The Only 24 Body Lotions That Actually Work on Dry Skin

Despite the fact that the majority of the skin on our bodies is below the neck, we do a very good job at neglecting it. While double cleansing, exfoliating and masking our faces might be rituals cemented firmly in our weekly beauty routines, for the most part, the skin on the rest of our bodies is left to fend for itself. And while the skin on our faces has more demanding wants and needs, the rest of our skin does require at least some basic level of TLC, too. Most notably, at around this time every year, it has a tendency to turn dry.

As the seasons change, a perfect concoction of fluctuating temperatures, wind, sun exposure and a change in wardrobe choices (is it warm enough to show a bit of ankle yet?) can cause our skin to turn dry, scaly and ashy. And while dryness on the face can be a difficult battle to fight (everything from foundation to retinol could be the cause), for the most part, dry skin on the body usually requires one key thing, and that’s moisture.

Whether you’re battling surface dryness or something more serious such as eczema, finding the right body lotion is of utmost importance. Super-nourishing ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid can help get dry skin back on track. The trick, however, is in finding the right product for you. Sadly, a quick smattering of fruity body butter picked up in the supermarket won’t be the answer to every dry skin problem you encounter. Luckily though, I am somewhat of a body care connoisseur and have tried virtually every body product around. So, if you’re looking for the glowiest, smoothest limbs of your life, keep scrolling for the best lotions out there for dry skin.

Eucerin 10% Urea Body Lotion Dry Skin Relief (£14)

Yes, you read that right, this stuff contains urea. However, urea is actually one of the key natural moisturising components of our skin, along with ceramides. It makes sense then, that when you put the two together in one seriously hardworking formula, you get a wonderfully nourishing, repairing lotion. Plus, I have it on good authority it also does a great job on psoriasis and keratosis pilaris.

The Body Shop Almond Milk Body Yogurt (£9)

If you’re looking for an affordable, everyday body lotion to help you keep on top of dryness, look no further. This delicious cream has a lightweight, yogurt-like texture that sinks into skin in an instant. It’s not the hardest working of the bunch, but it’s the perfect daily lotion for those that hate feeling greasy.

Sol De Janeiro Coco Cabana Cream (£44)

For those that like their body routine to pack a sweet-smelling punch but want to steer clear of potentially irritating fragrances, this bouncy cream strikes the perfect balance. Like fresh coconuts, one layer of this cooling gel-like lotion from head to toe is all you need to be transported to the sunny beaches of Brazil.

Caudalie Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion 200ml (£15)

On first glance, this stuff might seem like little more than a cooling after-sun, however it’s actually that and then some. With nourishing coconut oil and soothing grape water and aloe vera, it’s ideal for cooling and nourishing super-dry, slightly irritated skin, whether than be from a hard day in the sun or just everyday life.

Nivea Body Cream Souffle Coconut & Monoi Oil Moisturiser (£5)

I stumbled across this treat of a lotion by pure luck. A few years ago, I found myself desperate for an affordable lotion that I could take on holiday with me and wouldn’t be too upset about using up in the space of 10 days. However, the minute I landed back on UK soil after a couple of weeks in the sun, I went straight to Boots to pick up another one. It’s rich and buttery, but the lightweight, whipped texture and silky oils means it is in no way sticky or uncomfortable. Plus, the subtle coconut scent is wonderfully summery.

Nuxe Melting Honey Body Oil Balm (£23)

Not one for the faint-hearted, this rich, oily balm is ideal for those with very dry skin that needs some nourishment. Everything from the scent to the texture oozes ultimate luxury.

Ouai Body Crème (£32)

You might be more familiar with Ouai’s cult haircare products, however the Insta-famous brand also has an impressive range of body products too. This light cream smells fresh and slightly floral, but also has some serious skincare benefits with added squalane to treat, rather than disguise, dryness.

Neom Organics London Perfect Night’s Sleep Magnesium Body Butter (£36)

If you’re not a particularly big fan of the feeling of body lotion under your clothes, this overnight butter could be perfect for you. Formulated with rich shea butter and coconut oil, it offers next-level nourishment with a calming lavender scent that will have you drifting off in no time.

Susanne Kaufmann Restorative Toning Body Cream (£130)

Before you start crying at the price tag, just know that no one needs this body cream, and it can’t work miracles. It’s nourishing, yes and contains all of the spa-like goodness that Susanne Kaufmann products go hand-in-hand with, however it does have some impressive technology packed in there too. Using a special, patented complex, this cream works to boost the skin’s cell turnover and kickstart collagen production for a firm, healthy-looking finish.

Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Soufflé Body Crème (£53)

If you have ever had the pleasure of smelling this cream, you’ll know why it’s on the list. It’s nourishing sure, and it does a great job at tackling dryness thanks to a whole bunch of restoring ingredients, but it’s the sweet, mouth-watering scent that makes it such a joy to behold.

Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion (£33)

Looking at this nondescript bottle, you wouldn’t think much about it. In fact, this body lotion sat on my shelf for months before I even bothered reaching for it. However, after the first use, I was totally hooked. It has a very subtle scent that oozes freshness, but it’s the no-fuss formula that makes it a real winner. It glides onto skin and absorbs with total ease, leaving behind silky-smooth skin.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Moisturising Body Balm Ap+M (£20)

Ideal for those with serious irritation, eczema or psoriasis, this skin balm works to soothe flare ups and rehydrate in a matter of seconds. It’s no-frills, serious skincare as its finest.

Cerave Smoothing Cream (£18)

If your skin is feeling rough and bumpy, this thick cream is the ultimate smoother. It contains salicylic acid to slough away at dead skin cells responsible for blocking your pores and giving skin its rough texture. With prolonged use, expect skin to go back to being its softest self.

Ameliorate Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion (£17)

Suffering with those unsightly bumps on the backs of your arms? Keratosis pilaris (otherwise known as chicken skin) can feel virtually impossible to get rid of. However, this game-changing lotion contains a blend of acids to help shift skin bumps and dryness. It’s one of a kind and is adored by beauty editors and skin experts.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps (£29)

I don’t know a single beauty editor that doesn’t have a bottle of this cult lotion in their stash. It’s thick and requires a little bit of elbow grease to apply if you accidentally squirt out too much, but the sweet-smelling, long-lasting, glowing results make it well worth it.

Frank Body Body Cream (£18)

Frank might be best known for its coffee scrubs, but this body cream is worth your attention too. It’s almost impossibly creamy and rich, with a cake-like, caramel fragrance that keeps you going back for more.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Body Treatment (£42)

I am a huge fan of Aromatherapy Associates, but as someone that has quite sensitive skin, I’m aware that the high essential oil content in their products aren’t always best suited to me. When I first tried this body lotion, I was apprehensive as the strong scent had flare-up written all over it. However, the minute I started massaging it into my legs, I felt a wave of calm rush over me and my skin felt soft and soothed with zero irritation. Now, I can’t imagine not having a pot of this stuff on hand whenever I need a boost.

Ren Clean Skincare
Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Cream (£22)

If you like your body lotions to be on the thicker side, this energising, zesty cream will be right up your street. Housed in a handy pump bottle, it leaves limbs feeling invigorated and delivers intense nourishment in a matter of seconds.

Gallinée Body Milk (£28)

Harnessing the power of pre-, pro- and post-biotics, this lightweight milk offers up a gentle, non-irritating exfoliation with lactic acid, to rid the skin of any dead cells causing dullness. It leaves skin feeling next-level soft and is one of my favourite body products out there. Plus, it looks great on the shelf.

Lanolips Lano Lanolin Everywhere Cream (£11)

Loved by the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Lanolips is a brand that uses lanolin in its products to offer up serious hydrating nourishment. This all-over cream can be used as a body lotion, hand cream, face treatment or as a baby cream, and it clears up dryness in next to no time.

Susanne Kaufmann Mineral Body Lotion (£97)

I know, I know, another super-expensive Susanne Kaufmann lotion, but believe me when I say I wouldn’t include them if the love wasn’t strong. Again, by no means a necessity, but a wonderful addition to your body care arsenal should you have the cash, this lightweight lotion smells unbelievably zesty and uplifting, acting like a shot of energy for dry, tired limbs.

Aveeno Baby Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream (£8)

I know it says this is for babies, but believe me when I say this cream is the perfect gentle treatment for patches of eczema. Full of ceramides, it helps to restore the skin’s natural function with zero upset.

Decleor Super Size Hydrating Milk (£33)

We’re all after a taste of spa-like luxury at home right now, and this mind-calming body milk couldn’t be more perfect for the occasion. With an uplifting aroma of neroli, massaging this stuff into dry areas will help soothe your skin and your mind.

Next up, 25 stunning haircuts celebs in their 50s always ask for.

This article originally appeared on Who What Wear

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Tags: body, Dry, Lotions, Skin, work