Our skin is inherently designed to be smooth and well-hydrated, yet many individuals struggle with dryness, a condition often triggered by factors such as excessive bathing, aging, exposure to heat, cold weather, harsh soaps, and sun damage. Beyond merely affecting the skin's appearance—rendering it rough and lifeless—chronic dryness can lead to conditions like eczema and other dermatological issues.
Summer is often regarded as the favorite season for many, thanks to the abundant sunshine and myriad outdoor activities it offers. However, the time spent basking in the sun, lounging in air-conditioned spaces, and swimming in pools can contribute to heightened skin dryness for numerous individuals. Therefore, when contemplating your summer beauty regimen, it’s essential to prioritize hydration for your skin, the body's largest organ.
While skin dryness is generally not a serious medical concern, the symptoms—including itchiness, peeling, scaling, cracking, and discoloration—are certainly undesirable for anyone who values radiant skin. Fortunately, this condition typically responds well to lifestyle adjustments, as well as the use of appropriate moisturizers and lotions tailored to individual skin types and budgets.
If you're uncertain whether you have dry skin, you can reference this article for guidance. However, the focus of this piece is on nine highly-rated body lotions that can help maintain skin hydration and suppleness as the summer season of 2024 approaches. The selection criteria for these products include global user ratings, ingredient quality, suitability for various skin types, affordability, and brand reputation.
Below is a summary table showcasing the nine exceptional lotions for dry skin, including key details:
S/N
Lotion Brand
Best For
Global Amazon Ratings
Star Rating
1
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Dry, sensitive, and non-sensitive skin
138,785
4.7/5.0
2
Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm
Extremely dry skin
3,713
4.6/5.0
3
Curél Ultra Healing Lotion
Lightweight lotion enthusiasts
10,260
4.8/5.0
4
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
Sensitive yet dry skin
40,939
4.6/5.0
5
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Bacne-prone dry skin
2,118
4.3/5.0
6
Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion
Dry skin in summer
27,609
4.8/5.0
7
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm
Dry skin affected by eczema
11,543
4.6/5.0
8
Cetaphil Body Moisturizer
Budget-conscious individuals seeking exfoliation
40,705
4.8/5.0
9
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion
Compromised dry skin
25,511
4.6/5.0
Overall Best Lotion for Dry Skin: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Main Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Price: $19.49 for 19 oz ($0.94/ounce)
This highly effective and dermatologist-recommended lotion stands out as a top choice for combatting dry skin. With nearly 120,000 Amazon reviewers singing its praises, CeraVe has been formulated based on extensive research conducted by skin experts. Many dermatologists confidently recommend this lotion to those experiencing dryness.
Notably, this cream is non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free, receiving the seal of approval from the US National Eczema Association (NEA). It effectively treats dry, scaly skin or serves as a regular hand cream, utilizing its powerful blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to fortify the skin's natural barriers, providing up to 24 hours of velvety hydration without greasiness.
Best Lotion for Very Dry Skin: Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm
Main Ingredients: Vitamin E, vegetable extracts, thermal water
Price: $36 for 6.7 oz
For those whose dry skin has become severe and is accompanied by conditions like eczema or atopic dermatitis, dermatologists highly recommend this product for its effectiveness. For optimal results, it is advisable to first cleanse the area with the XeraCalm cleansing oil from the same range. Both the lotion and cleansing oil are free from fragrance and preservatives.
This lotion specifically targets symptoms such as itchiness, irritation, and redness, making it suitable for everyone—from adults to infants—without adverse side effects. Its rich formulation effectively locks in moisture, ensuring that even the driest skin remains supple and hydrated throughout the day without a greasy feel.
Best Lightweight Lotion for Dry Skin: Curél Ultra Healing Lotion (20 oz)
Main Ingredients: Eucalyptus, ceramides
Price: $11.64 ($0.55/oz)
While dermatologists often advocate for dense creams to treat dry skin, there are instances when a lighter lotion suffices. Curél’s lightweight formula absorbs quickly, spreads easily, and maintains moisture when applied shortly after bathing. This lotion outperforms many heavier alternatives in restoring and revitalizing extremely dry skin.
Its ceramide complex effectively replenishes the skin’s ceramide levels, and being non-greasy, it prevents pore clogging and breakouts. Consider the size and all-day hydration it provides, and it’s clear that this product offers remarkable value for the price.
Best Lotion for Dry, Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
Main Ingredients: Sorbitol, cetearyl alcohol, petrolatum
Price: $16.43 ($0.85 fl./oz)
Combining dryness with sensitivity requires a careful choice of lotion, and this cream is specifically designed to meet those needs. Free from fragrance, dyes, lanolin,
