The 18 Best Body Lotions to Soothe Dry, Itchy Skin, According to Dermatologists

“Cerave Moisturizing Cream is one of my all-time favorite body moisturizers, and contains ceramides (a lipid naturally found in skin), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to pack a powerful punch of deep moisturizing and hydration,” says Dr. Marchbein. “Together with cholesterol and fatty acids, ceramides are responsible for creating a healthy, intact skin barrier and retaining moisture in the skin.” With thousands of rave reviews, this all-over cream is a clear tester favorite, too.

If you simply want a no-fuss body lotion that gets the job done, try this much-loved moisturizer. It packs ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin for intense hydration, but also contains lactic acid, an ultra-gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates for a smoother appearance. Reviewers rave about its skin-quenching abilities, lasting power, mild scent, and non-greasy application. Just note that AHAs can make you sun-sensitive, so slather on the sunscreen afterward.

Suitable to use on your face and body, La Roche-Posay’s heavy-duty cream utilizes shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide (a B vitamin that reduces redness) for a soothing moisturizer that leaves dry skin feeling replenished and soft. Noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, this one is also accepted by the National Eczema Association, so it’s ideal for sensitive skin that tends to get red and itchy. Thick enough to heal dry patches, it still sinks right in for a barely-there finish, earning Dr. Marchbein’s stamp of approval.

“Formulated with a triple oat complex and natural shea butter, this body lotion works great for those with dry skin. Its creamy formula spreads evenly and nicely on the skin,” explains Dr. Sperling. And with five stars and over 12k ratings on Amazon, customers love the lotion, too.

This one isn’t just for your face—it can be used all over to truly repair angry skin. Dr. Gohara loves that it has ceramides, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal, which work to soothe irritation, relieve itch, and leave skin feeling healthy. “I got this for my husband, who has very dry skin and eczema. After a while of using it his hands have healed up great!” one reviewer raves. “If you have tried many many different lotions or creams but none have worked, then give this a try.”

For especially sensitive skin types, this lotion from Avène boasts a National Eczema Association seal of acceptance, as it’s suitable for eczema or atopic dermatitis-prone skin. That’s thanks to strong moisturizers (glycerin and mineral oil) and what it leaves out; it has no ingredients that can cause irritation, such as preservatives, parabens, or fragrances. This one pulls double duty, as you can use it on your face and body.

Recommended by Dr. Madfes, this fragrance-free lotion contains colloidal oatmeal, which has a soothing effect and reinforces skin’s barrier. Moisturizers like dimethicone, glycerin, and petrolatum smooth skin. What’s more, the noncomedogenic formula absorbs quickly, so you’re not left with that greasy feeling. “After three days of using this twice per day on legs and hands, I noticed a huge difference,” a reviewer explains. “My skin is no longer flaking or cracking.”

This ointment moisturizes parched skin while soothing inflammation, making it perfect for dry, cracked heels. Created with lanolin, Vaseline, vitamin B5, and lavender, it’s ideal for healing even the most stressed-out skin. And would you look at that super-cool tube? “Gehwol is excellent for cracked skin (heels, split skin on hands from dry winter weather, and anything else that has been abused by indoor heat),” one reviewer explains. “I apply the cracked skin salve on my feet, then cover with socks to absorb any excess. It does wonders!”

Leave it to Cetaphil, the brand behind one of the best face washes on the market, to make such an impressive lotion, too. Formulated with glycerin, vitamin B5, and niacinamide, this quick-absorbing, non-greasy, fragrance-free lotion works just as well on your body as it does on your face. “The intense, moisture-rich formula binds water to the skin and protects from dryness for 24 hours,” Dr. Bae says.

Weleda’s Skin Food is a cult-favorite, thanks to its natural ingredients, thick formula, and serious versatility. Slather this on any dry patch—whether it be on your face, elbows, hands, feet, or knees—and its base of oils and beeswax will get to work to repair and hydrate damaged skin. Plus, it boasts a botanical fragrance that smells exactly like spring. “It is amazing, thick, creamy goodness that feels like heaven when applied to your body,” one reviewer says.

This body cream may feel ultra-light, but it has heavy hydrating power. Infused with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, and petrolatum, it has all the key players needed to deliver moisture and lock it into the skin. Bonus: The formula is fragrance- and paraben-free and fast-absorbing so you’re never left with a sticky, smelly mess. One reviewer even says “I wish I could bathe in a vat of this wonderful body gel cream!”

Ceramides, pro-vitamin B5, and shea butter team up to provide instant relief for dry, itchy skin. The fragrance-free formula works on all skin types, even for those who struggle with eczema. In fact, it’s so gentle that you can use it on babies six months and up. “After about a week of applying this after my showers, I had no itching, no stinging on application, and my skin felt a whole lot more comfortable,” one reviewer raves.

Whether or not you have eczema, this body lotion is packed with good-for-you ingredients. “This delivers 24-hour hydration, and is formulated with colloidal oatmeal, which is a key ingredient that soothes dry skin,” Dr. Sperling says.

This silky-smooth, non-greasy lotion hydrates the skin all day long, protects from chafing and cracking, and leaves skin feeling soft instead of sticky. Glycerin gives the formula extra slip, while vitamins E and B5 nourish and strengthen—earning it a spot in our 2019 Beauty Awards. “It has been the most effective and soothing lotion I have ever used,” an Amazon reviewer explains. “My skin is already really dry, so it’s a miracle if I can get it healed and smooth. This lotion is that miracle.”

This pick is approved by Dr. Gohara. First, it smells absolutely divine (something like almond extract), but the ingredients it packs are just as impressive. Marula butter, a ceramide blend, squalane, and shea butter join forces to protect the skin, rejuvenate dullness, and give a healthy glow.

If you prefer a richer, thicker lotion, this one from Kiehl’s is sure to please. The brand often adds squalane, an ingredient that acts as an emollient without a greasy feel, to its products. This one also includes cocoa and shea butters, glycerin, several plant oils (like avocado and almond), and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize the driest, flakiest skin. Dr. Madfes also recommends the body oil version of Creme de Corps, since it’s enriched with grapeseed oil and absorbs into skin quickly to boost suppleness.

Formulated with botanicals like tangerine rind, coconut oil, and sandalwood, this soothing, delicately scented balm is a salve for dry, cracked skin in need of some serious moisture. Better yet, the vegan formula is cruelty-free and produced by a certified B Corporation. “The texture is light, absorbs into the skin easily, and at the same time provides lovely hydration to the body,” one reviewer explains. “I am also in love with the scent, which is fresh, uplifting and relaxing.”

Dermatologists love EltaMD for a reason—it’s effective. This body lotion is chock-full of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 for a soothing, moisturized complexion. Made with a ceramide-enhanced formula featuring skin-smoothing enzymes, this body lotion promotes a healthy skin barrier. “Really helps moisturize psoriasis on my arms. Nice, rich cream. Very happy with this,” one satisfied Amazon customer notes.