Is giving your skin the TLC it needs truly easier said than done? It's tempting to gravitate toward the body lotions you see the most frequently taking up real estate on the shelves of your neighborhood drugstore and beauty supplier, but let's get real: The health of your skin largely depends on the way you treat it. For people with naturally dry skin, identifying the products that can keep your skin hydrated and healthy can be a game changer.
The general rule of thumb to follow is that no matter your skin type, it's important to find the body lotions that will make a difference. If you're ready to finally learn more about how to take care of your dry skin, keep reading for an in-depth guide to hydration-boosting body lotions straight from the expert (plus, 18 of the best product recommendations to revamp your bodycare routine).
How Do I Know If I Have Dry Skin?
Marmur Medical's Rachel Westbay, M.D. reminds us that your skin is an organ that's constantly comes into contact with environmental aggressors. "Your skin is an incredibly impressive organ that needs support to optimally function, just like any other," she begins. "It is our protective barrier and is also a sensory organ, temperature regulator, and so much more. Adding a quality body cream to your skincare routine is one of the best (and easiest) ways to keep your skin healthy." Wondering if you have dry skin? Westbay tells us to look out for the feeling of skin tightness, skin that's rough to the touch and appears rough, inflammation, itchiness, dryness, and flakiness.
If after showering you're left with tight or itchy skin, celebrity aesthetician Ian Michael Crumm recommends that you start incorporating an ultra-moisturizing body lotion into your routine. "Hot showers, artificial heat, and cold weather all contribute to dehydrating skin, further compounding dryness if someone naturally produces less sebum or oil on their skin," Crumm explains. With so many options out there, it's best to avoid heavily fragranced products (they may cause irritation) or retinol when not used in moderation.
Why Is It Important To Use Body Lotion?
While using body lotion as part of a well-rounded bodycare routine may seem obvious, knowing why it's a step that shouldn't be skipped can change how you look at the lotion sitting on your shelf. According to Surface Deep founder Alicia Zalka, M.D., body lotion, body cream, or body oil should be part of your daily bodycare lineup because arms, legs, hands, and heels are the driest parts of the body. They also have the least ability to hydrate themselves due to a lack of oil glands. "These body areas have a low supply and a high demand for hydration," she explains.
Schweiger Dermatology Group's Nava Greenfield, M.D., echoes the sentiment, adding that having dry skin can leave the body prone to complications and illness. "Dry skin forms small micro-cracks between the cells of the stratum corneum and when the cracks accumulate, inflammation develops. inflamed skin becomes itchy and can lead to eczema and dermatitis," says Greenfield. Additionally, she flags that the formation of cracks leave the skin vulnerable to infection from bacteria, fungus, and viruses that, in turn, limit the skin's ability to protect and fight against pathogens.
What Ingredients Should I Look For In a Body Lotion?
Dry skin requires extra care to be restored to its healthiest state, and having lotions on hand with the best ingredients is a must. "Body lotions should have some or all of the following features: incorporate ingredients that are missing in dry skin cells and skin layers such as ceramides, oils, lipids and ingredients that attract, bind to, and hold onto water," explains Greenfield. Wondering what other ingredients can help address dry skin? Zalka breaks down the best ingredients you should have in your body lotion below.
Shea Butter: An essential, plant-based vegan, ingredient that delivers long-lasting hydration.
Glycolic Acid: A key ingredient that sloughs through dead skin cells what Zalka refers to as, "a pH desirable layer of moisture to the skin," that is in balance with the skin's acidic pH. It's also helpful for addressing keratosis pilaris.
Glycerin: This is a plant-based, humectant ingredient, meaning it draws in moisture from its surroundings like a sponge.
Niacinamide: When added to lotion, it can slowly reduce the appearance of brown spots and calm redness with its anti-inflammatory properties. This one also pairs well with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
How Should I Add a Body Lotion To My Routine?
Now that you know what ingredients to look for, our skincare experts have some helpful tips and tricks for getting the most out of your body lotion of choice. While you can certainly reap the benefits of a lotion anytime, there are some ways to make sure you support the health of the skin barrier with every drop. Greenfield highlights the importance of using a lotion or cream frequently and consistently. "After bathing is important but sometimes, depending on the circumstance, I even recommend it before bathing to create a barrier before exposing your skin to water," she says.
As you may have already guessed, when you hop in the shower, water will wash away the natural oils and lipids that have been built up (and are important for skin barrier function). While Zalka agrees with applying body lotion before or after bathing, she also encourages using it before bedtime. "Your daily activities are over and not threatening to rub off the product so it stays put all night while you sleep," Zalka tells us. "You can awaken with soft supple skin all over." For best results, try slathering your skin with body lotion at least twice a day.
The Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin, Listed
- Best Overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Best Thick Formula: La Roche Posay Lipikar Ap+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer For Dry Skin
- Best Lightweight Feel: Caudalie Vinotherapist Nourishing Hyaluronic Body Lotion
- Best Fragrance-Free Option: Nécessaire The Body Lotion
- Best Long-Lasting Effects: Grown Alchemist Restorative Body Cream
Key Ingredients: 10% glycerin, ceramides | Size: 19.0-oz jar | Scented: No
"A very economical recommendation would be the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisturiser Body Lotion. I recommend it because it is made with 10% glycerin, an emollient, and ceramides which the skin needs and often lacks or has a suboptimal concentration of in dry skin." — Zalka
Customer Review: "This body lotion is a lifesaver for dry skin, especially during winter when my skin tends to suffer the most. It’s lightweight but provides deep hydration, leaving my skin feeling soft and moisturized. For the price, it’s an excellent value. If you’re looking for an effective lotion to combat dryness, this is a fantastic choice. I highly recommend it."
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, petrolatum | Size: 19.0-oz jar | Scented: No
"This cream contains ceramides—the building blocks of the skin—to lock moisture in and keep the outside environment out, as well as hyaluronic acid (an ingredient that's essential for intense hydration)." — Westbay
Customer Review: "I’ve been using CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for a few weeks now and I absolutely love how hydrating and soothing it feels on my skin. The texture is rich but non-greasy, and it absorbs quickly. My skin feels smoother and looks more radiant. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and doesn’t clog pores. I also appreciate the fragrance-free formula and the inclusion of ceramides. This is now a staple in my skincare routine!"
Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, squalane, avocado oil | Size: 8.4-oz, 16.9-oz, 33.8-oz bottles | Scented: No
This best-selling lotion uses a revitalizing blend of cocoa butter and shea butter, to leave the skin smooth, soft, and moisturized. Designed for use on all skin types, it's a must for locking in, then boosting the hydration levels of your skin barrier.
Customer Review: "Creme de Corps is my go-to body lotion during the winter. It’s rich, thick, and really hydrates dry skin. It does feel a bit oily at first, so it’s best to use it when you have time to let it soak in before getting dressed. Still, it leaves my skin soft and moisturized for a long time."
Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin | Size: 2.5-oz, 7.0-oz, and 13.5-oz bottle | Scented: No
"Especially in colder climates, this product is essential. It is thicker than my other recommendations but applying it is like giving yourself a hug of moisturizer that lasts throughout the day. The heavier formulation has staying power and is ultra soothing for chafed skin." — Greenfield
Customer Review: "I’ve used most of the La Roche-Posay line, and I have to say, living on the East Coast with all the weather changes, the Lipikar series has been a total lifesaver for my skin. It’s the only product that truly smooths my peeling skin during seasonal transitions and keeps it looking healthy and hydrated year-round. I highly recommend this brand, especially if you deal with harsh winters!"
Key Ingredients: Antioxidants and niacinamide (vitamin B3) | Size: 16.0-oz bottle | Scented: No
"This lotion contains both ceramides and filaggrin, two proteins that help rebuild and replenish the skin barrier, which is often impaired in patients with eczema. It's also nice and light and absorbs quickly." — Westbay
Customer Review: "Cetaphil's Firming Restoring Lotion is a deep repairing moisturizer, you can use all over your body without a greasy, heavy feeling. I've used it on my face and neck and haven't experienced any breakouts from it. I love the soft sleek feel of my dry skin after using this lotion. I use the lotion overnight and have seen a noticeable improvement in my skin. I highly recommend this lotion."
Key Ingredients: 5% tamanu oil, fermented oil blend, ceramides | Size: 6.7-oz bottle | Scented: No
"This has tamanu oil in the formula, which is great at calming skin redness and irritation without leaving a greasy aftermath. It’s packed with ceramides to make sure the skin barrier is plump and lubricated." — Crumm
Customer Review: "The Great Body Relief has become one of my favorite body lotions! It soothes my eczema patches and absorbs easily without leaving any sticky residue. Despite being lightweight, it’s incredibly moisturizing. I even keep a small container in my bag to use as hand cream on the go. Several friends have asked me for the link after trying it—definitely a staple in my routine!"
Key Ingredients: Patented Thera-Biome+ complex, niacinamide, bakuchiol | Size: 6.7-oz bottle | Scented: Yes
Luna's microbiome and pH-balancing daily lotion intensely moisturizes, hydrates, and nurtures a healthy skin barrier. Its formula uses niacinamide, bakuchiol, and the brand's patented Thera-Biome+ complex to support the health of your skin.
Customer Review: "This is my first time using a product from Luna and it’s great. The lotion instantly softened my skin and made it look so healthy. It has a floral scent to it which is really refreshing. I can’t wait to keep using it and see the long term effects!"
Key Ingredients: Biotech Hyaluronic Acid, organic shea butter, antioxidant polyphenols | Size: 6.7-oz bottle | Scented: Yes
"This is lightweight compared to the other options but still super hydrating. The shea butter plays nicely with the biotech hyaluronic acid." — Crumm
Customer Review: "This is one of the first purchases I have made and can’t live without. I just adore the way my skin feels when I use it. It absorbs quickly and is never greasy. It leaves my skin feeling so hydrated yet, it’s [also] light and breathable. The scent is lovely and I’d describe it as botanical. This is my most favorite body lotion ever and I’ll keep on buying it!"
Associate Beauty Editor Maya Thomas tests Nécessaire's The Body Lotion.
Key Ingredients: 2.5% niacinamide, vitamin C, vitamin E, peptides | Size: 6.8-oz bottle | Scented: No
Here's a lightweight and fast-absorbing body cream that replenishes the skin's vibrancy and moisture with transformative ingredients like 2.5% niacinamide, vitamin C, vitamin E, and peptides for healthy and youthful appearing (and feeling) skin.
Customer Review: "This lotion is incredible! My skin felt noticeably softer and more hydrated after just one use. The texture is rich yet absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue. I also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin or pairing with your favorite perfume."
Key Ingredients: T.L.C. Framboos AHA Blend, marula butter, shea butter | Size: 8.0-oz bottle | Scented: Yes
"This lotion sits in the drawer next to my bed. I use it almost every night. I love that it contains glycolic acid that offers skin smoothing and polishing benefits while I slumber." — Zalka
Customer Review: "This is my all time favorite lotion! I use it every single day after the shower and it makes my legs and arms so smooth and soft. It's not hard to rub in and doesn't make skin greasy. This lotion is a game changer!"
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil, rosehip, botanical oil blend| Size: 16.9-oz bottle and 4.0-oz tube | Scented: Yes
"[It] has an abundance of ingredients, naturally derived, and formulated for sensitive, dry, irritated, skin such as shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. It has a subtle fragrance which should not cause skin reactions and the shea butter locks in moisture for long lasting effects. Luxury without the luxury price tag." — Greenfield
Customer Review: "This is a great lightweight body cream. I love the herbal scent; it is reminiscent of a creamsicle to me. Fragrance can be highly personal, but if you like rosemary and mandarin I would go for it! The scent does not linger regardless. If you are in need of serious moisture this may not be the best choice, but it sinks into the skin well without leaving a greasy feeling. This is my everyday body cream, and I use heavier products as needed. I have repurchased [it] multiple times."
Key Ingredients: I-Modula, Cer-Omega, Avène Thermal Spring Water | Size: 13.5-oz. bottle and 6.7-oz tube | Scented: No
"In addition to glycerin, this replenishing cream is rich [in] omega-6 fatty acids to nourish, soothe, and calm dry, itchy skin. A postbiotic complex helps rebalance the skin’s microbiome while supporting its natural defense system." — Westbay
Customer Review: "I love this product. Highly moisturizing without being greasy or leaving a sticky film on your skin that you can feel throughout the day. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin healthy and radiant. I love that it’s fragrance-free as I’m very sensitive to scents. The packaging is great, too!"
Key Ingredients: 10% ISDIN Urea, emollients, 3% dexpanthenol | Size: 13.5-oz bottle | Scented: Yes
"Urea is the star ingredient in this extremely moisturizing lotion that produces long-lasting hydration for 24 hours. As a humectant and keratolytic, the 10% urea in this lotion helps the skin barrier hold on to moisture for sustained symptom relief and repair, while also smoothing out dry, rough, and flaky skin for improved appearance and associated itch. It also contains lactic acid, a known humectant in low concentrations, as well as other hydrating ingredients, like glycerin and dimethicone." — Westbay
Customer Review: "I have found the Uradin hydrating body lotion from ISDIN to be highly effective in addressing my dry skin concerns. It absorbs really well and doesn’t make my skin feel sticky. My skin is hydrated and soft all day. The pump dispenser makes it so effective. Loved it!"
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, mango butter, ceramide, niacinamide | Size: 8.0-oz bottle | Scented: No
The Skin Restore Body Cream is noncomedogenic, non-greasy and works quickly to visibly improve dry skin, even tone, and strengthen the natural protective barrier using a nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid, ceramide, niacinamide, and more. Ideal for all skin types (yes, even sensitive) this one's formula is both free of fragrance and parabens.
Customer Review: "The EltaMD Moisture-Rich Body Crème feels like a skin reset in a tube. It’s thick enough to deeply hydrate but still spreads smoothly and absorbs without leaving any greasy film. The formula feels dermatologist-grade—rich, fragrance-free, and packed with ingredients that calm and restore dry or sensitive skin. It instantly softens rough spots and keeps the skin feeling nourished long after applying. The tube design makes it easy to control how much you use, and a little truly goes a long way."
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramide NP| Size: 5.1-oz bottle | Scented: No
"It has two key ingredients of glycerin for attracting moisture and niacinamide for its extra benefits. I use this right after my shower. Its light feeling formula glides on with ease. I often apply another heavier product like body oil over it when my skin is feeling parched in the cold weather especially." — Zalka
Customer Review: "I love this stuff so much! It’s super hydrating and you can 100% see a difference the second you put it on. Your skin will have a very natural glow and sheen-like look to it. The first time I used this product I knew that I was hooked. I promise you it’s worth the money and you will feel like you just ramped up your skincare routine!!"
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic 4 + 2 Complex, DMAE, brown algae extract | Size: 6.0-oz tube | Scented: No
Perricone MD's lightweight body therapy uses four forms and two natural building blocks of hyaluronic acid to promote visibly smoother, firmer skin. In addition to beyond lightweight and fast-absorbing, it protects the skin's moisture barrier with brown algae extract and DMAE.
Customer Review: "I have enjoyed using this body therapy lotion. The texture is a perfect balance between cream and lotion. My skin absorbs it quickly, and it doesn't leave a greasy or heavy feeling on my skin. I have noticed that the skin on my hands and arms looks healthier and less dry, and the fine lines and dark spots are less noticeable. This is now a staple in my body care routine."
Thomas tests Oak Essential's Luminous Body Lotion.
Key Ingredients: Blue tansy oil, rose oil, turmeric root extract, shea butter, coconut oil | Size: 1.3-oz and 10.0-oz bottles | Scented: Yes
Oak Essentials' The Luminous Body Lotion has a luxe, silky texture and a formula filled with antioxidant-rich ingredients like inflammation calming blue tansy, glow boosting rose oil, and a deeply moisturizing blend of shea butter and coconut oil. It also contains camphor for a naturally calming effect.
Customer Review: "I have extremely dry, sensitive skin. I’m also a diabetic, so I have to be very careful with what I use on my body. I was skeptical about Oak Essentials Body Lotion, especially because it is scented. But I have been pleasantly surprised with the results. It is highly moisturizing and comfortable on my skin. I have had no adverse effects during use. The scent is also light and fresh, something I find pleasing. I am extremely pleased with my purchase and will definitely purchase again."
Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E | Size: 6.6-oz jar | Scented: Yes
Looking for a rich, refillable body cream to add to your rotation? Consider adding the Orange Bergamot Refillable Body Cream by Molton Brown to the lineup. This a buttery body cream that delivers deep hydration to the skin, leaving it scented with lively notes of orange, neroli, and musk.
Customer Review: N/A
How We Tested
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To identify the 18 best body lotions on the market for dry skin, we leaned on guidance and product picks from three experts (two dermatologists and an aesthetician), as well as my knowledge and first-hand testing. As part of my research, I considered several factors, including the ingredients used to enhance each formula, texture, fragrance, and speed of absorption into skin. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Why TrustBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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