Remember that whole “vanilla girl” trend on TikTok? This cream fits right in, with its sweet scent that one SELF editor calls “warm and comforting.” Its moisturizing power comes from ingredients like macadamia nut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. “It feels thick and hydrating, but never greasy,” our editor adds. “I actually look forward to putting it on after I get out of the shower!”
- Size: 7 fl oz
- Other notable ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone
Gold Bond Healing Hydrating Lotion
- Pros: Fragrance-free, non-greasy, great for very dry skin
- Cons: Some Amazon reviewers think it’s too thick
When it comes to parched, eczema-covered skin, this lotion has you covered. It coats the skin in a thick layer that soothes super dry patches without leaving a weird residue, according to one SELF editor. “This lotion consistently makes my skin feel amazing in any climate and absorbs beautifully. It smells great—very clean and neutral with no heavy perfume-y scents—and the moisture just lasts.”
Gold Bond’s Lotion is made with a stacked lineup of moisturizing and soothing ingredients, like glycerin, petrolatum, aloe, and jojoba oil. It also includes vitamins B, C, and E, which act as antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental damage.
- Size: 14, 20, 24 fl oz
- Other notable ingredients: Dimethicone, niacinamide
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion
- Pros: Lightweight texture, super creamy, fragrance-free
- Cons: Amazon reviewers say it takes a long time to absorb
SELF editors and dermatologists we spoke to all praised this drugstore lotion: “My fancy lotions and oils are great but too expensive for daily use, and my moisturizers with added fragrance sometimes irritate sensitive areas of my skin (like my boobs, upper chest, and neck). Buying this was a gentle reminder that sometimes drugstore skin care products are the best skin care products,” one editor says. Plus, “it has an amazing, creamy feel that hydrates and leaves skin smooth and soft,” Dr. Gohara says. “Melanin-rich skin has less ceramides, leaving our skin more likely to become dry, and Lipikar is loaded with ceramides, shea butter, and niacinamide—a perfect blend of barrier supporting ingredients.”
- Size: 13.5 fl oz
- Other notable ingredients: Prebiotic thermal spring water, glycerin, mineral oil, grape seed oil, dimethicone
Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
- Pros: Great for sensitive skin, fragrance-free
- Cons: Some Amazon reviewers say it’s too thick
“This moisturizing cream is a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it’s free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and more, reducing the potential for irritation or sensitivity,” Dr. Garshick says.