No | No |
| Clinically tested for pregnancy | Yes (Stelatopia+) | No | No | No | No |
| Testing | Dermatologist & paediatrician tested | Dermatologist tested | Dermatologist tested | Dermatologist tested | Dermatologist tested |
| Typical price tier | Premium | Most accessible | Mid | Mid / accessible | Premium |
The Active Ingredients
All five ranges aim to repair the skin barrier, but they go about it in genuinely different ways. Understanding the approach helps explain why one range may suit your family better than another.
Mustela Stelatopia — Active Relipidation® & BioEcolia®
Eczema-prone skin doesn’t make enough of its own natural oils, which is why it dries out and flares so easily. What we liked about Stelatopia is that it doesn’t just slather oils on top of your skin, its Active Relipidation® (made from sunflower oil) actually encourages the skin to produce more of its own protective oils. The Stelatopia+ cream goes a step further with BioEcolia®, a prebiotic that helps keep the skin’s natural balance in check (an out-of-balance skin surface tends to flare up more). So you’re getting two things at once: rebuilding the barrier from the inside, plus calming flare-ups, which is more than most creams that simply coat the surface.
QV Dermcare — Ceramides & Petrolatum
QV keeps it simple. Ceramides top up the skin’s natural building blocks, while petrolatum forms a barrier that locks moisture in and keeps irritants out. There’s a bit of dimethicone for extra water resistance and lactic acid to hold onto moisture. Nothing fancy, just a reliable, no-fuss cream that holds up well when you’re getting through a lot of it every day.
Aveeno Dermexa — Triple Oat Complex & Ceramide NP
This one’s all about oats. Its Triple Oat Complex blends colloidal oatmeal, oat oil and oat extract, and colloidal oatmeal is one of those old-school ingredients dermatologists have trusted for years to take the heat and itch out of irritated skin. Add Ceramide NP to help patch up the barrier, and it’s a genuinely soothing option when the scratching won’t stop.
Cetaphil PRO Eczema — Filaggrin Technology & Ceramides
Cetaphil focuses on hydration. Eczema-prone skin is often short on a protein called filaggrin (it helps the skin hold water), so its Filaggrin Technology aims to make up for that, with ceramides to strengthen the barrier and an Ad-Resyl™ complex to support the skin’s natural balance. The moisturiser sinks in quickly and is made to keep skin hydrated for up to 48 hours, handy for busy days.
Bioderma Atoderm — Skin Barrier Therapy™ & Lipigenium®
Bioderma takes a slightly different angle. Its patented Skin Barrier Therapy™ helps stop a particular bacteria (Staph aureus), known to make dry, eczema-prone skin worse from settling on the skin in the first place. Its Lipigenium® blend tops up ceramides and lipids to rebuild the barrier, while zinc soothes redness and an ingredient called PEA helps take the edge off the itch during flares.
What to look for in an eczema emollient
- Emollients soften and smooth the skin surface (oils, butters, dimethicone)
- Humectants draw moisture into the skin (glycerin, panthenol, lactic acid)
- Barrier-repair actives restore the skin’s protective function (ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, Sunflower Oil Distillate®, filaggrin support)
- Microbiome support helps reduce flare frequency (prebiotics such as BioEcolia®, anti-adhesion complexes)
- Fragrance-free — fragrance is a common eczema trigger, especially in infants
- Paraben-free and steroid-free — particularly relevant for newborns and reactive skin
Product Range by Category
The table below maps each range’s offering by category, to help you build a complete head-to-toe routine.
| Category | Mustela Stelatopia | QV Dermcare | Aveeno Dermexa | Cetaphil PRO Eczema | Bioderma Atoderm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleanse / bath | Stelatopia Cleansing Oil | Wash & bath oil | Dermexa wash | Restoring Body Wash | Atoderm Shower Oil |
| Body moisturiser | Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream / Emollient Cream | Dermcare cream & lotion | Dermexa Daily Emollient | Restoring Body Moisturiser | Atoderm Intensive Baume |
| Face care | Stelatopia Emollient Face Cream | — | — | Face & body moisturiser | Intensive Baume (face & body) |
| Scalp / hair | Stelatopia Foam Shampoo | — | — | — | — |
| Targeted flare relief | Stelatopia+ Cream | Intensive cream | Dermexa Fast & Long-Lasting Balm | Soothe & Repair Cream | Atoderm SOS Spray |
Which Range Is Right for Your Family?
All five tick the big boxes, steroid-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, dermatologist tested and safe from birth. So it really comes down to what your family needs most, and where each range is strongest.
Mustela Stelatopia
Stelatopia is the strongest choice for families who want a range that goes beyond surface moisturisation. It works with the skin to help it make its own oils, and adds that prebiotic step to keep flare-ups in check, something the others don’t quite match.
It’s also the only one here that’s certified organic and safe to use during pregnancy, and it’s the most complete routine of the bunch, with face and scalp products too.
QV Dermcare
It does the basics really well and won’t break the bank, which matters when you’re going through a tub a week across the whole family. If you just want something reliable to slather on every day without overthinking it, QV is hard to beat.
Aveeno Dermexa
Its oat-based science has a strong track record for itch relief, and because there’s both a Baby and an adult line, it’s easy to keep the whole house on the same gentle, oat-based routine.
Cetaphil PRO Eczema
A well-priced, widely stocked option. A simple wash-and-moisturise pair that sinks in fast, keeps skin hydrated all day and is kind on the wallet. If you want a no-fuss routine for face and body without hunting around, it’s a safe bet.
Bioderma Atoderm
A French-pharmacy favourite with a clever anti-bacteria trick and a lovely rich balm, plus a handy SOS Spray for sudden itchy moments. It’s a premium pick like Mustela, though its from-birth and full-routine range isn’t quite as broad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which of these ranges is best for a newborn?
- All five are suitable from birth. For newborns, fragrance-free formulation matters most. Mustela Stelatopia is fragrance-free across the whole range and is the only one clinically tested for use during pregnancy, with paediatrician testing, a reassuring choice for the earliest weeks. If you’re still building your nursery kit, our baby registry must-haves checklist covers where skincare fits in.
- What’s the real difference between Mustela Stelatopia and the others?
- Most ranges replace or seal in lipids and coat the barrier. Mustela’s Active Relipidation® is designed to stimulate the skin’s own lipid production, and the Stelatopia+ cream adds prebiotic microbiome support, addressing the barrier from within rather than only on the surface.
- Are any of these a treatment for eczema?
- No. All five are emollient/skincare ranges that support and protect the skin barrier; they are not medicines and do not replace prescribed treatments. For moderate to severe eczema, see your GP or dermatologist about a full management plan.
- Can I mix and match between ranges?
- Many families do. For example a particular cleanser with a different moisturiser. It’s generally fine, but introduce one new product at a time and patch test, so you can identify the cause if any irritation appears.
- Which is the most affordable?
- QV Dermcare and Cetaphil PRO Eczema are typically the most accessible, especially in larger formats. Mustela Stelatopia and Bioderma Atoderm sit at the premium end, reflecting their patented technologies.
Final Thoughts
Mustela Stelatopia, QV Dermcare, Aveeno Dermexa, Cetaphil PRO Eczema and Bioderma Atoderm are all steroid-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free eczema ranges suitable from birth and for the whole family. The right choice comes down to what your family’s skin needs most.
- Mustela Stelatopia: formulated to stimulate the skin’s own lipid production via Active Relipidation®, with prebiotic microbiome support, a certified organic option, pregnancy testing, and the broadest routine including face and scalp care — the premium, biology-led pick.
- QV Dermcare: a reliable ceramide-and-petrolatum formulation for consistent daily barrier support, in large formats at an accessible price.
- Aveeno Dermexa: oat-based skin science with a strong track record for itch relief, in both baby and adult formulations.
- Cetaphil PRO Eczema: a widely available, well-priced filaggrin-and-ceramide range with 48-hour hydration for easy everyday use.
- Bioderma Atoderm: a premium French range with a patented anti-bacterial-adhesion approach plus zinc and PEA for itchy flares.
Many families use more than one range depending on the family member or the situation. Consult a GP or dermatologist if eczema is severe, persistent, or affecting quality of life.
Related Reading
- Baby Registry Must-Haves: Complete Checklist
- Essential Newborn Sleep Guide
- Hospital Bag Checklist Australia: What to Pack
A note on this article: This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Mustela. Our editorial comparisons are based on publicly available product information, and all five ranges are assessed on the same criteria so you can make an informed choice for your family. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
