23 Best Lotions For Dry Itchy Skin

For those of us who are prone to dry skin, the winter months can be a particularly uncomfortable time of year. Harsh elements like frigid temperatures and brisk winds—combined with dry air caused by many home heating systems—can really take a toll on your skin. That’s where lotions for dry skin come in. Here’s everything you need to know about what causes dry skin, plus the lotions you should try. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.

What causes dry skin?

In addition to winter weather conditions, a variety of things can cause or worsen dry skin. Certain types of laundry detergent or other cleaning chemicals can irritate skin, as can rough clothing materials. Some people are also more prone to dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association says people over 40, smokers, and those with particular health conditions such as diabetes are more likely to have dry skin.

Best lotions for dry skin

Fortunately, there are a wide range of products that may be able to offer you some relief and get your skin looking and feeling much better. Here are some of the best lotions for dry skin.

AVON Skin So Soft Original Body Lotion - $11 for 11.8 ounces

One of the most iconic and trusted skin lotion brands around. If you live in a rural area, you know that many people swear by Skin So Soft for its insect-repelling power, but it also leaves skin looking and feeling healthy and strong.

Osmosis Beauty Rejuvenating Body Cream - $74 for 6.7 ounces

This lotion helps build your skin’s protective layer by boosting collagen strength and the protein building blocks nourishes your skin, noticeably improving its overall tone.

Sage & Citrus Body Salve from Beauty Kitchen - $21.50 for 4 ounces

This skin salve has a refreshing smell and a light, non-greasy feel. It’s infused with clary sage, an essential oil known for its stress-relieving properties. (Check out their yummy-smelling sugar scrubs and body splashes, too.)

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - $16.25 for 19 ounces

Perhaps one of the most well-known favorites for treating dry skin, this lotion is a staple that many people keep stocked in their medicine cabinet or cosmetic bag. It’s gentle yet powerful and frequently recommended by dermatologists.

Gold Bond Pure Moisture Body & Face Lotion - $4.97 for 5.5 ounces

Made from a carefully blended mix of powerful moisturizers and vitamins like hyaluronic acid and grapeseed oil, this lotion feels so light and smooth that you might forget it’s there – until you notice the positive difference in your skin, which many users reported within a week of the first use. And you can’t beat the price!

Earth Baby Moisturizing Lotion - $8 for 3.8 ounces

Safe and gentle enough for babies, this lotion is also great for grown-ups, as well. Made with organic ingredients, it doesn’t have many of the artificial chemicals that can often irritate skin or trigger allergic reactions.

Suki Skincare Ultra-Protect Body Balm - $17 for 1 ounce

This lotion is gentle enough to be used on your face but can also help heal and moisturize skin all over your body. Designed to provide long-lasting moisturizing benefits.

Unscented Badger Balm – $9.99 for 2 ounces

Great for healing dry, cracked skin, this balm has no irritating scent that some people prefer to avoid. You can’t get much simpler than this recipe – it’s made from just two basic yet powerful ingredients.

Mega Moisturizing Probiotic Stretch Mark Cream from Element Mom - $36 for 5 ounces

This lotion is especially great for areas of your body that are prone to stretch marks. The enhanced moisturizing improves skin elasticity and makes your skin look smoother and healthier.

Lake & Skye 11 11 Body Oil - $48 for 3.4 ounces

Offering a subtle yet distinctive scent, this lotion is packed with hydrating essential oils and inflammation-fighting nutrients.

Kiehl’s Creme De Corps Body Moisturizer - $106.99 for 16.9 ounces

One of the most well-known names in the upscale skincare market, Kiehl’s lotions are for people who believe healthy, glowing skin is worth an investment.

EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex - $53 for 1.7 ounces

This lotion is designed for seriously dry skin that needs significant help quickly. You may notice results in as little as 24 hours, and even fine lines and wrinkles will soon become less visible.

O’o Hawaii Brilliant Feather Beauty Balm - $65 for 1.7 ounces

Great for healing and protecting weather-irritated skin, this lotion’s secret weapon are the antioxidants grown in the nutrient-rich, volcanic ash soil of Hawaii. Gives your skin a gorgeous, dewy glow.

Halo Mane Sea Moss Body Butter – $20 for 8 ounces

Halo Mane founder Rae Knight is passionate about the vegan and Ayurveda philosophies of natural, healthy living and personally develops all of the company’s products to support that approach. This body butter is packed with natural ingredients like coconut oil and Irish moss.

BESO Earth’s Kiss Therapeutic Whip - $60 for 1.7 ounces

Infused with CBD oil, this lotion provides therapeutic, relaxing benefits while also healing your skin with natural ingredients like lavender and sandalwood.

Glowoasis Glowburst - $38 for 1.7 ounces

This vegan moisturizer drenches parched skin with nutrient-rich hydrating power without any greasy residue. Your skin will look healthier and more energized.

VOESH Velvet Luxe Vegan Hand & Body Crème - $13 for 8.5 ounces

The name of this lotion tells you exactly what you can expect—a vegan product that leaves your skin velvety soft and smooth. It has a crisp-cucumber scent that helps you feel clean and refreshed.

Bia Hydrating Skin Superfood from Codex Beauty Labs - $35 for 2.5 ounces

This company takes a “biotech” approach to skincare, using ingredients derived from plant cells to offer the ultimate in natural purity—while also being vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. It’s great for treating irritated, flaky skin.

Goddess Garden Face the Day Lotion - $18.99 for 1 ounce

This company was started by a woman who wanted to create options for her daughter, who as a baby was allergic to many chemicals commonly found in skincare products. Infused with an SPF 30 sunscreen, this moisturizing lotion helps protect you from sun damage, as well.

The Good Stuff Botanicals Gypsy Cream - $30 for 4 ounces

Created using tried-and-true recipes passed down through generations, this company’s products have that nostalgic, natural feel (and smell) that immediately make you feel nurtured and comforted. This cream is so pure and gentle that it’s safe enough for a baby’s skin.

Caprina Moisturizing Body Milk—Orchid Flower Extract - $12.50 for 11.8 ounces

This lotion is made from fresh goat milk the company sources from local goat farmers. It restores your skin’s natural moisture and keeps skin feeling moisturized for up t0 48 hours. And it has a terrific scent you will love!

B GREAT Hemp Lotion - $44.99 for 4 ounces

This unscented lotion contains 250 mg of CBD oil that helps soothe and calm skin. It is made with hemp grown in the U.S., has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and moistures without making skin feel greasy.

Pure Dharma Relief CBD Healing Balm - $44 for 2 ounces

As you can see from the name, this healing balm contains CBD oil. It is also infused with a blend of essential oils like lavender and Roman chamomile that are designed to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and calm you skin to help you relax. Next up, learn about a 3-step process for younger-looking hands.