Dry, scaly skin can be kind of a nightmare in the winter. But, it doesn't have to be a reality. So what if the only thing touching our skin is the inside of the leggings we're wearing under our pants? We'd still like to avoid feeling like an alligator, thank you.So, in the spirit of smoother, ultra-hydrated skin, we put together a list of our favorite hard-working body lotions, old and new. Be warned, though. Sometimes, the most effective products come in not-so-sexy packaging (sorry, Curél). For moisturizers, it's what's on the inside that counts — as opposed to our skin, which is clearly a topical issue.
Click through for the lotions that will go the distance until spring. And, let us know what you rely on when the temps get low and your skin gets angry.
If the 10K love tags on Sephora's website is any indication, this Philosophy product is a game changer. It's infused with the brand's Amazing Grace fragrance and includes Godly moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and olive oil.
Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion, $44, available at Sephora.
This body cream not only moisturizes your skin but also helps tighten and smooth the look of your bod. It's recommended for your back side area — hence the name — but it works wonders all over.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, $45, available at Sephora.
This jar may seem tiny but the whipped body butter it contains is a hydrating superhero. It includes Josie Maran's signature ingredient, argan oil, as well as other key moisturizing agents like shea butter an avocado oil. It also comes in ten different all-natural scents so you can switch up your fragrance of choice whenever you please.
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter, $35, available at Sephora.
We've been slathering this rich cream — which includes ingredients like rice-plant essence, cupuaçu butter, and fig — over our bod all winter long, and our skin has never felt more moisturized. Bonus points for the heavenly scent and pretty packaging that helps to instantly improve our vanity.
Kenzoki Sensual Bare Body Cream, $48, available at Sephora.
Elizabeth Arden’s classic Eight Hour Cream helps to banish any dryness, tight skin, or flaking you might feel — for a full eight hours, of course. The cream sinks into your skin without a sticky residue, so you can lotion up quickly, get dressed, and get moving.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, $26, available at Elizabeth Arden.
Is your skin flaking off due to the cold air? The Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer from Jergens will be your savior — the nourishing lotion is packed with vitamins to heal skin and lock in moisture.
Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer, $5.94, available at Drugstore.com.
This super-lightweight, yet intensely hydrating cream was created with a blend of essential oils and shea butter to soften skin. Plus, the white-tea extract helps skin look younger by neutralizing any damaging free radicals in the air.
Origins A Perfect World Intensely Hydrating Body Cream with White Tea, $34, available at Sephora.
This super-moisturizing body cream is packed with 25% shea butter, which helps to heal and sooth dry and itchy skin. Translation: When you’ve started to become completely reptilian, this cream’s high concentration of rich ingredients will not only moisturize, but also help to protect against the elements to prevent more dry skin from forming.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, $44, available at Sephora.
It may feel like winter, but the coconut smell of Aveeno's lotion can help you pretend you're on an island vacation.
Aveeno Skin Relief Nourishing Coconut Lotion, $8.37, available at Walmart.
If you love a thicker-textured lotion, look no further.
Ahava Mineral Botanic Rich Body Butter, $30, available at Ahava.
For the most chapped and flaky skin.
Curél Ultra Healing Intensive Lotion, $8.05, available at Soap.com.
This borrowed-from-the-boys body lotion is clutch post-shave.
Jack Black Epic Moisture Extra Rich Body Hydrator, $32, available at Sephora.
Lush's cult-favorite lotion feels like a dream when you smooth it on.
Lush Dream Cream Body Lotion, $27.95, available at Lush.
There's a reason this jar is one of Kiehl's most beloved products. It intensely hydrating and smells delicious.
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter, $48, available at Kiehl's.
Hey, why not splurge on your limbs?
Le Labo Oud 27 Lotion, $65, available at Barneys New York.
The almond oil in this little blue bottle gives a heavy dose of moisture.
Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion, $6.99, available at Ulta.
This whipped lotion may look heavy, but it melts into skin and feels intensely lightweight.
Votre Vu Tarte D'amande Soufflé Riche Pour Le Corps, $39, available at Votre Vu.
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