Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic cyclical inflammatory skin disease that is increasing in incidence. Twenty percent of those affected with AD are infants and young children. Despite the development of newer nonsteroidal topical therapies, such as calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids remain the gold standard for the treatment of active eczematous disease and management of exacerbation due to established efficacy and safety with appropriate use. The xerotic, sensitive skin of AD patients mandates the use of nonirritating and nondrying topical vehicles. Recently, phase III clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a novel aqueous hydrogel vehicle for desonide delivery in mild to moderate AD, which is free of fragrances and surfactants. Corneometry and transepidermal water loss studies have demonstrated that this patented hydrogel vehicle alone offers advantages including moisturization and skin barrier enhancement, both of which are significant when treating eczematous and xerotic skin. Patient and physician preference surveys suggest that the novel properties of this vehicle may aid in patient compliance with AD therapy.