Some people use Crisco, or vegetable shortening, as a low cost moisturizer. Some experts say it’s a suitable swap for other emollients that treat eczema.
Crisco is a popular brand of vegetable shortening made from solidified palm and soybean oils. Even though it’s normally reserved for the kitchen, some dermatologists recommend it for soothing conditions like dry skin or eczema.
Although there’s not much research on the use of Crisco for eczema, it may be an affordable alternative to emollients that people often use to treat it. Like Aquaphor, Vaseline, and other barrier creams that doctors commonly recommend to treat the condition, Crisco can help lock in moisture while keeping irritants out.
Here’s what else to know about using vegetable shortening to relieve eczema.
According to the authors of one
- inflammation
- itchiness
- outbreak severity
In a perspective piece for the National Eczema Association, dermatologist Margaret Lee specifically recommends that people with eczema moisturize with vegetable shortening due to its effectiveness and low price point.
According to one
- regulating the skin barrier
- reducing inflammation
- promoting wound wound healing
In the same 2021 review mentioned above, which is about helping older adults adhere to dermatologic treatments, experts recommend encouraging budget-friendly emollients to reduce costs for people with price barriers. To support sensitive skin, say the researchers, the emollients should be:
- fragrance-free
- lower in pH
- oil-based
They note that Crisco meets these criteria. Other common household products, like petroleum jelly and virgin coconut oil, also work well.
Especially when purchasing it in bulk, Crisco or other household items can encourage access to relief and save you money over time.
Applying a barrier cream is especially beneficial when your skin is already damp. To use Crisco to help soothe your eczema, apply it right after you hop out of the shower or bath.
Instead of toweling off completely, pat yourself gently, leaving some dampness behind.
Then, pour some Crisco into your palms and rub gently into the skin, especially areas with eczema or where outbreaks tend to occur. Apply it in the direction that your hair grows. Don’t rub intensely, which could heat up the skin and trigger inflammation in hair follicles.
Apply at least twice a day. If your skin is very dry, you may want to apply up to four times.
Generally, it’s wise to talk with a dermatologist or another healthcare professional before using Crisco to help relieve your eczema. But if you don’t have access to one, doing a patch test before applying more liberally can help minimize any risks.
To test your skin’s sensitivity to the oil, apply a quarter-sized amount of Crisco to the inside of your arm. If you don’t have any negative reaction in about 24 hours, it’s most likely safe to apply all over.
Although allergic reactions to Crisco are rare, they’re still possible. If you have food allergies, your risk of a reaction may be higher. Due to its thick, heavy consistency, it could also potentially clog your pores and lead to irritation for some skin types.
There’s also a lack of scientific evidence to support using Crisco or other types of vegetable shortening to treat eczema. Your doctor may instead recommend products specially formulated for the condition.
In addition, many cases of eczema need multifaceted treatment, which may also include prescription medications like a steroid cream or a biologic.
Crisco may be among the most cost-effective options, but it might not be the most effective barrier cream.
Alternatives to vegetable shortening include:
- generic petroleum jelly (without additives)
- Vaseline
- Aquaphor
- virgin coconut oil
- avocado oil
- shea butter
- hydrocortisone cream
According to the National Eczema Association, generic petroleum jelly and mineral oil, as long as they’re free of additives, are some of the safest and most effective moisturizers for eczema-prone skin. They’re also cost effective. Virtually any natural oil — including argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, and rosehip — will also work.
That said, some products include additional ingredients that may benefit your skin, including ceramides, which aid in hydration.
Crisco and other brands of vegetable shortening may serve as inexpensive and effective barrier creams to help soothe eczema symptoms. Generic petroleum jelly or mineral oil will also work well.
Always try a patch test before applying it all over the skin to ensure you won’t have an allergic reaction. Although reactions are rare, people with food allergies may have a higher risk of skin irritation from Crisco.