Top 15 best lotions for dry skin on face and the whole body (2023 reviews)

How to choose the best lotions for dry skin on face and the whole body? Much like daily SPF is an unquestionable requirement, so is a daily moisturizer — and we’re talking about more than simply our faces. Moisturizers are essential for both rehydrating the skin and preventing future moisture loss, but we often neglect the rest of our body when it comes to our skincare routines. The result? Dry, thirsty skin that’s in need of some serious hydration. Factor in any underlying skin concerns or the season and climate (we’re looking at you, winter), and you have the perfect recipe for flaky, itchy, and uncomfortable skin — or even flared-up eczema and dermatitis. Not fun.

Especially dry skin deserves a little extra TLC, and that means traditional body lotions simply won’t cut it. But fear not, with the right products, baby-soft skin is totally attainable. We did the research for you and rounded up the very best body lotions, creams, and oils to combat and prevent dry skin for all skin types and concerns. Whether you lean towards the sensitive side or you’re fighting bumpy and rough texture, these miracle products will solve all your parched skin woes.

15 Best Lotions For Dry Skin On the Face And The Whole Body 2023 Reviews

1. Best Overall: Necessaire The Body Lotion

Consider this cult-favorite body lotion a daily multivitamin for your skin. A favorite of former Byrdie Editorial Director Faith Xue, this cleanly formulated cream is jam-packed with good-for-you ingredients: Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) moisturizes and supports the skin’s surface while vitamins A, C, and E, and omegas 6 and 9 nourish the skin with antioxidants. Its luxurious blend of marula, cacao, and meadowfoam oils deeply hydrate yet also absorb super fast, so you can quickly get on with your day without having to wait for it to soak in.

The formula is fragrance-free, pH-balanced, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing, so it’s also a perfect choice for those with more sensitive skin. And — when you figured this lotion couldn’t get any better — it’s also vegan and comes in recyclable packaging.

2. Supergoop! Body Butter SPF 40

Most higher SPF sunscreens don’t provide much moisturizing power, which is the reason we love Supergoop! super nourishing Body Butter SPF 40. One part moisture-rich body butter and one part SPF 40 sunscreen, this formula hydrates dry skin on a deeper level while offering ample protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sea buckthorn fruit extract, meadowfoam seed oil, and argan oil are chock full of vitamins and fatty acids that keep the skin supple and smooth but never greasy, while also improving uneven skin tone, oxidation, and loss of elasticity. Bonus: This clean formula is also free of fragrance and is considered vegan and cruelty-free.

3. Curel Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion

Ceramides, pro-vitamin B5, and shea butter team up to provide instant relief for dry, itchy skin. The fragrance-free formula works on all skin types, even for those who struggle with eczema. In fact, it’s delicate to such an extent that you can use it on babies six months and up. “After about a week of applying this after my showers, I had no itching, no stinging on application, and my skin felt a whole parcel more comfortable,” one reviewer raves.

4. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

“Cerave Moisturizing Cream is one of my all-time favorite body moisturizers, and contains ceramides (a lipid naturally found in skin), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to pack a powerful punch of deep moisturizing and hydration,” says Dr. Marchbein. “Together with cholesterol and fatty acids, ceramides are responsible for creating a healthy, intact skin barrier and retaining moisture in the skin.” With a nearly-perfect rating from a whopping 107k reviews, this all-over cream is a clear tester favorite, as well.

5. Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion

This highly-rated and affordable lotion not only contains ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin for intense hydration but also contains lactic acid, an ultra-gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates your skin for a smoother appearance. “I have tried so many different brands of lotions I can’t count them all…This stuff works like magic. My hands and feet are now healed and soft,” raves one reviewer. “The price for the size can’t be beaten for the healing it does.” Simply note that AHAs can make you sun-sensitive, so you’ll want to slather on the sunscreen afterward.

6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

This one isn’t only for your face — it very well may be used all over to repair angry skin truly. Dr. Gohara loves that it has ceramides, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal, which work to soothe irritation, relieve itch and leave skin feeling healthy. “I got this for my husband, who has very dry skin and eczema. After a while of using it his hands have healed up great!” one reviewer raves. “On the off chance that you have tried many different lotions or creams but none have worked, then give this a try.”

7. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+

In the event that you have sensitive skin prone to getting red, itchy, or irritated, this heavy-duty cream from La Roche-Posay — which can be used for both your face and body — is a great pick, as it’s accepted by the National Eczema Association. Thanks to its restorative ingredients of shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide (a B vitamin that reduces redness), it provides long-lasting hydration — with one reviewer saying that it cleared up their body eczema in only one week. Plus, it has Dr. Marchbein’s stamp of approval for being thick enough to heal dry patches, but still being able to sink right into the skin for a barely-there finish.

8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream

This body cream may feel ultra-light, but it has heavy hydrating power. Infused with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, and petrolatum, it has all the key players needed to deliver moisture and lock it into the skin. Bonus: The formula is fragrance-and paraben-free and fast-absorbing so you’re never left with a sticky, smelly mess. One reviewer even says “I wish I could bathe in a vat of this wonderful body gel cream!”

9. Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion

This silky-smooth, non-greasy lotion hydrates the skin all day long, protects from chafing and cracking, and leaves skin feeling soft instead of sticky. Glycerin gives the formula extra slip, while vitamins E and B5 nourish and strengthen — earning it a spot in our 2019 Beauty Awards. “It has been the best and most soothing lotion I have ever used,” an Amazon reviewer explains. “My skin is already really dry, so it’s a miracle on the off chance that I can get it healed and smooth. This lotion is that miracle.”

10. Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Lotion

“Formulated with a triple oat complex and natural shea butter, this body lotion works great for those with dry skin. Its creamy formula spreads evenly and nicely on the skin,” explains Dr. Sperling. And with five stars and over 12k ratings on Amazon, customers love the lotion, as well. “I have very dry skin and this body lotion keeps my skin moisturized all day,” one reviewer writes. “It absorbs easily into the skin and it isn’t greasy.”

11. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

You might be familiar with Cetaphil for its face washes, but the brand also offers great lotions, as well. With a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) formula that packs glycerin, vitamin B5, and niacinamide, this lightweight and non-greasy lotion is ideal for use on the entire body and is also great for sensitive skin. “The intense, moisture-rich formula binds water to the skin and protects from dryness for 24 hours,” Dr. Bae says.

12. Avene Xeracalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm

For especially sensitive skin types, this lotion from Avène boasts a National Eczema Association seal of acceptance, as it’s suitable for eczema or atopic dermatitis-prone skin. That’s thanks to strong moisturizers (glycerin and mineral oil) and what it leaves out; it has no ingredients that can cause irritation, such as preservatives, parabens, or fragrances. This one pulls double duty, as you can use it on your face and body.

13. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

Looking for a lightweight, non-greasy lotion that’s perfect for daily use? Another great pick from Aveeno, this fragrance-free and non-comedogenic lotion recommended by Dr. Madfes is gentle enough to use every day — and promises to moisturize dry skin for a full 24 hours. Colloidal oatmeal has a soothing effect and reinforces the skin’s barrier, while moisturizers like dimethicone, glycerin, and petrolatum work to smooth skin. “After three days of using this twice per day on legs and hands, I noticed a huge difference,” one customer explains. “My skin is no longer flaking or cracking.”

14. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream

Weleda’s Skin Food is a cult favorite, thanks to its natural ingredients, thick formula, and serious versatility. Slather this on any dry patch — whether it be on your face, elbows, hands, feet, or knees — and its base of oils and beeswax will get to work to repair and hydrate damaged skin. Plus, it boasts a botanical fragrance that smells exactly like spring. “It is amazing, thick, creamy goodness that feels like heaven when applied to your body,” one reviewer says.

15. GEHWOL Med Salve for Cracked Skin

This ointment moisturizes parched skin while soothing inflammation, making it perfect for dry, cracked heels. Created with lanolin, Vaseline, vitamin B5, and lavender, it’s ideal for healing even the most stressed-out skin. And would you look at that super-cool tube? “Gehwol is excellent for cracked skin (heels, split skin on hands from dry winter weather, and anything else that has been abused by indoor heat),” one reviewer explains. “I apply the cracked skin salve on my feet, then cover them with socks to absorb any excess. It does wonders!”

Buying Guide: How to choose the best body lotion for dry skin

Read the ingredient list. Glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and ceramides are a few of the unquestionable necessary 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 prod irritation, so choose a fragrance-free formula in the event that you have sensitive skin.

Find your hero product. In the event that you don’t like the feel or smell of a lotion, you’re simply 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 in the event that 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 similarly as well.

Test, if necessary. Assuming 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 of days. No reaction? You’re good to go.

FAQ: Best Lotions For Dry Skin On Face

Can you put body lotion for dry skin on your face?

Body lotions for dry skin are often formulated to be thicker and likely contain fragrance. Since the skin on your face tends to be more delicate and sensitive than the skin on your body, it’s better to use products designed specifically for your face. However, using body lotion on your face occasionally shouldn’t cause a lot of an issue unless you have very sensitive or acne-prone skin.

How often should you use body lotion for dry skin?

It depends on how dry your skin is — in the event that your skin is dry to the touch, don’t hesitate to apply a moderate amount of lotion. However, when you apply body lotion is of great importance. Lotions work by trapping existing moisture on your skin, says the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Thus, you should aim to put on body lotion for dry skin after taking a bath, showering, or washing your hands.

What is the main cause of dry skin?

Well, it depends on the person. There isn’t one single cause of dry skin, according to the dermatologists we spoke to.

Dr. Minars says genetics is a huge contributor, which is completely beyond our control, but environmental and even behavioral factors can also deplete skin moisture levels. For some’s purposes, basically living in a dry climate can lead to dry skin. For others, it may come down to lifestyle factors like taking certain medications and bathing habits. For the majority, it’s in your genes. Some people are predisposed to dry skin, which can be exacerbated by the environment around them.

Inflamed skin is also a contributor to dryness. “Anything that causes inflammation in the skin will lead to damage of the moisture barrier, water loss through the skin, and therefore dryness,” explains Dr. Portela. “Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, and even acne lead to inflammation in the skin and can secondarily cause dryness.”

How do you get rid of dry skin?

Topical lotions and creams can go a long way in terms of relieving uncomfortably dry skin, but it requires consistency. Some behavioral changes can also calm dry, irritated skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding long hot baths and showers, adding moisture to the air with a humidifier, switching to gentle cosmetics, and choosing non-irritating fabrics and detergents.

Is Vaseline a moisturizer?

Vaseline is a vehicle for petroleum jelly, and the dermatologists we spoke to are big fans. “It’s the ultimate occlusive for preventing water loss through a compromised skin barrier,” according to Dr. Portela. However, the texture can be an obstacle. Occlusives like those in Vaseline are often thick and greasy. It may also be excessively heavy for those who are prone to acne, notes Dr. Alexiades.

Conclusion: Best Lotions For Dry Skin On Face

Dry skin is a common issue, particularly as people age. It happens when the skin does not retain enough water or natural oil. The best body lotion for dry skin can help lock in moisture to rehydrate the skin.

Make sure that water is an ingredient in any lotion and avoid products that contain fragrances, preservatives, dyes, alcohol, parabens, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.

For further advice, speak with a healthcare professional. This is especially important for people with skin health issues or allergies to any ingredients in cosmetics.

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