These 8 Best Body Creams Are The Answer To Getting Rid Of Dry Skin
If you’ve locked down a skincare routine for your face, but you are not caring for your body, that means you are only looking after 3.5 per cent of your skin. Our body skin is resilient but often overlooked, which is why you may find it is often very dry.
How to get rid of dry skin on the body – according to the experts – at a glance:
Plump, hydrated and smooth may only be words that apply to your complexion. Your limbs, on the other hand, may be parched, flaky and cracking. Sure, the skin on your body is thicker and more robust than the delicate skin on your face, but it should not be neglected, especially as luscious limbs may just be a product away.
In this article:
Best body cream for rich hydration without irritation: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M Moisturiser for Dry Skin
La Roche-Posay
Lipikar Balm AP+M Moisturiser For Dry Skin
- Why we love it: La Roche-Posay is a treat for dehydrated and dry skin for its ability to provide rich hydration without irritating those with sensitivities. Dr Kaliya says it best, describing this formula as, “A deeply replenishing rescue balm for parched, sensitive or seasonal dryness.” The soothing combination of the brand’s own thermal spring water with skin-loving heroes like shea butter and glycerin makes this a saviour for irritation and dryness – and it’s so gentle that it can be used by the whole family.
- Key ingredients: Thermal spring water, glycerin, shea butter and nicacinamide
- Size: 200ml
Best body cream for sensorial dry skin repair: Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream
Dermalogica
Body Hydrating Cream
- Why we love it: If you’re looking for a more sensorial product to soothe your dry skin – consistency is key after all, and a delicate fragrance may encourage you to relish the process – Dermalogica uses a blend of botanical oils to enhance application. The combination of lavender, orange, green tea and sandalwood is delightful, but that’s just the start. Dr Kaliya dubs the Body Hydrating Cream “a sophisticated formula that cocoons the body in rich, strengthening hydration.” The inclusion of AHA lactic acid means it has a gentle exfoliating effect, which is balanced by the soothing nature of green tea. Vitamin C rounds off the ingredient list and is included to encourage collagen production and bring luminosity. It is fast-absorbing and leaves skin silky smooth.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, sugar cane and apple extracts
- Size: 295ml
Best body cream for an affordable dry skin solution: CeraVe Moisturising Cream
- Why we love it: “This is a gold-standard moisturiser,” Dr Hartman says. “It combines ceramides and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and reinforce the skin barrier. It’s affordable, accessible, and great for daily use on mature or dry skin,” Dr Hartman adds. The itch-and-flake-quelling cream is also a multi-tasker and can be used on the face and the body, and can also step in as a hand cream. It’s also safe for the whole family to use. Dermatologist Dr Tony Kaliya seconds this recommendation, adding that he favours it for “serious barrier support and long-lasting comfort.”
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Size: 454g
Best body cream for nourishment: Eucerin Urea Repair 10% Lotion
Eucerin
Urea Repair 10% Lotion
- Why we love it: Urea is an ingredient commonly found in rich, hydrating products for the nourishment that it offers, and it takes a starring role in this product from Eucerin. Dr Kaliya is a fan. He says, it “smooths texture and restores skin’s natural vitality with moisture-binding actives.” This refers to the aforementioned ingredient, but also ceramides and natural moisturising factors that offer a resilient boost to the skin barrier. It is fragrance-free, lightweight and leaves no greasy feeling in its wake.
- Key ingredients: Urea, ceramides and natural moisturising factors
- Size: 400ml
Best body cream for a doctor-approved label: Obagi Hydrate Luxe
Obagi Medical
Hydrate Luxe
- Why we love it: While this is a skincare product, Dr Dhillon includes it in his suggestions for the simple fact that it is “also great for the body.” You can use the rich cream from the doctor-approved label as a targeted treatment for specific areas of dryness – be it the elbow or knees. It is made up of biomimetic peptides, meaning it is well-tolerated by all and supports natural reparative processes as well as moisture-enriching hydromanil that is said to provide eight hours of hydration.
- Key ingredients: Hydromanil and biomimetic peptides
- Size: 48g
Best body cream for a time-tested formula: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Cocoa Butter Daily Skin Therapy
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Cocoa Butter Daily Skin Therapy
- Why we love it: Don’t let the price tag fool you, there is a reason why this formula has stood the test of time. Dr Dhillon says, “It’s cost-effective, but Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula works for all people and all ages.” The rich lotion is made up of a combination of naturally harvested cocoa beans that are brimming with skin-loving nutrients to support the barrier. The long-lasting hydration soothes dry skin as well as those with eczema.
- Key ingredients: Cocoa butter
- Size: 400ml
Best body cream for a dermatology-developed option: Cetraben Moisturising Cream
Cetraben Moisturising Cream
- Why we love it: “A dependable, dermatology-developed emollient for persistently dry areas” is how Dr Kaliya describes the Cetraben formula. It calls on two highly effective emollients that work overtime to hydrate and soothe, especially on dry, irritated skin. This cream is regularly recommended by GPs as it provides a quick fix solution and can be used by all, including children over one year old.
- Key ingredients: White soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin
- Size: 475ml
FAQs
What causes dry skin on body?
“Dry skin occurs when the skin’s natural moisture barrier is weakened and can’t hold on to hydration”, says Dr Kaliya. Dr Dhillon adds that dry skin is caused by “A mixture of factors, but at this time of the year, it is likely a combination of central heating turned up, leading to a reduction of moisture on the skin and lack of water intake (we should aim to drink two to three litres per day).” He also tells us, “It is also important to exclude other ‘medical’ factors such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Most people have the latter two earlier in life, but dermatitis can develop at any age and be due to a change in fabric conditioners, perfumes or any other material that may come into contact with skin.”
Other factors may include hot showers, harsh body products or the pesky ageing process. Dr Kaliya says that this combination can result in “Skin that feels rough, itchy, and lacks that naturally supple glow.”
What are the most important steps to include in a body care routine?
“Taking care of the skin on your body is just as important as facial skincare, especially if you’re prone to dryness,” stresses Dr Kaliya. He breaks it down as the following:
- “Gentle cleansing – opt for mild, non-stripping body washes.
- Short, lukewarm showers – to help protect natural skin oils.
- Moisturising daily – ideally applied within minutes after bathing to lock in hydration.
- Barrier support – choose products that reinforce and replenish the skin’s protective barrier.
- Environmental protection – stay hydrated, avoid irritating clothing, and protect skin from extreme temperatures, especially in the cold winter months.
- Consistency is key – hydrated skin behaves better, looks healthier, and feels more comfortable.
Dr Dhillon highlights too to “Ensure a two to three litre water intake” and doubles down on the importance of a solid body lotion. “Body skin is much thicker than facial skin, and so using a thicker, more nourishing body moisturiser is essential to ensure it has an effect on preventing or treating dry body skin. I always recommend moisturising the body after your morning shower and before bed.”
Should you layer your body care products?
“Layering helps maximise both hydration and barrier protection,” explains Dr Kaliya. “Apply lightweight, water-attracting formulas (like serums or lotions with humectants) first, followed by a richer cream or balm that seals in moisture and shields the skin from external stressors.”
What ingredients should you look out for?
According to Dr Kaliya, look out for the following:
- “Humectants – such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw in water
- Ceramides – crucial skin-identical lipids that rebuild the barrier
- Emollients – like shea butter and squalane to smooth and soften
- Occlusives – like petrolatum or waxes to prevent moisture loss”
He concludes to “Avoid alcohol-heavy products and strong fragrances if you experience sensitivity, as they can further irritate and dehydrate the skin.”