The 11 Best Lotions for the Whole Fam, According to Dermatologists
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You already know the importance of washing your hands — keeping germs and pathogens at bay — and if you’re doing it on the regular, you also know the excessive dryness, itchiness, and flakiness it can cause. That’s when lotion swoops in to save the day.
Lotion combats dryness by hydrating and repairing skin damage. It works to maintain the protective skin barrier using nourishing, hard-to-pronounce ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides (lipids that restore the protective skin barrier), hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin.
- Best overall: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
- Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion
- Best for dry and cracked skin: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
- Best for de-stressing: Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion
- Best for the face: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
- Best on a budget: Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
- Best containing SPF: TiZO Ultra Zinc Body & Face Non-tinted SPF 40
- Best for exfoliation: AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
- Best clean face moisturizer: SkinFix Triple Liquid Peptide Lotion
- Best healing formula: Eucerin Advanced Repair
- Best splurge face cream: Senté Dermal Repair Cream
All of the products are recommended by a dermatologist. The ingredients are the most important factor when selecting the best lotion for your family, according to the derms we spoke with.
“In infancy and childhood, the skin can be relatively ‘immature’ and lack some of the essentials that keep it working effectively to protect us from the environment, so a thicker moisturizer may be best,” explains Erum Ilyas, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
The use of a Noncomedogenic. essential is important during teenage years and early adulthood. As we age, our skin starts to thin out, so it can benefit from a lightweight, serum-based moisturizer.
It is possible to find a one-size-fits-all lotion that can be used by everyone in the family. According to the dermatologists, here are some of the best.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $10
- $$ = $15–$20
- $$$ = $25–$35
- $$$$ = over $35
Best overall
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
- Price: $$
- Key ingredients: purified water, petrolatum, sorbitol
Vanicream is a trusted choice by dermatologists for use on the whole family, not only for what it contains but also for what it does not contain. It’s free of harmful ingredients like dyes, fragrances, parabens, and formaldehyde (yep, the stuff found in plywood).
“It is easy to recommend the entire family if you know each person’s sensitivities to products.”
The cream is the best overall choice because of its long lasting formula. The National Eczema Association gave it the seal of approval. The cream can be used on a variety of parts of the body.
Pros
- It is free of all the chemicals.
- It can be used on different parts of the body.
- The National Eczema Association approved it.
Cons
- It was sticky.
Best for sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion
- Price: $$
- Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin
Rina Allawh, MD, a dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology, says that when your skin is dry and sensitive, you should pick a lightweight, Noncomedogenic. and nonIt was greasy. lotion.
She says that it works well to further supplement prescription steroid use in her patients. The ingredients are safe and the hydration they provide is great for patients with bad skin.
Pros
- Noncomedogenic. formula
- The National Eczema Association approved it.
- It is suitable for children and adults.
Cons
- It is It is It is expensive…
Best for dry and cracked skin
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
- Price: $
- Key ingredients: water, glycerin
The search for a lotion that’s nonIt was greasy., yet hydrating enough to tackle the driest and roughest skin is not an easy one, especially for those with the common condition known as hand dermatitis, or eczema of the hands. This one does an impressive job hydrating while protecting the skin barrier.
The product contains a high concentration of glycerin, which is an important player in restoring the moist environment. It is lightweight, nonIt was greasy. and translucent, so it is ideal for frequent hand washers.
Pros
- It is affordable.
- It is fragrance-free.
- It is formulated with glycerin.
Cons
- can be It was sticky.
Best for de-stressing
Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion
- Price: $
- Key ingredients: water, glycerin, petrolatum
We could all use a little help in the de-stressing department, especially in our current societal climate. That’s why this lotion is a best seller — it contains soothing and calming ingredients like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang essential oils that help you relax and unwind.
It also contains colloidal oatmeal, which protects the skin and acts as a prebiotic to normalize the skin’s microbiome, explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. “It repairs the outer skin layer with ceramides, which fills in the cracks between skin cells in the outer skin layer.”
Pros
- It absorbs quickly.
- It is affordable.
- NonIt was greasy. formula.
Cons
- It may be overwhelming for some.
Best for the face
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
- Price: $$
- Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid
The skin on your face is more sensitive than the body and it is difficult to choose a face lotion that can be used by your whole family.
“Body lotions are often comedogenic, meaning they clog up pores and leave a It was greasy. residue on the face,” warns Allawh. However, this face cream from Neutrogena contains hyaluronic acid, a key player in pro-aging and skin rejuvenation.
She says it helps improve the elasticity and cohesion of the skin barrier while not leaving behind It was greasy. or oily residuals.
Pros
- 48-hour hydration is provided.
- It is It is free of oils, dyes, and fragrances.s.
- It was infused with hyaluronic acid.
Cons
- It is It is It is expensive…
Best on a budget
Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
- Price: $
- Key ingredients: white petrolatum
For a body cream that will last for a long time, you can turn to good old petroleum jelly.
Most of my patients use Petroleum Jelly for various ailments including dry skin, rash, and nosebleeds. The ingredients are safe and effective for patients with dry skin.
Pros
- It is affordable.
- It provides deep moistness.
- The National Eczema Association approved it.
Cons
- It was sticky.
Best containing SPF
TiZO Ultra Zinc Body & Face Non-tinted SPF 40
- Price: $$$$
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide
One way to ensure that you’re always wearing sunscreen is to buy a body lotion that contains SPF to block out the sun’s harmful rays — even during winter.
The TiZO sunscreen brand has a smooth feeling. TiZO sunscreens are made of zinc and titanium oxides. The formula is free of all thePreservatives and dyes.
Pros
- SPF 40 is present.
- The finish was very nice.
- It is It is free of oils, dyes, and fragrances.s.
Cons
- It is It is It is expensive…
Best for exfoliation
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
- Price: $$
- Key ingredients: water, mineral oil, glycerin
One of the best things you can do for your dry skin is to exfoliate — or slough off dead skin cells to reveal younger, healthier cells underneath. A gentle way to do this is through the use of lactic acid. This everyday lotion contains 12 percent lactic acid.
It is safe for pregnant women and helps achieve hydration of the skin while smoothing the dry, flaky, bumps that can accompany dry skin.
Pros
- NonIt was greasy. formula.
- It is free of fragrance and parabens.
- For easy application.
Cons
- It may be overwhelming for some.
Best clean face moisturizer
SkinFix Triple Liquid Peptide Lotion
- Price: $$$$
- Key ingredients: water, jojoba oil, glycerin
Formulated with glycerin, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid, SkinFix Triple Liquid Lotion works to restore the skin’s barrier and retain moisture. The lotion is also It is fragrance-free. and is unlikely to irritate sensitive skin. It works on people with dry, combination, and normal skin.
The term “clean” has been defined by a few words, but Kung says it is a skin care that is recyclable.
She says the company is focused on making good skin care with containers.
Pros
- lightweight formula.
- It works on normal, dry, and oily skin.
- Noncomedogenic.
Cons
- It is It is It is expensive…
Best healing formula
Eucerin Advanced Repair
- Price: $
- Key ingredients: water, glycerin, shea butter
“Are you looking to get more bang for your buck? Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Body Lotion can help you stay hydrated. Each bottle has 16 ounces of ceramide-rich formula. It is suitable for children of all ages.”
Richard Torbeck, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Health System, says thatucerin Advanced Repair is a great one for sensitive or prone to irritation to skin.
Pros
- There is ceramides.
- The 16-ounce size is bigger.
- It is free of dyes and fragrances.
Cons
- It was greasy.
Best splurge face cream
Senté Dermal Repair Cream
- Price: $$$$
- Key ingredients: vitamin E, green tea extract
“Senté’s Dermal Repair Cream is a great option if you want to up the ante on your facial cream. The cream is enriched with vitamins E and green tea extract, which help protect the skin from free radicals.”
TheSente Dermal Repair Cream is formulated with an anti-aging hydrator with the highest concentration of patented HSA technology that combines anti-aging and anti-wrinkle ingredients into a single product.
Pros
- Pro-aging ingredients.
- Both are fragrance and paraben-free.
- Noncomedogenic.
- It is cruelty-free.
Cons
- It is It is It is expensive…
| Products | Price | Key ingredients | Pros | Cons | Where you can apply | Baby safe? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanicream Moisturizing Cream | $$ | • purified water •petrolatum • sorbitol |
• free of parabens, fragrance, dyes • can be used on different parts of the body • The National Eczema Association approved it. |
It was sticky. | • face • body • hands |
yes |
| La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion | $$ | • shea butter • glycerin |
• The National Eczema Association approved it. • It is suitable for children and adults. •Noncomedogenic. |
It is It is It is expensive… | body | yes |
| Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream | $ | • water • glycerin |
• affordable • It is fragrance-free. • It is formulated with glycerin. |
sticky | hands | no |
| Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion | $ | • water • glycerin •petrolatum |
• It absorbs quickly. • affordable • NonIt was greasy. formula. |
It may be overwhelming for some. | body | no |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream | $$ | • glycerin •hyaluronic acid |
• provides 48-hour hydration • free of oil, dyes, fragrance • It was infused with hyaluronic acid. |
It is It is It is expensive… | face | no |
| Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly | $ | white petrolatum | • affordable • It provides deep moistness. • The National Eczema Association approved it. |
It was sticky. | • face • body • hands |
yes |
| TiZO Ultra Zinc Body & Face Non-tinted SPF 40 | $$$$ | zinc oxide | • has SPF 40 • dewy finish • free of oils, dyes, fragrance |
It is It is It is expensive… | • face • body |
no |
| AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion | $$ | • water • mineral oil • glycerin |
• nonIt was greasy. formula • free of fragrance, parabens • For easy application. |
It may be overwhelming for some. | body | no |
| SkinFix Triple Liquid Peptide Lotion | $$$$ | • water • jojoba oil • glycerin |
• lightweight formula • It works on normal, dry, and oily skin. •Noncomedogenic. |
It is It is It is expensive… | body | no |
| Eucerin Advanced Repair | $ | • water • glycerin • shea butter |
• 48-hour hydration is provided. • comes in a big size • free of fragrance, dyes |
It was greasy. | body | yes |
| Senté Dermal Repair Cream | $$$$ | • vitamin E • green tea extract |
• Pro-aging ingredients. • free of fragrance, parabens •Noncomedogenic. |
It is It is It is expensive… | face | no |
Applying lotion regularly can keep your skin barrier strong. It also reduces the risk of developing skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.
Moisturizing regularly is especially important for older adults because of age-induced dryness.
The skin becomes less elastic and becomes dry after the age of 30. We have fewer oil glands as we get older.
What lotion is best for sensitive skin?
Vanicream is the best lotion for sensitive skin, according to Kung.
She says that Vanicream products are free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, and other harmful substances.
What should I do if my skin is super sensitive and dry?
If you have dry, sensitive skin, Kung recommends using mild soaps and cleansers that are formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and petrolatum, which leave a film on the skin.
She recommends that the body absorb the moisturizer better when the skin is damp.
You can use a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated.
How often should I moisturize?
It is recommended that you apply a little bit of a cream a day after showering or bathing. If you are prone to dry skin, you can consider twice a day the use of a hydrating product.
“The way you care for your crew is not the same as the way you care for your family. Even if you have conditions like eczema or acne, it is possible to find a lotion that will keep everyone’s skin happy and healthy.”
