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When temperatures fall to (or below) freezing, we often trade smooth, soft legs and arms for ashiness, itchiness, and rough, scaly patches. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for anything less than healthy, hydrated skin—even when the wind chill drops to single digits. The best body moisturizers for winter can make a world of difference: These rich, restorative formulas are made with soothing ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol, and non-sticky oils that offer more thorough and longer-lasting moisture than your average body lotion. They’re even powerful enough to tackle chronic skin conditions like eczema or keratosis pilaris.
Our Top Body Moisturizers for Winter
- Best Body Cream: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream, $22
- Best Body Lotion: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion, $32
- Best Body Butter: OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter, $54
- Best Body Oil: Oui the People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss, $65
- Best Serum: Cyklar Ceramide Milky Essence, $30
- Best K-Beauty: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream, $29
- Best for Itchy Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream, $49
- Best for Keratosis Pilaris: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, $30
Your skin gets drier in the cold because when the air outside is less humid, it produces less sebum. That’s why dermatologists recommend looking for thick moisturizers with humectants that hydrate, emollients that moisturize, and occlusives that lock it all in, for calmer, softer skin (no scratching here). Also, be sure to avoid any products with added fragrance if you’re dealing with an eczema flare-up. Here are the lotions and creams Allure editors rely on, plus others derms recommend to their own patients.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What causes dry skin during winter?
- Which body moisturizer is best for dry skin in winter?
- Meet the Experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Body Cream: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
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La Roche-Posay
Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it’s worth it: La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream is “the cashmere sweater of moisturizers,” according to one Allure editor—simple and versatile (it’s great for face and body). Derms love it, too: “Lipikar has both moisturizers that help replenish the natural moisturizers that lessen with age and niacinamide that helps with discoloration,” Stephanie Saxton-Daniels, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas, told Allure. Niacinamide and glycerin hydrate—then, nourishing shea butter, which "can help to heal cracked skin due to its vitamins A, E, and F content," cosmetic chemist Ginger King explained, works overtime to restore the skin barrier. Another National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance winner, this cream is made with thermal spring water that naturally contains the skin-soothing antioxidant selenium. It all comes in an under-$25 bottle with a handy pump, so you can reapply whenever you get the itch.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“Fun fact: Tattoos can produce histamines that make your skin super itchy, sometimes for seemingly no reason at all. I'm heavily tattooed from head to toe, leaving me prone to the occasional, dreaded, full-body itch. The other morning, I was literally woken from my slumber (rude) by my skin just begging to be scratched, so I went straight to the bathroom to slather myself in La Roche-Posay's Lipikar AP+ Cream. The itching went away almost immediately, which I see as a testament to just how soothing and reparative this lipid-enriched formula really is. It's great if you have tattoos, sure, but it's also great for anyone with eczema, generally dry or sensitive skin, or anyone just looking to get a little hydration boost without feeling slippery or sticky afterward.” —Nicola Dall'Asen, senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Body Lotion: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Lotion
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Aestura
Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion
Amazon
Sephora
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Lotion
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it’s worth it: Aestura’s Atobarrier 365 Lotion has been one of our favorite face moisturizers for years (it won a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award, after all)—but it doubles as an incredibly effective body lotion, too. That’s thanks to an ingredient list stacked with hydrating glycerin and squalane, plus ceramides and cholesterol that, together, lock moisture in to keep skin smooth and soothed all day long. There’s also niacinamide to strengthen your skin barrier, which tends to take a major beating in the winter. The lightweight, non-sticky formula is fragrance-free and won a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, so it’s safe for people with eczema or sensitive skin to use (more on what this means below). Apply it wherever skin looks rough or lackluster, and relish in the relief.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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"If I ever magically became low maintenance, this lotion would be a key player in my pared-down routine. I love how it works on my face, and I've recently come around to using it on my body, and it's equally excellent for both. The texture borders on watery, so it absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy or heavy. My skin is generally sensitive to fragrance and richer formulas, so I love how gentle this lotion is while still being very hydrating and soothing." —Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane, cholesterol, niacinamide, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Body Butter: OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter
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Osea
Undaria Algae Body Butter
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure creative producer Sydney Malone applying the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter
Sydney Malone
Why it’s worth it: We can’t be coy: OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Butter is our favorite body butter of all time. The formula contains a winning combination of highly moisturizing grape and meadowfoam seed oils for more supple skin. It even targets signs of aging, with undaria seaweed extract and caffeine that can firm skin over time. And hydrating glycerin and soothing aloe vera put in the work to smooth over any irritation. While the formula is extra-thick, it absorbs instantly and doesn’t leave any residue behind—instead, skin looks glowy and feels noticeably softer. Slather it on before bed, enjoy the spa-like grapefruit, lime, and citrus scent (the same as in the brand’s signature body oil, if you’re familiar), and wake up to silky skin that lasts for up to 72 hours.
Tester feedback from creative producer Sydney Malone
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“This body butter smells absolutely divine—it's got a mild enough scent as to not overwhelm, but rather to make you feel luxurious and moisturized. I appreciate how thick this cream is because with just one application, I feel like I wouldn't need to use body lotion again until tomorrow! Perfect for dry or winter weather, especially for us dry skin girlies.” —Sydney Malone, creative producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, aloe vera, caffeine, grape seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Body Oil: Oui the People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss
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Oui the People
Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Oui the People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss
Annie Blay-Tettey
Why it’s worth it: Another Best of Beauty Award winner, Oui the People’s Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss has continued to impress us with its lightweight consistency and fresh, citrus-meets-floral scent. It delivers an instant glow, as plant-derived squalane and a host of antioxidant-packed oils (avocado, safflower seed, pumpkin seed, and pomegranate seed, to name a few) create a layer of protection that locks in moisture for that plump look and soft feel. Another key player: rosehip seed oil, which contains beta-carotene that turns into vitamin A, supporting collagen production for brighter, more even-toned skin. Wear this gloss alone or underneath one of our other picks for maximum moisturizing potential.
Blay-Tettey before applying the Oui the People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss
Annie Blay-Tettey
Blay-Tettey after applying the Oui the People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss
Annie Blay-Tettey
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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"I love how lightweight this body oil is. It gives my skin a pretty sheen without leaving a greasy finish. Plus, the subtle citrus scent lingers on my skin long after application." —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, avocado oil, safflower seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, rosehip seed oil
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Serum: Cyklar Ceramide Milky Essence
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Cyklar
Ceramide Milky Essence
Amazon
Cyklar
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Cyklar Ceramide Milky Essence
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: We’re big fans of hyaluronic acid—but Cyklar’s Ceramide Milky Essence takes things to the next level with polyglutamic acid, which holds onto four times as much moisture. Classic dry skin saviors ceramides (five kinds!) and squalane make an appearance, too, for plush skin that’s ready for a close-up. Add to that urea, a hard-to-find ingredient that “binds water and pulls it into the skin, where it belongs, and kicks cracked, dead skin cells to the curb,” according to Washington, D.C.-based dermatologist Adam Friedman, plus amino acids that support the creation of collagen and elastin, and you get a lightweight serum that restores skin without any dreaded sticky feel. The thin formula is meant to be layered underneath other body products, so consider this the first step in your post-everything-shower routine. Bonus: It’s fragrance-free, making it a great option for sensitive types.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“When it comes to winter skin care, I usually don’t reach for a thick or heavy moisturizer to replace an item in my routine. Instead, I layer in a lightweight serum with hydration-forward ingredients to get me through the season. My favorite new addition to my winter routine is Cyklar's Ceramide Milky Essence. I apply the thin, milky formula all over my body when I get out of the shower or need to rehydrate my skin during the day—just as you would apply a facial serum before a moisturizer! There are so many great ingredients in this product, but the highlights for me are ceramides (hello, barrier repair!), urea (to hydrate and help lightly exfoliate), and squalane to help lock in moisture. It creates the best base for layering my body butter or lotion on top. The only drawback for me is the dispenser. I find that too much milk comes out of the top, unless I’m being very careful. If there were a more targeted dispenser, I would take this essence with me wherever I went.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, urea, amino acids, squalane, polyglutamic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Itchy Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream
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Kiehl's Since 1851
Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream
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Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream
Deanna Pai
Why it’s worth it: Don’t let its airy, fluffy texture fool you—Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream is deeply effective (so much so that we gave it a Best of Beauty Award last year). It also earned a National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance for its formula, packed with squalane and ceramides that wrap itchy, irritated skin in a layer of moisture. Another standout: ectoin, an amino acid that helps your skin cells fight against environmental stress and heal from damage, board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, told Allure. The brand notes that it’s also a good choice for those with psoriasis and rosacea—basically, almost any type of flare-up you might have.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Moisturizing from head to toe is non-negotiable—or else my skin gets so itchy that it wakes me up in the middle of the night. I’ve used a lot of body butters, some better than others, but what sets this apart is its whipped texture, which is nourishing enough to keep me from scratching, but sinks in immediately. It’s been a godsend as the temperatures rise, since I don’t have to worry about waiting for it to absorb. And a little goes a long way, so I’m hoping the tub lasts me through summer.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, ceramides, shea butter, ectoin, salicylic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Scented Lotion: Saltair Santal Bloom Body Butter
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Saltair
Santal Bloom Body Butter
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure former content director Kara McGrath applying the Saltair Santal Bloom Body Butter
Why it’s worth it: Not sensitive to scents? Consider Saltair’s Santal Bloom Body Butter. The formula features a blend of five ceramides and fatty acids that help reinforce the skin barrier, plus coconut and sea buckthorn oils to keep skin looking soft and healthy. We also can’t get enough of the warm, sandalwood-forward scent, which sticks around for hours after application. It’s part of what’s earned this body butter a Best of Beauty Award—that, and how well it softens dry, rough skin.
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
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“This smells like a fancy spa, but it only costs 21 bucks. It starts out (olfactorily) strong with a coconut butter base, which creates a slightly sweet foundation on top of which sit notes of sandalwood, rose, and jasmine. The result is a light, floral scent that lasts for hours and layers well with other scented products.” —Kara McGrath, former content director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, sea buckthorn oil, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Keratosis Pilaris: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
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Topicals
Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: This lightweight serum isn’t a traditional body moisturizer (you’ll likely need to layer it underneath a thicker cream), but it can offer relief from KP and other pesky body bumps. Keratosis pilaris (KP)—tiny bumps of keratin build-up, usually on the back of your arms or thighs—tends to flare up in the winter, notes New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, due to the dry air indoors and out. Topicals’ Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, a two-time Best of Beauty Award winner, tackles both with a potent combination of lactic acid, glycolic acid, urea, and retinol. "Lactic acid is great for KP because it loosens cells over time to gently exfoliate skin," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, told Allure. "It's also a humectant, which means it will add moisture and minimize irritation." Meanwhile, retinol smooths and tones, for firmer-looking skin come morning.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I know winter’s rearing its ugly head when I spot clumps of bumps on my legs. After a trip to Seoul in blistery January weather, I noticed two especially rough patches near both knees and knew a regular moisturizer wasn’t going to cut it. I’ve only heard great things about Tropicals Slather and was excited to give it a whirl, especially because it has urea, a derm-touted ingredient that provides very gentle exfoliation, as well as encapsulated retinol and AHAs (lactic and glycolic). While it sounds like an intense mix, I didn’t experience any irritation and felt my bumps almost melt away the next day. (To be clear, nothing topical can cure KP, but it can make your skin dang smooth like Slather does!) The texture is very much a lightweight serum, which I personally prefer over heavier, buttery textures, and all around fast-absorbing. And, due to the fact that I’m wearing pants every single day, I don’t have to worry about UV sensitivity as I normally would with all of these actives!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, urea, retinol, squalane, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Eczema: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
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Vanicream
Moisturizing Cream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Eczema can flare with a vengeance during the winter, since drier air saps moisture from your skin, leaving it more vulnerable to environmental stressors (and causing inflammation). Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, another National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance winner, gently calms red, scaly skin with no-frills ingredients that get the job done. Humectants like sorbitol draw water in, emollients like cetearyl alcohol moisturize, and occlusives like petrolatum keep water from escaping, so skin feels smoother and looks healthier. It’s free from fragrance and lanolin, another common moisturizer ingredient that can cause irritation for some people with sensitive skin.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“I have super-sensitive skin and eczema on my face and neck that tends to flare up when it’s cold outside. I’ve tried tons of moisturizers, but Vanicream is the one I always go back to. It’s extremely gentle, and I love that the formula feels rich and thick without feeling sticky. It’s truly the only cream that can calm my picky, irritated skin. One large tub (with a handy pump—no mess!) lasts me all winter long.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: petrolatum, sorbitol (a humectant), cetearyl alcohol (an emollient)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Moroccanoil Night Body Serum
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Moroccanoil
Night Body Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If your dry skin is also looking lax and crepey, Moroccanoil’s Night Body Serum is worth the investment. The brand’s signature ingredient, argan oil, nourishes skin, while tsubaki oil firms skin over time. Skin not only looks glowy right after you apply it, but vitamin C ester also helps brighten for more even tone over time. The formula also includes holy basil extract, which contains antioxidants to protect against environmental stress. Slather a few pumps on before you crawl into bed and wake up to glowing, healthy skin (no dry patches in sight).
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
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“So many body serums seem to sit on top of my skin and never fully soak in, which feels—to put it mildly—rather unpleasant. Moroccanoil Night Body Serum is a welcome exception: The silky formula melts in immediately. I like to apply it after an evening shower, then slip into my jammies. The next morning, my skin is softer, smoother, and all-around happier for it.” —Dianna Singh, features director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: argan oil, holy basil extract, tsubaki oil, vitamin C ester
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry skin during winter?
During winter, it’s colder and less humid out—in these conditions, your skin produces less sebum and retains less water, making it drier. Your skin barrier also doesn’t function as well, meaning "skin might look and feel rough, dull, flaky, inflamed, red, and itchy," New York-based dermatologist Kenneth Mark, MD, told Allure. Luckily, using the right moisturizer—something soothing that will replenish the lipids your skin is missing—can help.
Which body moisturizer is best for dry skin in winter?
While there’s a time and place for lightweight, water-based moisturizers, in winter, look for products with a thicker texture and a higher oil content, suggests Day. Pro tip: To get the most out of any body lotion, cream, or serum, apply it to damp skin, which helps it absorb better. "Studies have shown that moisturizing immediately after bathing is significantly better than not applying moisturizer at all or applying it long after showering," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, told Allure.
Also key: If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, make sure your moisturizer doesn’t contain any alcohol and is fragrance-free. “Fragrance-free body lotions benefit sensitive skin by eliminating potentially irritating synthetic fragrances and masking agents that can trigger allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and skin barrier disruption,” Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, told Allure. Look for a blue seal that says, “Accepted by the National Eczema Foundation” as you shop—these moisturizers have been vetted and approved by a panel of doctors for people with eczema.
If you’ve been slathering on creams and you’re still not noticing a difference in your skin, Dr. Zeichner says tiny cracks in your skin might be causing inflammation that a regular lotion just can’t fix. Check in with your doctor or dermatologist—you may need an over-the-counter or prescription cortisone cream to find relief, he says.
Meet the Experts
- Stephanie Saxton-Daniels, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas
- Karan Lal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and New York City
- Adam Friedman, a dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Kenneth Mark, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City
- Doris Day, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best body moisturizers for winter, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from makeup artists and dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
