Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin (2026) Reviewed
Dry, flaky skin needs more than a basic moisturizer. The right body lotion restores hydration, repairs the skin barrier, and keeps moisture locked in for hours. These are the top options across every budget and skin concern.
What to Look For
- Ceramides — These lipids naturally occur in skin and help restore the moisture barrier. Look for products listing ceramides prominently.
- Humectants — Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea draw moisture into the skin and hold it there.
- Occlusive agents — Petrolatum and dimethicone create a protective layer that prevents water loss.
- Fragrance-free formulas — Fragrances can irritate already compromised dry skin. Unscented options work best for sensitive types.
- Texture and absorption — Thicker creams provide intense moisture for very dry skin, while lightweight lotions absorb faster for daily use.
Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — Best Overall
- [ HYALURONIC ACID MOISTURIZER ] With hyaluronic acid, ceramides and MVE technology for 24 hour hydration. Rich, velvety texture that leaves skin feeling smooth, it is absorbed quickly for softened skin without greasy, sticky, feel.
- [ MOISTURIZER FOR DRY SKIN ] A deficiency of ceramides in skin can often be associated with dry skin, which can feel itchy and look flaky. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is formulated with three essential ceramides & hyaluronic acid.
- [ GENTLE DAILY MOISTURIZER ] For face and body or can be used as a hand cream for dry skin relief. Holds National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance. Fragrance free, paraben free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic.
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products are formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
- [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and has products suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone, and more.
CeraVe’s flagship moisturizing cream delivers dermatologist-level hydration at a drugstore price.
This cream combines three essential ceramides with hyaluronic acid to restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier. The MVE technology releases moisturizing ingredients over 24 hours, providing continuous hydration. Works on both face and body without feeling greasy.
- Pros:
- Contains three essential ceramides plus hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
- Large 19 oz size offers excellent value
- Cons:
- Thick consistency may feel heavy in humid weather
- Jar packaging less hygienic than pump bottles
Best for: Anyone seeking an all-purpose, dermatologist-recommended moisturizer for dry to very dry skin.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion — Best Budget
- 48-HOUR MOISTURE: This Eucerin fragrance free lotion repairs very dry skin and fights dryness at its source by providing 48-hour moisture
- CONVENIENT LOTION BOTTLE: Body lotion pump bottle makes it simple to pump and apply anytime
- PREVENTS DRYNESS: This Eucerin lotion for dry skin is enriched with Ceramide-3 and Natural Moisturizing Factors to boost moisture and help prevent dryness
- FREE OF: Eucerin Advanced Repair lotion is a paraben free body lotion, and is fragrance free, dye free, and is also lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy
- INCLUDES: One (1) 16.9 fluid ounce bottle of Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion, Unscented Lotion for Dry Skin
Eucerin delivers 48-hour hydration with ceramides at a fraction of premium prices.
This lightweight lotion absorbs quickly while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier with Ceramide-3 and Natural Moisturizing Factors. The fast-absorbing formula smooths, repairs, and hydrates without leaving residue. Fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- Pros:
- 48-hour moisture retention
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula
- Fragrance-free, dye-free, and paraben-free
- Convenient pump bottle
- Cons:
- May not be rich enough for extremely dry skin
- Runny consistency requires careful dispensing
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want effective ceramide-based hydration without the premium price.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair — Best for Sensitive Skin
- This triple repair body and face moisturizer is clinically shown to reduce dry, rough skin and provide 48 hour hydration. Fragrance free, suitable as body cream, hand lotion & facial moisturizer.
- Its triple action helps rebalance the skin microbiome, restore the skin’s protective barrier and replenish the skin’s lipids to provide daily relief for dry skin. Rich, comforting cream texture with a non-greasy and non-sticky finish. Skin firming body lotion.
- Dry skin lotion formulated with La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide-3, Shea Butter, Glycerin, and Niacinamide.
- Dermatologist-tested, this body & face lotion is safe for the whole family’s sensitive skin. It is suitable for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, helping moisturize and comfort sensitive skin.
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association. Pediatrician tested
This triple-action cream rebalances the skin microbiome while delivering 48 hours of moisture.
Formulated with La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, shea butter, niacinamide, and Ceramide-3, this cream addresses dry skin at multiple levels. It restores the skin barrier, replenishes lipids, and supports the skin’s natural microbiome. Safe for the whole family, including babies as young as two weeks.
- Pros:
- Triple-action formula for comprehensive care
- National Eczema Association accepted
- Safe for babies, children, and adults
- Rich texture without greasy finish
- Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore options
- May pill under certain fabrics
Best for: Families with sensitive skin, eczema sufferers, or anyone needing gentle yet effective hydration.
Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion — Best Value
- Value size, 32-fluid ounce bottle of Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Fragrance-Free Lotion+ Pro-Ceramide with Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 to help strengthen skin's moisture barrier and intensely hydrate itchy, extra-dry skin
- Specially designed unscented lotion intensely hydrates itchy, extra-dry skin. The soothing body lotion with Pro-Ceramide penetrates within skin's surface to deliver 48-hour clinically proven moisturization
- The ultra moisturizing lotion is formulated with Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B to help strengthen skin's moisture barrier. The clean, non-greasy lotion transforms itchy, extra-dry skin into healthier looking, more resilient skin
- The clinically- and dermatologist-tested lotion is hypoallergenic and fragrance free. The daily hand and body moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin is formulated free of para-bens, phthalates and dyes
- Lubriderm, a dermatologist developed, advanced therapy lotion absorbs quickly and leaves a clean, non-greasy feel. To use, smooth the daily moisturizing lotion on hands and body daily or as directed by a physician
Lubriderm’s Pro-Ceramide formula provides 48-hour hydration in a generous 32 oz bottle.
This dermatologist-developed lotion penetrates within the skin’s surface to strengthen the moisture barrier. The formula includes Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 alongside Pro-Ceramide for intense hydration. Transforms itchy, extra-dry skin into healthier-looking skin with regular use.
- Pros:
- Massive 32 oz size at an affordable price
- 48-hour clinically proven moisturization
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula
- Cons:
- Large bottle can be unwieldy
- May not be rich enough for cracked or severely dry skin
Best for: Families or heavy users who go through lotion quickly and want maximum value.
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream — Best for Eczema-Prone Skin
- Vanicream is the #1 Dermatologist recommended Brand for Sensitive Skin: Source IQVIA ProVoice Survey, 12 months ending July 2023
- Ingredients for sensitive skin: Free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers; this non-comedogenic skin cream won’t clog pores
- Directions: Apply moisturizer as often as needed to face, hands, feet and body or as directed by a physician. Ideal for the entire family.
- Dermatologist tested: Awarded Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association
- Please note: There are no fragrances or masking fragrances in Vanicream products, but there may be a slightly different aroma to each batch; packaging may vary
Vanicream’s ultra-pure formula skips every potential irritant for the most sensitive skin.
This thick, smooth cream contains no dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, or formaldehyde releasers. Developed by Mayo Clinic researchers, it soothes red, irritated, cracking, or itchy skin without triggering reactions. The pump dispenser keeps the product sanitary for multi-user households.
- Pros:
- Free of nearly every common irritant
- National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
- Thick texture provides lasting protection
- Non-comedogenic and gluten-free
- Cons:
- Very thick consistency takes time to absorb
- No additional active ingredients beyond basic hydration
Best for: People with eczema, psoriasis, or multiple sensitivities who need a pure, gentle moisturizer.
AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid — Best Exfoliating
- One solution – not a 10-step skincare routine: Our all-in-one lactic acid body moisturizers exfoliate while moisturizing so you can reduce the number of skin care products on your shelf
- It’s not just lotion, it’s skin therapy: Our exfoliating moisturizer for dry skin boosts healthy skin renewal through gentle, no-scrub exfoliation and turbocharged hydration, revealing softer, smoother skin in just 1 step
- Derm-adored body care: AmLactin is the #1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand with lactic acid, offering a solution for all skin types and challenges, from normal to dry skin, to ashy and flaky skin, and even keratosis pilaris
- Award-winning lactic acid body lotion formula: Powered by 12% Lactic Acid, a gentle yet effective AHA, our dry skin lotion encourages natural skin cell turnover, exfoliates dead skin, and deeply hydrates for transformative results
- Free-from formulas: This cruelty-free, dye-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free exfoliating lotion is lightweight, fast absorbing, non-greasy and pH balanced; ideal for dry to rough skin
AmLactin combines exfoliation and hydration in one step with clinically proven 12% lactic acid.
This alpha hydroxy acid lotion gently exfoliates dead skin cells while deeply moisturizing. The 12% lactic acid concentration boosts the skin’s natural renewal process without scrubbing. Particularly effective for rough patches, keratosis pilaris, and flaky skin that regular lotions can’t fix.
- Pros:
- Exfoliates and moisturizes simultaneously
- Visibly smoother skin within days
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free formula
- Dermatologist recommended for rough skin
- Cons:
- May tingle or sting on sensitive or broken skin
- Requires sunscreen use due to increased sun sensitivity
Best for: Those with rough, bumpy, or flaky skin who need exfoliation alongside hydration.
NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion — Best for Very Dry Skin
- 3X CARE: Moisturizing body lotion for dry skin and very dry skin offers 3X care as it soothes and nourishes skin, and strengthens the skin's moisture barrier to help prevent moisture loss
- 72-HOUR MOISTURE: Enriched with a 10% serum of Glycerin, Provitamin B5 and Niacinamide and delivers 72 hours of nourishing moisture
- NON-GREASY MOISTURIZING LOTION: Quick-absorbing, non-greasy hydrating lotion immediately offers dry skin itch relief and provides a healthy look
- DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED: Dry skin lotion that is dermatologically tested for skin compatibility
- RECYCLED PACKAGING: Healing lotion packaged in a 50% recycled plastic lotion bottle (excluding pump) with a convenient pump that makes application easy
NIVEA’s intense formula delivers 72-hour moisture with a 10% serum concentration.
This lotion packs glycerin, Provitamin B5, and niacinamide into a 10% serum blend that offers triple care: soothes, nourishes, and strengthens the moisture barrier. The quick-absorbing formula provides immediate relief for itchy, uncomfortable skin and maintains hydration for three full days.
- Pros:
- 72-hour moisture retention
- Immediately soothes dry, itchy skin
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing
- Dermatologically tested
- Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- May feel thin for severely cracked skin
Best for: People with very dry, itchy skin who want long-lasting relief without a heavy feel.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion — Best Everyday Lotion
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Aveeno’s prebiotic oat formula nourishes dry skin with 48-hour clinically proven moisture.
This gentle daily lotion uses prebiotic oat to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly without leaving residue, making it ideal for morning application before dressing. Gentle enough for daily use on the whole family.
- Pros:
- 48-hour clinically proven moisture
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture
- Non-comedogenic and allergy-tested
- Cons:
- May not be rich enough for extremely dry winter skin
- Pump can dispense too much product
Best for: Daily use for mild to moderate dry skin, especially those who dislike heavy or scented lotions.
Gold Bond Healing Hydrating Lotion — Best with Aloe
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Gold Bond combines aloe with seven intensive moisturizers and three vitamins for 24-hour healing.
This lotion goes beyond basic hydration with vitamins B, C, and E plus collagen and elastin. The aloe-infused formula soothes irritated skin while the intensive moisturizer blend repairs rough, ashy patches. Works on hands, feet, and body for all-over healing.
- Pros:
- Aloe soothes while moisturizers repair
- Triple vitamin blend for skin health
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Fresh, clean scent
- Cons:
- Contains fragrance (not suitable for fragrance-sensitive users)
- May feel slightly sticky until fully absorbed
Best for: Those who want soothing aloe combined with intensive moisturization for rough, dry skin.
Verdict
For most people, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream delivers the best combination of ceramide-rich hydration, dermatologist backing, and value. Those with very sensitive or eczema-prone skin should consider Vanicream’s ultra-pure formula, while anyone dealing with rough, textured skin will benefit from AmLactin’s exfoliating lactic acid.
