The 27 Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin

We tried—and loved—this lotion, which is certified vegan and uses only cruelty-free ingredients, including niacinamide (a form of vitamin B), vitamins A, C and E to nourish skin and omegas 6 and 9 to support it, with other naturally-derived elements to boot, like sustainable palm and olive. We appreciate how it immediately sinks in without leaving a greasy or sticky feeling behind.

"It's literally the only body lotion I've ever loved. I dislike most lotions because the lingering feeling of slippery or sticky lotion makes me want to crawl out of my skin, but Nécessaire absorbs almost immediately. It's a little pricey compared to drugstore picks, but in my opinion it's completely worth it," says Sarah Stiefvater, wellness director at PureWow.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: vitamin B5, vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter

Because this body lotion is very thick and rich, it's the perfect pick for those calluses on your feet and hands. Sure, it takes a little extra work to rub in, but the hydration and coverage are well worth it, according to celebs like Julia Roberts and Victoria Beckham.

It's fully plant-based, with extracts of rosemary, chamomile and pansy combined with sunflower and sweet almond oils and beeswax to add that extra bit of sealed-in protection. Plus, a former PureWow writer found it calmed her over-exfoliated skin in under three days: "Each night I went to bed looking like a baby seal with a generous amount of oil- and beeswax-laden Skin Food slathered on my face, and every morning I woke up a little less irritated than the last. Surprisingly, it took only 72 hours to heal [my skin] completely," says former Senior Commerce Editor Brianna Lapolla.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: rosemary extract, chamomile extract, pansy extract, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil

Aveeno is one of the most popular and widely available brands for eczema. Their formulas are non-greasy, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, but the real differentiator is the inclusion of soothing colloidal oatmeal and ceramides, a combination that caught the attention of the National Eczema Association. It's been clinically proven to reduce dryness and scaling that those with eczema present.

In short? This stuff works. Just ask one of the 10,000 5-star reviews or our passionate editors: "The whole eczema therapy line is great. Disclaimer: I don't have eczema, but I don't love a scented lotion, so in the dead of winter, I need something super nourishing. This [body lotion] checks both boxes (being unscented and really hydrating). It's also not greasy, which is always a plus," says Katherine Gillen, senior food editor at PureWow.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, ceramides

The extra-hot water we tend to use all winter long can really do a number on our skin. Enter: ceramides. These fats and lipids are godsends for helping to protect our epidermis and make it silky-smooth, and this lotion has them in spades for fast repair. Buyers say it also absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy film behind. The result? A moisture shield that lasts for up to what Eucerin claims will be 48 hours.

As one editor shares, "I have super dry skin, especially in the cold winter, and this lotion is a great addition to my bodycare. The formula is thick, and it takes some time to absorb into my skin, but the results have me reaching for it every time. My skin feels and looks super soft—plus, no strong scent? Yes, please," says Chelsea Candelario, associate editor at PureWow.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: ceramides

This body lotion promises superior hydration minus the toxic ingredients. Its rich formula includes natural oils, ceramides and plant-based butters to moisturize and protect your skin. You'll also find ingredients like cocoa butter and shea butter and a blend of oils (like grapeseed, argan, rose hip and linseed) that nourish and protect dry skin. Oh, and let's not forget about the light coconut, vanilla and warm almond scent that's not overly cloying.

"The Summer Fridays [body lotion] is my favorite. It's thick, but still blends really well and you don't need to use a ton of it at a time. It's also so hydrating—I tend to have super dry skin year-round. Plus, the scent is subtle but it still makes me feel like I smell good even if I don't want to put perfume on," says Natalie LaBarbera, assistant commerce editor at PureWow.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: cocoa butter, shea butter, grapeseed oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, linseed oil

Searching for instant relief? This nourishing cream can help. According to the brand, the lotion promises major improvement to dry skin over time—and we have a feeling it's because of its stacked ingredients list. The formula features shea butter to moisturize the skin, allantoin to calm irritation and colloidal oatmeal to soothe and relieve any itching. "I give it a stamp of approval because my skin has never felt softer. It's become my winter staple for years now and I'll never look back," says Candelario.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin

We can go on and on about this body moisturizer, but we'll just let our Senior Editor Dana Dickey share why its her staple body lotion: "It’s a marvelous round bar of cocoa butter, sweet almond oil and other botanical all-natural ingredients. You just glide it across your body and it melts into your skin without leaving a greasy trace. I like the uplifting rose-and-neroli scent, and there’s also a lavender-laced sleep inducing one among others. Oh and finally, you only buy the little bamboo canister once; you can just buy the lotion bar without a case, so less packaging waste."

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil

This budget-friendly lotion has a reputation for its rich and creamy formula that absorbs quickly and soothes sensitive skin. Formulated with shea butter and oatmeal extract, it's a go-to for our editors. "I've used it since I was a kid. I'm very picky about lotion and I hate it when there's a greasy or sticky residue. This one leaves you feeling supple but not slippery at all," says Marissa Wu, associate SEO editor at PureWow.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: shea butter, oatmeal extract, glycerin, coconut oil, soybean oil

When Eos expanded into body lotions, we were curious to see if it will hold up. Spoiler alert: it most definitely did. It's rich blend of oils and butters make for a must-have on this list. "I was seeing this body lotion everywhere on TikTok and was finally convinced to try it out myself. The creamy texture glided nicely onto my skin and I can't get over the vanilla scent (aka notes of whipped vanilla, soft musk and cozy caramel). It's smells SO good without being overpowering," says Candelario.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: shea butter, oatmeal extract, glycerin, coconut oil, soybean oil

This CeraVe pick checks all of the boxes in terms of what you would want in a good body lotion for dry skin, from its hydrating ingredients right down to the value. With hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help restore your skin's natural moisture, it's also fragrance-free, allergy-tested, non-comedogenic, lightweight and non-greasy. Plus, it holds a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.

If you need even more convincing, just ask the 90,000 5-star reviews who stan this lotion: "For people who have sensitive skin and are not looking for anything that is scented, this is the perfect product. Within a week, I noticed a significant difference in my skin. It didn't leave any oils or residue [behind]. I honestly do not remember the last time I had acne; this product has helped my skin significantly. I have even used it on my feet for calluses and dry skin there as well. It has worked like a charm!"

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Everyone talks about wanting their face to glow from the inside out, but no one talks about their hopes and dreams for visibly silky arms and legs. Maybe because there hasn't been a product that actually got the job done. Well, that was until Augustinus Bader's body lotion hit the market and *totally* changed the game.

Now, it may be a splurge, but you should know that the luxe product has a star-studded ingredient lineup complete with shea butter, vitamin E, aloe vera leaf juice and more. It also features the brand's iconic Trigger Factor Complex, a vitamin-and-peptide-packed formula that supports cellular renewal and powers some of our favorite skincare products ever (ahem, the Rich Cream). And you'd better believe this makes the lightweight lotion a beast at hydrating, nourishing and strengthening dry skin in one fell swoop. So we'll just say we have no doubt that it will also help tackle redness, hyperpigmentation and stretch marks in the long run. Making your skin glow? Just the beginning.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: vitamin B5, vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter

Thanks to its high levels of vitamins and fatty acids, shea butter is known for its ability to act as a natural emollient—and you'll find loads of it in Cetaphil's body lotion. The dermatologist-recommended pick is both hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making it safe to use on all skin types. The company promises it will lock in moisture for up to 48 hours, which makes it ideal for use on common problem areas like the knees, feet, hands and elbows. The brand also claims that an internal study resulted in a 94 percent softer texture for participants in just one week.

Plus, reviewers appreciate that it isn't greasy and reportedly leaves your skin looking radiant. "This cream is thick, rich and targets skin that’s in major trouble. I use it for patches of extreme dryness like my hands in the winter and my face and neck in the summer months. It applies in a smooth, butter-like layer and absorbs quickly, but I can still feel that layer of protection and moisture on my skin for some minutes after applying," shares one buyer.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: shea butter, niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin

If you're drier than the average person, you'll need something that goes above and beyond what you're using now. This non-greasy and lightweight balm attracts more moisture with hyaluronic acid, reportedly leaving it feeling soft and velvety-smooth. The whipped consistency also gives you more bang for your buck since shoppers say a little goes a long way. And we can't forget to point out it's got a "light and unique" scent that's not overpowering or irritating. "This lotion is really light, absorbs quickly and has a nice clean scent. I have super dry skin, and this has become my favorite lotion to combat the dryness. My skin feels quenched," one shopper notes.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid

Cocoa butter is an ingredient with a strong legion of fans, and nobody does it better than Palmer's. The brand's lotion pairs this skincare superstar with vitamin E, which helps moisturize dry skin, but also acts as an antioxidant, potentially improving the appearance of scars and other blemishes. Did we mention it also smells like cocoa? Mmm.

One reviewer adds, "I have been using this lotion for over three years, and it truly is the best. The scent makes me think of hot chocolate, but not overpowering at all. I also have sensitive skin, and this has never given me an issue — if anything, it is a calming lotion when my skin flares up with itchiness or irritation. This lotion also keeps my skin moisturized for much longer than other brands."

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil

It can be frustrating if you have both dry skin and keratosis pilaris—a common skin condition caused by dead skin cells that get trapped in hair follicles, resulting in tiny bumps. (They often go hand-in-hand.) Lotions like this one from CeraVe are made with salicylic and lactic acid to gently exfoliate as it hydrates, helping to slough off those cells that would otherwise continue to plug up your pores. It's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, too.

Still hesitant? Read through this rave review: "I got a small sample from my dermatologist for this to help with my upper arms (I have keratosis). I wasn’t actively looking for anything as I was there for another thing and had given up trying to find a solution for the bumps. I’ve tried other lotions in the past with zero success, so I was skeptical, but this one works!! My arms look and feel so much better! They’re soft, not blotchy red, and the closest to “normal” that I have ever had."

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: salicylic acid, lactic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin D

This lotion promises luscious, smooth skin. It's formulated with a proprietary combination of amino acids called Trigger Factor Complex (TCF8) that the company claims can visibly firm skin, reduce cellulite and stretch marks and even lessen sun damage. Cruelty- and fragrance-free, it's safe for all types of skin, and also contains vitamins A and E, plus shea butter for softness.

While it's much more expensive than the others on this list, if it helps put some bounce back into our epidermal layer, we're all for it. "I’ve tried many creams in my life, and this is my absolute favorite. It not only moistens well but smoothes out wrinkles and evens the skin tone and little discolorations. Also, the nice thing is that it has no smell (like light cream) and absorbs incredibly well," adds one customer.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: bisabolol, shea butter

If your skin is dry but not necessarily sensitive, you may be able to opt for a scented cream; and if so, this lotion is delectable. With notes of vanilla, salted caramel and pistachio, the brand promises it will have you feeling great but also calm, relaxed and smelling delightful. "This is my favorite body cream. The scent is amazing and lasts all day. It absorbs into the skin very quickly and keeps my legs soft, smooth, and moisturized for a few days per use. It’s worth the price," says one reviewer.

The key ingredient is cupuaçu butter, an antioxidant-rich emollient that aims to provide moisture, stimulate circulation and restore elasticity to your skin, in theory lessening any sagging (hence why it's marketed for your rear). Meanwhile, antioxidant-heavy acai oil is included to help relieve painful cracking, and coconut oil furthers softens, conditions and hydrates.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: guaranà extract, cupuaçu butter, coconut oil

The fact that this company has been around since the early 1970s says it all. Once hailed as an "ash killer," this Kiehl's staple is known for getting rid of your flaking dry skin quickly thanks to its cocoa butter-rich formula. No wonder Chloë Sevigny adores it! If you're a heavy user, you can also opt for the larger refillable version, cutting down on bottle refuse.

"This is the first full body moisturizer I've used that 100 percent resolves my dry skin. In the wintertime, my skin cracks and gets scaly but using this every day last year completely resolved all issues and my skin stayed soft. Absorbs well, not too thick. It's expensive, but I only go through one large size a year, which to me is worth it," shares one buyer.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: squalane, cocoa butter

Dryness and tightness will be a thing of the past once you get your hands on this hydrator. Despite its low price tag, its moisture-locking glycerin and pro-vitamin B5 formula helps soothe and heal dry skin for up to 72 hours without the need for constant reapplication.

"I rarely give reviews, but this lotion has been saving my skin from extreme dryness and itchiness. I cannot believe the difference in my skin since I've been using it for about a month now. I'm also pregnant and was having an itchy belly, but this product really helped to hydrate the skin of my stomach, and the itching has decreased almost entirely. It's a moisturizing product but not greasy at all, and hydration lasts for almost the entire day, from my own experience," one shopper relays.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: provitamin B5

Gold Bond has a long history and a solid reputation when it comes to body lotion, and this one is specially formulated to help moisture-challenged skin. Boasting the power of aloe, which has been credited with everything from having anti-aging properties to soothing burns, it's well-suited to heal the uncomfortable cracks that can come with extremely dry skin without causing any irritation. That's because it's completely hypoallergenic (according to the company, it's even been through the wringer by dermatologists on this front), non-comedogenic and fast-absorbing, with a clean-but-not-overpowering scent that will keep you smelling fresh all day.

"I've been using this product for years and compared to some other products it is one of the best. This lotion truly absorbs into your skin and leaves it feeling so soft. My hands are very dry, especially in the winter. This lotion is my go-to. This lotion is excellent for your entire body including your face. It has a slightly clean smell and dries within minutes. Worth the money!" shares one fan.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, aloe vera

If you're short on time, kill two birds with one stone with this in-shower lotion that's activated by H20 to provide extra moisture when your skin is still wet. It absorbs immediately, so you can towel dry, get dressed and be on your way without having to wait around. With a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, it's safe to use on sensitive skin, and according to the brand's promise, your skin will feel three times more hydrated.

"I have extremely dry skin, and after just one application, yes I said one application, I could feel and see that my skin was moist and felt so soft!! When I woke up the next day after my shower and first application, my skin still felt moist and soft," adds one reviewer.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: ceramides, vitamin E, oatmeal extract

According to the brand, this extra-strength cream works by binding water to the skin to replenish its natural barrier in as little as one week. That makes it especially helpful for treating extra-flaky areas, such as the elbows and feet. Moreover, Cetaphil says it will protect your skin for a full 24 hours after it's been applied. The magic formula includes almond oil and Vitamin E.

"This is the best moisturizer I’ve ever used. It’s not greasy it doesn’t get sticky after applying it to my entire body. It also absorbs immediately, and after washing my hands, I immediately see my skin results improve with less than 24 hours of use. Will never use any other moisturizer Cetaphil is heaven in a jar!" says one shopper.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide

Want stronger skin without that slippery, greasy feel? Look no further than this dermatologist-developed lotion, which will be your new best friend. Its lightweight consistency, along with its vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5 and lipids, is said to absorb in seconds yet last for hours.

"This is so wonderful for dry, parched skin, and over time it really cures it. In the winter, get this all over your body after your bath or shower. It’s not greasy, so go ahead and be generous. You will feel such relief. Note: this says it is fragrance-free, but I can detect a subtle, almost nutty scent that lingers on the skin. It’s quite nice, and I don’t mind it a bit," one reviewer notes.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, pro-ceramide

There's no reason to drop a big chunk of change to get quality body lotion. This one from Jergens gets the job done and then some. It promises to improve your skin's appearance by targeting all those dry spots (i.e, elbows, knees, heels). It's formulated with a blend of vitamin C, E and B5, which according to the brand, can moisturize your skin for up to 48 hours.

We trust the 20,700 5-star reviews, which have yet to steer us in the wrong direction. "I'm a nurse, and I wash my hands and apply hand sanitizer a billion times a day at work. Therefore, I apply this lotion a billion and one times a day," explains one fan. "I buy this huge bottle and even with how often I use it—and my coworkers often walk by and take a pump of it too—it lasts many months. The value is incredible given the quantity you get and the quality of the lotion. It's never greasy yet doesn’t make you feel like you’re dry again within minutes requiring a reapply. My hands feel soft and definitely don't feel like the hands of someone who does the work I do."

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B

If you have sensitive skin, looking for soothing ingredients is key, which is why customers gravitate towards this nourishing cream. Featuring ceramides and natural oils, its rich blend aims to soothe itchy skin and restore moisture. It's also approved by the National Eczema Association as being safe to use. "I have very sensitive, dry and cystic acne-prone skin. This moisturizer is like magic for my skin. It does not sting and actually soothes my skin. And a bonus point is that it is amazing under makeup!" shares one buyer.  

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: cer-omega, spring water, patented i-modulia

If you're looking for an exfoliator and a nourishing lotion, this one from AmLactin should be on your radar. The formula features lactic acid, an AHA that's been proven to remove dead skin cells, brighten dark spots and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Don't just take our word for it. As one of the 16,000 5-star reviews says: "I've come a long way in treating my KP with another exfoliating product, but I had two last areas on my body that were still red and looked dry. No matter how much I moisturized them, they still looked red. I saw someone recommend this product for KP and decided to try it. What is one more moisturizer, right? Well, this AmLactin is working great on my red spots. They are mostly gone on my arms and very faded on my thighs. So happy with how well it's working and I really like the smell, too!" shares one shopper.

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: lactic acid

With over 31,000 5-star reviewers, this body lotion was made for those with sensitive skin. Shoppers point out its non-greasy formula that spreads evenly and absorbs quickly onto the skin. "Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream has been a lifesaver for my very dry, sensitive skin! Incredibly creamy, moisturizing and absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. [It's] very helpful in calming irritated skin. A wonderful all over body moisturizer, and fabulous for your face and neck," says one Amazon reviewer. It's also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and has a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Do we need to say more?

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: purified water, petrolatum