Best Body Lotion

Best lotion for dry skin

Experts agree that skin on every part of the body has virtually the same needs, in that it should be cleansed, exfoliated, moisturized and protected from the sun. They also agree that some ingredients can help to provide healthier and softer skin. Good moisturizers should include water-binding agents (such as glycerin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, etc.), antioxidants and anti-irritants (aloe, green tea, vitamin C). Experts agree that a good lotion doesn't have to be expensive, and in our research, several drugstore brands were rated just as highly as some expensive boutique brands.

Nivea Crème (*Est. $7.50/6.8 oz.) , for example, is a highly rated but affordable classic that contains mostly emollients and glycerin (which binds water to the skin). Marie Claire magazine describes it as "the best hydrator on the market." Consumers at MakeupAlley.com and Drugstore.com give it high marks as well, calling it a thick, emollient moisturizer that is excellent for extremely dry skin. Some complain, though, that it doesn't mix well with water and shouldn't be applied after a shower, so it works better as a night cream. Nivea claims that the Crème can be used anywhere on the body but is best for rough spots such as knees, feet, elbows and hands.

Eucerin Original Moisturizing Crème (*Est. $13.75/16 oz.) is similar to Nivea Crème in that it is very thick and is designed for extremely dry skin. Even the ingredient list is similar to Nivea's, although Eucerin contains fewer ingredients. Their website claims that minimal ingredients ensure safety, making it appropriate for sensitive skin. Indeed, many consumers with eczema claim that it soothes and heals dry, cracked skin.

Other drugstore brands, including Curel and Gold Bond, also fare well in expert and consumer reviews. Paula Begoun and the readers at Real Simple recommend Curel Ultra Healing Daily Moisture Therapy Lotion (*Est. $8/13 oz.) because it works well on dry, cracked hands but is not greasy.

For those that want a daily, lightweight body lotion, reviewers point to Olay Age Transform Body Crème Serum (*est. $9/10.1 oz.) as an excellent option. Olay claims that it helps to protect the skin's moisture barrier and fights the "five signs of aging," though their website does not explain what those signs are. Paula Begoun is not so sure that it will transform aging body skin, but is impressed by the "state-of-the-art" ingredients that it contains. Health magazine is also impressed with the ingredient list. They chose Olay Age Transform Body Crème Serum for their annual Best Beauty Buys, saying that the "glycerin draws water into the skin, petrolatum holds it there. And niacinamide buttresses your body, keeping your skin soft longer."

The serum also contains antioxidants, including "an impressive amount of …green tea," according to Begoun. Antioxidants reduce and help to prevent damage from free radicals that destroy skin function and structure, which may help to slow down the signs of aging. Experts agree, though, that the best defense against skin damage and wrinkles is protection from the sun. For more information about sunscreen, see the ConsumerSearch report on sunscreen.

On the other end of the price spectrum is La Mer The Body Crème (*Est. $195/10 oz.) . It is a thick crème whose main ingredient is seaweed that has undergone a biofermentation process. Other ingredients include vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Allure magazine chose it as a "top splurge" for their 2007 Best of Beauty Awards, and BellaSugar.com, a blog devoted to beauty products, calls it "fabulous, but pricey." We didn't find many consumer reviews, but of those we did find, the majority seem to think the cream is worth its hefty price tag because the results are instant and long-lasting. Though several of them did not like the scent, many consumers found the cream to be extremely moisturizing. The manufacturer claims that The Body Crème is so hydrating that "daily use may be unnecessary" and users seem to agree. Many note that one tub lasts a very long time. Still, experts say there's really no reason to pay this much for body lotion; clearly La Mer lotion is a luxury product.