Body Creams for Dry Skin

Body Creams for Dry Skin That Feels Tight or Rough

Dry skin on your body is common. It's thicker than the skin on your face, but it still dries out, especially in winter. Lighter lotions are easy to use every day. Richer creams and balms suit rough patches on elbows and knees. Some of what's here is made for sensitive skin too.

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Eucerin Urea 10% Body Lotion 400ml
Eucerin Urea 10% Body Lotion 400ml

£14.29 £22.00 35% offsaving

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Eucerin Urea 5% Scented Lotion 250ml
Eucerin Urea 5% Scented Lotion 250ml

£11.04 £17.00 35% offsaving
Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower Moisturiser

About Body Creams for Dry Skin

How to Choose a Body Cream for Dry Skin

Start with texture. Lotions are lighter and spread easily over a large area, so they suit daily use. Creams and balms are thicker and hold on to moisture for longer, which helps when skin feels tight or rough. Not sure which you prefer? Try a lotion in the morning and a richer cream at night. Look for urea or ceramides if skin is rough, and glycerin or hyaluronic acid if it mostly feels tight.

Dry Skin Beyond Your Body

Face skin is thinner, so a body cream isn't always the right fit there. Our moisturisers for dry skin are made for your face. Dry hands need something that survives hand washing, and our hand creams for dry skin are made for that.

Not Sure Which Body Cream Is Right for You?

Want advice tailored to your skin? Start with our free online skin test. You can also contact our expert team for one-to-one advice, and read our blog for expert tips on building a routine that supports your skin goals.

Urea Body Lotions for Rough, Dry Skin

If your arms and shins feel rough as well as dry, urea is worth looking for. Eucerin's Urea 10% Body Lotion combines urea with ceramides and is suitable for mature skin. La Roche-Posay's Lipikar Lait Urea 10% is made for dry, rough, flaky skin, and you apply it once or twice a day. Keep both off your face.

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Body Creams for Dry Skin That Reacts Easily

Dry skin that is also sensitive needs something gentler. Bioderma's Atoderm Moisturiser is made for normal to dry sensitive skin and absorbs quickly. Smooth it on after the shower, once or twice a day. Frank Body's Barrier Body Creme is the richer pick, with ceramides and niacinamide for dry, stressed skin. Patch test anything new first.

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Quick Moisturisers for Dry Skin, Straight After the Shower

Dry skin needs moisture while it's still damp, so the shower is the best moment to apply it. Short on time? Q+A's Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower Moisturiser goes onto wet skin, and you towel dry as normal. It's lightweight and non-greasy. Minimalist's Niacinamide 05% Body Lotion is an everyday lotion with glycerin and shea butter, so it suits you if you'd rather not use a thick cream.

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Expert Tip for Dry Skin on Your Body

"Dry body skin often comes down to what happens in the shower. Hot water strips oil, so keep it lukewarm and keep it short. Pat yourself dry, then apply your cream within a few minutes while your skin is still slightly damp. It holds on to moisture best then. Shins tend to dry out first, so give them a little extra. If your skin is itchy, cracked or hasn't improved after a couple of weeks, speak to your pharmacist or GP."

- Kimberley, Clinic and Customer Experience Manager.

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Wave Goodbye to Dry Skin This Winter

Cold weather and central heating can leave skin dry and flaky. Our winter guide has ideas for keeping it comfortable.

read the guide

Top-Selling Body Creams for Dry Skin to Use Straight After the Shower

The body creams our customers buy most for dry skin. A few are made for sensitive skin too.
Eucerin Urea 10% Body Lotion 400ml
Eucerin Urea 10% Body Lotion 400ml

£14.29 £22.00 35% offsaving
Dermatologist Recommended
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 10% bottleLa Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 10%
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 10%

£21.69 £31.00 30% offsaving
Bioderma Atoderm Moisturiser Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin creamBioderma Atoderm Moisturiser Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin 200ml
Bioderma Atoderm Moisturiser Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin 200ml

£12.59 £14.00 10% offsaving
Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower MoisturiserQ+A Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower Moisturiser
Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower Moisturiser

£7.34 £10.50 30% offsaving
Minimalist Niacinamide 05% Body LotionMinimalist Niacinamide 05% Body Lotion
Minimalist Niacinamide 05% Body Lotion

£7.19 £8.00 10% offsaving
New
Bioderma Atoderm Moisturiser Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin creamBioderma Atoderm Moisturiser Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin 500ml
Bioderma Atoderm Moisturiser Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin 500ml

£18.89 £21.00 10% offsaving
Blue jar of Barrier Body Creme by frank body on a white backgroundFrank Body Barrier Body Creme 230ml
Frank Body Barrier Body Creme 230ml

£13.49 £18.00 25% offsaving
Frank Body Barrier Body Creme 75mlFrank Body Barrier Body Creme 75ml
Frank Body Barrier Body Creme 75ml

£13.49 £18.00 25% offsaving

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best body cream for dry skin?

Choose a thicker cream or balm over a light lotion. Richer textures hold on to moisture for longer, so skin feels comfortable for more of the day. Look for ceramides or glycerin. If your skin is also sensitive, go for a fragrance-free formula.

What's the difference between a body cream and a body lotion for dry skin?

Mostly texture. Lotions have more water, so they spread easily and absorb fast. Creams are thicker and sit on the skin for longer. If your dry skin feels tight or rough, a cream usually does more. A lotion is fine for everyday upkeep and warmer weather.

How often should I moisturise dry skin on my body?

Once or twice a day is a good rule. The best time is straight after a shower or bath, while your skin is still slightly damp, as that helps it hold on to moisture. Add a little more to rough areas if they feel tight during the day.

Why is my body skin so dry in winter?

Cold air holds less moisture, and central heating dries the air indoors even more, so your skin loses water faster. Long, hot showers make it worse because they strip away natural oils. A richer cream in the colder months and a lukewarm shower usually help.

What does urea do in a body cream?

Urea is part of your skin's own natural moisturising factors, and it draws water into the skin. At higher strengths it also loosens rough, flaky skin. Lower strengths suit everyday use, and around 10% is for very dry, rough areas. Start lower if your skin is sensitive.

Which body cream is best for dry, sensitive skin?

Keep it simple. Look for fragrance-free formulas with a short ingredient list, and add one new product at a time so you can see how your skin responds. Patch test first. Our products for sensitive skin are a good starting point.

Can I use body cream on my face?

It's best not to. Face skin is thinner and more reactive, and some body creams, particularly urea ones, say not to use them on your face. Check the label, and use a moisturiser made for your face instead.

Is dry skin the same as eczema?

Not always. Dry skin is very common and usually settles with regular moisturising. Eczema causes red, itchy patches and needs medical advice. A body cream can help keep skin comfortable, but it isn't a treatment. If your skin is itchy or cracked, or hasn't improved after a couple of weeks, see your pharmacist or GP.