The 26 Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin, Vetted by Editors and Reviewers
Baby-soft skin, right this way
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How I Chose the Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin
I'm all about keeping my skin moisturized, and, as a beauty editor, I've tested a bunch of body lotions in my lifetime and included three of my tried-and-true favorites on this list. I also tapped eight PureWow editors, who shared their favorite body lotions that help tackle dryness. You'll also find popular picks based on rave reviews from Amazon, Sephora and Walmart shoppers. From there, I spent time looking at each product's key ingredients, scent notes and more to determine whether or not they fit the criteria of what to look for in a body lotion (which you can read more about at the bottom of this story).
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What to Consider When Shopping for Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin
- Formula: If you have super parched skin, there's a good chance you'll be applying lotion often. That said, while you probably want something that's lightweight and doesn't feel sticky or heavy, those with especially dry skin that tends to crack or flake might want to look for thicker formulas, such as balms or creams, instead of lotions, to combat the extra dryness they're experiencing.
- Ingredients: Look for body lotions that include the most hydrating ingredients available—and little else, be it scents, dyes or potential irritants, especially if you have sensitive skin. Find star ingredients like humectants (i.e, glycerin) that help attract water, emollients (i.e, squalene) that help improve its texture and appearance and occlusives (i.e, oil or wax), that can seal moisture in so it can do its job.
- Application: Regardless of which route you go, your moisturizer of choice should rub in easily without feeling overly greasy or leave a film behind. The idea is for it to serve as a barrier for your skin, keeping it soft and smooth and protecting it against the elements, like sun or cold weather.
Christine Persaud
Freelance Writer
Christine Persaud has been writing and editing since the early 2000s. With a passion and deep knowledge for cooking, fitness, fashion, TV entertainment and tech, she contributes to PureWow’s food, wellness, style and gift categories on topics that range from product recommendations to trends. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Psychology from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, her favorite way to unwind is to chill in her comfies with a glass of wine (always red!) and a great TV show. Follow her on Twitter @christineTechCA.
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