The 10 Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin, According to Reviews

The Skin-Care Step You Shouldn't Skip

It can be tempting to skip body lotion. Taking those extra few minutes between stepping out of the shower and into your clothes to apply lotion can often seem unnecessary and like a waste of time. But here's the thing: This is one skin-care step that should not be skipped, especially during the winter.

"In cold winter weather, when humidity levels are low, it can be a constant battle to replenish moisture in the skin," explains Chicago-based dermatologist Jordan C. Carqueville, M.D. "Lotions help do this, especially if you look for formulas that contain both humectants, ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that draw water to the skin, and occlusive ingredients, like ceramides, to seal in this moisture."

The bottom line: Take the extra time to lotion up and your skin will thank you. Ahead, 10 decadent creams and best lotions for dry skin that will make what previously seemed like a chore something that you actually want to do. (

Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream

Glossier may be known for its standout makeup, but don't miss its body products, especially this lotion for dry skin, which goes above and beyond its standard hydration duties. A blend of antioxidant-rich plant extracts (cactus flower, prickly pear, and yucca) do the hydration thing, but the formula also has alpha hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate dead skin, plus light-reflecting particles to leave skin looking healthy and glowy (no baby oil required).

One reviewer wrote: "This body lotion feels very smooth and leaves my skin moisturized and radiant! I was worried it would irritate my eczema but I haven't experienced an irritation at all which is awesome."

OGX Shea Soft & Smooth Body Lotion

This silicone-free formula combines two of the most hydrating ingredients out there — coconut oil and shea butter — along with agave to leave your dry skin ultra soft and smooth. The slightly sweet, vanilla scent will also have everyone asking what fragrance you're wearing.

"Love this product. It gives you the right amount of moisture. I have dry skin and this lotion makes my skin smooth and soft," reported a shopper.

Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion

In theory, yes, you should be lotioning up every day. But if you happen to be the forgetful type, reach for this newly reformulated long-lasting option. A deep moisture serum leaves your skin hydrated for an impressive 48 hours; it also now contains twice as much almond oil to soften and smooth rough patches.

"I have used this product for more years than I care to admit, more than 40," shared a customer. "I have been complimented on my soft skin as long as I have used Nivea. It is an everyday thing for me, after I shower, I apply over wet skin in the summer, dry skin in the winter."

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Contrary to what the name may suggest, this lotion for dry skin shouldn't be reserved just for your booty. A host of Brazilian ingredients make it beneficial to use all over your body; caffeine-rich guaraná (an Amazonian plant) helps tighten skin, while cupuaçu butter hydrates and nourishes. It also has mica to give your skin that "just got back from a Brazilian beach" glow.

One fan said: "Omg this is the BEST smelling lotion ever. I don't use it as butt lifting cream — I use it as regular lotion. It works so well. I'll put it on in the morning and shower at night and still smell it. I bought it and took it to work and everyone asks to use it."

Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer

Lotioning up has never been easier. Keep this formula in your shower and apply it before you even towel off; it works best on wet skin. Ceramides, shea butter, and vitamin B5 hydrate and heal. And best of all, it's absorbed right away, so you don't need to wait before drying off or getting dressed. (

"This is the best thing I have ever bought," noted a shopper. "I suffer from really dry, scaly skin patches and nothing I do seems to keep me hydrated. As soon as I put lotion on, I dry out and get ashy in a few minutes, but this wet skin stuff really locks in the moisture. It's not oily or thick like most "medical" strength lotions, it feels like nothing is on your skin."

C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream

From the oldest apothecary in America, the formula for this beloved cream has remained the same since 1870. Credit a combo of hydrating shea butter, glycerin, and kukui nut oil, plus lemon oil and extract that not only give it its refreshing and citrusy scent (a perfect pick-me-up on sleepy mornings), and also a dose of skin-loving vitamin C.

"I live in New Mexico and so it is dry. This cream is the BEST! I recommend it completely. Isn't greasy," wrote a customer.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Body Cream

A cult-favorite all-purpose moisturizer, this gentle formula is ideal for sensitive skin — it can even be used on babies as young as two weeks old. Shea butter and glycerin hydrate while niacinamide soothes skin, perfect when you're trying to combat both dryness and itch. Best of all, it never feels sticky or greasy, no matter how much you apply. (And if you suffer from eczema, try the brand's Lipikar Eczema Cream with Colloidal Oatmeal)

One reviewer raved: "Y'ALL. THIS, IS THE HOLY GRAIL. Magic in a bottle. Recommended by a doctor friend (who almost became a dermatologist). I have stress eczema that shows up on my forearms that get so dry and itchy that it looks like chicken pox, except maybe a little bloodier and scarred. I also have a severely dry patch on my shin the size of a silver dollar. Nothing I've tried on any of this stuff works. So I gave up. Then my friend saw my arm and was like, "try this Lipikar AP+, this stuff is legit." I figured, why not. One week later and I am as moisturized as a shampoo ad in a lush jungle waterfall. Smells great to boot and has a very rich texture."

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Skin docs love this brand for its use of ceramides, essential components for maintaining a healthy skin barrier (the healthier and stronger your skin barrier is, the less likely you are to have to deal with dry skin). There are both ceramides and moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid in this lotion for dry skin, plus dimethicone to help lock in all that moisture. Also nice: It can be used on both face and body.

"I have eczema on my face that gets very dry and scaly, and not even olive oil will help," shared a customer. "This is so great for morning and evening use. It's very moisturizing without feeling heavy, and it doesn't irritate my very sensitive skin. I put it under makeup and it works really well too."

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream

Meet your new "going out" body lotion for dry skin. This formula is loaded with hyaluronic acid, a superstar ingredient that draws moisture to the skin and then keeps it there. Even though it feels as hydrating as many thicker creams, it's still absorbed instantly and never feels greasy or heavy, so you can slip into your skinny jeans immediately after using it.

"I love this lotion! The active ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which allows my skin to hold a ton more water.

I've had super dry skin and keratosis polaris my whole life, and have tried so many lotions. I use this along with the CeraVe's salicylic acid lotion and my skin's never been better," noted a shopper.