The Top 10 Best Body Creams
For many people, dry skin isn’t just a problem for facial skin – it’s also a problem on arms, hands, legs, and other areas of the body. Dry skin on the body can be caused by many factors, including weather changes, hormones, allergies, and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. To alleviate dry skin on the body, use one of these best body creams to repair the skin barrier and soothe dryness, itching, and flaking.
The best body creams for barrier repair show a Maltese cross pattern under a microscope, like Zerafite.
You do not have to spend a lot to get a good-quality body cream.
Choose a body cream that is right for your Baumann Skin Type for best results.
Table of content

1. Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream Barrier Repair
The best body creams for your face and body show what is known as a Maltese cross pattern under a cross-polarized microscope. This pattern mimics the skin barrier’s exact lipid ratio, making moisturizers with the Maltese cross pattern the most effective at rehydrating and protecting the skin by aiding in skin barrier repair.
The new Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream Barrier Repair is one of the best body creams on this list because it has the Maltese cross pattern formulation. This dermatologist-developed cream is formulated specifically for dry, rough body skin and is also vegan and safe for all 16 Baumann Skin Types, offering a rich, nourishing experience without irritation.
2. Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream
Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream contains ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, essential components for repairing and maintaining the skin barrier. Ceramides replenish lost lipids in the epidermis, reducing transepidermal water loss and preventing dryness. Cholesterol aids in stabilizing the lipid matrix, while fatty acids provide nourishment and support hydration. Together, these ingredients help to replenish the skin’s natural lipids, improving skin hydration and soothing dryness or irritation.
3. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP + M is a popular dermatologist-recommended brand. It is formulated with shea butter, niacinamide, and the brand’s signature thermal spring water to soothe and hydrate very dry skin. Its prebiotic action helps to rebalance the skin’s microbiome, making it a top choice for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. This body cream is also approved by the National Eczema Association and is suitable for babies as young as two weeks.
4. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a good budget-friendly body cream option. It contains hyaluronic acid, cholesterol, and ceramides and uses patented MVE controlled-release technology to deliver long-lasting hydration. CeraVe has a lightweight, non-greasy formula and does not contain fragrances, making it a great choice for any skin type, including those with sensitive skin.
5. Bioderma Atoderm Creme Ultra-Nourishing Moisturizing Cream
This Bioderma Atoderm Creme is specifically designed for very dry skin. Its unique formula provides intense hydration and long-lasting comfort, thanks to its patented Skin Barrier Therapy™ technology. Perfect for sensitive and irritated skin, this ultra-nourishing body cream protects against allergens and irritants that can otherwise cause redness, flaking, and irritation.
6. Osmosis Rejuvenating Body Cream
Infused with powerful antioxidants, peptides, shea butter, and plant-derived ingredients like chlorella vulgaris extract, the Osmosis Rejuvenating Body Cream deeply nourishes and rejuvenates dry, cracked skin. It also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, making it a great choice for those looking for anti-aging benefits as well.
7. Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment
Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment is a dual-action cream that goes beyond hydration to also improve skin elasticity and texture. It uses a proprietary TriHex Technology® to stimulate collagen production, helping to firm and smooth the skin. It has a lightweight formula that’s ideal for dry and mature skin, though is suitable for all skin types.
8. Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion
Another skin-tightening body cream, Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten combines retinol, hyaluronic acid, and botanical ingredients like edelweiss flower to not only hydrate the skin but also smooth and soften cellulite and rough, uneven texture. Retinol promotes cell turnover, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. Edelweiss flower provides strong antioxidant benefits, protecting the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors.
9. SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream
SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream is an advanced face and body cream that combines growth factors, ceramides, and antioxidants. Growth factors promote skin regeneration and collagen production, while ceramides help to repair the skin barrier and antioxidants protect against free radicals. This cream is ideal for both mature and post-procedure skin.
10. DefenAge 10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream
DefenAge 10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream is formulated with cutting-edge defensins, a type of peptide that is small enough to effectively penetrate the skin and activate stem cells that are involved in the production of new skin cells. Thus, this cream triggers natural skin repair and renewal while deeply hydrating with ingredients like squalane and shea butter. It improves skin texture, elasticity, and tone, making it perfect for anti-aging on hands and body.
Where to Find the Best Body Creams
Many of the brands mentioned in this list are widely available both online and in stores. Some of the best body creams like CeraVe are very budget-friendly, while others like DefenAge 10 are more expensive because they contain expensive ingredients like defensins. Choose the best body cream that fits both your skin type and buget.
How to Choose the Best Body Cream
You can’t go wrong with any of the best body creams in the list above. However, some key factors to look for when choosing the best body cream for you are:
You body skin is different than your face skin, so when buying a body cream, you do not need to worry about which of the 16 skin types you are unless you plan to use the body cream on your face.

Should you use body cream every day?
Yes – if you have dry skin, daily use of body cream will be the best way to replenish and maintain hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and prevent dryness. The best body creams in this list that are a match for your skin type can be used several times per day as needed.
What’s the best body cream for extremely dry skin?
The best options for extremely dry skin are rich in ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids and mimic your skin’s natural barrier function. Zerafite Ultra Rich Barrier Repair Body Cream is an excellent option for very dry, dehydrated skin because it exactly mimics your skin’s lipid structure.
Body butter vs. body cream: What’s the difference?
Body butter tends to be thicker and richer than body creams and often contains higher concentrations of oils and butters. Body cream, on the other hand, has a lighter texture, blending water-based ingredients for everyday hydration and faster absorption. Some body butters can contain pore-clogging ingredients , so make sure they are right for your skin before using.
Best References and Scientific Publications on the Best Body Creams
- Baumann L. Moisturizers in Ch. 43 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
- Baumann, L. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
- Prausnitz, M. R., Elias, P. M., Franz, T. J., Schmuth, M., Tsai, J. C., Menon, G. K., ... & Feingold, K. R. (2012). Skin barrier and transdermal drug delivery. Dermatology, 3, 2065-2073.
- Pilgram, G. S., Vissers, D. C., van der Meulen, H., Koerten, H. K., Pavel, S., Lavrijsen, S. P., & Bouwstra, J. A. (2001). Aberrant lipid organization in stratum corneum of patients with atopic dermatitis and lamellar ichthyosis. Journal of investigative dermatology, 117(3), 710-717.
- Park, B. D., Youm, J. K., Jeong, S. K., Choi, E. H., Ahn, S. K., & Lee, S. H. (2003). The characterization of molecular organization of multilamellar emulsions containing pseudoceramide and type III synthetic ceramide. Journal of investigative dermatology, 121(4), 794-801.