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    Best Body Lotions to Perk Up Dull, Dry Skin

    We tested 12 moisturizers and found that quality varies widely

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    Weleda, Sidia, All Good, Ursa Major body lotions, woman applying lotion to arm
    Body lotion should provide hydration, be absorbed quickly, and not leave a greasy residue.
    Photos: CR, Adobe Stock

    I’ve joked with my husband that our family motto is “in this house, we moisturize.” Preventing dry, itchy, flaky skin is a passion, and I truly believe that many people would be a smidge happier and more comfortable if they were to moisturize after bathing. Especially in winter (or any time of the year when the humidity is zapped from the air), it becomes even more critical to replenish the moisture that the environment, as well as the dehydrating heat of shower water, steals from your skin. 

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    We tested 12 body lotions that our nonprofit partner, MadeSafe, deems environmentally friendly to find the ideal combination of hydration, ease of use, and (if scented) fragrance. We found that a classic hippie fave didn’t make the cut, while a new-to-us indie brand made three new fervent fans. 

    If you have sensitive skin, be sure to take a look at the ingredients on the product page or packaging for anything (such as fragrance) that might aggravate conditions like eczema or rosacea. We checked for our favorite lotions on the website of another CR partner, SkinSafe, which scores products based on the lack of ingredients identified as allergens by the Mayo Clinic. Some products weren’t listed there.

    How to Choose a Body Lotion Without Harmful Chemicals

    We evaluated over 80 body lotions—from drugstore brands to luxury brands—for safety and sustainability.


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    Angela Lashbrook

    Angela Lashbrook is a senior multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports. She has been with CR since 2021 and covers a wide range of topics, but she is particularly interested in anything health- or parenting-related. She lives with her husband, their son, and her dog, a Libra named Gordo.