• Product: Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser, $11.99 for a 12-ounce jar at Walgreen's and CVS.

• Key ingredients: mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, ceresin and beta carotene.

• The pitch: Long used for removing makeup, a new study shows it also may help clear some eczema.

• Pros: Albolene was found to be as effective as a prescription moisturizer for helping to clear up mild to moderate eczema, according to a study in the March 2009 issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. The cleanser was found to be as efficacious at reducing dryness, scaling and itching as the leading prescription moisturizer, Mimyx, which is almost 10 times more expensive. Moisturizers like this that contain oily ingredients are considered more effective at trapping moisture in the skin compared to water-based moisturizers that don't penetrate the skin's deeper layers. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that common moisturizers containing glycerin and rose water can actually increase skin dryness in people with atopic dermatitis.

• Cons: The study that found Albolene was effective at treating some eczema patients was funded by the product's manufacturer.

• Bottom line: Mild to moderate eczema sufferers may want to try this as a cheaper option.

-- JODI MAILANDER FARRELL

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