Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Slathering on a rich body butter or shimmer oil is an excellent way to treat your skin—but if you want straightforward moisture, the best drugstore body lotions are hard to beat. After all, they contain a lot of the same nourishing, restorative ingredients as higher-end products. Tried-and-true moisturizers like glycerin and hyaluronic acid ? Check. Barrier-bolstering ceramides? Check. Innovative brighteners and exfoliators? At the risk of repeating ourselves, check .
With their derm-approved ingredients and more wallet-friendly prices, these products make it easy to stick to a consistent lotion routine. “Even if your skin doesn't feel dry, regular moisturizing helps maintain the skin barrier, ” says Sejal Shah , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
To get the most out of your body lotion , apply it right after getting out of the shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, says Kunal Malik , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “The moisture is already there, and your lotion's job is simply to seal it in. If you wait until your skin is completely dry, you're starting from a deficit,” he explains. According to Dr. Malik, your skin goes into repair mode while you sleep, so it’s even better if you do your shower-lotion routine in the evening. And that way, you can slide into bed feeling silky-soft (and maybe slightly smug that you’re already ahead of the moisturizing game).
Send scaly, dull, and dry skin packing with these editor- and expert-approved drugstore body lotions, all of which clock in at or under $30.
What is the #1 dermatologist-recommended drugstore lotion? Which body lotion is best for older skin? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Send scaly, dull, and dry skin packing with these editor- and expert-approved drugstore body lotions, all of which clock in at or under $30.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist La Roche-Posay
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+Max Triple Repair Moisturizing Body Cream
Why we love it: No wonder one Allure editor called La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+Max Triple Repair Moisturizing Body Cream “the cashmere sweater of moisturizers.” With its balm-like texture, it feels luxurious, but its formula is remarkably simple: It contains hydration heavy-hitters like shea butter and glycerin as well as brightening niacinamide to support the skin barrier and fade brown spots in one fell swoop. It’s also infused with La Roche-Posay’s patented prebiotic thermal water, which supports your skin’s microbiome and soothes inflammation. Both Dr. Shah and Dr. Malik highly recommend this lotion, noting that it’s suitable for sensitive skin, rough patches, and even compromised skin barriers. But don’t worry about it weighing down your skin. While it’s nourishing enough to address eczema and severe winter dryness alike, its fast-absorbing consistency leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth—not greasy.
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
“I am particular about body lotion. Just like Goldilocks: too thick and it's greasy, too thin and it's useless. This La Roche-Posay formula is just right. I find that it is moisturizing enough to quench my dry elbows and knees. Yet, it doesn't leave me feeling like I am going to slip and sl…