We tried 15 lotions over three weeks. Here’s which our testers loved – and which left them high and dry

Your skin is the largest organ on the body. Taking care of it can feel like a full-time job, especially if you struggle with anything from dryness and sun damage to psoriasis, not to mention allergies and hormone fluctuations over time. Picking the right lotion for your skin is crucial – and it’s much more of a health decision than many people realize.Packaging, brand loyalty, fragrance or recommendations from your favorite influencers might factor into your decision. But when considering a lotion for long-term use, the best options are those that will actually benefit the skin.To narrow down the choices, we assembled a group of five enthusiastic testers to test 15 lotions over the course of three weeks, and asked them about everything from scents to the design of the packaging. With their feedback, we compiled a comprehensive list of lotion ratings.At a glanceBest overallNivea Shea Nourish Body LotionBest scented lotionEOS Shea Better 24H Moisture Body LotionBest moisturizingEucerin Advanced Repair Body LotionBest anti-ageingJergins Skin Firming Body LotionBest budget-friendly buyPalmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Body LotionBest luxury optionNaturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body LotionBest for sensitive skinCeraVe Daily Moisturizing LotionBest body butterSkinFix Barrier+ Lipid-Boost Body CreamBest fragrance-freeLubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-Free Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-FreeBest clean ingredient formulaVanicream Moisturizing LotionHow I tested the lotions Photograph: Elena Noviello/Getty ImagesTo learn about lotion quality, best practices and general information about skin health, I started by consulting three licensed dermatologists. Of the seemingly infinite number of brands available, I compiled a list of 15 options from buzzy new online brands to drugstore staples. All of the products were provided as samples by the companies for evaluation and will be donated as testing has concluded.I asked five testers, whose ages range from their 20s to their 60s, to use at least one lotion a day and record their experiences on a detailed survey. They gave opinions on the packaging, moisturizing, texture, scent, absorption, effects on skin conditions and overall value of each lotion. I also tested most of the lotions myself for a hands-on experience.Meet the expertsDr James Wang, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist and founder and co-CEO of Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles, California.Dr Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach, California.Dr Carina Woodruff, dermatologist at the Epiphany Skin Allergy Institute and assistant professor at Texas A&M at Epiphany Dermatology, in Dallas, Texas.The best of the bestBest overall: Nivea Shea Nourish Body LotionNiveaShea Nourish Body Lotionfrom $4.99 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$4.99 for one at CVS $21.20 for pack of six at AmazonWhy we love itMost of the group were already familiar with this lotion, a nostalgic product that some testers referred to as a “family favorite”. Nivea stood out among testers for being a good value for its price, being very hydrating, and most of the group said they intended to purchase it after testing concluded. One tester was effusive in their response, calling it the “Goat” in its price bracket.The brand claims that its formula lasts for 48 hours, which seems to meet our testers’ discerning standards. The ingredients include shea butter (a fatty extract that comes from the nuts of the African shea tree) and hyaluronic acid (a humectant that helps the skin stay hydrated). Most of our testers reported feeling moisturized for up to and over 12 hours. While I typically associate shea butter with a thicker texture, the thinner, almost milky consistency of the Nivea lotion made it very easy to apply and feel comfortable on the skin.It’s a shame that … one tester noted that the floral-forward fragrance was “just too strong” to wear daily and also had some issues with the packaging: “The bottle is kind of poorly constructed. The other lotions just come in harder and thicker bottles, and this bottle is kind of soft for a pump style,” they said.These notes align with recent changes to the formula and packaging. In 2025, Nivea added hyaluronic acid to the mix, and the bottle is now also made from 50% recycled plastic. According to consumer reviews, the new formula is thinner and the scent is stronger and more difficult to tolerate – and this tracks with our testers’ findings. Key components: shea butter, hyaluronic acid Moisturizing claim: 48 hours NiveaShea Nourish Body Lotionfrom $4.99Best scented lotion: EOS Shea Better 24H Moisture Body LotionEOSShea Better 24H Moisture Body Lotionfrom $9.97 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$9.97 at Amazon$10.99 at EOSWhy we love itIf you enjoy fragrance in your lotions, the brand EOS was a favorite among testers. It comes in a variety of scents, so each tester got a different scent to try out. Regardless of which they received, each reviewer gave the lotion near-perfect scent ratings.All of our testers loved this lotion – in fact, one tester purchased it on their own by the time they submitted their response. “[It was] very good, clean [and seemed] like it would taste good,” the tester said of the Pomegranate Raspberry option. Another tester described the Vanilla Cashmere option as “soothing”. For one tester, the Creme de Pistachio option was like “pistachio ice-cream”.“Fragrance is good for brands because it’s addictive. People get used to a certain smell, and they crave it,” said Wang.Although it’s branded as a 24-hour moisturizer, reviews on that front were mixed, suggesting it ranges from less than four hours to more than 12 hours. Testers described the lotion as light, non-greasy and fast-absorbing and took note of the unique design of the bottle, finding the colors of the packaging fun and soft, and the imprint on the bottom right side an easy way to hold the bottle for use.It’s a shame that … while our cohort largely enjoyed their experience with EOS, other reviewers weren’t as thrilled, citing issues such as headaches from scents, pump malfunctions and the product being unsuitable for extremely dry skin. Key components: shea butter, shea oil Moisturizing claim: 24 hours EOSShea Better 24H Moisture Body Lotionfrom $9.97Best moisturizing: Eucerin Advanced Repair Body LotionEucerinAdvanced Repair Body Lotionfrom $13.69 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$13.69 at Amazon$14.19 at CVSWhy we love itEucerin is a clinical-grade moisturizer for very dry skin that helps restore the skin barrier. Our testers ranked it highly for hydration and repurchase potential. “It glides really smoothly on the skin and feels really luxurious,” one tester said. “[It is] reasonable, less expensive and worth it,” another tester said. Several of the doctors we spoke to recommended Eucerin and noted that they use the brand within their practices. I started using these 13 skincare products after 50, and they really work The brand claims the lotion provides up to 48 hours of moisture retention, thanks to ceramide 3 as a primary hydrating agent, along with other moisture-retaining ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and urea. All testers said Eucerin left them feeling moisturized for at least eight hours and up to 12.It’s a shame that … despite being advertised as fragrance-free, Nivea ranked among the lowest of all the lotions for smell – every tester agreed that it smelled like medicine. According to the dermatologists I spoke to, “fragrance-free” means there are no added fragrances in the product to mask the smell of ingredients such as urea and certain AHAs, both of which can be generally unpleasant. (Urea can smell medicinal, and some AHAs, unfortunately, can smell like yogurt). Key components: ceramide 3, AHA, urea Moisturizing claim: 48 hours EucerinAdvanced Repair Body Lotionfrom $13.69Best anti-ageing: Jergens Skin Firming Body LotionJerginsSkin Firming Body Lotionfrom $7.47 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$7.47 at Walmart (one)$20.28 at Amazon (pack of three)Why we love itThis product scored high in a few categories, including absorption and texture. And at just $7.49, it’s one of the cheaper options on our list, a fact that all of our testers loved – a “solid value for middle America”, one tester said.Many noted the lotion’s “creamy” and “silky” consistency and rated it among the fastest absorbing of the group, lasting over eight hours at minimum. Scent descriptions in this group ranged from “citrus” to “mild almond extract”.I’ve also used other versions of Jergens and found the skin-firming formula to be equally as moisturizing as other options I’ve used in everyday life and another tester echoed this sentiment.It’s a shame that … the skin-tightening effects may be temporary. The branding claims you can see a “smooth, toned look after one use”, but reviews on retail websites suggested that consistent use produces the best results. “Consumers should have realistic expectations here,” said Melanie Palm, MD, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach, California. “A lotion can improve hydration and temporarily improve skin texture, but it’s not going to provide a significant firming effect that lasts.” Key components: collagen amino acids, elastin Moisturizing claim: 24 hours JerginsSkin Firming Body Lotionfrom $7.47Best budget-friendly buy: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Body LotionPalmer’sCocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Body Lotionfrom $6.69 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$6.69 at Amazon$7.71 at WalmartWhy we love itPalmer’s was the unanimous top choice for hydration on a budget. One tester called the lotion the “people’s champ”, with most saying they would purchase the product again.Using the lotion was a lush sensory experience, with testers describing it as having a “thick and buttery” consistency. The scent also received top scores, described as a “sweet chocolate smell” or “fresh baked cookie”. As for its moisturizing capabilities, most testers said this product lasted over 12 hours – impressive!It’s a shame that … the pump was a consistent issue for several of our testers, who reported not being able to get the dispenser to work. Some had to unscrew the top to get to the lotion. Other retail reviews detailed similar pump issues – the component clogs easily and it’s difficult to get to the product at the bottom of the bottle. Key components: cocoa butter, vitamin E Moisture claim: 48 hours Palmer’sCocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Body Lotionfrom $6.69Best luxury option: Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body LotionNaturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotionfrom $25.99 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$25.99 at Amazon$25.99 at Ulta BeautyWhy we love itThis offering is one of the more expensive products on our list, but our testers describe the experience as pure luxury, with a gel-like consistency that allows for even distribution and quick absorption. Our panel described it as “silky”, “creamy”, and “lightweight”. One tester described feeling a “silica barrier” on their skin that they especially enjoyed while using this lotion: “It feels like it sits on the skin and moisturizes. It feels like super tiny micro beads; it’s a very new feeling,” they said. Most of the testers said they would purchase this option again.Testers liked the easy-to-use squeeze bottle and the sky-blue color of the packaging. The hero ingredient here is retinol, which is more commonly found in skincare; our testers were curious about how it worked in the product. “Naturium, this one is also to treat skin texture and pigmentation, but retinols can be irritating, so not everyone can use them,” says Wang. “You have to use SPF because there’s a retinol involved.” (This is also clearly noted on the packaging, in a callout that also says to stop using the product if you experience irritation).It’s a shame that … our testing was done without participants using sun protection. While most of the testers did not report any major issues with their skin, one did indicate having “a little itchiness” after using the lotion overnight. Scent-wise, this product did not impress. Despite it being advertised as fragrance-free, testers’ critiques of the scent varied from “neutral” and “no smell” to a “funky smell like sour milk”. Key components: encapsulated retinol, allantoin, shea butter, sodium PCA Moisture claim: not specified Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotionfrom $25.99Best for sensitive skin: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing LotionCeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotionfrom $14.97 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$14.97 at Amazon$14.99 at Ulta Beauty Why we love itCeraVe stood out as a solid option for those who don’t need a lot of bells and whistles in their lotions. “Some of the best products are really just very utilitarian products that are basic. They just have the things you need,” said Dr Carina Woodruff, dermatologist at the Epiphany Skin Allergy Institute and assistant professor at Texas A&M at Epiphany Dermatology, in Dallas. Our testers agreed. Most of the panel said they would purchase this again, thanks to its high absorption rate, low greasiness, and a texture described as “lightweight (milky)”, and “silky”. The 12 makeup products I swear by after turning 50 Testers appreciated CeraVe’s no-fuss packaging for its easy-to-use pump and “simple design”. This sample also carried some brand recognition – several testers were familiar with the CeraVe brand through regular family use and through dermatologist recommendations. The experts we spoke to also endorsed CeraVe, calling it out specifically for being “hypoallergenic” and “good for sensitive skin”.It’s a shame that … because it’s lightweight and marketed for normal to dry skin, it’s not ideal for very dry skin. If you need more from your lotion, this might not be the one for you. One tester said: “It helps with dryness for cracked feet, but not visible dryness long term.” The tester added: “This feels like a foundational lotion, but I need to reapply before going out.” The scent is also nothing remarkable, with most testers saying that it was “neutral” or “boring”. Key components: essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid Moisture claim: 48 hours CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotionfrom $14.97Best body butter: SkinFix Barrier+ Lipid-Boost Body CreamSkinFixBarrier+ Lipid-Boost Body Creamfrom $33.60 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$33.60 at Amazon$34 at SkinFixWhy we love itTesters found the emollient-rich SkinFix to be extremely moisturizing, with most reporting a hydrating effect lasting over 12 hours. They described the product as “thick (buttery)” and “creamy”, with excellent absorption and only a little bit of greasiness after application. I found this option had an extremely thick texture that worked best when I rubbed it between my hands to melt down before applying it to my body.Unlike the other lotions here, SkinFix is advertised as a body cream, and it comes in a tub with a twist-off cap. Testers appreciated the “chill color and spa-like design” and also said that the box that the product comes in was “a nice touch”.The cream is branded as fragrance-free, and most testers said its scent was “generic” or “indescribable”. But one tester was a bit more specific: “It’s kind of like almond. Not like the almond fragrance they add to things. But like raw almond. Or like a light wood smell.” SkinFix’s hero ingredients are all heavy-hitters when it comes to moisture. Besides ceramides and shea butter, the brand uses a plant oil blend that includes moringa, jojoba and almond oil.It’s a shame that … at $48, testers found the cream too expensive. While they described having a positive experience with SkinFix, many said they would only consider purchasing the cream at a lower price point. Key components: ceramides, oat complex, shea butter, plant oil blend Moisture claim: not specified SkinFixBarrier+ Lipid-Boost Body Creamfrom $33.60Best fragrance-free: Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-FreeLubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-FreeDaily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-Freefrom $11.89 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$11.89 at CVS $11.97 at AmazonWhy we love itAlready familiar to many of our testers, Lubriderm scored high marks across the board, specifically thanks to its fast absorption and low greasiness, as well as its packaging, with testers saying the bottle is an ideal size and shape. Several testers described the lotion as having a “lightweight” and “creamy” texture. And it is very affordable and readily available – testers considered it a solid value among the lotions.However, opinions about how long the moisturizing effect lasted varied for testers. The lotion is branded as a 24-hour moisture product, but most testers said they got 12 hours or more.Scent-wise, Lubriderm is marketed as “fragrance-free”, but testers reported varying levels of scent, from having “no strong scent” to smelling “natural”, “medicinal”, or like “plastic”. In comparison to the other fragrance-free options, the scent was inoffensive.Lubriderm is notably a recommended lotion for tattoo aftercare – use it on your newly decorated skin to help with the healing process and, long-term, to keep your tattoo vibrant over time.It’s a shame that … some testers experienced skin issues while using this lotion. One tester said that it “helps against dryness, not against ashiness” – a crucial distinction. Another tester said they experienced a reaction in select areas of the body and said the product left a residue on their skin. “It was itchy and irritating around my wrist where I wear my jewelry,” the tester said. Key components: pro-ceramide, shea butter, glycerin Moisture claim: 24 hours Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-FreeDaily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-Freefrom $11.89Best clean ingredient formula: Vanicream Moisturizing LotionVanicreamMoisturizing Lotionfrom $13.59 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$13.59 at Amazon$14.24 at WalmartWhy we love itVanicream was a polarizing option amongst our testers. Marketed for sensitive skin, the lotion is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, with a thin and lightweight texture. For people who reported skin concerns such as dryness, itchiness or tightness, Vanicream was a hit, and participants said they would purchase the product again.Even if you don’t have any specific skin concerns, Vanicream is still a doctor-recommended pick. “I’m really big on teaching my patients that really everyone should be using hypoallergenic skincare because things that aren’t hypoallergenic present a risk to your skin, so they’re not really adding to your health,” said Woodruff.Texture-wise, there were no real complaints. “This really glides across the skin when you put it on,” one tester said. “It feels really refreshing after a shower.”Notably, and unlike a lot of the picks on our list, Vanicream’s claim to fame is its rather short ingredient list: the product is free of dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde releasers, essential oils or plant extracts. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores, and it has a 5-star rating from the National Eczema Association, so it’s suitable for those with eczema and dermatitis.It’s a shame that … the simplicity of the lotion is a blessing and a curse. While many enjoyed their experience with Vanicream, one tester called it the “literal worst lotion of the bunch”, saying that it wasn’t very moisturizing and that the packaging was outdated, with “a fake fancy 90s feel”.The lack of additional ingredients is the point, but that detracts from the experience of the lotion itself. “Vanicream is very hypoallergenic but sometimes feels a bit basic. It doesn’t feel very elevated,” said Woodruff. Key components: free of dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers, and botanical extracts Moisture claim: not specified VanicreamMoisturizing Lotionfrom $13.59The best of the rest Aveeno Daily Moisturizing LotionAveenoDaily Moisturizing Lotionfrom $9.97 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$9.97 at Walmart$9.97 at AmazonAveeno tested largely positive with the group and half the group said they would repurchase this after the test was over – a hearty endorsement but not quite enough for it to make it to the top of its class. Testers also found the lotion to be non-greasy and to have decent absorption, with a “lightweight (milky)” or “creamy” texture. Aveeno claims to deliver 24-hour moisture and is marketed as a good pick for dry skin, but most of our testers said the effects lasted just over 12 hours.The lotion is fragrance-free, but some of the more colorful opinions about Aveeno were about its scent, with descriptions varying from “natural” to “oatmeal” to “mild almond”.“It smells like plants. It’s like a fresh scent,” one tester said – perhaps as a result of its primary ingredient, probiotic oat, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm itchy or irritated skin.It didn’t make the final cut because … the lotion might not keep everyone moisturized. One of our testers rated the product as providing less than two hours of moisture and reported itchiness soon after applying the lotion. Retail reviews suggest Aveeno may require frequent reapplication.While the probiotic oat in Aveeno is intended to be a calming and soothing agent, it can also trigger allergies in some sensitive individuals. “People develop irritant and allergic reactions to products. It’s fairly common. It’s called contact dermatitis. It happens to one in five people throughout their lifetime,” said Woodruff.AveenoDaily Moisturizing Lotionfrom $9.97 La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M Triple RepairLa Roche-PosayLipikar Balm AP+M Triple Repairfrom $18.99 Photograph: Tracy Allison/The Guardian$18.99 at Amazon$21.99 at WalmartThis option was a moisture powerhouse for our testers, with the majority of the group rating it as fast-absorbing and hydrating for over 12 hours. La Roche-Posay is explicitly marketed as a face and body cream, and several testers noted its versatility. “I love the ability to use it as a facial moisturizer cream,” one tester said.Not all body moisturizers are double-duty. “If someone has very sensitive skin and uses a bland, fragrance-free moisturizer, it can absolutely work for both face and body,” said Palm. “But facial skin is thinner and often more acne-prone or reactive, so body lotions that are heavily fragranced or very occlusive may not perform as well on the face.”It didn’t make the final cut because … It’s just a little too expensive for most testers. While they were pleased with the performance, most could not justify the cost, with one tester calling the cream “pricey for the size” and another saying it was “too expensive compared to other skin lotions”.La Roche-PosayLipikar Balm AP+M Triple Repairfrom $18.99The Filter also tested: Native Moisturizing Lotion Hempz Body Lotion Age Defying Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying fewer, better things: Can I pop this? 18 common skincare questions, answered by dermatologists The 21 best nontoxic sunscreens in the US that dermatologists use and recommend The best lip balms in the US for 2026 Explore the Filter