Best Dermatologist-Recommended
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration
- Unscented and hypoallergenic; appropriate for sensitive skin
- Thick without being goopy
- Great for very dry skin
Cons
- Leaves behind a residue; doesn’t absorb all the way very quickly
- May be too thick for summertime and those without very dry skin
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Notable ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Scented? No
“My skin was softer and less itchy, more supple, and no cracking on rough areas,” says writer Tori Martinet, who tested this product and used it during the winter. “It was definitely less dry looking, not ashy, and had a nice softness.”
We like that it’s thick without being goopy, but we did notice a bit of residue left behind. We think it’s a good pick for people with very dry skin, but it might be a little too much for summertime use.
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Best Lotion Bar
Kosmatology Goody-Goody Grapefruit Lotion Bar
Pros
- All organic ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, essential oils
- Free of parabens, phthalates
- Very portable; great for travel
- Lovely citrus scent
Cons
- Difficult to apply to larger areas
- Slightly greasy residue left behind
Key Specs
- Type: Lotion bar
- Notable ingredients: Organic shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil
- Scented? Yes
“My skin feels softer, especially dry patches by my elbows,” Ginos says. She mentions it isn’t easy to apply to the full body or larger areas, like the legs: “I preferred it for spot-treating areas, or applying to smaller spots like the back of my hands.”
Users are supposed to apply this product to damp skin to help reduce greasy residue, but we had a bit of residue either way when applying it.
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Best Balm
Feather & Bone Soothing Balm
Pros
- Simple ingredients: karanja oil, aloe vera, shea butter
- Can be used on babies as well as adults
- Best for dry, itchy skin
- No greasy residue left behind
Cons
- Unscented, but some may find the smell of the ingredients off-putting
- Small amount in the container; can be used quickly
Key Specs
- Type: Balm
- Notable ingredients: Karanja oil, aloe vera, shea butter
- Scented? No added fragrance, but product does have a smell
“My skin had a more hydrated appearance. I used it on the back of my vein-y hands consistently, and they’re certainly more moisturized and plumper,” writer Jessica Migala says. “It absorbs into skin well, no greasy or sticky residue. Leaves skin smooth.”
Though there’s no added fragrance, the ingredients themselves have a smell. We also found the container to be a bit small, so you might want to stock up with the brand’s “case of 2” offer.
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Best Multipurpose
LXMI Pure Nilotica Melt
Pros
- Can be used as a moisturizer, an overnight mask, or a salve for sunburn and scars
- 100% certified organic
- Allantoin encourages the shedding of dead skin cells
Cons
- Takes a long time to absorb
- Recycled aluminum tube is hard to use
Key Specs
- Type: Balm-to-oil
- Notable ingredients: Nilotica shea butter, which contains allantoin and vitamin E
- Scented? No added fragrance, but has a nutty aroma
“It’s ultra-hydrating for my dry, 36-year-old skin,” says Maria Cristina Lalonde, a health writer. She liked “its subtle nut butter smell, the fact that it was sourced through fair-trade women’s co-ops in Uganda … and the fact that it has only one ingredient.”
The packaging is 100 percent recycled aluminum, which we appreciate, but it’s stiff and a bit hard to squeeze out more than a pea-sized amount of the product at a time. Fortunately, that’s really all you need, since a little goes a long way.
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Best for Aging Hands
Mayron’s Goods Body Milk Nourishing Moisturizer for Body and Face
Pros
- Lightweight formula while still being effective at combating dry skin
- Absorbs quickly without residue
- Cruelty-free, paraben-free, synthetic fragrance-free
- 99.8% natural ingredients
Cons
- Squeeze bottle not as convenient as a pump bottle
Key Specs
- Type: Lightweight lotion
- Notable ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter
- Scented? Yes
Raki Swanson, a writer, loves this ultra-light lotion that’s cruelty-free, paraben-free, and synthetic fragrance–free (its ingredients are 99.8 percent natural). “I swear that my old lady, sort-of wrinkly hands, went away,” raves Swanson. “I mainly used this product on my hands and arms during testing, with an occasional test on my face and neck. But during this testing period, my wrinkles started to disappear. I’m attributing this to my skin getting moisture, and that’s because of the lotion.”
Swanson also loved the Bergamot and Blood Orange scent. “The orange is not too overbearing and is not too citrusy — the mixture of the bergamot makes it very toned down,” she says. “They complement each other well.” The product absorbs quickly, but we wish the bottle had a pump rather than being a squeeze bottle.
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Best for Dry Skin
Key West Aloe Moisturizing Lotion
Pros
- Heals dry, cracking skin
- Lightweight, with no residue left behind
- Aloe vera is soothing to irritated skin
- Lime scent smells like vacation in a bottle
Cons
- Fragrance may be strong to those sensitive to scents
Key Specs
- Type: Lightweight lotion
- Notable ingredients: Aloe, fruit extracts, lime oil
- Scented? Yes
The main ingredient in this lotion is aloe, so it’s not surprising that Sadie Crouch, a registered nurse, found this very soothing to her dry skin. “The biggest difference I noticed was in my hands,” she says. “I get ashy and cracked knuckles. This lotion really improves that, especially after washing hands. My background is in nursing. I think if I were still working at the bedside and washing my hands so often, I would take this with me to work and use it all day long.”
The formula is very easy to apply and absorbs quickly, leaving no residue behind and improving dry, cracked skin.
Crouch adds that the Key Lime scent was “smooth, tropical, and relaxing” and “reminds me of being away and relaxing.” Although the lime scent was strong, if you’re sensitive to fragrances, keep that in mind.
Best Scented
Buttah Scented Whipped Body Butter
Pros
- Delicious scent
- Thick, rich formula but absorbs rapidly
- Deeply hydrating
- Made for melanin-rich skin but can be used by all skin types and tones
Cons
- Some may not like the super thick texture
Key Specs
- Type: Thick body butter
- Notable ingredients: Organic shea butter; vitamins A, B, E
- Scented? Yes
“Yummy” is how Lalonde describes the scent of this body butter. “I mean it. I almost want to eat this moisturizer!” She adds that the scent is not overpowering: “I always find myself smelling my hands after applying and getting a little mood boost.”
This is a thick, creamy body butter marketed for melanin-rich skin, but we think it’s fine for any skin color.
This product is made from shea butter and packed with vitamins A, B, and E. The formula leaves behind a brief residue that absorbs quickly, leaving our skin feeling silky smooth instead of ashy and dry. And while the moisture lasted all day, we kept reaching for it to reapply anyway, just because we liked the product so much.
The body butter is a thick, rich product, but it isn’t greasy, so it may even work for those whose skin leans on the oily side. However, we know not everyone wants a super thick product, so it’s worth mentioning.
Best Unscented for Very Dry Skin
Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion for Very Dry Skin
Pros
- Fragrance-free; suitable for sensitive skin
- Contains ceramides
- Doesn’t need to be reapplied throughout the day
Cons
- Leaves behind a greasy residue
- May not be suitable for people without very dry skin
Key Specs
- Type: Medium-consistency lotion
- Notable ingredients: Ceramides, amino acids
- Scented? No
If dry skin is a major concern, Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion for Very Dry Skin will keep your skin hydrated all day. We like that it’s fragrance-free for those who have sensitive skin as well. It comes in a big bottle that could last you all winter. The pump makes it easy to apply. “Yes, I do think it delivers on its promise of moisturizing skin,” Katharine Chan, a writer, says. “It definitely locks in hydration, doesn’t need to be reapplied throughout the day, and leaves skin far from dry.”
The ceramides help heal the skin barrier, which is great for those struggling with very dry hands. However, this might not be suitable for those whose skin is not very dry, as the formula is greasy and leaves behind a noticeable residue. But that kind of moisture is just the thing someone with dry, cracking hands needs.
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Best for Body and Hands
Santu Lima Mexicana Body Lotion
Pros
- Goes on smooth; a little goes a long way
- Great for very dry skin
- Thin, gel-like consistency is lightweight
- Company emphasizes sustainability
- Formula is vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free
Cons
- Texture is a bit sticky with residue left behind
- Scent may be overpowering to some
Key Specs
- Type: Gel-like lotion
- Notable ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, copal oil
- Scented? Yes
This gel-like lotion is easy to spread over large areas, like the legs, but is also perfect for the hands, so long as you remember that a little goes a long way. “I did notice a difference in hydration,” says Natasha Caleel, a writer and licensed occupational therapist. “I have chronically dry skin and hands due to washing them often, so they did seem more hydrated and skin more elastic.”
“I did notice that my skin was less dry after consistent use, and my hand appeared less dull and wrinkled,” Caleel shares. However, we thought the formula was slightly sticky, especially if overapplied. We also found the scent a bit overpowering.
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Best for Irritated Skin
Leaf People Arnica and Lemon Verbena Serenity Lotion
Pros
- Ingredients include healing arnica extract
- Mild, herbal fragrance
- Lightweight; absorbs quickly with no residue
Cons
- Costly for a small container
Key Specs
- Type: Lightweight lotion
- Notable ingredients: Arnica extract, hyaluronic acid, lavender, lemon verbena essential oils
- Scented? Yes
Julie Cunningham, a registered dietitian, experienced the healing properties of this lotion firsthand. “[A] small area of chronically red, sore skin on my elbow healed after three to four applications,” she says, adding that other lotions she’d tried didn’t improve the spot at all.
Cunningham liked the light, herbal fragrance. “I get headaches from overly perfumed products, but this did not bother me,” she says. The product spread well and left no residue behind, only smooth skin.
However, the 3.6-ounce bottle is small for the price, so you may want to save this product for when your skin needs particular tending.
Why Trust Everyday Health
Nicole Bonaccorso
Author
Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.
Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.
In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD
Medical Reviewer
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as laser treatment of the skin and injectables.
Dr. Dosal writes cosmetic questions for the certifying exams for the American Board of Dermatology. She is also the deputy editor for the American Academy of Dermatology's podcast, Dialogues in Dermatology.
Orlando de Guzman
Fact-Checker
Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.
De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.
De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.
Katrina Cossey
Editor
Katrina Cossey is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience in broadcast and service journalism. Over her career, she’s covered topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, newborn care, healthy skin-care routines, dental health, and more. She's also tested hundreds of products, ranging from fitness equipment and blood pressure monitors to car seats, toys, and kitchen items.
She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma with a focus on professional media. During her time at university, Katrina served as a reporter for the university’s news channel and webpage.
When she’s not working, Katrina is outside with her family. They love riding their bikes and walking various trails around their community.
Tori Martinet, MS, RD
Tester
Tori Martinet is an Intuitive Eating dietitian, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer based in Southern California. She received a master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University Teachers College and spent nearly a decade as the director of wellness and sustainability for a premier food service contractor based in New York City. In her time there she crafted wellness and sustainability programming for clients like Google, Citigroup, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard Business School, and the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament.
She has been a dietitian for nearly 10 years and currently works in private practice, dedicated to helping people pursue health without restriction and dieting. She also writes freelance food and nutrition content and has been featured in publications like Eating Well, Food & Wine, Shape, The Spruce Eats, U.S. News 360 Reviews, Verywell Health, and many more.
Alexandra Ginos, MBA, RD, CSP, CLC
Tester
Alex Ginos is a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatric nutrition. She received a bachelor’s of science in food science and human nutrition from the University of Illinois and completed a dietetic internship at the University of Virginia Health System.
Her 12 years of experience have spanned many areas of nutrition, including caring for children with complex healthcare needs, supporting healthy nutrition habits for families, and diabetes. Though she specializes in pediatric nutrition, she is passionate about helping people of all ages lead a healthy lifestyle.
Alex lives in Philadelphia, and loves to spend time outdoors with her dog, garden, explore new areas, and spend time with friends and family. She also enjoys cooking and trying new foods and recipes.
Jessica Migala
Tester
Jessica Migala is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and beauty. She has written extensively about vision care, diabetes, dermatology, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, cancer, pregnancy, and gynecology. She was previously an assistant editor at Prevention where she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.
She has contributed to more than 40 print and digital publications, including Cosmopolitan, O:The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Woman’s Day, Women’s Health, Fitness, Family Circle, Health, Prevention, Self, VICE, and more. Migala lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young boys, rescue beagle, and 15 fish. When not reporting, she likes running, bike rides, and a glass of wine (in moderation, of course).
Maria Cristina Lalonde
Tester
Natasha Caleel, OTR/L, PCES
Tester
Natasha Caleel, MS, OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist, women's fitness expert, and postpartum corrective exercise specialist with over two decades of experience helping women navigate fitness through all stages of motherhood. She holds a master's degree in occupational therapy and specializes in prenatal and postpartum corrective exercise, perimenopause fitness, and injury prevention for women.
As the founder of Sage Society, a women-only fitness studio, Natasha has created evidence-based fitness programs specifically designed for women's unique physiological needs. Her expertise spans rehabilitation and performance, bridging the gap between physical therapy and traditional fitness training. She specializes in helping women transition safely from postpartum recovery to strength training, addressing common issues like diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and hormonal changes during perimenopause.
Featured in multiple news outlets for her innovative approach to women's fitness, Natasha is passionate about educating women on evidence-based exercise practices. She regularly shares her expertise on social media, helping women understand the science behind female-specific training needs and debunking common fitness myths that can be harmful to women's health.
Through Sage Society, Natasha has created a model for inclusive, women-centered fitness that addresses the unique barriers mothers face, including on-site childcare and programming that accommodates hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle and life stages.
Raki Swanson
Tester
Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.
She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.
When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.
Sadie Crouch
Tester
Sadie is a freelance writer, a physician liaison for Cook Children's Health System based in Fort Worth, Texas, and a registered nurse with a background in neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, orthopedics, and neurology.
Sadie is passionate about making health literature accessible to all audiences, specifically rural communities like the one she grew up in. She feels strongly about ensuring this literature is accurate and based on best practices and she recently graduated with a masters in science writing from Johns Hopkins University.
Sadie lives in Abilene, Texas, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Her interests outside of healthcare and writing include travel, reading, and being outdoors with her family.
Katharine Chan, MSc, BSc
Tester
Katharine Chan, MSc, BSc, PMP, is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience in British Columbia’s healthcare system. She has led patient safety investigations, quality improvement projects, and change management initiatives in mental health, women’s health, and emergency services.
Katharine holds a master of science in health sciences and a bachelor of science in biomedical physiology and kinesiology from Simon Fraser University. She is certified in project management (PMP), Prosci change management, and health quality improvement through Health Quality BC’s Quality Academy.
Katharine specializes in translating complex health information and scientific research into clear, relatable content that engages a wide audience. Her areas of expertise include mental health, parenting, public health, and patient safety. She has contributed to major platforms such as Verywell Mind, Psychedelic Support, HuffPost Canada, CBC Parents, Family Education, Mamamia Australia, WordWorks Magazine, and CafeMom. She also conducts expert interviews and creates SEO-optimized, evidence-based content to support informed decision-making.
A Chinese Canadian author, Katharine has published three books, including How to Deal With Asian Parents, and four guided journals, including 60 Feelings to Feel and How to Deal With Asian Parents: The Workbook. Through her platform, Sum on Sleeve, she shares honest reflections about culture, relationships, and healing from intergenerational trauma. Her writing aims to empower readers — especially those from cultures that suppress emotional expression — to better understand and articulate their inner experiences.
Sarah Glinski, RD
Tester
Sarah is a registered dietitian and accomplished health and nutrition writer known for her expertise in crafting engaging content. She received dual bachelor’s degrees in nutrition and biology with distinction from the University of Alberta. She started her career in 2018 as a clinical dietitian and has experience in several clinical areas, including weight management, diabetes, kidney disease, oncology, gut health, and intuitive eating.
In 2022, Sarah took her wealth of clinical experience and transitioned to freelance writing. She has contributed to outlets like Forbes Health, Well+Good, Livestrong, Yahoo!, and PS, and has written about topics ranging from mental health to gut health to diabetes care. Her goal as a writer is to convey complex health information in an easy-to-understand and engaging way.
Sarah is dedicated to simplifying complex health information so people can make informed decisions regarding their health. She currently lives in British Columbia, Canada, where she enjoys reading or crocheting in the company of her husband and two cats.
Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Tester
Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, PMH-C, is a clinician specializing in reproductive mental health care in Wichita, Kansas, and an experienced freelance health writer. Her articles have covered topics such as mental health, pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum health, abortion care, the foster care system and adoption, women's health, and the care of children with disabilities. Her work has been published in Health, Parents, Verywell Mind, and Verywell Health.
Riley served as the communications director for the Kansas State Chapter of Postpartum Support International, an organization that aims to promote the awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting parents, families, and caregivers and she remains a member of this organization. She is also the founder of the research-based website Postpartum Brain and a private practice, Holding New Therapy, that specializes in perinatal mental health.
She received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Friends University, where her thesis focused on the relationship stressors that can arise with child-bearing couples. She also received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Old Dominion University.
In her free time, Riley enjoys reading voraciously, baking with rambunctious toddlers, and writing poetry.