Your Next Favorite Body Lotion Might Be In the Drugstore Aisle

I raved about the serum body wash just a few short days ago, and I’m back again to talk about the body lotion from the same line. Not only does it smell delicious, but it also contains active ingredients like AHAs to exfoliate and niacinamide to brighten and firm the skin over time, which is especially important for people with dry, crepey skin.

This is a product I have gatekept for well over a year, but I think it’s time. This lotion, of course, has ceramides, but it also contains glycerin, shea butter, and even oat kernel oil, all in a formula that sinks into the skin with ease. On top of all that, it smells like fresh linens. If I could give this a million stars, I would.

The Vaseline Cocoa Radiant line is my jam (those body oils? Chef’s kiss). The formula is comprised of ingredients like cocoa butter and lipids, which are great for helping with moisture retention. It’s perfect for braving the cold without worrying about reapplying constantly.

Since I don’t live in Brazil (rude), I like to pretend I do when I use this lotion. It’s lightweight on the skin and made primarily of Tukumã butter, a natural emollient rich in fatty acids. In short, it creates a fantastic protective layer over your skin without feeling like there’s actually a layer of product on your body.

Another immaculate find for under $10 is this body butter from Jergens. It’s not as thick or occlusive as my actual butters, but on the body, it feels like a very rich lotion. That being said, it’s extremely easy to spread, and it sinks in immediately.

Dermatologists everywhere recommend and use Vanicream (seriously, one of them just told me this last night, and I’ve been prescribed the same cream by one of my dermatologists). It’s moisturizing, noncomedogenic, and sinks in quickly, and the massive tub will take months to get through.

If you love a lotion that leaves you with a gorgeous glow, look no further than this Nivea Essentially Enriched Dry Skin lotion. If I have any events where I have some skin showing, this was likely the base used.

Omega fatty acids, shea butter, and B vitamins are all packed into this popular pick from Naturium. At under $20, it’s a luxurious formula that sinks into the skin with ease, no greasy residue in sight. (Pro tip: the body butter from this line is also phenomenal.)

Not only does this Cerave option have ceramides, but it also boasts urea, which is basically the Rolls-Royce of hydrating ingredients. On top of this, it has a controlled-release delivery system that ensures the moisture benefits last all day.

For anyone who is eczema-prone, Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is for you. Its star ingredient is prebiotic oats, which are fantastic for calming inflamed, irritated skin.

Gold Bond’s healing Aloe line is another great option for people with sensitive skin. Aloe, antioxidants, and vitamin E all work together to keep moisture in the skin, plus the formula is non-greasy and hypoallergenic, too.

Another fantastic option is Eucerin’s Urea Repair Plus. It features that golden ingredient, urea, which is also great for skin conditions like eczema, and will offer immediate relief and moisture that lasts for hours. Still, if you want to reapply, rest assured that your skin won’t feel tacky and greasy.

I know we’re talking about winter right now, but I would be remiss not to mention one of my favorite formulas for the summertime. Hempz’s Triple Moisture Herbal Whipped Body Creme is a lightweight formula that you might think disappears upon contact with the skin. What actually happens is that it sinks in immediately but moisturizes for hours—your skin will feel soft to the touch, even if it’s the only moisturizing product you use that day.