The Data — Skincare
Lotion, Cream or Ointment for Dry Skin: Which Works
The American Academy of Dermatology says ointments and creams add more moisture than lotions, yet the most-rated moisturisers on Amazon are lotions. What each one is for, and 4 fragrance-free picks.
This guide is research-led: we have not handled these units ourselves. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission — it never changes a pick.Research-led, nothing handled. We may earn from links; it never changes a pick. How we choose
This page reads the American Academy of Dermatology’s dry skin advice and sorts moisturisers by type, with 4 picks chosen as How we choose describes. Nothing here was handled or tested, and none of it is medical advice.
Best for Dry, itchy winter skin
Watch for Heavier than a lotion
Best for Sensitive skin
Watch for Thick texture
Best for Mild dryness, daytime
Watch for Not for cracked skin
Best for No greasy feel
Watch for Light for dry patches
Dermatologists pick cream or ointment over lotion
The American Academy of Dermatology is plain about it: ointments and creams add more moisture to skin and are more effective than lotions. A lotion is the thinnest of the 3, with the most water. A cream is thicker. An ointment is mostly oil, with little or no water, and sits on the skin longest.
The AAD lists ingredients to look for in a cream or ointment: jojoba oil, dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum and shea butter. It also asks for products labelled fragrance-free, because fragrance irritates dry, sensitive skin.
A cream is the everyday answer for dry winter skin
A cream is the one to buy if only one tub goes on the shelf. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream has 149,068 ratings at 4.7. Owners say it works on dry skin and eczema, feels silky, stops itching and absorbs quickly, and it is gentle on sensitive skin. It comes in a 19-oz tub for face and body.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Face & Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin, 19oz
A face and body cream that owners say works on dry skin and eczema, stops itching and absorbs quickly.
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| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Size | 19 oz |
Owners say it calms dry skin and eczema, stops itching and absorbs quickly.
Buy it if
- Dry or itchy skin through the winter
Don't buy it if
- Anyone who wants a light daytime feel
The Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is the pick for skin that reacts to most things. Owners say it hydrates all day, suits sensitive skin and eczema and has no scent. Opinions split on its thickness, which is the point of a cream for some and the complaint for others.
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, Body & Face Moisturizer, 16 Oz Pump Dispenser
An unscented cream in a pump that owners say hydrates all day and suits sensitive skin and eczema.
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| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Size | 16 oz pump |
Owners say it hydrates all day and suits sensitive skin. Some find it too thick.
Buy it if
- Skin that reacts to almost everything
Don't buy it if
- Anyone put off by a thick texture
A lotion still suits mild dryness and the morning
The most-rated moisturisers are lotions, and they earn a place despite the AAD’s ranking. A lotion spreads over large areas fast and disappears before clothes go on. The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion has 153,476 ratings at 4.7, slightly more than the cream. Owners say it suits dry and sensitive skin, feels light, absorbs quickly, is fragrance-free and does not irritate.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Face and Body Lotion, 19oz
A light, fragrance-free face and body lotion that owners say absorbs quickly and does not irritate.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Type | Lotion |
|---|---|
| Size | 19 oz |
Owners say it feels light, absorbs fast and does not irritate. Keep a cream for the driest patches.
Buy it if
- Mild dryness, and a morning under clothes
Don't buy it if
- Cracked or very dry skin, which needs a cream
The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is fragrance-free, and owners say it works on dry winter skin without feeling greasy or leaving residue. It suits anyone who will not use a heavy cream at all, which beats a cream left in the drawer.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion, Fragrance-Free, 18 fl. oz
A fragrance-free body lotion that owners say works on dry winter skin without a greasy feel or residue.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Type | Lotion |
|---|---|
| Size | 18 fl oz |
Owners say it is not greasy and leaves no residue. A lotion for people who skip creams.
Buy it if
- Anyone who hates the feel of a heavy cream
Don't buy it if
- The driest patches, which need more
Petroleum jelly seals cracked hands, heels and lips
An ointment is the heaviest seal and the greasiest feel, so it works best where skin is cracked, and at night. The AAD suggests lip balm or petroleum jelly for dry lips, and petrolatum is 1 of the 9 ingredients it lists. Petrolatum-based ointments include Vaseline jelly and Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
Damp skin, straight after the shower, makes any of them work harder
The AAD’s timing advice matters as much as the type. Keep baths and showers to 5 to 10 minutes in warm water, pat skin dry, and apply moisturiser while it is still damp. Moisturise again after washing hands and whenever skin feels dry. A humidifier in the bedroom helps too; the right indoor humidity in winter covers the level to aim for.
Body lotions for dry skin compared ranks 7 moisturisers, lotions and creams together.
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