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Body lotion: how to choose one that actually helps dry skin

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-14.

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Lotion, cream or ointment: which one you need

All three hold water in the skin, but they are not equal. The AAD says creams and ointments add more moisture and work better than lotions for dry skin. Lotions are thinner and spread easily, which makes them pleasant for large areas, daily use, warm weather and skin that is only mildly dry.

Mayo Clinic adds that for very dry skin away from the face, a thicker cream or an oil such as baby oil stays on longer than lotion and helps hold water in the skin's surface. If you like oils, see our guide to body oil.

Ingredients to look for in a body lotion for dry skin

The AAD lists these ingredients as helpful for dry skin: jojoba oil, dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum and shea butter. Mayo Clinic adds ceramides, cocoa butter, fatty acids and urea.

• Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw water into the top layer of skin.
• Occlusives and emollients such as petrolatum, dimethicone, mineral oil and shea butter help keep that water in.
• Ceramides are part of the skin's own barrier. For a dedicated guide, see ceramide moisturizers.
• Urea and lactic acid help with rough, flaky skin. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which brings a sun caution covered below.

Mayo Clinic also suggests products labeled hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic or oil-free if you are prone to body acne. It advises avoiding sodium lauryl sulfate, which can irritate skin.

Fragrance-free vs unscented

Fragrance is one of the most common reasons a lotion stings. The AAD recommends products labeled "fragrance-free" and warns that "unscented" products may contain chemicals that mask odors and can still irritate dry skin.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains why the label matters. Fragrance ingredients can be listed simply as "Fragrance" because formulas are treated as trade secrets, and even some products labeled unscented may contain fragrance ingredients. FDA says people concerned about fragrance sensitivity may want to choose fragrance-free products and check ingredient lists carefully.

Retinol body lotion and acid lotions: who should skip them

A retinol body lotion combines a moisturizer with an active ingredient that may irritate dry skin. The AAD lists retinoids among the things to avoid when your skin is dry, and its exfoliation guidance says products containing retinol can make skin more sensitive. If your goal is relief from dry, itchy skin, a plain moisturizing lotion is the better choice. If you want a retinoid for the face, see our retinol serum guide and introduce it slowly.

Lotions with lactic or glycolic acid also need care. FDA reports that the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded glycolic and lactic acid products can be safe for consumer use when the acid concentration is 10 percent or less, the final pH is at least 3.5, and the formula or directions address sun protection. This is an industry panel conclusion, not FDA approval of an individual lotion. FDA warns that AHAs can raise sun sensitivity. In an FDA study, sensitivity to UV reddening rose by 18 percent after four weeks of use. FDA's suggested label tells users to wear sunscreen, cover up and limit sun exposure while using the product and for a week afterward.

How to use body lotion so it works

1. Keep showers short and warm. The AAD and Mayo Clinic both suggest 5 to 10 minutes with warm, not hot, water.
2. Pat dry. Rubbing with a towel can irritate very dry skin.
3. Apply while damp. Both sources say to moisturize while skin is still damp, then again whenever it feels dry.
4. Use a gentle cleanser only where needed. The AAD suggests limiting soap to areas such as the armpits and groin. Our body wash guide covers gentle options.
5. Add humidity in winter. Both sources suggest a humidifier, and the AAD says to clean it regularly to prevent mold.
6. Protect from the sun. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What is the best body lotion for dry skin?

Look for a fragrance-free formula with ingredients the AAD and Mayo Clinic name, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, petrolatum or urea. For very dry skin, choose a cream instead, since the AAD says creams work better than lotions.

When should I put on body lotion?

Right after a short, warm shower while your skin is still damp, then again whenever skin feels dry. Both the AAD and Mayo Clinic give this advice.

Is retinol body lotion good for dry skin?

Usually not. The AAD lists retinoids among the things to avoid when skin is dry, and says retinol can make skin more sensitive. Use a plain moisturizer for dryness.

Is unscented body lotion the same as fragrance-free?

No. FDA says some unscented products may contain fragrance ingredients used to mask other odors. If fragrance bothers your skin, choose fragrance-free and read the ingredient list.

Can body lotion make acne worse?

Heavy products can clog pores. Mayo Clinic suggests noncomedogenic or oil-free products if you are prone to acne.

Sources

• Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
• Dry skin: Diagnosis and treatment (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic
• Fragrances in Cosmetics (fda.gov), US Food and Drug Administration
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (fda.gov), US Food and Drug Administration
• How to safely exfoliate at home (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology

Sources checked 2026-10-14.