The 16 Best Body Lotions of All Time, According to Doctors

Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment ($220)

More than a lotion, Santa Monica, CA dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD says this product is more of a bonafide treatment as it promotes the production of skin-boosting hyaluronic acid. “This body lotion has a highly unique formulation, which promotes production of hyaluronic acid within the body,” she explains. “This helps capture and maintain moisture levels, aids with sagging skin and smooths texture.”

Unlike other body lotions on the market, Dr. Shamban suggests that this product is formulated to deal with all those tough-to-treat areas including spots above the knee, in the upper arm, and around the stomach and breasts.

“In addition to being moisturizing, its effect on collagen and elastin production has been shown to reduce skin sagging and improve texture,” adds Dr. Waldorf.

“I have incorporated this treatment for body contouring procedures as it has anti-bruising properties as well as the ability to stimulate skin tightening post-procedure,” says Grand Rapids, MI plastic surgeon Dr. David R. Alfonso.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream ($15)

According to Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD, this cream has “hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid and it’s lightweight, silky and easy to apply.” New York dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD also loves this formula because “it offers long-lasting hydration from hyaluronic acid.”

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($18)

For a good body moisturizer that won’t break the bank, New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD recommends CeraVe. “I am a big fan of ceramides as an essential component to a moisturizer and prefer a cream over a lotion for treating dry skin.”

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($10)

Beverly Hills, CA plastic surgeon Lily Lee, MD says this has been her favorite body lotion for years. “When I was in medical school, during my dermatology rotation, I raided the sample closet and tried pretty much every lotion out there. I tend to have sensitive skin and can be allergic to a lot of lotions, but I found Aveeno to be the most soothing one. Many years later, I am still using it!”

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream ($23)

“With shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, aqua posae filiformis and thermal water, this cream helps repair and maintain a healthy skin barrier, which provides an optimum microbiome,” says Dr. Waldorf.

Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream ($38)

While describing the benefits of this skin-silkening cream, Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill pins this product as her “all-time favorite,” saying it “helps moisturize and soothe the skin while strengthening the skin’s barrier over time. This lotion is also great for all skin types and helps with inflammatory skin issues.” 

Environ Alpha Hydroxy Derma-LAC Lotion

“My favorite body home treatment is Environ Alpha Hydroxy Derma-LAC Lotion,” says Duxbury, MA plastic surgeon Christine Hamori, MD. “The lactic and acetic acid toner exfoliates dead skin and the oil locks in moisture.” 

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Cream ($45)

“For a luxurious skin boost, I use this cream,” says Vero Beach, FL plastic surgeon Alan J. Durkin, MD. “It has such a wonderful sensation on your skin. This botanically based product provides outstanding moisture to dry, stressed body skin without any film or cracking. Also, nothing brightens your day like the smell of frangipani!”

Curél Ultra Healing Intensive Lotion ($8)

“This is a drugstore go-to that I recommend to my patients,” says New York dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD. “Although it is a lotion, it has the consistency of a cream, and works to soothe dry, itchy skin by replenishing and protecting its natural ceramides.”

ZO Skin Health Body Emulsion ($110)

“We really like this product,” says Irvine, CA plastic surgeon Andrew Smith, MD. “It does a really good job with hydration, exfoliation and smoothness.”

afa Advanced Treatment Body Lotion ($91)

“This body lotion is specifically designed for areas of the body with visible sun damage, and it improves moisture retention, elasticity and skin texture,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. “Formulated with afaLUXE technology, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and Dead Sea minerals, this body lotion offers an effective treatment for minimizing hyperpigmentation and sun damage on areas such as the hands, arms, back and chest.”

Eucerin Advanced Repair Dry Skin Lotion ($36 for 3)

If you are not a fan of body lotions with a thick consistency, New York dermatologist Sapna Palep, MD recommends investing in this lotion because it’s suitable for those suffering from extreme dryness sans any signs of oiliness.

“This lotion may be on the thinner side, but it has the ability to lock in moisture for up to 48 hours,” she says. “I’ve seen it wipe out alligator skin, which is hard to do.”

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion ($12)

Dr. Palep explains that there’s really nothing this moisturizing body lotion can’t do, as it’s easy on your wallet and can be effective for those dealing with skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris. “I like to recommend this body lotion to my patients with keratosis pilaris, which are spiky, dry, rough patches of skin that form on the back of the arms and thighs.”

Amazing hydration content aside, Dr. Palep adds that this AmLactin product also contains lactic acid, a skin-care ingredient she says can help exfoliate dry and rough skin.

According to a 1996 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, lactic acid is also an ingredient known for its impressive anti-aging properties. Study participants who used products containing 12-percent lactic acid, for example, were noted to have an improved appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Noodle & Boo Super Soft Moisturizing Lotion ($20)

“This is one of my favorite brands! Noodle & Boo Super Soft Lotion is a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer that combines humectants like glycerin, nourishing almond oil and antioxidant vitamins C and E to support skin hydration and barrier health,” says Los Angeles dermatologist Maryam Safaee, MD. “It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel, making it pleasant for daily use on delicate newborn skin while also providing effective moisture for adults who prefer a lightweight, nongreasy lotion. With the added option of a fragrance-free version for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, it offers a versatile solution that is dermatologist-tested and suitable for both babies and adults alike!”

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($18)

Dr. Palep says this drugstore lotion is one of the most reliable products on the market. “This lotion is widely available at drugstores, it’s well tolerated, and it’s a little gentler on the skin than some other popular brands on the market,” she explains. “It also is available in an SPF 30 version, making it a great product to use in order to up your sun protection.”

Biologique Recherche Creme Réparatrice

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Charles Galanis, MD says this body cream is a must for those dealing with extreme dryness, as it tones and protects the epidermis with amino acids and glycoproteins. “This Biologique product is specifically formulated with glycoproteins and natural amino acids to help revitalize the skin. It also includes some hop to moisturize.”

Aside from providing hydration to the skin, glycoproteins are also known to have a positive impact on wounds. A 2001 study published by The British Journal of Dermatology, for example, concluded that glycoprotein fraction isolated from aloe vera, enhanced wound healing of human keratinocytes and in hairless mice.