Factors like changes in weather or our body can lead to water loss and possibly dry out our skin; if our skin constantly feels dry, it can become susceptible to damage. Thankfully, there is a variety of body lotions for dry skin with different qualities and ingredients that may make you wonder which one meets your preferences the most to give you hydrated, healthy skin.
We've done the research and have found the 10 best body lotions for dry skin that are recommended and well-loved by reviewers. One of our favorites was Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Lotion, which contains many moisturizers and occlusives to keep your skin healthy, even during the winter. We also put together a buying guide at the end to help you figure out which body lotion works most effectively for your skin. Scroll down until the end to find out!
Quick List - Top Body Lotions For Dry Skin
Curél
Best Soothing Body Lotion for Flaky and Cracked Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Choosing a body lotion for dry skin is not an easy task as everyone's skin type is different and certain ingredients may cause allergic reactions. Take a look at this buying guide to support you in your quest of finding the best lotion for your skin!
Body lotion is important to supply your skin with necessary hydration, and at the same time prevent external factors from damaging your skin. Here are the ingredients that will help you accomplish that.
Many high-quality products on the market contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or almond oil, which can hydrate the skin and soothe dry and itchy spots. But they might not be enough for those with extremely dry skin.
To give your skin the needed nourishment, look for a body lotion with butter- and oil-based ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. They contain a high amount of fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acids to enhance the skin's protective barrier and prevent environmental damage like dry weather.
On top of that, those plant-based butters and oils can also lock in moisture to keep the skin looking smooth and soft for a long time. They have anti-inflammatory properties to relieve itching due to skin dryness, too!
Body moisturizers that provide long-lasting hydration often contain occlusives, which work by creating a protective layer over the skin to prevent moisture loss. Occlusives usually have a thick and greasy feel, so they might be too heavy for summer.
Instead, these ingredients are very useful in the winter, as they can help seal in moisture and keep the skin feeling moisturized for a long time. Some common occlusives are waxes (beeswax and carnauba), silicone, dimethicone, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and plant-based oils (soybean, castor, argan, and olive).
For those with extremely dry, chapped, and irritated skin, petrolatum oil is the least irritating substance that can be applied to the skin. When the skin is irritated and chapped, application of some lotions may burn, but using an oil-based occlusive product can actually be quite soothing.
There are many reasons why your skin is dry including eczema, psoriasis, or sun exposure. Hence, you should choose a body lotion that targets the underlying problem of your skin for the best results!
For those with eczema or psoriasis, you can consider a body lotion with ingredients that can soothe and repair your skin such as glycerin, coconut oil, colloidal oatmeal, or aloe vera. Chamomile is another great ingredient for these skin issues; it's packed with flavonoids, which exhibit strong anti-inflammatory actions to calm the skin.
However, make sure to consult with your doctor to know exactly what's best for your skin type and condition!
For dryness caused by sun exposure, you should look for products containing aloe vera, vitamin E, shea butter, or argan oil to both soothe and moisturize.
If you experience cracking, flaking, itching, or redness, you should consider body lotions that are either butter or oil-based as they can soften rough patches to reveal silky-smooth skin. Soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or chamomile work well in alleviating itching and redness, too!
If you have cracked skin, oil-based products are more soothing and unlikely to burn your irritated skin. I also suggest using a fragrance-free, allergy-free product to prevent further rashes or the development of contact dermatitis.
The thicker and greasier the product, the better it is for dry and cracked skin. It also really helps to apply the product immediately after showering to trap in moisture.
There isn't just a blanket type of skin dryness; if you have oily skin, you'll have to deal with it in a different way than those with naturally dry skin.
As you age, the oil glands in your body become less productive, resulting in dry skin. You should choose body lotion that is enriched with oil ingredients, such as macadamia oil, to reduce the effects of aging skin.
Antioxidant-rich ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, coconut oil, or oatmeal work wonderfully in combating aging signs, too! Aloe vera promotes cell regeneration of any damaged or stressed skin. Vitamin E is another great source to look for. It's a potent antioxidant that can prevent skin damage and restore the skin barrier.
Coconut oil is also known to reduce inflammation by improving antioxidants when applied to the skin. Colloidal oatmeal acts as an emollient, which means it soothes the skin while being packed with antioxidants to fight off free radicals and create elasticity for your skin.
If your skin is sensitive, we suggest choosing a formula that's free from potential irritants like fragrances or dyes. Those ingredients might trigger allergic contact dermatitis in those with highly sensitive skin, so try to stay away from them.
Many body lotions are made with anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe irritated skin, too! Some examples include vitamin C, vitamin E, chamomile extract, and green tea.
If your skin is prone to acne or a lot of oiliness, you should do your best to avoid body lotions that contain substances blocking your pores. In this case, a non-comedogenic body lotion should be what you look out for since it can prevent irritation, acne, or itchiness.
Non-comedogenic lotions are usually packed with oils that help to clarify your pores, not clog them. Some that are recommended are rosehip, squalene, hemp seed, and jojoba, as these all provide great moisture for your skin while not causing more irritation or bumps.
Avoid coconut oil if you have acne since this can trigger acne outbreaks on the chest and back. Look for ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties like jojoba and squalene, which are non-comedogenic but super hydrating.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer | ![]() | Best for Alleviating Flaking Skin | |
2 | Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion | ![]() | Best for Everyday pH Balancing for Dry Skin | |
3 | CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion | ![]() | Best Gentle Lotion for Eczema-Prone and Sensitive Skin | |
4 | Curél Ultra Healting Intensive Lotion for Extra-Dry, Tight Skin | ![]() | Best Soothing Body Lotion for Flaky and Cracked Skin | |
5 | NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion - 48 Hour Moisture | ![]() | Best for Keeping the Skin Moisturized in the Winter | |
6 | Everyone Intensive Care Soothing Hydration Lotion |Coconut and Lemon, 2 pack | ![]() | Best All-Natural Formula Made Without Common Allergens | |
7 | Jergens 5-in-1 Dry Skin Rescue | ![]() | Best for Restoring Damaged Skin | |
8 | OGX Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Lotion | ![]() | Best for the Tropical, Pleasant Scent | |
9 | Amir Argan Oil Body Moisturizer Lotion | ![]() | Best Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Lotion for Dry Skin | |
10 | Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion | ![]() | Best Fragrance-Free Formula for Distressed Skin |
Pros:
Cons:
Infused with hemp seed oil, this body lotion can soothe skin irritation. The combination of shea butter and ginseng further provides the needed moisture to the skin and prevents flaking or peeling. It is also packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which are antioxidants that can shield the skin against free radical damage and give it a healthy glow.
Some reviewers report that this body lotion causes allergic reactions. On another note, the majority praise the moisturizing formula that softens their skin effectively. Many find the scent pleasant and further comment that it doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy.
Pros:
Cons:
Aveeno's body lotion contains oat kernel flour that can restore your skin's normal pH level to keep the skin healthy. It's formulated with effective hydrating ingredients such as dimethicone and glycerin to prevent moisture loss. It's good for regular, everyday use on dry skin.
A few reviewers comment that the scent is not pleasant and the thick consistency takes time to be absorbed completely. However, most who have eczema and flaky skin say it soothes their skin effectively. Those with extremely dry and rough skin compliment that the moisturizing formula helps soften their skin nicely.
Pros:
CeraVe's body lotion is endorsed by the National Eczema Association as suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. for you. It's infused with three different types of ceramides to restore the skin's natural barrier. There's also hyaluronic acid to retain skin moisture, giving your skin deep hydration.
Some users complain about the thin consistency of this body lotion. However, many say the formula keeps their skin moisturized even during the harsh winter. A lot of reviewers with sensitive skin further mention that this lotion can be applied even to the face.
Pros:
Cons:
For those with dry and tight skin, you may find relief in this body lotion since its advanced ceramide complex can help retain moisture in your skin. Shea butter, pro-vitamin B5, and eucalyptus leaf extract further maintain skin softness and health. Another plus point is that it's free from fragrance.
A couple of reviewers comment that the body lotion makes the skin feel greasy. On another note, many buyers the formula is gentle enough for your entire body, including the face and that it locks in moisture quite well. A lot of reviewers report that it soothes skin conditions like eczema, flaking, and psoriasis as well.
Pros:
Cons:
For people with dry to extremely dry skin, this Nivea body lotion can help moisturize and soften your skin for up to 48 hours with the main ingredients being sweet almond oil, mineral oil, glycerin, and petrolatum. It's suggested to apply the lotion daily.
According to some reviewers, the consistency is a bit thick and petroleum-like, so it's hard to spread. Nonetheless, most customers who have extremely dry skin, especially during the winter, say that this is their go-to lotion to give them dewy, supple skin.
Pros:
Made with green tea leaf extract, matricaria flower extract, and aloe vera, this lotion can improve the skin's protective barrier, alleviate irritation, and soften dry patches. There's also coconut oil and sesame seed oil to create a layer on the skin to seal in moisture. What's more, this natural formula is free from harmful chemicals such as dyes.
For some reviewers, one con of this body lotion is the overwhelming scent. Nonetheless, the majority find it very moisturizing and soothing. They mention that it provides the needed relief to their cracked, itchy, and rough skin without causing any allergic reactions. The texture is also lightweight and not greasy.
Pros:
Cons:
With a formula consisting of vitamins C, E, and B5, this lotion can repair your dry, itchy, and damaged skin and give it a nice radiance. It also includes petrolatum to soften the skin and keep it moisturized for a while.
A few reviewers complain that the pump bottle is defective, while some find the scent too overpowering. However, most reviewers are really satisfied with the results of using this lotion as it leaves their skin feeling silky smooth. Another plus point for buyers is the non-greasy consistency that makes the skin feel comfortable after use.
Pros:
Enriched with coconut oil, this body lotion not only hydrates and adds luster to your skin but also transports you to a tropical island with its coconut scent. The addition of Tiare flower and vanilla bean extract further calms the skin.
There are some complaints that the lotion makes their skin feel greasy. Yet, many buyers find the formula gentle and hydrating. The moisturizing effect lasts for a long time as well, reviewers mention. They also praise the light coconut scent of this lotion.
Pros:
Cons:
With occlusives like shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and grape seed oil, this lotion will help nourish your dry skin and repair it at the same time. The addition of soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea extract, and matricaria flower extract helps reduce inflammation and prevents any irritation.
For a few reviewers, the pump bottle is difficult to use. Still, most love how hydrating and fast-absorbing the formula is. They also appreciate that it's fragrance-free and suits all skin types, including sensitive skin. After application, many find their skin silky smooth.
Pros:
Adamia's Therapeutic Repair Lotion was the winner of the Women's Choice Award for Therapeutic Lotions. Its main ingredient, macadamia oil, is a rich source of omega-7 that can provide a soothing and moisturizing effect. Furthermore, it's been clinically tested and proven to provide relief to skin tears and distressed skin.
Some reviewers claim that the pump bottle doesn't work. Whereas, on the other side, there are many customers who claim it has reduced bruising and overall itchiness of their skin. They also love that the formula is moisturizing and fragrance-free. Another bonus is the creamy and non-greasy consistency.
It's tough to choose a body lotion that can effectively reduce dryness. And you might still have a lot of questions even after reading our buying guide. Check out this section to find answers to two of the most frequently asked questions.
Dr. Levy says, "Lotion should be applied at least once a day immediately after the shower to trap in moisture. If you have noticeable dry skin or eczema/atopic dermatitis, lotions should be applied more frequently to help keep the skin barrier intact and provide hydration.
You can definitely apply the lotion to dry skin and still get some benefits, but use them on wet skin for maximum benefit. If you are really suffering from dry skin, you can apply the lotion to wet skin then wrap the area in some plastic wrap for a few hours or overnight for maximal hydration."
Dr. Levy says, "Those with dry skin are born with missing pieces of the skin barrier or have one that is defective. The skin barrier is made of certain molecules that keep the skin hydrated. A common one is a natural moisturizing factor. When these pieces are missing or not working optimally, there is transepidermal water loss, meaning that water is lost through the skin in large amounts.
This results in dry skin that can be itchy and eczema-prone. Body lotions provide hydration and many have ingredients like ceramides that can actually help repair this barrier, prevent the skin from becoming dry, and prevent outbreaks of eczema. Body lotions also help relieve itch since the skin is hydrated."
If you are looking for some other products that nourish and support your skin, check out these links for more suggestions!
No. 1: Hempz|Original Herbal Body Moisturizer
No. 2: Aveeno|Daily Moisturizing Lotion
No. 3: CeraVe|Daily Moisturizing Lotion
No. 4: Curél|Ultra Healting Intensive Lotion for Extra-Dry, Tight Skin
No. 5: NIVEA|Essentially Enriched Body Lotion - 48 Hour Moisture
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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