Best body moisturizer for extremely dry skin

You're probably fully stocked on all of the latest face creams, but what about one of the best body lotions? Aside from sun protection, moisturizer is arguably the most important element of any skin-care routine. "Moisturizer doesn't just add water back into your skin, it also traps in the water you already have to plump it up and protect it," Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Yale University, previously told Allure. But try as we might, so often, the skin-softening process ends at our necks.

That is, until now. It's time to heed expert advice and find the body moisturizer that's going to make every inch of your skin happy. "Your skin absolutely needs moisturizer," says Gohara. "Your skin is the biggest organ in your body. It's not bloody or gutsy, but it's still an organ, and organs need water."

The easiest way to get the rest of your body in on the hydrating action? Slather on a luscious lotion that's formulated with nourishing ingredients that enhance your skin type to look and feel its best. Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, says some of the best ingredients to look for in your body moisturizers include emollients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and moisturizing additives like glycerin, ceramides, and oils derived from coconut, almond, avocado, or jojoba. She also says to look for formulas that include free radical-fighting antioxidants like vitamins B, C, or E.

According to James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, mildly exfoliating body lotions are ideal for all skin types, especially those who have concerns over body acne. "This is especially important in acne-prone skin because the skin barrier is disrupted and there is underlying inflammation," he says. "Lotions that contain mild glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid can be helpful as long as they are not overused, which can lead to sensitivity." Dr. Greenfield also adds that acne-prone skin types should avoid ingredients that are considered occlusive, including heavy, petroleum-jelly-based creams or oils because they can trap bacteria under the skin.

Now, ready for dolphin-level hydrated skin? Whether you prefer a frill-free body lotion, a luxurious cream, a lightweight oil, or a rich balm, these products are guaranteed to wrap your skin below the chin in some serious TLC.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

Sure, you moisturize your face daily—but do you treat the rest of your skin the same way? Body lotion is one of the best ways to combat the dry, itchy skin that comes with certain skin conditions, genetics, chlorine in pools, getting older, and, of course, wintry weather. Thankfully, the best lotions for dry skin can transform uncomfortable, flaking skin in no time.

“Cold weather can disrupt the lipid bilayer, which protects our skin from the environment, thereby causing skin dryness, sensitivity, and flaring skin conditions like eczema,” says Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. Plus, both the cold air outside and the dry heat indoors contain little humidity, further parching your skin.

And, most of us don’t really think about our body’s skin—except when it’s lizard-like. “I’ve also noticed that many of my patients don’t care for their body skin as much as they do with their face or hands,” Dr. Bae explains. “The rest of our body is covered [by clothing], so it’s easier to ignore.”

But before we delve into the best lotions for dry skin, remember that your body wash can actually make parched skin worse, says Diane Madfes, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Madfes Aesthetic Medical Center in New York City. Be sure to choose a mild body wash to soothe dry skin and skip exfoliating cleansers, which can exacerbate dryness when the air is cold and dry.

How we chose

We consulted Dr. Bae, Dr. Madfes, Shari Sperling, D.O., board-certified dermatologist of Sperling Dermatology, Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology in New York City, Mona Gohara, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board, and countless customer reviews to find the best lotions for dry skin.

Now, here are the top dermatologist-approved body lotions, creams, and moisturizers to keep all skin types feeling silky smooth year-round.

Our top lotions for dry skin

Best Overall

CeraVe

Moisturizing Cream

Best Value

Eucerin

Advanced Repair Lotion

Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay

Lipikar Balm AP+

Best Drugstore

Aveeno

Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Lotion

Best for Ultra Dry Skin

First Aid Beauty

Ultra Repair Cream

Best for Eczema

Avène

Xeracalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm

Best for Daily Use

Aveeno

Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

Best for Feet

Gehwol Med

Salve for Cracked Skin

Best for Whole Body

Cetaphil

Moisturizing Lotion

Neutrogena

Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream

Curél

Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion

Eucerin

Eczema Relief Cream

Lubriderm

Advanced Therapy Lotion

Drunk Elephant

Sili Body Lotion

Kiehl's Since 1851

Crème de Corps Hydrating Body Lotion with Squalane

Best Luxe Option

Aesop

Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm

EltaMD

Moisture-Rich Body Crème

How to choose the best body lotion for dry skin

Find your hero product. If you don’t like the feel or smell of a lotion, you’re just not going to use it, Dr. Bae warns, meaning you’ll be stuck with extremely dry skin. There’s a big difference among products, so if you don’t like one, try another until you find one that you’ll stick with. You can buy a fancy lotion, but you don’t have to; drugstore brands can get the job done just as well.

Read the ingredient list. Glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and ceramides are a few of the must-have moisturizing ingredients in a good lotion, Dr. Madfes notes. Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, colloidal oatmeal, petrolatum, and urea are also helpful ingredients that add and lock in moisture. Although the right scent can be energizing or relaxing, added fragrances can spur irritation, so choose a fragrance-free formula if you have sensitive skin.

Test, if necessary. If you know you have especially sensitive skin that’s reacted to body lotion in the past, consider patch-testing before applying to your whole body. Dr. Madfes recommends trying it on a small area on your chest for a couple days. No reaction? You’re good to go.

Alisa Hrustic Deputy Editor, Prevention Alisa Hrustic is the deputy editor at Prevention, where she leads the brand’s digital editorial strategy.

Emily Goldman Emily Goldman is the senior editor at Prevention.

What can I use for extremely dry skin on body?

What do dermatologists recommend for extremely dry skin?

What is the most hydrating moisturizer for body?