13 Best Expert-Approved Drugstore Body Moisturizers For Dry Skin (2024)
Bid farewell to dullness and dryness and offer your skin long-lasting hydration.
Matthew has worked in the hair and beauty industry for over 27 years having managed salons, spas and esthetic clinics for brands like Toni & Guy and Aveda before starting his own chain of multi-award winning laser and skin clinics in central London.
Read full bio of Matthew Rundle
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Dry skin is a common occurrence in harsh winters or summers, and it makes you reach out for a moisturizer. Unfortunately, of the many products available, zeroing in on the best drugstore body moisturizer for dry skin is a bit difficult. But do not worry! We are here to save your time and effort and prevent your skin from dryness, rough patches, itching, scaling, and cracking. This article lists the 13 best body moisturizers that you can buy in your nearest drug store. Take a peek!
In This Article
13 Best Drugstore Body Moisturizers For Dry Skin You Must Try In 2024
1. Best Lightweight:CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is enriched with hyaluronic acid that maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance. The MVE technology continually releases moisturizing ingredients to offer 24 hours of hydration to thirsty skin. This skin-nourishing body lotion contains three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) that promote skin’s protective barrier restoration. The bestseller lotion has been tested for allergies. It has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. This video gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Allergy-tested
- Absorbed quickly
- Non-greasy
- Gentle formula
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 76,010 reviews claiming its efficacy.
2. Best For Daily Use:Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion has proven to deliver visible results and provides 24 hours of moisturization. This clinically-proven formula contains colloidal oatmeal and rich emollients that relieve dryness and itchiness. This body lotion soothes the skin and maintains its pH balance. It nourishes your parched skin, making it smooth and healthy. This emollient-rich lotion is suitable for regular use. Have a look at this video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Clinically proven
Cons
- Greasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,752 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
3. Best Fast-Absorbing Formula:Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer
The Jergens Ultra Healing Dry Skin Moisturizer relieves dryness and locks in moisture for up to 48 hours. It contains HYDRALUCENCE blend and vitamins C, E, and B5 that brighten the skin. This lotion penetrates five layers of the skin with proven efficacy and makes it visibly healthy. The fast-absorbing, moisturizing formula softens dry and rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels. Here is an informative video that tells you more about the product.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Absorbed quickly
- Dermatologist tested
- Scent-free
Cons
- Sticky
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 2,976 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
| CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Best Lightweight | Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion Best For Daily Use | Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer Best Fast-Absorbing Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.03 x 3.52 x 8.54 inches | 3.4 x 2 x 9.2 inches | 1.46 x 1.54 x 3.23 inches |
| Weight | 1.04 Pounds. | 0.037 ounces | 3.84 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 76,010 | 3,752 | 2,976 |
| Price | $12.74 | $9.2 | $8.17 |
4. Best Affordable:NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion
The dermatologically tested Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion intensively moisturizes the skin for up to 48 hours. It is enriched with a Deep Nourishing serum and almond oil that reduce roughness of the skin and make it soft and smooth. The rich formula is designed for dry to very dry skin and is suitable for daily use.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Affordable
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- Might feel greasy
Did you know?5. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
The Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion is enriched with vitamin B5 that protects the skin’s natural moisture barrier and increases its moisture retention. The non-greasy formula is absorbed quickly into the skin and helps replenish it, leaving it with a luxurious smoothness. This lotion is also suitable for tattoo aftercare. This high-performing, daily-use, fragrance-free formula has won over the internet and has thousands of 5-star reviews.
Pros
- Clinically proven
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed quickly
- No synthetic fragrances
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 17,142 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
6. Best Clinically Proven:Curél Ultra Healing Intensive Lotion
This Ultra Healing Intensive Lotion by Curél relieves dry skin and offers 24-hour moisturization. It is enriched with an advanced ceramide complex, shea butter, pro-vitamin B5, and eucalyptus leaf extract that restore the skin’s natural ceramides and prevent dryness. This restorative, non-greasy formula is absorbed quickly into the skin without clogging the pores. The hydrating agents make the driest, tightest skin feel soft and supple.
Pros
- Clinically proven
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed quickly
- No synthetic fragrances
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 7,249 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
7. Best Fragrance-Free:O’Keeffe’s Skin Repair Body Lotion
The O’Keeffe’s Skin Repair Body Lotion heals, relieves, and repairs dry, itchy skin. The non-greasy formula is absorbed quickly into the skin and keeps it moisturized for 48 hours. This skin-nourishing body lotion provides moisture replenishment to the skin impacted by diabetes and eczema.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lasts for up to 48 hours
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed quickly
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Thick consistency
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 9,144 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
8. Best Dye-Free:Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
The Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream provides 48 hours of moisturization. It is infused with ceramide-3 and Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) that are rich in amino acids and offer deep hydration to dry skin. This skin-smoothing lotion helps strengthen the moisture barrier of your skin. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and recommended by dermatologists.
Pros
- Lasts for up to 48 hours
- Clinically proven
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- No synthetic fragrances
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist recommended
Cons
- Watery consistency
9. Best For Itchy Skin:Neutrogena Deep Moisture Body Lotion
The Neutrogena Deep Moisture Body Lotion is absorbed quickly into the skin and provides 48 hours of moisturization. It helps soothe dry, itchy, and irritated skin. The calming, non-greasy formula contains glycerin and d-panthenol that prevent skin irritation caused by dryness.
Pros
- Absorbed quickly
- Clinically proven
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Long-lasting
Cons
- None
10. Best Cruelty-Free:Alaffia EveryDay Shea Body Lotion
The Alaffia EveryDay Shea Body Lotion nourishes and soothes dry skin. This skin-softening lotion contains unrefined shea butter, botanical extracts, shea leaf, and vanilla that help soften and revitalize your skin and its rough texture. Shea leaf extracts contain saponins, tannins, and antioxidants that keep your skin hydrated. Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants and soothes skin irritation.
Pros
- No synthetic fragrances
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- No added colors
Cons
- Watery consistency
11. Best Organic:Tree To Tub Shea Butter For Body
This organic drugstore brand moisturizer helps maintain the pH balance of your skin. It nourishes, hydrates, and calms the skin without leaving any residue. This soothing lotion contains organic shea butter, cocoa butter, oatmeal, aloe vera, and chamomile that help relieve eczema, dryness, and flaking skin.
Pros
- 100% natural
- Pleasant fragrance
- Toxin-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Silicone-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Might cause skin reactions.
12. Best Hypoallergenic:Remedy Moisturizing Body Lotion
The Remedy Moisturizing Body Lotion keeps your skin hydrated for 24 hours. It contains botanical complex, antioxidants, vitamins, green tea, clove flowers, and soy. The green tea extracts help soothe the skin, while the safflower oleosomes prevent water loss from the skin. This replenishing lotion is recognized by The National Eczema Association for being effective in treating eczema and sensitive skin conditions.
Pros
- Lasts for up to 24 hours
- No core allergens
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Hypoallergenic
- pH-balanced
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might have a gummy residue.
13. Best pH-Balanced:sebamed Moisturizing Body Lotion
The sebamed Moisturizing Body Lotion has a lightweight texture and offers the best dry skin treatment, as it gets absorbed easily into the skin without leaving any greasy residue. It is enriched with chamomile extracts and allantoin that soothe and soften the skin. This lotion helps maintain the natural moisture balance of your skin. It has the perfect pH balance of 5.5 that supports the skin’s natural hydrolipid barrier. This repairing lotion helps treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It also helps even out the skin tone and make it supple.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Developed by dermatologists
- Non-irritating
- pH-balanced
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
Now that you know about the 13 best drugstore body lotions for dry skin, consider these factors before buying any.
How To Choose A Body Lotion For Dry Skin – Buying Guide
- Ingredients
A good body moisturizer should contain humectants, occlusives, emollients, and lipids. Glycerin, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid are some well-known humectants. Occlusives, such as beeswax, botanical waxes, and lanolin, help maintain the skin’s moisture balance and promote skin renewal. Non-fragrant plant oils, cocoa butter, shea butter, ceramides, cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatty acids act as emollients that help smoothen dry and flaky skin. Thus, look for a body lotion that is infused with any or a combination of these ingredients for long-lasting, all-day hydration.
- Avoid Skin Irritants
Avoid body lotions containing ingredients that can cause skin irritation and damage. Skin irritants often break down collagen, a protein that keeps the skin smooth and youthful. Synthetic fragrances, dyes, and color additives can irritate your skin. Other harmful preservatives include sorbic acid, citric acid, benzyl alcohol, and parabens.
- Sunscreen
Opt for a multi-purpose body lotion with a minimum SPF 30. However, if you have a mature or sensitive skin type, use a good quality body lotion without SPF and then apply sunscreen over it.
- Packaging
The packaging of the product is another important factor to be considered. Avoid buying body lotions in transparent containers or jars because exposure to light or air might deteriorate their effectiveness. Matthew Rundle, an expert esthetician says, “Pump action is best to limit air exposure within the product.”
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Drugstore Body Moisturizers
Before you dive into the world of skin care to unlock radiant skin with drugstore body moisturizers, you need to learn the ingredients in them to make the most informed choice. The right moisturizer can help maintain a healthy skin barrier and combat dryness. In the infographic below, we have hand-picked a few of the most potent ingredients to help you attain smooth and supple skin. Scroll down to read more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Dry skin is a common condition that gets aggravated due to moisture loss or bad climatic conditions. Such skin needs extra attention to stay moisturized. It is essential to topically apply moisturizers to keep dry skin smooth and nourished. The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion contains essential ceramides to provide vital hydration and is suitable for all skin types. To calm and nourish the skin for all day long, try the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, which is enriched with oatmeal and clinically proven to soothe the skin. To intensively hydrate and mend exceptionally dry skin, use Curél Ultra Healing Intensive Lotion. However, you do not have to break your bank to afford a good moisturizer for your dry skin. The best drugstore moisturizers are affordable and effective. These lotions nourish your skin, provide a cooling sensation, restore the skin’s natural moisture balance, and soften dry and rough areas. Non-greasy lotions for dry skin are your best bet since greasy lotions might attract dirt and other impurities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a body moisturizer and a body cream?
Body moisturizers are lightweight with more water content. As a result, they easily penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue. On the other hand, body creams contain more oil that sits on the skin and feels greasy.
How often should I use body moisturizer?
Use a body moisturizer once or twice a day to nourish the skin and keep it hydrated.
Should my body moisturizer contain SPF?
Yes. Pick a body moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from harsh UV rays.
Which body moisturizer is the best for dry skin in summer?
The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is the best body moisturizer for dry skin in summer. The lightweight formula with essential ceramides boosts natural body moisture without making your skin sticky or greasy.
Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize and drink water?
If your moisturizer or other skin care products contain dehydrating agents like alcohol or sulfates, your skin may dry out even when you drink a lot of water.
Why is my skin so dry and flaky on my legs?
The skin on your leg is often less attended to. As a result, the legs dry out soon and lose their luster. To prevent this, thoroughly exfoliate your legs once weekly to eliminate the dead and dry skin cells, and moisturize them daily.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach and has conducted thorough research to pick the best drugstore moisturizers for dry skin. She advocates the importance of using a good moisturizer for dry and chapped skin. She checked thousands of online reviews and feedback on brand websites to create this list.
Read full bio of Matthew Rundle
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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