What Is The Best Body Cream For Dry Skin

best in class Updated Apr. 25, 2022

The 14 Very Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist

Moisturizing is primal to maintaining healthy peel. Though dry peel may be more than of a risk in colder temps, actually, you should exist moisturizing daily, and all yr round. If you don't, the upshot tin be crude, scaly patches that tin can be a hurting to get rid of. "Yous desire to avert what we call 'alligator skin,'" says dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep, the founder of Spring Street Dermatology in New York Urban center. "In one case it starts cracking like that, that'southward when eczema starts happening, that'southward when rashes showtime happening, then but using moisturizer isn't going to cut information technology, so you lot've got to accept all the preventive measures." Below, our panel of dermatologists shares their favorite torso lotions for all types of dry skin, from the sensitive to the irritated and inflamed.

Ingredients: Generally, you'll want to find a trunk lotion with a humectant similar glycerin or hyaluronic acid to draw wet in and a protectant like petroleum to keep it there, according to dermatologist Dr. Jennifer MacGregor of Marriage Square Laser Dermatology. MacGregor and Boston-based dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch say to check for ingredients like ceramides and colloidal oatmeal to restore a damaged, dehydrated pare barrier, i.eastward., the outermost layer.

Price: Body lotions tend to be on the more affordable side (most options are under $30), but in case you want to get the best blindside for your buck, we've broken down the price per ounce and so you tin can make up one's mind what works best for your budget.

white tub of cerave moisturizing cream - strategist best lotion for dry skin

Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | 19 ounces (Approx. $1/ounce)

We start our list with this raved-about, fragrance-free cream considering it comes recommended by almost every dermatologist we talked to as an effective, accommodating hydrating treatment for dry skin. It'southward a dependable staple for dermatologists, Dr. Debra Jaliman says.

The formula has both ceramides and hyaluronic acid, notes dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein. New York–based dermatologist Dr. Melissa Thousand. Levin, the founder of Entière Dermatology, calls hyaluronic acid "an incredibly effective humectant." The CeraVe cream's thick texture feels cool to the touch, immediately soothing irritated peel upon application, according to Levin. Hirsch also appreciates the "soothing, creamy texture" of the moisturizer. Palep adds, "What's non to dearest?"

To get the best results, Marchbein suggests applying a liberal amount (which seems reasonable at $18 a bottle) within 60 seconds of getting out of the shower because that's when your pores will be slightly open up, allowing your skin to easily absorb the cream'southward moisture. For a lightweight option when your skin doesn't need quite every bit much TLC, say, in the summer, Dr. Promise Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Dermatology in Perrysburg, Ohio, likes CeraVe's lightweight moisturizing balm, which has similar ingredients but isn't quite as thick.

Ceramides, vitamin Due east | vi.vii ounces (Approx. $4/ounce)

For extremely dry skin, 4 dermatologists recommend using this exceptionally rich cream to foreclose slap-up and splitting (and to treat those atmospheric condition in one case they occur). The fragrance-free formula includes vitamin E and ceramides, making it "extremely hydrating," according to corrective dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss. 50.A.–based dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu is too "a big fan" of Avène's foam because of its density, telling us that "severely dry out peel typically calls for a thicker cream, balm, or ointment rather than a lotion considering they can trap in wet better." Although this cream is rather rich, Hirsch says it'southward still wearable without being as well greasy, which is ofttimes an issue with creams designed for really dry out skin. MacGregor also recommends the Avène foam for extremely dry skin, noting that anyone with astringent dryness should steer articulate of "lotions marketed for crude and bumpy skin, because they take peeling agents (lactic or glycolic alpha hydroxy acids), and these are not practiced."

Ceramides, hyaluronic acrid, lactic acid | xvi.nine ounces (Approx. $0.threescore/ounce)

If you don't like the thought of a thick cream on your super-dry peel, Palep recommends this lotion, which is thinner than a lot of other formulas for farthermost dryness but promises to lock in moisture for up to 48 hours. (She'due south not the only derm who likes information technology; others previously told united states this is a super-hydrating product for dry skin.) "I've seen it wipe out alligator skin, which is hard to do," Palep says. MacGregor agrees but cautions that considering this formula contains lactic acid (in addition to ceramides and hyaluronic acrid), it should really be used to foreclose extremely dry peel from forming rather than to treat cracks or splits that take already occurred. "Information technology has mild peeling agents to smooth rough follicles," she explains, which is why it's amend for preventative use. Hirsch similarly cautions that this balm isn't platonic for those "with existing fissures" on their peel because it can sting. But she notes that lactic acid is an "often overlooked but fantastic" ingredient for dry out peel, as it tin deed as both a gentle exfoliant and a humectant.

Petrolatum, propylene glycol | xvi ounces (Approx. $0.xc/ounce)

5 of our dermatologists — Mitchell, Palep, Idriss, Jaliman, and Hirsch — give this foam their postage stamp of approval as a go-to for soothing dry, sensitive peel. Idriss told us she always urges patients to have "the fourth dimension time to figure out" what their skin may be reacting to instead of "blindly saying, 'I have sensitive peel,'" only she notes that this stuff generally works for most types of dry out sensitive skin considering "information technology's free of near everything." She adds, "If you lot're extremely sensitive or don't take the time to figure information technology out, then this is probably a good go-to product." "The luminescence of this is what's not in it because it'south free of essentially all the principal ingredients that can cause bug," Hirsch explains. Jaliman seconds this only notes that the limited ingredient listing features petroleum and glycerin, which are useful moisturizers. Mitchell mentions that it's "accepted by the National Eczema Association," and then information technology will piece of work for those with eczema as well.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin, Soothing Lotion With Colloidal Oatmeal

Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal | vii.3 ounces (Approx. $0.60/ounce)

Chiu describes eczema as a condition "characterized by irritated, chronically itchy pare," noting that information technology tin can be notoriously choosy and tough to treat. She (along with many of our pros) says eczema patients should consult with their dermatologist about any prescription products they might employ. Brusque of a prescription, Chiu, Idriss, and Levin (who says she has eczema herself) all recommend using this lotion on dry skin acquired by eczema. "It's fragrance free, enriched with ceramides and oatmeal — oatmeal is known to be really helpful for people with eczema because it helps calm inflammation — and it really is very long-lasting," explains Idriss. Levin notes that this lotion also contains glycerin: "Not only is information technology a powerhouse ingredient considering it really knows how to pull in water, but it'south not greasy." That latter particular may be peculiarly appealing to the eczema-decumbent like herself, Levin adds, because they "are so used to using greasy stuff that they really tolerate and savour this one." Plus, Aveeno made this lotion a tad liquidy, allowing it to alloy quickly and smoothly into the skin without the incessant kneading that some thicker lotions crave.

Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | 2 ounces (Approx. $16/ounce)

If you lot're looking for something to specifically soothe inflammation caused past dry skin, Palep and Levin recommend this one, in part because they can vouch for its effectiveness after using it themselves. Levin calls this EltaMD cream "probably one of my favorite products of all fourth dimension," adding that "it has dimethicone, ceramides, and hyaluronic acrid, just it as well has squalane oil and mango-seed butter equally well as niacinamide — all of which focus on inflammation." She also lists the formula'south kiwi-fruit excerpt and bromelain, more than ingredients that she says dermatologists specifically "wait for to help with swelling and inflammation." Mitchell, some other fan, appreciates that it's long-lasting, which cuts downwardly on the number of times yous'll have to reapply. It's a lot pricier than some other lotions on this listing, but Palep says the toll is worth it because the quality of this stuff is hard to shell.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Relief Eczema Cream With Colloidal Oatmeal

Prebiotic thermal h2o, colloidal oatmeal | 6.8 ounces (Approx. $2.6/ounce)

While this cream is technically formulated to care for eczema, Levin notes that information technology's an overall great cream for calming the inflammation that typically happens with dry skin. When peel is dry and inflamed, she explains, information technology mostly suggests there's "an imbalance of the natural bacteria and microbes that live on the pare." This foam helps restore that residuum while hydrating and smoothing, she says. Levin notes that the "hero" ingredient in this is "prebiotic thermal water," adding that it is by and large "incredibly rich in minerals that focus on trying to rebalance your pare microbiome." It's "much thicker" than our best overall CeraVe cream, she admits, merely has standout ingredients that tin deeply hydrate and soothe whatever redness, irritation, and inflammation.

Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray & Dry Skin Relief

Petrolatum, glycerin | half dozen.viii ounces (Approx. $2.vii/ounce)

Several of our experts say most of the creams on this list would work well with mature skin. Dr. Mary Lupo of the Lupo Eye for Artful and General Dermatology explains that as we age, the skin barrier becomes more compromised (hence, dry skin tin be common), so curt showers followed by immediate moisturizing tin can help with dehydration. But if you're looking for one that's more specific to mature pare, Jaliman points to this body cream that happens to come in a spray can. "I discover [that] for mature peel, yous want to look for few ingredients so there's less take chances of an allergic reaction. This fits the beak perfectly," she says. "It only has seven ingredients and 1 ingredient to actually make it come out of the tin." Two of those are hydrating petrolatum and glycerin. The spray is so easy to apply that you "actually look frontwards to using" it, she adds.

Almond oil, lactic acid | sixteen ounces (Approx. $0.80/ounce)

Sometimes you may need a lotion with an exfoliant that helps scrub away crude patches as information technology moisturizes. If that sounds like you, Mitchell and Levin suggest this cream from Cetaphil with lactic acid — "a very nice, very gentle exfoliating ingredient," Levin says. She says information technology not only helps to moisturize simply locks in that wet using another "bonus, almond oil," which works like "Saran Wrap and basically locks moisture in." For any skeptics out there, Mitchell notes that it's actually "clinically proven" to hydrate and protect the skin for "24 hours," and best of all, it's "immediately absorbed and leaves the skin feeling smoothen, soft, and well protected." Levin does note that this formula contains propylene glycol, a preservative that many say is "bad for y'all," merely she says information technology actually isn't that bad: "We need preservatives in skin-care products so they don't go bad. For some patients, very rarely, it can cause allergic reactions. Merely information technology'due south super, super, super, super-rare and non an ingredient I think people need to fully stay away from."

Lactic acid, glycerin | xiv ounces (Approx. $0.92/ounce)

Palep told u.s.a. she recommends this specifically to patients with keratosis pilaris, "the spiky, dry out, rough patches of skin on the back of the artillery and thighs." She says that because it contains lactic acid (which gently breaks downwardly rough peel), this, like the above Cetaphil cream, is "really good for when you have a status that needs a fiddling exfoliation." The nongreasy formula sinks in immediately, she adds, and works to improve pare'southward overall texture in the long run, too.

Avobenzone (3%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%), sunflower oil | five.7 ounces (Approx. $6.6/ounce)

Every bit experts have drilled into us time and again: Wear sunscreen; yes, fifty-fifty when you're not direct in the sun. "When yous say 'Wear sunscreen' to people, the eye coil is because everyone has had the experience of a tacky, sticky protect that doesn't alloy," Hirsch says. "This goes on like a lotion simply with practiced sunday protection." Oft, lotions will be SPF xv, but she likes that this one offers SPF 40. Information technology's a wide-spectrum formula, pregnant it will protect from both UVA and UVB rays.

Olay Rinse-Off Body Conditioner with Shea Butter

Shea butter, niacinamide | eight ounces (Approx. $0.75/ounce)

For those who would rather moisturize in the shower, Mitchell suggests this "trunk conditioner" from Olay. Yous apply it immediately afterward using torso launder, allow it sit down for a moment, then wash it off. Thanks to the shea butter and creamy texture, Mitchell explains, it's "great for dry pare or fifty-fifty those of y'all who want to strengthen your pare bulwark, prevent aridity, or preserve the wet balance your skin already has." Unlike some of the heavier moisturizers those with dry peel accept to apply, this ane "rapidly absorbs into the skin," she says, then you don't have to spend fourth dimension (and free energy) thoroughly rubbing it in.

Niacinamide, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega 6 and 9 | 6.8 ounces (Approx. $3.7/ounce)

Finding make clean and natural dazzler products tin can be tricky, co-ordinate to Idriss, who says, "There'southward no universal definition for what natural ways." She adds that the term "clean" typically indicates that a brand has formulated a product without whatever toxic ingredients (like SLS, fragrances, or other constructed materials), which is exactly how she describes this lotion from Nécessaire. She says her clients rave near it, and she recommends it to anyone practicing clean beauty who is looking to soothe dry skin. "Information technology's fragrance gratis, enriched with a agglomeration of omegas and vitamins, and formulated without controversial ingredients," Idriss explains, adding that the balm is relatively lite, sinks in chop-chop, and provides fast relief.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Cream

Niacinamide, shea butter | 13.5 ounces (Approx. $1.49/ounce)

Mitchell also likes La Roche-Posay, which, like Vanicream, is "accepted by the National Eczema Association," making information technology great for sensitive skin. Despite how gentle this lotion is, it'south even so constructive enough to "reduce dry, rough skin and provide daily relief." She calls out the "unique prebiotic action on the skin microbiome," which restores and preserves the skin's barrier and gives longer-lasting results. Hirsch likes this nigh identical cream too from La Roche-Posay'south Lipikar line, calling information technology a "super-solid product" that features glycerin, shea butter, and niacinamide, which helps to repair (and strengthen) the skin barrier.

• Dr. Annie Chiu, dermatologist
• Dr. Ranella Hirsch, dermatologist
• Dr. Debra Jaliman, dermatologist
• Dr. Melissa K. Levin, founder of Entière Dermatology
• Dr. Shereene Idriss, dermatologist
• Dr. Jennifer MacGregor of Matrimony Square Laser Dermatology
• Dr. Shari Marchbein, dermatologist
• Dr. Hope Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Dermatology
• Dr. Sapna Palep, founder of Spring Street Dermatology
• Dr. Mary Lupo, Lupo Middle for Aesthetic and Full general Dermatology

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