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
- Ingredients to consider: Glycerin dimethicone
Gold Bond Healing Hydrating Lotion
- Pros: Non-greasy and fragrance-free. Great for dry skin.
- Cons: Some Amazon reviewers think it’s too thick
This lotion is perfect for parched skin with eczema. According to a SELF editor, it coats skin in a thick coating that soothes dry patches without leaving a strange residue. “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. Vitamins B, C, E and aloe are also included to protect skin against environmental damage.
- Size: 14, 20, 24 fl oz
- Ingredients to consider: Dimethicone, niacinamide
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturising Lotion
- Pros: Lightweight texture, super creamy, fragrance-free
- Cons: Amazon reviewers claim that it takes a lot of 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
- Ingredients to consider: Prebiotic Thermal Spring Water, 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.