There are numerous dry skin cures, but just a handful of body creams that hydrate better than the others. The Home Accessoris Institute Beauty Lab constantly evaluates many moisturizers, including face lotions, hand creams, night creams, moisturizers for dry and sensitive skin, and more, to find products that genuinely prevent dryness.
We conduct tests to see which body lotions will keep your skin hydrated by gathering many moisturizers (21 in our most recent test) and restricting the field based on initial moisturization capabilities. The Corneometer gadget (which measures skin hydration) is used in the lab to assess moisture changes on the skin before and after lotion application.
Then, to avoid bias, we hide the labels of the top-performing products before sending them to consumer testers with various skin types and concerns. Our testers use the lotions regularly and provide feedback on their simplicity of use, performance, and general happiness. We discovered the finest body lotion for dry, dull, mature, or eczema-prone skin by crunching data from 5,040 hydration data points from in-lab tests and tallying results from 1,062 questions from 118 customer surveys.
1
PROS
- Creates a barrier to lock in moisture
CONS
For really dry areas, use our Home Accessoris Seal star, created with panthenol and glycerin, to seal in moisture while avoiding the sticky texture of standard petroleum jelly solutions. Apply it to dry or cracked skin wherever from lips to cuticles.
2
PROS
- Thick, nourishing cream
CONS
- Expensive
April Franzino, Beauty Director at Home Accessoris, loves this. “It’s like whipped cream for your skin,” she claims. “It smells slightly sweet of honey and cream and makes skin feel instantly nourished and pampered without the overly-sticky feel body butter can have.”
3
BEST BODY LOTION FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion for Dry Skin
PROS
- Contains refreshing caffeine and menthol
- A little goes a long way
CONS
- Not ideal for winter months when skin can become dry
This one is for you, fragrance-free aficionados. The scentless and lightweight composition is ideal for sensitive skin (or sensitive nostrils) that react to extra fragrances. This selection hasn’t been tested, but it’s made with niacinamide, shea butter, and glycerin, all proven hydration for smooth, healthy skin.
4
PROS
- Oatmeal formula soothes skin
CONS
This eczema-specific body lotion is designed for people who suffer from itchy skin. Though we haven’t formally evaluated this formula in-lab, reviews and dermatologists agree that the thick, rich texture soothes impaired skin and that the colloidal oatmeal and ceramide formula helps to improve the skin’s barrier so it can heal correctly.
5
PROS
- Applies without feeling sticky
CONS
Stop and smell the roses with Jurlique’s dreamy formula, which boosted skin hydration by 46% in six hours. People liked how it applied smoothly to their skin and didn’t leave them sticky or greasy. “I didn’t have to take too much time spreading the product onto my skin at all, which usually happens when I use body lotion,” a tester commented.
6
PROS
- Energizing citrus scent
CONS
While it didn’t moisturize as effectively as other alternatives (40%), our testers like it for its vivid citrus smell. One tester described it as “energizing in the a.m.” The consistency, which was a little liquidy, was something they could have enjoyed.
7
PROS
- Transforms dull skin
- Softly scented
CONS
This lotion outperformed the others by making skin look hydrated and smoothing ashy, flaky skin. It also exhibited a high rate of moisturization (49%). The aroma may convert you: “I liked the soft scent of the lotion even though I am not a fan of scented lotions,” one tester said. However, remember that the trade-off for that radiance is that your skin may feel oily.
8
PROS
- Lightweight texture
- High consumer satisfaction scores
CONS
You’ll notice the effects of Eucerin’s lotion, which received high marks for skin softening and long-lasting moisturization. Although it did not have the highest moisturizing percentage, customers praised its texture and spreadability – the lightweight texture is hydrating enough for warmer months without being heavy or cloying.
9
PROS
- Spreadable, light formula
- Hydrates without feeling heavy
CONS
This lotion is quite light, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not hydrating. According to our lab results, the Curel lotion boosted skin hydration by 56% over 6 hours. Our consumer testers also liked how readily it went over their skin and how well it kept them hydrated throughout the day. One of them put it succinctly: “I liked pretty much everything about this product.”
10
PROS
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Cult favorite pick
CONS
This hypoallergenic body lotion has received over 8,000 positive reviews on Amazon. The lightweight product is fragrance-free and packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and heal skin, and it enhances moisturization by 37% in lab tests. It received high marks from testers for fast absorption into the skin, and most stated they would continue using it. It also comes in a rich body cream version for especially dry skin during the winter.
11
BEST FRAGRANCE-FREE BODY LOTION
Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion
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PROS
- Non-greasy feel
- Scent-free
CONS
This body lotion with vitamin E and B5 performed admirably in lab testing, increasing skin hydration by 54%. It rubbed readily over the skin and absorbed swiftly without feeling greasy, but testers wished it made their skin look as hydrated as it felt. The fragrance-free solution is odorless, according to testers, and it also comes as a rich cream for extremely dry skin.
12
PROS
- Fragrance-free formula
- Second-highest moisturization score in Lab tests
CONS
Dove’s lotion received top marks in our lab testing for keeping skin looking and hydrated throughout the day. The easy-to-apply recipe increased skin moisture by 57% in six hours, placing it a close second to our top pick’s hydration power.
13
PROS
- Firms and smooths crepey skin
- wrinkles
CONS
Moisturizing and wrinkle-reducing, our lab discovered that this product hydrated and firmed skin after six hours in our anti-aging body lotion trial. Testers noted noticeable effects for softening fine lines and wrinkles after four weeks of use.
14
BEST OVERALL BODY LOTION
Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Advanced Repair Unscented
PROS
- Most hydrating in Lab tests
- Non-greasy and fast-absorbing
CONS
This unscented lotion hydrated skin by 60% for more than six hours in our lab’s moisturization testing, one of the highest hydration levels our scientists have ever seen. And, while being a powerful moisturizer, the texture was excellent: all of our consumer testers claimed it absorbed swiftly and did not leave skin feeling tacky.
How we choose the best face washes for men
Choosing the best body lotions and creams to hydrate and soothe your skin entails considering several things to ensure you pick products appropriate for your skin type and needs. Here is a complete guide to making the right decisions:
✔️Skin Type Evaluation: Is it normal, dry, oily, mixed, sensitive, or dry? This information will assist you in selecting products that are targeted to the specific needs of your skin.
✔️Examining the Ingredient Label: Look for components that are hydrating and nourishing, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, shea butter, aloe vera, and natural oils (such as coconut, jojoba, and argan).
✔️Avoid using any harsh ingredients: Avoid products that contain alcohol, perfumes, parabens, sulfates, and other potentially irritating ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
✔️Formulations with a Specific Purpose: If you have eczema, psoriasis, or aging skin, look for lotions and creams developed to address those conditions.
✔️SPF (Sun Protection Factor): To protect your skin from damaging UV rays during the day, choose body lotions or creams with additional SPF protection.
✔️Preferences for Fragrances: Some people are sensitive to fragrances, so choosing fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products might help prevent skin responses.
✔️Texture and uniformity: Body lotions are often lighter in substance, whereas creams are heavier. Choose based on your preferences and the moisture requirements of your skin. Creams are frequently more moisturizing and ideal for extremely dry skin.
✔️Allergen Sensitivity: If you have allergies or sensitivities to certain components, check labels carefully to avoid potential triggers.
✔️Product Evaluations: Read customer reviews and testimonials to obtain insight into a product’s performance and compatibility with your skin type.
✔️Patch Evaluation: Before applying the product to a larger skin region, test a tiny amount on a small skin area (e.g., your forearm) for any adverse reactions.
✔️Quality vs. Price: While premium skincare products are sometimes more expensive, there are still less expensive solutions that can provide outstanding benefits. Examine the importance you place on skincare and compare it to your budget.
✔️Consultation with a Dermatologist: If you have recurrent skin problems or need clarification about which product to use, consult a dermatologist who can offer products suited to your skin’s specific needs.
✔️Individual Preference: Finally, trust your instincts and preferences. The texture, aroma, and feel of a product on your skin all contribute to overall satisfaction.
Finally, choosing the best body lotions and creams involves carefully evaluating your skin type, ingredient lists, individual demands, and personal tastes. Following these recommendations and researching will allow you to locate products that properly moisturize and soothe your skin, leaving it looking and feeling its best.
How often should you use Body Lotions ?
The frequency you use body lotions and creams to moisturize and soothe your skin is determined by various factors, including your skin type, environment, and personal preferences. Body lotion or cream should be applied at least once daily, especially after showering or bathing when your skin is damp. This aids in retaining moisture and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may benefit from using lotion more frequently, such as in the morning and before bedtime. Individuals with oily skin, on the other hand, may find that applying lotion every other day is adequate. Furthermore, modifying your skincare routine with the seasons is advantageous since colder conditions demand more regular application to fight moisture loss. To maintain smooth, supple, and healthy skin, the key is to listen to your skin’s demands and alter your moisturizing routine accordingly.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
