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Around 30% of the population suffers from dry skin, and I’m definitely among them — especially in the brutally cold winter months. I squirm with embarrassment when I suppress an itch in front of my colleagues, and the repetitive rubbing of certain materials against my skin in my fitness classes gets downright painful.
When it comes to the best lotions for dry skin, I’ve dedicated plenty of time shopping over the years and have learned little details that make all the difference in finding the right match for my skin type.
Moisturizers for extremely dry skin go beyond flashy packaging, buzzwords and celebrity endorsements. One product may be perfect for one person and terrible for the next. When I’m looking for a product to keep my dry skin hydrated, there are a number of things I look for. Details like skin type, application preference and ingredients are key for finding the best moisturizers for extremely dry skin.
As a contributor here at Us Weekly, I appreciate the team’s dedication to skin care education. We’ve made it our mission to help readers navigate the vast market. Let’s examine my comprehensive list of best lotions for dry skin.
Topping this list of the best lotions for dry skin, the Blu Atlas Nourishing Body Lotion is formulated to lock in moisture with a host of natural ingredients like mango seed butter, seaweed extract, vitamin E and cocoa butter. The non-greasy formula makes it compatible under makeup. My skin barrier feels noticeably more supple thanks to consistent use of these antioxidant-rich ingredients.
At a price tag under $30, I’m very impressed with the value. If full-body moisturization, a lightweight texture and subtle scent are important buying points for you, Blu Atlas is the one to get.
I’m always interested in trying out a product that features its own proprietary technology, and I stand by CeraVe’s slow-release MVE (Multivesicular Emulsion) technology. Developed by dermatologists, this patented formula is what started the company. This lotion releases ceramides throughout the day to eliminate the need for multiple applications, providing around-the-clock skin maintenance.
While not all body lotions are suitable for use on the face, CeraVe is, making it your one-stop-shop moisturizer for extremely dry skin. However, if you choose to use it as a face cream, I recommend an evening routine as the formula is thick and not compatible with makeup application.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for a powerhouse duo for daily hydration, consider pairing Blu Atlas Body Lotion with the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. While Blu Atlas works great as an all-over body lotion, CeraVe’s thicker, ceramide-rich formula can be applied to extra-dry areas like elbows, knees and feet for an added layer of moisture.
Boasting the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval, anyone with severely itchy and dry skin can benefit from this nourishing formula. Avène XeraCalm features three key ingredients: Ceramide-3, and filaggrin degradation products and glycerin. This clever combination not only keeps skin moist but does so without irritation.
I found the formula to be a bit too thick for compatibility with makeup, so be prepared to incorporate it into an evening skincare routine or apply as a body moisturizer. You’ll wake up to intense hydration that will have your skin glowing.
If you’ve tried traditional ingredients without relief from your dry skin, Augustinus Bader’s TFC8® (Trigger Factor Complex) could be the answer. This patented, award-winning technology is backed by over 30 years of research by German professor Bader, and the results speak for themselves.
Clinical and user trials report a 97% improvement in tone and texture, 96% boost in elasticity and 95% reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All the while, skin stays well-hydrated. While it comes with a hefty price tag, the multi-faceted benefits are well worth the splurge.
When it comes to extremely dry skin, an advanced formula is key. Eucerin is known for their rich yet soothing skin products, and this Advanced Repair Body Lotion is no exception. Perfect for daily use, the lightweight formula is packed with Ceramide-3 to restore the skin barrier. It’s easy to fit into day or night time use, and a single application lasts as long as 48 hours. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Who doesn’t want smoother skin while simultaneously increasing hydration? Through a clever combination of alpha-hydroxy acid, glycerin, dimethicone and lactic acid, AmLactin’s Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion packs a powerful punch for just $25. If you have dry patches, this formula focuses on gentle exfoliation while simultaneously hydrating skin.
It’s worth noting this formula includes alpha-hydroxy acids which are known to make the skin more sensitive to the sun. If you have very sensitive skin, prolonged use may cause irritation.
For dry skin that has sustained damage, Vaseline’s Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief is a gentle formula boasting microdroplets of Vaseline jelly to heal damaged skin. This is a smart choice for long-term use — and it’s less than $30. It’s non-greasy, making it compatible with daily use.
For just $16, I’m such a fan of Vanicream’s budget body cream. The versatile formula makes it a wonderful pick for applying on the face, hands and body so you don’t have to purchase multiple products to complete your skincare arsenal. Very dry, sensitive skin benefits from the rich, long-lasting hydration delivered through petrolatum, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin and sorbitol.
Because this product boasts a thick texture, I recommend incorporating it into your evening skincare routine for best results. This is my favorite budget product recommended by dermatologists for conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
If you’re ready to drop some serious cash on your next body lotion, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Aging Body Cream is a total luxury that’s worth the treat. Dr. Barbara Sturm is a world-renowned, anti-inflammatory pioneer who has dedicated a large degree of her professional career to develop treatments using the body’s own proteins to heal. This is one of my favorite anti-aging picks thanks to ingredients that tighten skin including elderberry blossom extract and white almond extract.
If you’re in the market for a product that succeeds at keeping extremely dry skin hydrated while utilizing potent antioxidants to reduce the signs of aging, the investment in Dr. Sturm’s years of research is worth it.
If natural fragrance doesn’t irritate your skin, you’ve got to check out the Eos 24-Hour Moisture Body Lotion. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky, greasy residue. Your skin will feel noticeably softer upon application with more pronounced results with continued use. At such a low price point, this is a smart solution for nourishing dry skin with a lotion perfect for everyday application.
When the skin barrier becomes compromised, it leads to moisture loss and irritation. La Roche-Posay’s Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream restores skin with ingredients like niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water and Ceramide-3 Widely recommended by dermatologists, La Roche-Posay is known for their nourishing formulas safe for sensitive skin. By combining ceramide-3, glycerin and niacinamide, skin is healthier and noticeably rejuvenated.
Eczema affects millions of people, and not just any moisturizer will soothe the skin condition. SkinFix’s Eczema + Extra Strength Body Cream is clinically proven to reduce symptoms. It’s backed by dermatological testing, which is a green light for those with sensitive or reactive skin types.
Not only has this product proven to provide relief from eczema, the relief is immediate. Long-term use has shown to reduce symptoms, so investing in consistent use can help improve quality of life.
Pro tip: For those with eczema-prone or very sensitive skin, Blu Atlas Body Lotion provides a clean, hypoallergenic base for daily hydration while SkinFix Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream serves as a go-to option when extra relief is necessary.
Finding a product that successfully hydrates sensitive skin without irritation is a challenge. If this sounds familiar, allow me to introduce you to EltaMD’s Moisture Rich Body Cream. It’s fragrance-free and gentle on skin due to its absence of parabens and other irritants that can send allergy-prone skin into a frenzy.
You won’t be disappointed by this formula that provides long-lasting hydration through the use of ceramides, vitamin E, squalene and hyaluronic acid. Though on the pricier side, the level of skin protection makes this a solid overall value.
Could your dry, itchy skin use a little plumping? Nécessaire’s The Body Serum helps to even out your skin’s texture while providing deep hydration. The key lies in this product’s ability to lock in moisture through strengthening the skin barrier with niacinamides and antioxidants. With consistent use, many users have reported a noticeable difference in dryness and evenness within just a few weeks of use.
This product’s lightweight formula is perfect for layering under other lotions and products, allowing you to customize your beauty regimen.
For an ultra-hydrated and dewy finish, try layering the product under Blu Atlas Body Lotion. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture deep into the skin, while Blu Atlas seals it in, creating a soft and healthy glow that lasts all day.
Extremely dry skin requires regular maintenance, yet so many lotions aren’t suitable for daily use. Harsh fragrances, dyes and other irritants can disrupt the water-lipid-protein complex, which may deepen your skin issues. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, however, is a gentle yet effective formula capable of deep, daily hydration. This formula is also suitable for acne-prone skin since the non-greasy application helps to prevent clogged pores.
Dark circles, hyperpigmentation and other discolorations can diminish self esteem. As someone who wakes up with dark under eye circles, I understand the struggle. A key ingredient to help with this problem is vitamin C — and I love Ole Henriksen’s BeamCream Smoothing Body Moisturizer for the job. Formulated to hydrate dry skin, it simultaneously brightens and evens the skin tone for a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance.
It’s worth noting this product contains AHAs that are known to increase sun sensitivity. Add a daily SPF to your regimen if applying this product daily.
Looking for a luxury moisturizer that keeps aging at bay? For $190, you can indulge in the premium skincare experience with La Mer’s Renewal Body Oil Balm. This oil-infused product provides a bounty of benefits including anti-aging, deep moisturization, softened skin and overall restoration.
This product stands out for the balm’s ability to transform into oil as it melts into skin, delivering intense moisture without leaving behind a heavy residue. For a luxury experience under $200, this is a must-try.
If you take one thing away from this list, let it be to look for ingredients that melt deep into the dermis where important structural elements like collagen and elastin are produced. Fresh Milk Body Lotion absorbs deep into the skin for ample hydration and antioxidant protection. If you prefer unscented lotions, Fresh Milk does have a mild scent, but it’s very pleasant. Several reviewers report they find the aroma to be suitable and not overwhelming, but it could pose slight irritation to highly sensitive skin.
All too often, I see folks over-paying on skincare products that provide benefits they don’t really need. If you consider your skin “normal” and need a minimal hydration boost, this Nivea Body Lotion with Aloe Vera is a budget-friendly option that provides gentle, everyday relief.
Aloe vera makes my skin feel fresh and soothed, but it also provides relief after extended time in the sun. If you’re looking for effective hydration and affordability, Nivea is where it’s at.
If you have mild eczema and don’t want to spend more than $30, start with Gold Bond Eczema Relief. At just $8, you can’t go wrong, and, if it works, you’ve found yourself a very affordable solution for instant relief. Clinically tested for eczema, it’s been proven to relieve dryness, itching and irritation.
Gold Bond’s eczema solution is steroid-free, making daily use attainable. With a seal of approval by the National Eczema Association, this product has been recognized as safe and effective. At the price point, it’s certainly worth a try.
If you’re in the market for a do-it-all hydrating lotion safe for the face and body, First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores or exacerbate acne.
Worried about sensitive skin? This product is also non-irritating since it contains no paragens, fragrances or dyes. Although the formula is rich with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin, glycerin and squalene, it melts into skin with ease — no greasy residue involved.
If you’re in need of an alternative for very dry, winter-prone skin, consider First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream as a richer alternative to Blu Atlas Body Lotion. Blu Atlas provides lightweight hydration, while First Aid Beauty’s formula is excellent for extreme days when skin is in need of something more heavy-duty.
Have you ever felt like your skin glowed just a little more in the summer? It’s not your imagination. External factors like sunlight, improved blood circulation and humidity all contribute to an increased radiance. Luckily, the Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion matches that sun kissed radiance in the colder months. The key lies in natural ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, grapeseed oil and jojoba seed oil to lock in moisture, improve elasticity and mimic the skin’s natural oils.
You can expect a lightweight texture that’s perfect for daily use. Whether you prefer morning or evening application, the clean, vegan formula is compatible for all day wear.
Have you recently undergone a skin procedure on your face like a chemical peel, laser treatment or dermaplaning? These procedures can produce highly desirable results, but proper aftercare is essential. Finding a good moisturizer capable of repair like Selfmade’s Corrective Experience Comfort Cream is key. With a calming formula, barrier repair benefits, clean ingredients and lightweight moisturization, your dry skin can properly heal.
When it comes to balancing deep hydration and affordability, Jergens delivers with their Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer. The formula combines vitamins C, E and B5 to support skin health, reduce dryness and improve resilience. If you have extremely dry, cracked skin, this is the body lotion your skin is craving.
Whether you have sensitive skin or you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, Nécessaire has come up with the formula for you. It’s one of my favorite clean lotions for extremely dry skin and contains a powerhouse lineup of vitamins A, B3, C and E; omega fatty acids; and glycerine for even skin tone.
The minimalist, non-toxic formula is easy on sensitive skin. Bonus: It’s available as a scented or unscented lotion. Since it’s suitable for all skin types, I’m loving the versatility of this product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should I look for in a lotion for extremely dry skin?
Deep moisturization is key for extremely dry skin. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. These ingredients attract water into the skin, but this is only half the battle. To lock in moisture, keep an eye out for ingredients like shea butter and natural oils.
How often should I apply lotion for dry skin?
In most cases, twice-daily application is recommended, typically after bathing and before bed. Always refer to product directions for specific use.
Are fragrance-free lotions better for dry skin?
For dry, sensitive skin, fragrance-free lotions are known to reduce the risk of irritation like itchiness and redness.
How do you know if a lotion is suitable for sensitive dry skin?
Products suitable for dry skin usually feature labeling like “hypoallergenic” and “for sensitive skin.” If you’re unsure, check the ingredients list and try to avoid artificial fragrances, dyes and alcohol.
Can a lotion help with dry, flaky patches?
For dry, flaky patches, exfoliants like lactic acid will provide relief and hydration while emollients like ceramides and shea butter keep skin feeling light and fresh.
