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Nothing beats finding (and slathering on) the best body moisturizers for itchy skin when your skin is seriously uncomfortable. While they’re not always the buzziest products on the shelf, that doesn’t really matter: These formulas always feel like a sigh of relief in a bottle, especially when flakes start forming, redness surges, and the urge to scratch becomes almost impossible to ignore.
Products designed specifically for reactive skin harness ingredients like squalane and ceramides, which strengthen your skin barrier (the protective layer that guards against external irritants) and boost moisture retention, calming skin, and stopping the itch-scratch cycle. Because, yes, it actually is possible to stop scratching and take your skin from dry and rough to soft and radiant. To help you get there, we spoke to Allure editors and board-certified dermatologists about their favorite body moisturizers for itchy skin, what causes itchiness to begin with, and exactly how to choose the best formula for your needs.
Our Top Body Moisturizers for Itchy Skin
- Best Overall: Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream, $49
- Best Lightweight: OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum, $48
- Best for Barrier Repair: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion, $32
- Best Drugstore: Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion, $15
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Soft Services Carea Cream, $40
- Best Fast-Absorbing: Nécessaire The Body Serum, $52
- Best for Super Dry Skin: Isdin Uradin Lotion 10 Hydrating Body Lotion for Dry Skin, $42
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What do dermatologists recommend for extremely dry, itchy skin?
- How should I choose a lotion for dry, itchy skin?
- What cream stops itching fast?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream
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Kiehl’s
Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream
Deanna Pai
Why it’s worth it: Even though Kiehl’s already has a reputation for sensitive skin-friendly formulas, the Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream goes even further by targeting skin that’s both extra-dry and easily irritated. “This is a great, gentle product that will provide the skin with lots of hydration and also support the skin’s barrier health,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. She also notes that it’s “not too thick,” fast-absorbing, and has a light, non-greasy texture that won’t trigger sensitivity. The formula leans on two key ingredients for itchy, reactive skin: squalane and ceramides, which “strengthen and repair your skin barrier while moisturizing the skin,” Dr. Chacon explains. That combo helps calm irritation, reduce the urge to scratch, and keep skin hydrated for up to three days—making it a rare, barrier-boosting body cream that works for skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Moisturizing from head to toe is non-negotiable—or else my skin gets so itchy that it wakes me up in the middle of the night. I’ve used a lot of body butters, some better than others, but what sets this apart is its whipped texture, which is nourishing enough to keep me from scratching, but sinks in immediately. It’s been a godsend as the temperatures rise, since I don’t have to worry about waiting for it to absorb. And a little goes a long way, so I’m hoping the tub lasts me through summer.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, glacial glycoproteins, pro-ceramides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Lightweight: OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum
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Osea
Hyaluronic Body Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: While it’s not technically a lotion, this 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner deserves a mention for how incredibly lightweight it feels on the skin. The creamy gel texture of Osea’s Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum glides on easily, leaving a hydrating layer without ever being greasy or sticky (it is a serum after all). Its standout feature comes from five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate at different levels of the skin—smaller molecules help draw moisture deeper, while larger ones sit closer to the surface to smooth and lock in water. Blue-green algae extract provides antioxidant benefits and minerals that help support the skin barrier and soothe dryness, whileniacinamide helps improve overall skin texture. It can be applied to damp or dry skin post-shower, and, because it dries so quickly, it makes a great base for your thicker body lotions or oils. Just ensure it’s all absorbed before layering anything on top.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“Whenever possible, I moisturize my body like my face: With a hyaluronic acid serum—and this one from Osea is my all-time favorite. I’ll admit that part of what I love is the packaging. The serene green, the fogged glass, and the pump top that actually works. (By the way, it lets just enough serum out of the bottle without getting clogged—a feat for a thin formula like this!). This serum is so hydrating that you could just as well leave it without a more occlusive buttery layer over it, especially when it’s irritatingly hot or humid. Still, I do like to follow up with an actual lotion afterward. In the formula, there are peptides to plump up the skin and the brand’s signature blue-green algae that are touted as a kind of nourishing superfood. And for fellow sensitive-skin people out there, the serum is fragrance-free! I was able to use it on my preggo and postpartum body without irritating my typically sensitive skin.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, blue-green algae
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Barrier Repair: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion
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Aestura
Atobarrier 365 Lotion
Amazon
Sephora
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it’s worth it: The 2024 Best of Beauty Award-winning Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion is a K-beauty staple that’s equally beloved stateside. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, loves that this lotion has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance—meaning it has been evaluated for safety on eczema-prone skin and is free from common irritants, making it a reassuring pick for anyone dealing with itchy skin, even if eczema isn’t the cause. She notes that it’s “hypoallergenic and formulated with a patented blend of barrier-strengthening ceramides—great for those with sensitive skin or eczema.” A blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids mimics your skin’s natural lipids, boosting moisture retention, while niacinamide adds even more hydration.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“If I ever magically became low maintenance, this lotion would be a key player in my pared-down routine. I love how it works on my face, and I’ve recently come around to using it on my body, and it’s equally excellent for both. The texture borders on watery, so it absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy or heavy. My skin is generally sensitive to fragrance and richer formulas, so I love how gentle this lotion is while still being very hydrating and soothing.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, cholesterol, fatty acids
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
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Lubriderm
Daily Moisture Lotion
Amazon (24 fl oz.)
Walmart (16 fl oz.)
Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why it’s worth it: Skin-care aficionados know that sometimes, the most no-frills packaging boasts the absolute best formulas. Exhibit A: Lubriderm’s Daily Moisture Lotion. You’ll spot this humble lotion on the shelves of any drugstore—and on the recommendation lists of countless dermatologists. Packed with barrier-strengthening pro-ceramides, deeply moisturizing shea butter, and hydrating glycerin, this lightweight cream sinks in quickly and delivers 24-hour moisture without clogging pores. Bonus: It’s versatile enough to use from face to feet (and everywhere in between). The original formula is lightly scented, but those with sensitivities can opt for the fragrance-free version. And if you need extra itch relief? The brand’s Advanced Therapy Lotion is another great pick.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“Maybe it’s because I have a dry skin type. Perhaps it’s because I take pretty hot showers. But my body needs to be moisturized daily, or I get lines and cracks on my hands, arms, and legs. The Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion is lightweight and quickly absorbs to feel silky (but not sticky or greasy). It also has a very clean scent, which I appreciate, since strongly scented body care products can overwhelm me.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, shea butter, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Sensitive Skin: Soft Services Carea Cream
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Soft Services
Carea Cream
Soft Services
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Soft Services Carea Cream
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: Soft Services’ Carea Cream is a lightweight, healing option for people with dehydrated skin for whom thick creams might feel suffocating. The formula contains 10% urea (a compound naturally found in skin), which Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, calls “a powerful moisturizing ingredient that helps with protecting [the skin’s] moisture from the environment.”
Urea also mildly exfoliates, sloughing off dead skin buildup and smoothing bumps. The inclusion of 5% squalane further conditions and hydrates skin, and colloidal oatmeal calms and soothes moderate itching. Gentle enough for daily full-body use, this lotion not only alleviates dryness but also helps prevent recurrence by locking in long-lasting moisture.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m the person who will always forget to put on body lotion because I’m rushing to get dressed—and then spend the rest of the day wondering why my arms feel like sandpaper (hi, KP). This body lotion is the first formula that’s actually made me want to slow down and use it: It has this almost milky, run-off-your-fingers texture, but once it absorbs, it’s unbelievably silky and leaves zero residue behind. I can’t stop talking about how amazing it feels. Soft Services, you have me convinced.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: urea, squalane, colloidal oatmeal
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Fast-Absorbing: Nécessaire The Body Serum
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Nécessaire
The Body Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Nécessaire
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Nécessaire The Body Serum
Sarah Felbin
Why we love it: Hate rubbing in your cream or serum for minutes? Nécessaire’s The Body Serum melts in like a dream and never feels heavy. While it’s a body serum and not a cream, “this is great for those with highly sensitive, itchy skin,” says Dr. Chacon. She also notes that the formula—approved by the National Eczema Association—is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and made without silicones, phthalates, or parabens. It features glycerin, niacinamide, and five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, which hydrate both the surface and deeper layers of the skin for longer-lasting moisture. Dr. Chacon also loves that it’s “not sticky, not greasy, and still leaves skin hydrated, plump, and restored.”
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“Lotion haters, this one’s for you. I’m not a fan of super-heavy creams and body butters because I don’t love the greasy feeling that often comes with them, but my constantly dry, itchy skin needs a layer of something after I shower. This serum is ultra-lightweight and only takes a few seconds to rub in, but it is still impressively hydrating. My skin immediately feels softer and looks radiant after I apply it. It’s been a godsend for my legs especially, which always feel extra-prickly after I shave.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Super Dry Skin: Isdin Uradin Lotion 10 Hydrating Body Lotion for Dry Skin
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Isdin
Uradin Lotion10 Hydrating Body Moisturizer
Amazon
Dermstore
Lee applying the Isdin Uradin Lotion 10 Hydrating Body Lotion for Dry Skin
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: With 10% urea and 3% dexpanthenol, Isdin’s Uradin Lotion 10 is one to get excited about if you have super dry skin. “Urea is an excellent ingredient because it both hydrates and gently softens rough, dehydrated skin,” says Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, OH. She says it improves moisture retention while subtly improving texture, which can make skin appear smoother. Dexpanthenol, a derivative of vitamin B5 that promotes skin healing, helps relieve itchiness often associated with dryness. We love this lotion for topping off a hydrating serum for double the moisture. And while we often joke about wanting to bathe in a lotion we love, the generously sized pump makes it feel like you practically can.
Tester feedback from Lee
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“I’ve dealt with keratosis pilaris for years, and the backs of my arms can get so desert-dry, which only makes those little bumps more noticeable. My calves aren’t much better—I’ll scratch in my sleep and wake up with marks from how itchy they get. I’d somehow never tried a lotion with urea before, so Isdin’s Uradin Lotion 10 felt like a bit of a revelation. It softens and smooths all my rough patches (even the elbows!) while pulling moisture into the skin, and it sinks in quickly without feeling sticky. Even five or six hours after applying it, my skin still feels soft and comfortably moisturized.”—Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
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- Key ingredients: 10% urea, 3% dexpanthenol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Rich: Fount Society Body Butter
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Fount Society
Body Butter
Amazon
Felbin applying the Fount Society Body Butter
Sarah Felbin
Why it’s worth it: Fount Society’s Body Butter contains a combination of highly moisturizing shea butter and squalane, along with soothing allantoin, vitamin E, panthenol, and chamomile, all of which signal that this formula is especially geared towards those with sensitive skin. It also includes an ingredient you don’t typically see in beauty formulas: sea fennel, a coastal plant packed with antioxidants that help brighten, firm, and nourish the skin. While the formula is thicker than a typical lotion, it absorbs instantly and doesn’t leave any residue behind—instead, skin looks glowy and feels softer. Slather it on before bed on damp or dry skin, and wake up to silky skin that lasts all through the entire next day.
Tester feedback from Felbin
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“I use this product at night, after every shower. I have super-sensitive skin and I don’t like applying body lotion (that dreaded sticky feeling!), so the bar is pretty high. This one is so thick, calming, and soothing that I actually look forward to putting it on after I step out of the shower. It takes a minute to rub in, but it feels incredibly nourishing and doesn’t leave any residue behind, so I don’t mind. The whole next day, I’m surprised by how soft and smooth my skin feels. It’s also a great value—it’s so rich and moisturizing that one tub has lasted me months. Plus, it’s fragrance-free!”—Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, sea fennel, squalane
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Patches: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
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Aquaphor
Healing Ointment
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Whether you know Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment in the tube or the classic tub, chances are it needs no introduction. “This petroleum-based ointment creates an occlusive barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss and supercharges repair,” says Sarah Sung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle. This means this ointment is completely water-free and seals in moisture so your skin can heal without suffocating, while still letting oxygen pass through. That balance, along with soothing and hydrating panthenol and glycerin, is what makes it so good at repairing a compromised barrier.
“Especially when used overnight, patients most often tell me they wake up with noticeably softer, less inflamed patches,” says Dr. Sung. It is super thick, so the ointment is not meant to be used everywhere—Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, IN, likes using it for hands, elbows, and areas prone to fissures. Dr. Sung adds that it’s also great for chapped lips or eczema flare-ups around the eyes.
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- Key ingredients: panthenol, glycerin, petrolatum
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Eczema: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Relief Eczema Cream
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La Roche-Posay
Lipikar Soothing Relief Eczema Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Another affordable, National Eczema Association-approved formula on our list, La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Soothing Relief Eczema Cream is built for anyone dealing with persistent redness, itchiness, or flare-ups. The star is 1% colloidal oatmeal, a proven skin protectant that helps calm irritation on contact, but it’s the supporting ingredients that make it especially effective: “Shea butter, niacinamide, and colloidal oatmeal combine to soothe visible redness and heat on contact,” says Dr. Sung. While glycerin and thermal spring water promote lasting moisture, she also notes, “Many of my patients report a more even skin tone after just a couple of weeks of use.” The fast-absorbing texture makes it easy to use daily—whether you’re treating redness on your face or body.
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- Key ingredients: 1% colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Face and Body: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
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CeraVe
Moisturizing Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: When we asked dermatologists for their go-to for dry, itchy skin, drugstore hero CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream came up again and again. Kate Edwards, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Antonio, considers it a go-to for patients suffering from dry, itchy skin, while Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, calls out its contents of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other humectants as ideal for locking in moisture and boosting hydration. While it’s thick, Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, says its rich texture never feels greasy, making it ideal for moderate to severe dryness. This cream is fragrance-free and completely non-irritating, making it a great choice for those with any level of skin sensitivity who need intense hydration and itch relief. Sexy? Maybe not. But it’s a reliable, powerful workhorse that’s a classic for good reason, and its undeniable efficacy makes it a great first port of call for treating dry and itchy skin.
Tester feedback from contributor Kaleigh Fasanella
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“It feels almost like a weighted blanket—but for the skin—cocooning my chronically dry limbs and soothing them on days when it’s especially sensitive and inflamed. If I had to propose one con, it would be that I go through the stuff like water.” —Kaleigh Fasanella, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Immediate Relief: Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
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Aveeno
Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Amazon
Walmart
Why it’s worth it: According to Dr. Camp, oatmeal is one of the most effective soothing ingredients for calming inflammation and itch—and that’s exactly what’s in Aveeno’s Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream. “It strengthens the skin barrier while providing immediate comfort to irritated skin,” says Dr. Camp. It also contains ceramides, glycerin, and panthenol, which draw moisture into the skin and keep it cool, calm, and collected. Because this cream is clinically tested for eczema-prone and sensitive skin, it’s a great option for anyone experiencing persistent dryness with bouts of irritation.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: oatmeal, ceramides, glycerin, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What do dermatologists recommend for extremely dry, itchy skin?
According to Dr. Green, the best thing to do for dry, itchy skin is to apply moisturizer liberally and multiple times a day. According to dermatologists, thick creams with high oil concentrations are especially effective for locking in moisture and hydrating the skin (Dr. Edwards even suggests skin-sealing petroleum jelly like Vaseline). Dr. Green recommends looking for moisturizers with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which pulls in water from the environment; glycerin, which acts as a humectant to retain moisture; colloidal oats, which reduce inflammation; and ceramides, which restore the skin barrier. However, she cautions against products containing irritants like alcohol and fragrances, as they can exacerbate dryness. Dr. Edwards also advises looking for the blue seal that says, “Accepted by the National Eczema Foundation” when picking out a moisturizing product.
In addition to using hydrating lotions. Dr. Green recommends washing dry, itchy skin with a product like a soothing colloidal oatmeal bath treatment before using a gentle, hydrating cleanser, thoroughly rinsing the area, then applying moisturizer. Dr. Edwards endorses the “soak and grease” method, which consists of bathing daily for five to ten minutes in lukewarm (not hot!) water, then applying a thick moisturizer immediately after exiting the bath or shower and patting dry. Dry, itchy skin can sometimes be associated with overactive histamines, and suggests taking a daily antihistamine until the condition has resolved.
How should I choose a lotion for dry, itchy skin?
Dr. Edwards emphasizes looking for products that feature ceramides to help lock in moisture naturally lost throughout the day. Dr. Green also advocates for products with urea, which soothes skin in addition to providing hydration. However, for severe itching or eczema-prone skin, both doctors advise that topical prescription steroids may be needed to calm down inflammation resulting from a compromised skin barrier.
What cream stops itching fast?
According to Dr. Edwards, topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisone are one of the quickest and most effective ways to relieve itching. Dr. Green recommends using over-the-counter hydrocortisone twice a day on the affected area to help soothe itchiness.
On the flip side, Dr. Edwards strongly discourages the use of any Benadryl creams or gels, which are ineffective at stopping itch and can often lead to the development of an allergy to the product that will worsen a rash. Both doctors recommend speaking to your dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments are not providing enough relief, and using any prescribed topical steroid exactly as directed while avoiding overuse.
Meet the experts
- Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, OH
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, IN
- Kate Edwards, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Antonio, Texas
- Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best body lotions for dry, itchy skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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