Find out the Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin, approved by dermatologists, for dry skin that work. Say goodbye to flakes, itching, and irritation with these expert-approved options.
Dry skin can be more than a seasonal inconvenience: it can be painful, unsightly, and a sign that your skin barrier needs serious attention. Whether dryness is a result of cold weather, harsh soaps, or an underlying skin condition like eczema, it starts with a body lotion. However, not all lotions are created equal.
To help cut through the excess noise, we have compiled a list of the 10 best body lotions for dry skin, which are recommended by dermatologists and based on actual customer reviews, that hydrate more than surface level but also repair, restore, and protect your skin throughout the day.
What to Look for in a body lotion for dry skin
- Before we get to our best picks, here are the things dermatologists recommend looking for:
- Humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) to help draw moisture into the skin.
- Emollients (ceramides, shea butter) to help smooth and repair.
- Occlusives (petrolatum, dimethicone) to help seal in moisture.
- Preferably fragrance-free or hypoallergenic.
The 10 Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Best Overall = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
Price: $$
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is dermatologist-developed and proven – to be used by dermatologists and patients alike, and actually is the gold standard for dry skin. It revives dry skin by using essential ceramides to restore the skin barrier, [proven] to lock in moisture for 24 hours.
Why It Works:
- Non-greasy, absorbs quickly
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Suitable for any skin type, but especially sensitive/eczema skin
Pros
- Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
Derm Tip: ‘Apply immediately after you shower while your skin is still damp – to seal in all the moisture.’
2. Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
Best for Severely Dry, Flaky Skin = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Urea, Ceramides
Price: $$
Eucerin lotion is urea-based, provides both exfoliation and hydration at the same time, and penetrates deeply into the skin. is great on cracked, flaky skin that needs severe repair in just a few applications.
Why It Works:
5% urea, smooths rough patches – was recommended by my dermatologist
for chronic dry skin patients
long-lasting, fragrance-free
Pros
Contains 5% urea for exfoliation
Great for cracked, flaky skin
Lasts a long time with hydration
Cons
Has a slight medicinal scent
Very sensitive skin may sting
3. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Best for Sensitive Skin = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Glycerin
Price: $
Aveeno lotion is oat-based as well, with great potential for coverage, smells very pleasant, and will hydrate all day long. And has been clinically proven to improve skin health within one day.
Why It Works:
Great for kids and adults
will improve skin condition with continued use
is non-greasy and absorbs fast
Pros
Colloidal oatmeal soothes skin irritation at contact
Cost effective
Soaks in quickly
Cons
May not be as effective for extremely dry skin
Contains light fragrance
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
Best Lightweight = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid
Cost: $$
This gel-cream hybrid is perfect for those who are not fans of a thick lotion. Plus, this product uses hyaluronic acid which gives skin a nice boost of hydration while leaving no residue.
Why it works:
Normal to dry skin.
Fast absorbing, cool to the touch.
Oil-free, dye-free.
Pros
Lightweight, gel-like consistencyÂ
Full of Hyaluronic acid
Great for layering products
Cons
Not substantive enough for really dry skin
Has a slight fragrance
5. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide, thermal water
Cost: $$$
This French pharmacy’s formulation works wonders for eczema and atopic skin. It helps re-establish the microbiome while repairing the skin barrier.
Why it works:
Good for babies, children, and adults.
48-hour moisture.
Tested on sensitive skin.
Pros
Great for eczema
48 hour hydration
Microbiome friendly
Cons
Pricey
Thick texture may require extra effort to rub in
6. Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
Best for Allergy-Prone Skin = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, petrolatum
Cost: $
Vanicream is free from dyes, fragrances, parabens, or anything highly irritating, making it a holy grail for ultra-sensitive skin types.
Why it works:
Accepted by The National Eczema Association.
Lightweight but still effective.
Safe for the face and body.
Pros
Hypoallergenic
No irritants
Light but effective
Cons
Very basic feel and scent
Not ultra-rich
7. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Best Budget Pick = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Amino Acids, HA, Glycerin
Cost: $
Though more commonly used as a facial moisturizer, CeraVe’s formulation makes for a Budget-friendly body lotion for the dry patches as well.
Why it works:
A range of hydrating ingredients for a great price
Non-greasy feel
Alcohol-Silicone-free
Pros
Super affordable
Clean, minimal formula
Non-greasy
Cons
Small tube size
More often for the face
8. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Best Multi-Use Lotion = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter
Retail Price: $$$
This whipped cream is loved by beauty editors and dermatologists for good reason, you can use it on your face and body, and it can help with dry patches, flaking, or even keratosis pilaris (KP).
Why it works
Suitable for extreme eczema and rosacea
Very rich texture with results fast
Cruelty-free and veganÂ
Pros
Multi-use (face + body)
Great for KP and eczema
Fragrance-free version
Cons
Pricey for the body
Feels rich for everyday use
9. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Best Classic Choice = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Sweet Almond Oil
Retail Price: $$
Cetaphil has been a go-to in pharmacies for years, Cetaphil thick moisturizing cream is straightforward but does the job when you need hydration.
Why it works:
Trusted by dermatology for the last 70 years
Great as a nighttime moisturizer
Mild enough for the whole family
Pros
Well-trusted classic
Very hydrating
Gentle enough for little ones
Cons
Thick, can feel greasy
No active “booster” ingredients
10. Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Best Luxe Choice = buy amazon
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Peptides, Marula Oil
Retail Price: $$$$
Last but definitely not least, for anyone wanting results combined with the experience of being in the spa, Nécessaire nails it by blending science-backed ingredients, sustainability, and luxury.
Why it works:
Absorbs quickly and is deeply hydrating
Fragrance-free optionÂ
All clean, minimalistic ingredients
Pros
Luxurious texture and ingredients
Fragrance-free option
Contains Niacinamide and peptides
Cons
Expensive
Mediocre hydration, not for extreme dryness
Dermatologist Solutions to Minimize Dry Skin
Apply lotion as soon as you get out of the bath or shower to seal in moisture.
Use lukewarm water rather than hot water because hot water can strip away the natural oils from your skin.
Avoid soaps that are too harsh and look for a gentle, pH-balanced body cleanser.
Drink water to hydrate yourself from the inside out.
Use a humidifier, especially when indoors in a dry environment.
Final Thoughts
If you struggle with dry skin, then a good lotion can make a difference. Whether it is heavy-duty Eucerin or lightweight Neutrogena Hydro Boost, or ultra-gentle Vanicream, there is something made for you. All 10 of these dermatologist-approved products work as per the advertisements, with real people getting real results.Â
Remember, consistency is key! So, for healthy, soft, and nourished skin year-round, try to moisturize twice a day, especially after you bathe.
FAQs
What lotion do dermatologists recommend most for dry skin?
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm are dermatologist-approved options.
Should I use lotion every day?
Yes, ideally, two times every day- morning and night will have the best result.
Are scented lotions bad for my dry skin?
Fragrance can irritate sensitive or dry skin, so try to stick with fragrance-free formulas when you can.
What is the best body lotion for extremely dry skin?
For extremely dry skin, dermatologists generally recommend Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion or La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+. Both of these options are formulated to be extremely hydrating while also restoring the skin barrier (ceramides, urea, niacinamide).
Can I use body lotion on my face?
Many body lotions, like Vanicream, can be gentle enough to be applied to your face, but many products are not formulated to be used on the thin, sensitive skin on your face. It is best to use products specifically stating that it is safe to be used on the face.
How often should I use body lotion if I have dry skin?
Dermatologists recommend using body lotion at least two times daily; once in the morning, then once after bathing. If you have especially dry or flaky skin, then you could try reapplying throughout the day.
