With dry skin on the rise, body lotions are essential for keeping skin hydrated and healthy. But, the emollient formulas have a reputation for being not-so-pleasant to apply, says Cambridge, M.A.-based dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch, who considers the typical sticky, greasy textures and often-pasty smells to be among “the biggest moisturizer crimes against humanity.” Fortunately, better options exist. The latest body lotions repair skin from the neck down with lightweight-yet-hydrating ingredients that absorb quickly and even appeal to sensitive noses, says Dr. Hirsch.
When sizing up body lotions, look for three key ingredients: Humectants (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid) that hold in water; emollients (like ceramides) that strengthen your skin’s barrier; and occlusives (like petroleum) that trap in moisture. The balance of these ingredients will determine the hydrating power of any product and whether your lotion has a texture that’s more like a balm or gel, says Dr. Hirsch. Also important: Don’t rub moisturizer on bone-dry skin. Instead, apply it when you’re slightly damp, ideally within a minute after you shower, to draw in more water.
Just in time for the chilly forecast, Dr. Hirsch recommends nine body lotions—for people who really don’t like applying body lotions—that combine soothing comfort with speedy, effective results.
For Severely Dry Skin
This heavy-duty cream is intensely healing but fast-absorbing, says Dr. Hirsch, who particularly likes its “colloidal oatmeal to soothe,” as an emollient ingredient that contains fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to repair cracks in the skin’s barrier. It’s free from artificial fragrances, along with parabens, mineral oil and lanolin, which makes this pick vegan-friendly as well.
For Moderately Dry Skin
A lighter take on the original Skinfix healing balm—first created by a British pharmacist in 1870—this creamy formula is packed with ceramides to tackle redness, itching, inflammation, cracking and dryness for moderately parched skin “without the usual heavy feel that’s a dealbreaker for many,” says Dr. Hirsch.
For Normal to Lightly Dry Skin
CeraVe has a cult-following for a reason: It’s an affordable drugstore brand with high-quality ingredients and textures, says Dr. Hirsch, who likes the oil-free lotion—which is boosted with moisture-loving hyaluronic acid—as a dependable $7 fix for those with relatively normal skin who need a daily moisture boost in the colder, drier months.
For Sensitive Skin
“This is the best lotion there is for someone with sensitivities,” says Dr. Hirsch, who likes the non-greasy, easy-to-spread formula for what’s not in it—dyes, fragrance, lanolin, essential oils, botanical extracts—all of which can irritate reactive skin.
For Eczema-Prone Skin
Eczema often appears on the hands, elbows, torso and backs of the knees, where there are less oil glands, so the skin is prone to dryness. Besides avoiding hot showers, which robs moisture, Dr. Hirsch recommends applying this steroid-free balm, which has the National Eczema Association Seal of Approval and is enriched with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides to soothe scaly, itchy skin. Rub it all over or as a spot treatment.
For Acne-Prone Skin
For dry skin that also breaks out, Dr. Hirsch likes this top-rated, fragrance-free hybrid, which combines the nourishing benefits of a cream with the oil-free finish of a gel so it won’t clog pores, especially if you’re prone to flare-ups on your back or chest.
For All-Over Hydration
This dermatologist-favorite brand is known for its hard-working moisturizers. This multi-purpose body lotion can be rubbed on rough patches anywhere (hands, elbows, knees, feet) and contains dimethicone, an ingredient that forms a hydrating barrier to preserve skin’s natural moisture and offset the seasonal dip in humidity, which can leave skin dehydrated during colder weather, says Dr. Hirsch.
For Natural Beauty Enthusiasts
Weleda’s botanical-based Skin Food is a cult-classic face moisturizer, and the body version is just as fantastic, says Dr. Hirsch. It has a softer, whipped texture to help the shea and cocoa seed butter-based formula glide on beautifully without any greasiness.
For Hydration That Lasts All Day
Dr. Hirsch swears by this French pharmacy body cream—along with many enthusiastic fans on Amazon (where it has more than 10,000 reviewers)—which contains prebiotics to rebalance the skin’s microbiome and provide 48 hours of hydration. If you have thirsty skin and don’t want to reapply moisturizer during the day, this pick is for you.
