We Tested Over 35 Body Moisturizers: These 10 Stood Out for Soft, Healthy Skin
Our Top Picks for Body Moisturizers
- Best pump bottle: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion
- Best value: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
- Best lightweight: eos Shea Better 24H Moisture Body Lotion
- Best for dry skin: Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
- Best with magnesium: Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion
- Best exfoliating: Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion 12% Glycolic AHA
- Best for stretch marks: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
- Best for cracked skin: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Best for sensitive skin: Oui the People Health Food Prebiotic Body Lotion
- Best body butter: Buttah Scented Whipped Body Butter

Best Pump Bottle
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion
Pros
- Pump bottle design is hygienic and easy to use
- Quick-absorbing
- Nourishing formula contains ingredients to lock in moisture
- Can be used on face
Cons
- Very dry skin types might need a richer cream
- Might not address rough patches or cracked skin
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, sensitive
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, shea butter, prebiotic thermal spring water
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: None
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion is an affordable pump that’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and long-lasting. The hygienic pump lets you dispense just the right amount of product, preventing waste. It's also a good option for people with sensitive skin, and it's approved by the National Eczema Association.
“There is a lot of value in this product, especially if you have sensitive skin,” says editor Ashley Ziegler. She goes on to say that “it's one of the few brands I trust on my daughter's skin.” Ziegler has dry skin, and her daughter has eczema. She appreciates how quickly this product is absorbed. That makes it ideal for applying after showering, before getting dressed on rushed mornings, and on nights when you want to crawl into bed.

Best Value
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Highly concentrated formula of nourishing ingredients
- Treats a variety of sensitive and dry skin conditions, including eczema
- Can be used on face as well as body
- Large size offers great cost-per-use value
Cons
- Might leave slight residue
- Might leave a light tacky feel
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, sensitive, dry
- Key ingredients: Ceramide-3, glycerin, shea butter, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal spring water
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: None
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream provides exceptional value. Using a small amount of its concentrated, active ingredients goes a long way. Editor Lili Ladaga, who has dry, sensitive skin, particularly enjoyed this product.
La Roche-Posay’s website states that the cream is “suitable for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation,” as well as for babies as young as two weeks. It has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance, indicating that it’s safe for people with eczema. These attributes impressed Ladaga, who says that the product absorbs well and gets rid of that “tight feeling” post-shower, leaving her skin feeling soft and “super-moisturized.”

Best Lightweight
eos Shea Butter 24H Moisture Body Lotion
Pros
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
- Absorbs in 60 seconds
- Contains shea butter and shea oil
Cons
- Label does not clearly list all seven oils, although one is mineral oil
- Not as long-lasting as some heavier formulas on our list
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, dry
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, shea oil, vitamin E, glycerin
- Packaging: Bottle
- Fragrance: Yes
eos Shea Better 24H Moisture Body Lotion has a lightweight feel due to a blend of ingredients that absorb quickly. Ziegler, who also tested this lotion, had a great experience. “It goes on smoothly without much effort and absorbs in under a minute,” she says. As for results, she found that this lotion, with its airy texture, hydrated her legs, which tend to dry out, especially around her knees. A formula of shea butter and shea oil alongside glycerin and vitamin E helps to nourish dry skin and keep it soft. “It offers ample moisture that lasts throughout the day,” Ziegler says.
If you’re looking for a lotion with added fragrance, this one is ideal. Ziegler selected “pink champagne,” and she calls the scent “sweet and fresh.” The brand has tons of scent options, though, so there's something for everyone. (But those with sensitive skin may want to use caution when choosing a scented product.) The fragrance didn’t cause any irritation for Ziegler. And while she notes that it doesn’t quite deliver on its 24-hour promise, she still describes the lightweight formula as long-lasting.

Best for Dry Skin
Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
Pros
- Nourishing ingredients help repair skin's natural barrier
- Fragrance-free and made for very sensitive skin
- Spreads easily
- Absorbs well
Cons
- Not as lightweight as some lotions on our list
- Doesn’t have NEA Seal of Acceptance even though, given its formula, it is unlikely to cause a flare
Key Specs
- Skin type: Dry, all
- Key ingredients: Ceramide-3, shea butter, urea
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: None
I tested this lotion during the weeks after summer vacation. I loved how easily it spread over my legs, which were scaly and patchy from getting lots of sun. My elbows, which can be bumpy and flaky, have also gotten relief in the weeks I’ve been using it.
I don’t usually like fragrance in body lotion, so I loved this fragrance-free formula. It absorbed quickly without leaving a sticky or tacky residue, which pleasantly surprised me — especially since I’ve found some Eucerin products in the past to be medicinal-smelling and sticky. I would definitely reorder this lotion, especially given its affordable price.

Best With Magnesium
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion
Pros
- May calm skin inflammation
- Nourishing ingredients hydrate skin
- Thick cream absorbs quickly
Cons
- Product can be hard to dispense
- Even though it’s fragrance-free, it has a mineral scent
Key Specs
- Skin type: Bumpy, dry, all
- Key ingredients: Magnesium chloride, almond oil, apricot oil, shea butter
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: None
Glinkski says that it absorbed well. Even though the thick cream “felt very greasy upon application,” it absorbed in under five minutes. The results left her with smooth, soft skin that was less inflamed.

Best Exfoliating
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion 12% Glycolic AHA
Pros
- Chemical exfoliant helps shed skin
- Helps reduce roughness
- Can help improve keratosis pilaris
Cons
- Might sting at first
- Not as creamy as some products on our list
Key Specs
- Skin type: Normal
- Key ingredients: 12-percent glycolic acid, petrolatum, glycerin, lanolin, urea
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: None
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion’s exfoliating power comes from a high concentration of 12-percent glycolic acid, a potent alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). This ingredient works to chemically exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells, all without manual or physical exfoliation.
Editor Katie Tuttle, who has normal skin with slight keratosis pilaris (KP) on her elbows, says she felt using it revealed smoother, brighter skin underneath. “It helps to improve skin texture, making my skin feel smooth and almost as if the exfoliant allowed the moisturizer to better penetrate my skin.” She was pleasantly surprised that a moisturizer containing a chemical exfoliant still did an “excellent job” at hydrating her skin. She found it easy to put on, noting that the lotion spread and absorbed well.
As for the results, her skin felt “very smooth,” and the KP on her arms disappeared after using this product consistently at night for two weeks. If you’re looking to smooth out texture and even out scaliness, this is an ideal pick.

Best for Stretch Marks
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Pros
- Improves feel of scars and dry skin
- Incredibly moisturizing
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- Slow absorption compared with other products on our list
- Scar reduction can take up to 3 months
Key Specs
- Skin type: Normal
- Key ingredients: Mineral oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, vitamins A and E
- Packaging: Bottle
- Fragrance: Yes
“I used it on the scar on my knee that I've had since I was a kid,” Chan says. Within two days, she noticed an improvement in the texture of her skin on her knees. She'll continue to use the product with the hope that it will diminish her scar even more dramatically.
Chan also says that this oil takes a bit longer to absorb than other creams and lotions on our list. While most products we tested absorb within minutes, this one took a few hours; then again, it’s a thicker oil, so that’s par for the course. Chan also says the product has a relaxing, botanical scent from the chamomile, lavender, rosemary, and calendula.

Best for Cracked Skin
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Pros
- High concentration of ingredients for superior protection and healing
- Seals in moisture to aid skin repair
- Multi-purpose for a variety of skin ailments
Cons
- Very thick and greasy texture
- Can feel heavy and is best used as a spot treatment
Key Specs
- Skin type: Dry
- Key ingredients: Petrolatum, glycerin, panthenol
- Packaging: Tube
- Fragrance: None
As for the results, Marschall saw an improvement in the texture of her feet and heels. But she says that the heavy, thick texture took “some effort to spread out” and — as expected for a semi-occlusive with petrolatum — left residue behind.

Best for Sensitive Skin
Oui the People Health Food Prebiotic Body Lotion
Pros
- Weightless hydration sinks into damaged skin
- Absorbs quickly
- Contains prebiotics to heal skin
Cons
- Might be too lightweight for severely dry skin
- One of the more expensive products on our list
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, post-sun
- Key ingredients: Prebiotics, jojoba seed oil, squalane, glycerin, pomegranate seed oil, sunflower seed wax
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: None
Oui the People Health Food Prebiotic Body Lotion is a fragrance-free, lightweight, calming lotion that is ideal for post-sun use. I tested this after spending two weeks at the beach and getting a sunburn on my legs, which then became dry and scaly. This product left my skin feeling smooth and silky after I used it, which I like for such a lightweight product. The product promises “weightless hydration,” and it definitely delivers.

Best Body Butter
Buttah Scented Whipped Body Butter
Pros
- Contains unrefined, virgin shea butter
- Nourishing, thick, and chunky formula
- Absorbs well
Cons
- Contains fragrance, which might not appeal to all
- Product is more expensive than some on our list
Key Specs
- Skin type: All
- Key ingredients: Virgin organic unrefined shea butter
- Packaging: Container
- Fragrance: Yes
Buttah Scented Whipped Body Butter is ideal for dry skin due to its thick, creamy consistency. Writer Maria Cristina Lalonde says this body butter leaves her skin “feeling silky smooth instead of ashy and dry.” With unrefined shea butter from Ghana and a petroleum-free formula, it’s designed to calm and care for your skin, especially when your skin is at its driest.
Although the whipped butter is thick and “chunky, almost like a seed butter,” Lalonde says this product absorbs within minutes, leaving little to no residue behind. She says that although “it's marketed as being for melanin-rich skin, all skin tones could benefit.” She's also a fan of the fragrance: “I am obsessed with the scent! It's yummy — I mean it, I almost want to eat this moisturizer — without being overpowering. I always find myself smelling my hands after applying and getting a little mood boost.”
Comparison Table
Other Notable Body Moisturizers We Tried
Violet Botanical Skincare Eczema Butter
This thick, natural body butter scored high points with our tester, who loved how a little goes a long way. She says it spread well and left her skin soft and smooth. She has acne-prone skin and didn’t get any flare-ups, but she didn’t report specifically on a reduction of inflamed skin. If you're looking for a botanical body butter and have non-reactive skin, this might be your pick. Do note that you'll pay for shipping if your order is less than $75.
Leaf People Arnica & Lemon Verbena Serenity Lotion
This soothing formula is made with plant-sourced hyaluronic acid and carries a fresh, pleasant scent. Our tester liked how it helped even out her red and irritated skin. But she said it's too expensive for her to use regularly over all areas of her body.
Stone & Spear Moisturizing Body Butter
If you’re looking for a farm-to-pharmacy shelf product, you’ve found it. Made from grass-fed beef tallow, beeswax, and essential oils, it’s designed to deliver deep hydration — and our tester agreed it lived up to its promise. Just note that it isn’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans, and it comes with a higher price per ounce (oz).
How We Chose the Best Body Moisturizers
To create our selection of the best body moisturizers, we researched, tested, and collected feedback from board-certified dermatologists on a wide selection of moisturizers. Then, Everyday Health writers, editors, and testers tried out 35 different types of body moisturizers, noting product specifications such as ingredients, formula texture, absorption speed, presence of fragrance, and a range of results. After analyzing the data, we narrowed our list down to our top picks.
We also spoke with Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, and Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Marmur Medical in Manhattan, New York. We asked them for their top recommendations on skin-healthy ingredients, as well as asked which ingredients can best serve different skin concerns. We also tapped them for recommendations on how to use a body moisturizer to hydrate your skin and guarantee softness.
What to Look for When Buying a Body Moisturizer
- For Dry Skin Dr. Westbay likes occlusive and emollient ingredients like “petrolatum, shea butter, and glycerin to lock in hydration and prevent flaking.”
- For Sensitive Skin Westbay suggests using a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic product to avoid reactions.
- For Eczema-Prone Skin People with this skin type also should opt for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic product. Westbay recommends looking for a lotion that provides “intensive barrier-repair with ceramides, petrolatum, and minimal additives to reduce flare-ups and trans-epidermal water loss.”
- For Sun-Damaged Skin To repair the effects of sun damage — when skin can feel tight, scaly, and wrinkly, not to mention raw and irritated — Westbay recommends using a formula replete with antioxidants and “barrier-restoring lipids.” These ingredients will help soothe and help promote healing from the sun-damage and the tight, uncomfortable, and scaly skin you might have.
- For Skin With Keratosis Pilaris If bumpy skin is a concern, Westbay recommends looking for products with urea or a chemical exfoliant. Exfoliating the rough skin will help temper its texture. She also suggests pairing these with “hydrators to prevent irritation.” Lightweight humectants, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, would be ideal. That's because these are calming and gentle ingredients that help soothe inflamed, bumpy skin, thereby diminishing the appearance of bumps.
Do I Have to Use a Body Moisturizer if I Don’t Have Dry Skin?
than facial skin, “it’s often exposed to friction, environment, and sun,” which means it needs repair. Depending on your skin type and concern, a good body moisturizer should “soothe irritation, soften rough patches,” or encourage the development of collagen in aging skin, according to Westbay.
FAQs
Why Trust Everyday Health

Jill Di Donato
Author
Jill has over 15 years of experience writing about women's health, wellness, and beauty. She has deep knowledge of buzzy products and what makes them popular with consumers. She's tested hundreds of skin care products, tools, and medical aesthetics procedures throughout her career, and she has interviewed top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and holistic physicians to stay on top of the latest in skin health and wellness.
Jill is the former associate editorial operations director of the beauty group at Dotdash Meredith, where she worked on brands such as Shape and Byrdie, editing health, fitness, skin care, wellness, and body care commerce content.
She's also a former sex and relationship writer, and has made national television appearances to discuss sexual wellness topics for women. In addition to anything beauty and sexual wellness, Jill specializes in writing about body neutrality and mental health.
Jill has a degree in sociology, with a focus on gender studies and she has taught sociology classes at Barnard and Columbia University.

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.

Ray Finch
Fact-Checker
Ray Finch is a content specialist with expertise in fact-checking, copy-editing, sensitivity reading, and content management, and has worked with publishers including Health.com, Parents, VeryWell Mind, Medium, Everyday Health, and VeryWell Health.
Their longtime interest in mental health, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, and LGBTQIA+ issues was sparked first by their own firsthand experiences, and was further refined during their academic career, having earned dual bachelor's degrees in Anthropology and Women's and Gender Studies.
Finch is committed to producing inclusive, scientifically sound content that takes into account such nuanced factors as socioeconomic status, clinician bias, and cultural competence, all of which influence how people engage — or don’t — with medical professionals and the healthcare system.

Katie Tuttle
Editor
Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.
Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.
When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.

Ashley Ziegler
Tester
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.
Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.

Lili Ladaga
Tester

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.

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.

Amy Marschall, PsyD
Tester
Amy Marschall, PsyD, is a freelance mental health writer and a licensed clinical psychologist.
She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, in 2015. She completed her pre-doctoral internship through the National Psychology Training Consortium (Central Region) and her post-doctoral residency at Family Psychological Center P.A. in Harrison, Arkansas.
Dr. Marschall has been a licensed psychologist since 2016 and currently owns a private practice, RMH-Therapy, where she provides therapy primarily to children and adolescents and does psychological evaluations. Her clinical specializations include trauma-informed care, neurodiversity-affirming care, rural mental health, and tele–mental health. She is licensed to practice psychology in Florida, Montana, New York, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and is in the process of registering with PsyPact. She is also a registered psychologist in New Zealand and provides ADHD assessments through ADHD Online and therapy services through Spring Health, Lyra Health, and Modern Health.
She is also the clinical director of A Change for Better, an organization promoting affordable and accessible mental health care and resources, and the chair of the clinical committee at the ACFB Fund, a charitable organization that funds mental health services. She is also the resident neurodiversity expert with Grayce.
As a mental health writer, she has contributed to Parents, Health, and Spring Health, among other outlets.
In her spare time, Marschall enjoys reading, making jewelry, and spending time with her cats.

Maria Cristina Lalonde
Tester
- The Best Moisturizer for Your Dry Skin? Here’s What to Look for And How to Find It. Cleveland Clinic. December 12, 2023.
- Ong RR et al. Niacinamide: A Review on Dermal Delivery Strategies and Clinical Evidence. Drug Delivery and Translational Research. December 2024.
- Lin TK et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. December 27, 2017.
- Becker LC et al. Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. November 2019.
- Coderch L et al. Ceramides and Skin Function. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2003.
- Celleno L. Topical Urea in Skincare: A Review. Dermatologic Therapy. November 2018.
- Proksch E et al. Bathing in a Magnesium-Rich Dead Sea Salt Solution Improves Skin Barrier Function, Enhances Skin Hydration, and Reduces Inflammation in Atopic Dry Skin. International Journal of Dermatology. February 2005.
- Joshi M et al. Modulatory Role of Vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E on Skin Health, Immunity, Microbiome, and Diseases. Pharmacological Reports. September 6, 2023.
- Kim S et al. A Consistent Skin Care Regimen Leads to Objective and Subjective Improvements in Dry Human Skin: Investigator-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial . The Journal of Dermatological Treatment. June 22, 2021.
- Gao T et al. The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health and Related Gut–Skin Axis: A Review. Nutrients. July 13, 2023.