The Best Lotions For Dry Skin, Vetted By Experts

Forbes

4 days ago

Any ordinary lotion can serve as a temporary fix for dryness, but we've found that it takes a more sophisticated formula to support healthy skin in the long run. Moisturizing ingredients are a good start, but other factors—like the firming properties found in the best lotions for dry skin—cater to a wide array of other concerns. That's why we chose Soft Services Carea Cream as our top pick overall; it pairs gentle exfoliation with lightweight, quick-absorbing moisture. An expert-approved option for concerns like eczema is Aveeno's Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm.
The best body lotions for dry skin come recommended by dermatologists to help skin glow. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Those with dry skin get the most relief from ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which support the skin barrier and help with hydration. 'Ceramides are naturally found in our skin, and they help to retain moisture,' says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. And, despite their nourishing abilities, these ingredients can come in non-greasy formulas, too. We consulted with deputy editor Jane Sung and other skincare experts to round up the best lotions for dry skin that combine soothing comfort with speedy, effective results. Our Top Recommendations Best Lotion Overall For Dry Skin: Soft Services Carea Cream
Best Body Cream For Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Best Drugstore Lotion For Dry Skin: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Best Luxury Lotion For Dry Skin: La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion
Best Lotion For Dry, Mature Skin: Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm
Best Fragrance-Free Lotion For Dry Skin: Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Soft Services Soft Services Carea Cream
Key ingredients: Urea, glycerin, squalane, colloidal oatmeal | Size: 11 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $3.63
Rather than simply hydrate skin, this cream goes the extra mile by gently exfoliating skin as it nourishes; this allows its moisturizing ingredients, such as squalane and colloidal oatmeal, to better penetrate and smooth, soften and firm skin. It sloughs away dead skin cells with the help of urea, which doesn't cause irritation. For these reasons, not only is this cream great for dry skin, but it can be a good option for addressing body acne and keratosis pilaris.
First Aid Beauty First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, shea butter, allantoin | Sizes: 2 ounces, 6 ounces, 8 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $6.33
Dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch likes this heavy duty cream because it contains skin-soothing colloidal oatmeal, an emollient rich in fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that allow it to repair cracks in the skin barrier. Plus, the sensitive skin-friendly pick is free of fragrance, parabens, mineral oil and lanolin (an ingredient derived from sheep's wool that can be an allergen). Despite having a thicker consistency than most of the lotions on this list, reviewers say it still absorbs quickly.
MOST POPULAR
CeraVe CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Key ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Sizes: 8 ounces, 12 ounces, 16 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $1.14
CeraVe has a cult-following for good reason. It's an affordable drugstore brand with high-quality ingredients and textures, says Hirsch, who especially likes this oil-free lotion for face and body. Made with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it's a dependable option for anyone, whether you need a boost of moisture in cold, dry months or are prone to eczema (since it has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance). The gentle, fragrance-free formula is also a top pick in our roundup of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin.
Nordstrom La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion
Key ingredients: La Mer miracle broth (anti-irritant), glycerin, algae extract | Size: 5.4 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $33
Like many of La Mer's products, this fast-absorbing lotion (which deputy editor Jane Sung considers a favorite) includes the brand's miracle broth, which minimizes irritation and visible signs of aging. It has a lightweight feel and absorbs quickly, without any residue or stickiness that might be associated with other body hydrators.
La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Cream
Key ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide | Sizes: 2.5 ounces, 6.7 ounces, 13.5 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $1.48
Hirsch swears by this cream from French brand La Roche-Posay—as do many reviewers on Amazon, where it has thousands of positive reviews. The formula contains prebiotics to help rebalance the skin's microbiome and is designed to provide 48 hours of hydration to the face and body. The sensitive skin-friendly cream is fragrance-free, and also contains calming niacinamide.
Aveeno Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm
Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, ceramides | Size: 11 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $2.36
The hands, elbows, torso and backs of knees—where there are fewer oil glands—are more prone to itchiness as well as itch-related skin conditions like eczema. Besides avoiding hot showers, Hirsch recommends applying a steroid-free balm like this one, which has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Approval. Enriched with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides, it can help smooth and soothe scaly, itchy skin. It's billed as a night treatment because of the immediate itch relief, which can help you get a good night's sleep—but the cream can really be used any time you'd like to reap its itch-controlling benefits.
Osea Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm
Key ingredients: Safflower seed oil, coconut oil, alaria esculenta seaweed, passion fruit seed oil | Sizes: 1 ounce, 5 ounces, 9.2 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $9.13
This multitasking balm features a blend of safflower seed and coconut oil, both of which lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration. It also contains alaria esculenta seaweed, which is known to help firm skin while improving its elasticity over time. Reviewers love its light, citrus scent, too.
Sephora Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, jojoba seed oil, peptides | Sizes: 2.4 ounces, 6.8 ounces, 15.2 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $4.41
This rich lotion—formulated sans fragrance—hydrates and strengthens the skin with a potent blend of niacinamide, glycerin and plant oils. Lifestyle editor Katherine Louie, who has used this product consistently for the past year, appreciates how soft and smooth this leaves her sensitive skin: 'I have seasonal eczema, and this works well year-round when I'm having flare-ups. The formula sinks in quickly and doesn't feel greasy or sticky, which is a pet peeve with other body products I've used in the past.'
At Forbes Vetted, we've researched, written and published dozens of skincare stories stories. Our coverage includes roundups of the best body oils, best face moisturizers and more. This article was written by Kari Molvar, a former Forbes Vetted deputy editor with extensive experience reporting on beauty topics.
Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung edited this story. She oversees the beauty, fashion and travel verticals for the site and has written about the best LED face masks and the best laser hair removal devices.
We also included key insight from board-certified dermatologists Dr. Karan Lal and Dr. Ranella Hirsch. They each gave their recommendations and insights on what to look for in a lotion for dry skin.
We regularly update this story to ensure our recommendations remain relevant. In the July 2025 update, lifestyle editor Katherine Louie refreshed the frequently asked questions and added two new picks: La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion, our favorite luxury lotion for dry skin, and Nécessaire's The Body Lotion, which is an excellent option if you're looking for a fragrance-free formula.
We've researched top ingredients and formulas on the market to determine the best lotions for dry skin. We closely assessed the formulations and ingredients to evaluate those that address dry skin specifically.
We also considered details like the texture and fragrance, and factored in the possibility of other skin concerns like eczema, keratosis pilaris and body acne, as well as signs of aging.
The experts we interviewed shared their input on the formulations they often recommend to their own patients, as well as tips on choosing the best lotions for dry skin.
User ratings were also taken into consideration; each body lotion on this list has earned an average score of 4 out of 5 stars or higher.
Before you purchase a body lotion for dry skin, keep in mind that you'll want to take the time to choose one that suits your individual skin goals and concerns. Both of our experts recommend keeping the following factors in consideration while you shop. Moisturizing Ingredients
When sizing up body lotions, look for key ingredients: humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which hold in water; emollients like ceramides, which strengthen skin's barrier; and occlusives like petrolatum, which trap in moisture. The balance of these ingredients can determine how hydrating a body lotion is, as well as influence its exact texture, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch. Skin Type
Not all dry skin has the same needs. If you have eczema-prone skin, a formula with ceramides and glycerin will help soothe itchy patches or flares. If you're prone to acne below the neck, on the other hand, opt for a cream that is oil-free.
Also, there are many lotions that treat mature skin, which is prone to laxity and sagging—and therefore benefits from lotions that have retinol, a derivative of vitamin A. 'Retinol helps firm skin as the other major moisturizing ingredients help soften skin, so it appears less crepey,' says Dr. Karan Lal. Texture
Since textures can vary, ultimately you'll want to decide what you're most comfortable with. If you love a thicker cream, opt for a rich, buttery formula. If you prefer feeling like you don't actually have anything on your skin, seek a lotion with a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture, like La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion. Scent
Another feature to consider in a body lotion is the scent. While perfumes are generally not harmful to the skin, they can be drying, says Lal—and potentially cause irritation for those with dry skin. If you prefer an added fragrance and have never had a reaction (like a rash), then you can choose a scent based on your personal preferences.
What Is The Most Effective Moisturizer For Dry Skin?
After extensive research, we determined that the most effective moisturizer for dry skin is the Soft Services Carea Cream, which gently exfoliates, hydrates and nourishes the skin. Standout ingredients include urea, glycerin, squalane and colloidal oatmeal. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option, you can't go wrong with CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
What Type Of Lotion Is Best For Dry Skin?
Not all dry skin has the same needs, so consider any skin concerns, such as eczema, keratosis pilaris and body acne, before choosing a formula. Generally speaking, look for lotions that include humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, emollients like ceramides and occlusives like petrolatum, which help trap moisture.
What Is The Best Dermatologist-Recommended Moisturizer For Dry Skin?
The board-certified dermatologists we consulted recommend several picks that we highlight in this guide. Our experts like First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream if you're looking for a formula with a thicker consistency; CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion for an affordable yet effective option; La Roche-Posay's Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Cream for extra dry, sensitive skin; and Aveeno's Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm for those with eczema.