The Body Lotions That Left Our Dry Skin Feeling Silky Smooth, According to Editors (2024)

TL;DR

Our best overall pick is Nécessaire's The Body Lotion, which has an amazing skin-feel and is packed replete with the skin-saving ingredient, niacinamide. It's also pH-balanced and fragrance-free, so it's safe for even the most sensitive of skin. For something more affordable, consider CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, a drugstore favorite developed with dermatologists.

Our Top Picks

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamins A, C, and E | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.8 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

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-your-skin ingredients: Vitamin B3 (AKA niacinamide, a skin brightening ingredient) 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, cacay, 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 synthetic fragrance-free, pH-balanced, nonirritating, and non-sensitizing, although it does include citrus essential oils, which aggravated the sensitive skin of some reviewers.

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 8, 12, 16 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

A trusted and top-rated classic, CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a wallet-friendly option for soothing and healing dry skin. Formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight body lotion restores the skin’s barrier and helps it retain its natural moisture levels. We love how quickly it absorbs into the skin and leaves it feeling soft all day long.

The formula is free of both fragrance (an irritant) and is hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, and nonirritating, so it won’t cause a reaction for extra dry or cracked skin. Plus, it can be used everywhere from head to toe—including your face. However, the formula does contain parabens, which some people try to avoid.

Active Ingredients: Oat flour | Skin Type: All | Size: 12 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

This longtime drugstore favorite is a solid choice for dry skin thanks to its rich emollients and soothing colloidal oatmeal, which replenishes moisture and protects the skin’s delicate barrier leaving you with soft, smooth, and healthier-looking skin.

"After a bad retinol burn, this was the only moisturizer that was able to calm down and heal my skin," says associate commerce editor Emily Cieslak. "I still use it on my face and it doesn't cause breakouts or clog pores." We also love that Aveeno is a derm-recommended brand. And considering the price point, you can slather this formula from head to toe on the daily.

Active Ingredients: Marula butter, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Drunk Elephant’s Sili Body Lotion is the perfect everyday moisturizer to stave off dry skin. We love even more that this vegan and cruelty-free formula is considered clean by Byrdie’s standards. This lotion does it all—it contains a powerhouse blend of five different ceramides which support the skin’s barrier and protect against moisture loss, while marula oil, shea butter, squalane, and amino acids hydrate and strengthen the skin. It also contains a blend of fruit-derived antioxidants, including terminalia ferdinandiana that protect against free-radical damage, and it has a skin-friendly pH level of 4.2 (using products with a pH that’s too acidic or to alkaline can cause skin issues like eczema, redness, and sensitivity).

What this lotion doesn’t contain is sulfates, silicones, irritating fragrance, essential oils, dyes, and drying alcohols—plus a ton of other skincare nasties that tend to end up in our body care products.

Active Ingredients: TFC8, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 6.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This luxurious body cream may be on the more expensive side, but we promise it’s worth it. Another favorite of ours, this high-tech formula will not only solve your dry skin woes but will revitalize your whole body. Thanks to bisabolol (an anti-inflammatory active derived from chamomile), this cream jump-starts the skin’s natural repair and renewal process. It also features Brazilian candela oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, ultra-moisturizing shea butter, and vitamins A and E.

The results? Our skin looked and felt instantly softer, and over time, was visibly firmer with a reduction in sun damage, stretch marks, and even cellulite. Do note that those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should first consult with a doctor due to the use of verbena flower/leaf extract in the product.

Active Ingredients: Cactus flower and prickly pear extracts | Skin Type: Balanced | Size: 8.4 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While this body cream can be used all over, we especially love it for our legs. For one, it quickly absorbs into the skin, making it a great option to reach for when you’re in a rush (after shower when you’re late for work)—you can throw your jeans on right over it. This creamy wonder is formulated with an antioxidant-rich mix of cactus flower extract, prickly pear extract, and yucca extract, which keeps dry skin at bay all day long sans any residue or stickiness.

Second, we love the formula’s tiny light-reflecting particles, which leave behind the prettiest shimmery sheen that’s subtle enough for every day and leaves those gams even and radiant. This one does have a subtle orange blossom neroli scent which, while lovely, can potentially irritate sensitive skin.

Active Ingredients: 12% lactic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 7.9 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Bumpy arms, no more! This body lotion from AmLactin is a dermatologist favorite. It not only deeply moisturizes dry skin with rich emollients (ingredients that restore the skin barrier to soften skin) and creamy humectants (ingredients that pull water into the skin), but it also acts as a light exfoliator that’s gentle enough for daily use. Formulated with 12% lactic acid (a compound found in milk that works as a peeling agent), it boosts the skin's natural renewal process by breaking down flakes and bumps, making it a great choice for anyone suffering from pesky keratosis pilaris—aka, dry bumpy patches of skin—on their arms (as well as other parts of the body). Some reviewers didn’t love the smell of this one.

Active Ingredients: Caffeine, cupuacu butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.5, 8, 17 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

That’s right, your butt needs love too. Not only will this luxurious body cream leave your derriere hydrated and supple, but a combination of Brazilian powerhouse ingredients will reduce dullness and uneven texture while improving firmness and elasticity. It contains guaraná, a caffeine-rich ingredient that helps firm the skin, and antioxidant-rich Açaí to keep your bum appearing youthful.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that this magic butt cream leaves behind a topical scent, although some reviewers found it a bit overpowering. We’d also appreciate it if the brand could put the product in a pump bottle since a screw top lid is somewhat tricky when you’ve got freshly lotioned hands.

Active Ingredients: Purslane extract, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s a lot to love about this body cream from Dr. Barbara Sturm. It’s deeply hydrating and nourishing, but thanks to glacial water in its formula, it’s never heavy or sticky. It’s rich and luxurious, but absorbs almost instantly, resulting in velvety-smooth and supple skin.

What has us hooked, however, is its powerful anti-aging benefits. Infused with elderberry blossom extract (an antioxidant plant packed with vitamins A, B, C, and E), this powerhouse cream works to tighten the skin while its nutrient-rich oils and highly active compounds restore skin elasticity. Purslane extract, a plant-based anti-aging ingredient that’s found in many of Sturm’s products, reverses signs of aging in the skin, according to the brand. Plus, the formula is clean and cruelty-free. But again, some reviews didn’t love the scent.

Active Ingredients: Petrolatum | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 16 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

If your skin is super sensitive, finding a lotion that doesn’t irritate it can be a challenge. But trust us, Vanicream works. This no-frills but effective body cream is free of fragrance, dyes, lanolin, botanical extracts, and parabens and is noncomedogenic, making it a solid choice for those with fussy, easily irritated skin.

We love how the long-lasting formula spreads easily over the body like butter, soothing red, itchy, and cracked skin instantly. Plus, with such an affordable price point, you really can’t go wrong. Because it's so rich, it can leave your skin a bit sticky.

Active Ingredients: Urea, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 16 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

There’s dry skin, and then there’s very dry skin. Even the most diligent moisturizers can experience super dry skin during the winter months. When you need some extra TLC—we’re talking for flaky, cracked skin and uncomfortable rough patches—Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Créme will take care of you. It provides instant, soothing relief and keeps moisture locked in for up to 48 hours.

Ceramides and natural moisturizers soothe extra dry spots on the hands and body, while alpha hydroxy acid exfoliators gently break down flakes and roughness. And, because this formula is free of skin-irritating ingredients such as fragrance, dyes, and parabens, it’s safe for all skin types, including those who are extra sensitive.

Active Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, sweet almond oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dealing with eczema can be tough, but luckily there are some pretty powerful creams on the market that’ll offer some sweet, healing relief. Skinfix’s Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream, a favorite of Byrdie editor-in-chief Hallie Gould, is one of the best out there.

This rich cream leaves the skin feeling soft and soothed and is formulated with 2% colloidal oatmeal to temporarily protect and relieve skin irritation and itching caused by eczema, rashes, and dermatitis. Additionally, 4% almond oil works to nourish dry skin and relieve itching. We love that its clean formula has been tested and recommended by dermatologists for those with eczema-prone skin, so you know it works.

Active Ingredients: Rose flower oil, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.8 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This luxurious body cream from African Botanics is loved for its deeply hydrating and skin-revitalizing qualities. The brand sources wild-growing African Fynbos flora and nutrient-rich South African plants to nourish the skin, and infuses the formula with peptides and antioxidants to support skin health. It also contains caffeine, brown seaweed extract to boost collagen production and protect from environmental stressors, and vitamin C to reduce dark spots and even skin tone. But the thing we are obsessing over is the scent.

Wild cape may, rose, jasmine and ravensara blend with lime and vetiver to create an exotic, floral aroma that’s soft and never overpowering. Although this is an expensive product, we think it’s worth it given all the high-quality ingredients.

Active Ingredients: Olive leaf extract, sea buckthorn berry | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.8 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Just like your face, your body can benefit from using serums, too. This creamy serum from Free + True is so hydrating on its own you won’t need to apply another layer of lotion over it. Body Prophet is formulated with free radical-fighting antioxidants such as olive leaf extract, sea buckthorn berry, and pumpkin seed oil that heal, firm, and regenerate the skin while aloe vera juice and comfrey extract soothe, calm, and hydrate. It has a refreshing, summery scent that we love, thanks to a blend of essential oils—but keep in mind, this may irritate more sensitive skin types.

Active Ingredients: Sea kelp, meadowfoam seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

We are major fans of this luxurious moisturizer from La Mer, which applies as a balm and instantly melts into a silky oil upon skin contact. The Renewal Body Oil Balm may be expensive, but it features the brand’s signature Miracle Broth, a fermented mixture based on giant sea kelp, a natural ingredient proven to offer antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-acne benefits. It’s a key ingredient in all of the brand’s cult-favorite products.

This powerhouse formula, along with other nourishing oils, renews skin cells and heals dryness, redness, and irritation. The skin is left looking visibly more radiant, firmer, and healthier. You can even massage some onto the face or run it through your hair to nourish strands and tame flyaways. The only thing we don’t love is if the product gets too warm, it can get messy and spill out quickly.

Active Ingredients: Hemp seed, avocado, and grapeseed oils | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your skin needs some serious hydration, let it soak up this nourishing body oil from Klur. A trio of moisture-rich oils—organic hemp seed, avocado, and grapeseed—help this radiance-boosting treatment hydrate parched skin and create a protective barrier against future moisture loss, leaving it smooth, glowy, and supple.

Plus, it smells absolutely amazing, thanks to neroli orange blossom, Bulgarian rose, and French lavender. We just wish there was more of it for the price.

Active Ingredients: Fig extract, cannabis sativa oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.1, 6.3 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It seems that CBD is just about everywhere these days, and we love the intense hydration boost and anti-inflammatory benefits it offers when infused into skincare. This luxurious natural body cream from Haoma boasts 300mg of full-spectrum CBD with vitamins A, E, and D to nourish and heal the skin, and coconut seed and apricot kernel oils for moisture.

This stuff smells delicious, and, according to the brand, its marigold-like color is a nod to the sacral chakra, increasing the feeling of pleasure and bliss, which we’re obviously here for. Plus, it comes in a convenient travel size when you absolutely must have it with you on a trip.

Active Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

There’s a reason why this classic drugstore brand facial moisturizer has such high ratings. Its unique gel-cream formula instantly absorbs like a gel while providing long-lasting moisture like a cream. Even though the formula itself is light as air, it’s still deeply nurturing for dry, flaky skin and pesky rough patches, resulting in a smooth, supple complexion.

Thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and olive extract, this formula boosts and locks in hydration, protecting the skin from moisture loss for a whopping 48 hours. Plus, it’s free of fragrance, oil, and dyes, and is noncomedogenic, so it’s great for extra-dry skin types, especially those that are more sensitive. There’s very little about this gel-cream we don’t love, except it’d be great if it were in a pump bottle rather than a screw top container.

Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 4.5 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This body milk from Tatcha features failsafe hydrating ingredients like squalane and glycerin to boost moisture in the skin. Additionally, peach tree leaf extract works to improve skin texture, while the forest awakening essential oil blend will make you feel like you’re in a serene, lush-scented landscape.

Because the formula is so lightweight, this pick is a great option for anyone who doesn’t want a heavy cream on their body. We love that this soaks in the skin quickly and effectively hydrates without feeling greasy. That being said, we don’t think this is a great option for those super sensitive to fragrance—”parfum” sits pretty high up on the ingredient list, so some might find it irritating.

Active Ingredients: Plant-based milks, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 8.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another lightweight formula that won’t feel heavy on the skin, this pick from Fresh features plant-based milks—including rice milk, linseed milk, and Centella milk—to help soothe and calm skin, while niacinamide and hyaluronic acid create a stronger skin barrier and moisturize, too.

This pick has a lovely, lightweight scent. It’s not too strong or troublesome for sensitive skin, but also not so light that you can’t smell anything. Although we love the formula, we think it’s a little too lightweight to properly hydrate very dry skin.

Active Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 6.76 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With menopause comes a lot of hormonal changes. And with hormonal changes come a lot of changes in your skin’s appearance, including thinning and dryness. This pick from Womaness is a great option because it combines seven different types of sodium hyaluronate (a humectant in the same family as hyaluronic acid) and helps to treat the severe skin dryness many women in menopause experience. We love that the niacinamide helps even out tone and texture, while the antioxidant-rich red snow flower extract protects skin against environmental aggressors like pollution and dry wind.

We appreciate all the skin-loving benefits this pick offers, but if you aren’t a fan of thick body creams, this pick probably isn’t for you. The formula is heavy and might take a little longer than others to absorb into the skin.

Active Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 8.4 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It doesn’t get more classic than the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Hydrating Body Lotion. This product has been a fan-favorite for many years and it’s pretty easy to see why. The ingredient list is chock-full of moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and squalene. We also love that this pick is fragrance-free, so it’s well-suited for sensitive skin (or anyone who doesn’t love fragrance in their lotion).

On the flip side, this is a pretty bare-bones formula. There are no anti-aging ingredients, and it’s mostly designed to simply hydrate your skin when you need some extra TLC.

FAQ

• 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 too much 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—if 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. So, you should aim to put on body lotion for dry skin after taking a bath, shower, or washing your hands. If you suffer from dry skin on your hands, you might want to opt for a pair of moisturizing gloves to sleep in.