Winter is almost here, and with it comes the inevitable dryness, flakiness, and dull skin that can make even the healthiest complexion feel rough. And if you’re travelling to winter destinations like Japan, Korea, or Europe, your skin is likely to experience even more intense dryness and sensitivity. Which is why choosing the right body lotion becomes a must-do ritual, not an afterthought.
Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, itchy, or somewhere in between, the key to surviving winter is understanding what your skin truly needs and picking formulas designed to keep you smooth, nourished, and glowing all season long.
Below is your ultimate guide to the best body lotions for every skin type — plus what ingredients to look out for before you hit “add to cart.”
Best Body Lotion for Normal Skin: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
If your skin is generally balanced but tends to feel slightly dry during winter or when travelling to colder climates, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is the perfect everyday companion. It keeps the skin hydrated, soothed, and balanced without feeling heavy or sticky — making it especially convenient when layering clothes in winter.
Key characteristics:
- Contains prebiotic colloidal oatmeal to strengthen and support the moisture barrier
- Long-lasting hydration (up to 48 hours)
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Fragrance-free and gentle for daily use
- Great for mild dryness caused by winter travel
Body Lotion for Dry Skin: Cerave Moisturising Cream
Dry skin becomes even drier when exposed to cold temperatures and low humidity, especially during winter trips. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream provides deep, long-lasting hydration and barrier repair, ensuring your skin stays smooth and nourished even in harsh climates.
Key characteristics:
- Packed with three essential ceramides to restore the skin barrier
- Includes hyaluronic acid for moisture retention
- Hydrating combinations of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin that won’t clog your pores
- Rich, comfortable cream without greasiness
- Ideal for flaky or tight winter or travel-induced dryness
Body Lotion for Oily Skin: Nivea Express Hydration
Oily or combination skin still needs moisture, especially in winter. Nivea Express Hydration Body Lotion offers refreshing, lightweight moisture without heaviness, and it provides fast absorbing moisture up to 48 hours.
Key characteristics:
- Ultra-light, fast-absorbing formula
- Enriched with sea minerals and hydrating ingredients
- Breathable texture that won’t clog pores
- Keeps skin hydrated without shine
- Perfect for oily or combination skin in cold climates
Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M
Sensitive skin tends to flare up in winter and even more when travelling to cold destinations where the temperature fluctuates. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M helps calm, relieve, and protect reactive skin with its soothing, lipid-rich formula.
Key characteristics:
- Nourishing cream that absorbs easily without feeling heavy
- Microbiome-balancing AP+M technology to restore protective barrier and provide long-lasting hydration
- Contains La Rocher’s thermal spring water, the key in supporting the skin’s microbiome.
- Fragrance-free and suitable for eczema-prone skin
- Helps prevent dryness, redness, and flare-ups during winter travel
Best Body Lotion For itchy Skin
If the winter weather or cold-climate travel makes your skin itchy, irritated, or extremely dry, Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream offers soothing, nourishing relief. It leaves the skin deeply moisturized and comfortable even in severe winter conditions.
Key characteristics:
- Powered by two key combo formula: squalane and ceramides to strengthen and repair skin barrier
- Deep moisturization that lasts for days
- Helps reduce dry patches and itchiness
- Not too thick, light, fast-absorb and non-greasy
Best Smelling Body Lotion: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
For those who want soft, moisturized skin and a luxurious scent throughout their winter, Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is the ultimate pick and TikTok-pick products. Its warm, tropical fragrance adds a mood-boosting touch, especially when you’re wrapped in winter layers.
Key characteristics:
- Signature gourmand fragrance with pistachio, vanilla and salted caramel notes
- Cupuaçu butter, coconut oil, and açaí oil for deep nourishment
- Smooths and softens the skin
- Contains caffeine-rich guaraná for firming benefits
Extra Tips for Winter Skin Care
- Apply Immediately After Showering: Lock in moisture when your skin is still slightly damp.
- Use a Humidifier: Combat dry indoor air to keep skin hydrated.
- Layer Up: Pair your body lotion with a nourishing body oil for ultra-dry spots like elbows and knees.
- Exfoliate Weekly: Remove dead skin cells so lotions penetrate better.
Winter is the perfect season to show your skin some love. With the right body lotion tailored to your skin type, you can stay hydrated, soft, and radiant all season long.
