9 best body moisturisers for dry skin 2025 – tried and tested
WHILE most people wouldn't dream of skipping face moisturiser in their daily routine, body care tends to get overlooked.
A combination of cold weather, central heating and hot showers means our skin is almost guaranteed to suffer during the winter as it's constantly being stripped of its natural moisture.
That's where a body moisturiser for dry skin comes in.
The skin on the body needs TLC in the same way as our faces, and refining a body care routine will improve the skin's appearance, smooth out any bumps and maintain that fake (or natural) tan.
Those with sensitive and eczema-prone skin should take extra care when choosing the best moisturiser for them, as formulas containing alcohol and fragrances may be too harsh.
Ingredients that lock in moisture and maintain the skin's natural barrier are key features to look out for, and will keep those dreaded rough patches away.
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While there are some luxury options on the market, plenty of the top rated moisturisers come with affordable price tags, making them ideal for everyday use.
As someone who suffers with dry skin throughout the year, I've tried and tested some of the top rated body moisturisers, giving my honest verdict on whether they actually work as they promise.
Best moisturisers at a glance
How I tested
Every moisturiser included in this list has been trialed across several days, and I applied each one in the morning on clean skin.
I have dry skin, so I kept an eye on how effectively they moisturised my skin and soothed any irritation.
Along with the effectiveness, I also took note of the consistency of each product, how quickly it absorbed, the scent, and the affordability.
Each cream included is marketed as being suitable for sensitive skin, but it's still worth checking the listed key ingredients before use.
9 best body moisturisers for dry skin - tried and tested
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream, £17
Pros: Suitable for face and body, skin feels hydrated all day, affordable
Cons: Not cruelty-free
Rating: 5/5
Cetaphil's products are known for being gentle on the skin, which is why the brand is popular among skincare beginners and teenagers.
Suitable for all skin types (including sensitive) the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream is one of the brand's bestsellers.
It has a soothing formula made with almond oil and panthenol to fight dryness, while the Vitamin E protects the skin’s barrier function.
Niacinamide is also added to the formula to improve the skin’s appearance and texture.
Pros: Easy to apply, lightweight on the skin, gentle enough for babies and children
Cons: Pump bottle means some product will go to waste
La Roche's dermatologist-approved body lotion contains an AP+M formula that works to restore the skin’s barrier function in order to minimise dry skin flare-ups.
Pros: Thick balm texture, suitable for sensitive, eczema-prone and psoriasis-prone skin
Pros: Lightweight texture, suitable for face and body, affordable suitable for eczema-prone skin
Cons: Not cruelty-free
Rating: 5/5
CeraVe likely one of the first names that spring to mind when it comes to affordable moisturisers, due to it's huge cult following (that includes Maya Jama).
Pros: Rich whipped consistency, floral scent, feels luxurious
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 4.5/5
Sol de Janeiro products are constantly trending, and the body butters are among the brand's bestsellers.
The Bom Dia Bright Cream is also a top contender, which is designed to brighten the skin with a formula containing AHAs and Vitamin C.
Infused with cupuaçu butter and willow bark extract, the cream's whipped texture that absorbs quickly into the skin.
Everything about this moisturiser screams holiday to me; the sweet scent contains a mix of florals and vanilla, and the creamy consistency gives the skin a subtle glow.
The cream is expensive, so it may not be one for wearing every day, but it feels like a touch of self-care whenever I use Sol de Janeiro body butters.
Size: 75ml, Key ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol,Glycerin, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Aqua, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Dodecane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Parfum, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? No
Astral Intense Face & Body Moisturiser, £5.44
Pros: Suitable for face and body, shea butter scent, four scent options, can be used as a make-up remover, affordable
Cons:
Rating: 4/5
Astral's Intensive Moisturiser is a multipurpose cream that can be used on the body, face and as a make-up remover.
I love the buttery soft consistency of this cream.
It feels instantly nourishing with its whipped texture, and I like that it feels just as soothing on the face.
The lotion has a couple of scents to choose from, but my favourite is the shea butter version as it lingers on the skin without being overpowering.
Pros: Absorbs quickly, handy pump bottle, suitable for all skin types
Cons: Unpleasant smell, not cruelty-free
Rating: 4/5
Pros: Barrier-building, can be used on face and body, suitable for adults and children
Cons: Not cruelty-free
Rating: 4/5
I only became familiar with Bioderma through it's popular , but I was pleasantly surprised by the brand's Atoderm cream.
Pros: Multifunctional, made with six natural ingredients, soothes dry patches and irritation, a little goes a long way
Cons: Feels oily on the skin
Rating: 3.5/5
Egyptian Magic's All Purpose Skin Cream is the brand's only product, and the multi-purpose balm has built a mass following over the years that includes Madonna and Brooke Shields.
Made from only six natural ingredients, it has a balm-like texture that melts into an oil when its warmed up in the hands.
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