What Dermatologists Want You to Know About Lotions for Aging Skin (2024)

Dr. Rastogi says this lotion, which can be used on the face or body, is a holy-grail product. The non-greasy formula hydrates and exfoliates at the same time, with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and glycerin leaving the skin soft and smooth. It also contains retinol which lifts the skin, contributing to a more youthful appearance. Plus, it’s free of parabens, dyes, and fragrances.

What reviewers say: “I have slightly crepey skin on the backs of my hands, but it has disappeared and the skin now looks younger. I also have freckles and discoloration (sun damage) that have lightened dramatically since using this lotion. I apply it to my arms at night and literally wake up to a noticeably more even tone on my skin,” reviewer wrote.

Dr. Jaliman also recommends CeraVe products for their skin-loving ingredients, as they “contain hyaluronic acid for hydration.” The lightweight formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and includes three essential ceramides which help restore the skin barrier. Plus, it’s approved by the National Eczema Association, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

What reviewers say: “With my extremely sensitive skin, I often struggle to find moisturizers that don’t cause irritation, but this lotion works perfectly. It provides long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy, and the hyaluronic acid gives my skin an extra moisture boost. It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth all day. I’m thrilled that it’s gentle enough for both my face and body,” wrote one shopper.

Both Dr. Gohara and Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, agree that it’s hard to go wrong with this moisturizer. “This product has shea butter, so it’s very hydrating,” says Dr. Jaliman. “It also has niacinamide, so it helps with brown discoloration, evens the skin tone, and brightens the skin.” Plus, this lotion works as an all-in-one product for your face and body, so no need to find space for multiple products.

What reviewers say: “I’m 50 years old, perimenopause, so that should tell you all you need to know about my dry skin,” said one shopper. “My serum and face cream wasn’t enough to keep my skin plump and dewy so my derm told me about this. LOVE IT!”

This cream, from a brand recommended by Dr. Gohara, is formulated with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which hydrate the skin while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and free of fragrances, dyes, and parabens, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

What reviewers say: “I absolutely LOVE this body lotion. The scent is light and pleasant. The lotion is very moisturizing and doesn’t leave a greasy film on your skin after it’s been applied,” wrote one shopper.

Dr. Rastogi recommends this cream as an affordable option that’s geat for sensitive skin. “It doesn’t have any dyes, fragrances, or parabens, so it doesn’t irritate delicate sensitive skin,” Dr. Jaliman says. “It also doesn’t have lanolin, so it’s good for people who are allergic to wool.” It’s also non-comedogenic and was awarded the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

What reviewers say: “This was recommended to me by my dermatologist for my sensitive skin and recurring rash and it has been a game changer,” said one shopper. “It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my skin’s texture and a reduction in irritation.”

Dr. Rastogi recommends this product as an affordable option for those with very dry skin. It’s formulated with ceramides and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin to provide 48 hours of moisture, according to the brand, and protect the skin barrier. It’s also free of fragrance, dyes, and parabens, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

What reviewers say: “My hands are dry and chapped due to frequent hand washing and, let’s face it, being over a certain age. When I settle for the evening, this is the lotion I reach for. It soothes as it goes on and absorbs nicely into my skin. No gooey sticky residue,” wrote one shopper.

Dr. Jaliman says that Neutrogena products contain plenty of hydrating ingredients, which can be particularly helpful for aging skin. This cream is no different. “It contains hyaluronic acid, which is extremely hydrating. So if you have fine lines or wrinkles, they will disappear with this because they will be so hydrated,” she explains. Plus, the gel-cream formula is lightweight and fast-absorbing.

What reviewers say: “I’m in love with it. So lightweight and airy. Absorbs well. Within a few days I’m already seeing a difference on my hands,” wrote one shopper. “I also enjoy applying it to my face before bed and I don’t wake up feeling oily. My skin drinks it up and feels silky smooth.”

If you struggle with sensitive skin, Dr. Gohara says you can’t go wrong with this nourishing cream. Assistant Editor Shannen Zitz is also a fan. “This has been my daily body lotion for the past few months that I apply every evening after I shower,” she says. “It feels light and silky on the skin, absorbs quickly, and leaves my skin feeling super moisturized well into the next day. I also love that while it isn’t overly fragranced, it leaves a subtly sweet, cocoa butter type scent on the skin.”

What reviewers say: “I’m loving this cream so much, I’m on the second bottle. I’ve never been consistent using body creams but this one I love! It leaves smooth skin that lasts all day, it has a little bit of shine too,” wrote one shopper. “I like that it doesn’t really have a specific scent.”

“This lotion contains 12% lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid with exfoliating and anti-aging benefits,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “In addition to moisturizing the skin, it brightens, smooths, and actually has strengthening effects. Studies have shown that long term use of lactic acid on the skin actually stimulates collagen.” The lightweight formula also contains no added fragrances or parabens.

What reviewers say: “I’ve had extremely dry skin since I was a child. My dermatologist recommended this lotion and I gave it a try. It works really well,” said one shopper. “After using this for about a week I no longer had flaky peeling skin!”

When I briefly lived in Austria a couple years ago, the harsh temperatures and winds during the winter months further irritated my already dry skin. I was able to get this lotion at my local drugstore and it was a complete life saver. It’s formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter to provide long-lasting hydration. Coenzyme Q10 and creatine also create a smoothing, firming, effect. After applying it daily after the shower for a couple of weeks, my skin was noticeably softer and smoother.

What reviewers say: “I’m impressed with the results. The lotion absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and hydrated without any greasy residue. I’ve noticed an improvement in my skin’s firmness and texture since I began using it a month or so ago,” wrote one shopper.

Zitz says this moisturizing cream has been a game changer for smoothing bumpy skin. “Over the last few months, I’ve been struggling with keratosis pilaris on my upper arms and this lotion from AmLactin is one of the only products I’ve found that keeps my skin soft, smooth, and bump-free,” she says. “It contains 15% lactic acid to exfoliate and moisturize at the same time, and has never once irritated my skin. After using it on my upper arms once daily for about a week, my KP bumps were nearly gone!”

What reviewers say: “I put it on in the morning and the next morning when I went to apply I noticed that almost all of the bumps on the back of my arms were gone! I’m shocked!” said one shopper. “The tube is small but a little goes a long way.”

A favorite of Digital Director Allie Early, this lotion has a lot going for it. “First of all, it smells SO good, and it’s worth buying for that reason alone,” she says. “I also love it because it has long-lasting moisture retention, it’s affordable, and it’s not greasy.”

What reviewers say: “I’m prone to super dry skin and this has been a game changer!! Not only moisturizes like no other but it smells great and leaves a great glow to skin!”

“This lotion hydrates and exfoliates at the same time,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The blend of salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and gluconolactone gives the benefits of an alpha, beta, and polyhydroxy acid in a single product with gentle effects throughout all layers of the skin. Plus the formula has been studied on all skin types and can be used even for sensitive skin.” The gentle formula is also lightweight, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free.

What reviewers say: “I’ve been using this for a week now and my skin feels nice and smooth. It doesn’t leave my skin oily either! It’s almost like a matte finish. It combines well with my other products in my skincare routine. I have sensitive skin and have had zero reaction.”

This cream contains nourishing ingredients like squalane and shea butter, which, according to Dr. Jaliman, are super hydrating and help restore the skin barrier. It’s also formulated with soothing cocoa butter to help soften the skin, and contains no added parabens or fragrances.

What reviewers say: “I’ve gone through a plethora of lotions in my life. Finally, I have found a lotion that works and doesn’t take a slathering to work. A small amount goes a long way. It’s not like thick heavy lotions, as it absorbs into the skin leaving you feeling moisturized.”

As someone who occasionally experiences eczema flare-ups, this is the cream I’m always reaching for. It’s recognized by both the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation, and contains soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal that treat dry, flaky skin. The whipped texture feels light and airy and never leaves a greasy residue when applied. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

What reviewers say: “Honestly love this stuff. My skin hasn’t been this soft in a while. I have used this product for three years now and it keeps the skin looking fresh even with light makeup on. The cream is silky smooth and is easy to apply.”

• Look for nourishing ingredients. Checking the label for ingredients is the easiest way to know whether a lotion will provide enough hydration. Dr. Jaliman suggests looking for “glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, and squalane, which are excellent for moisturization and hydration.” But hydration isn’t the only thing you should be looking for. “Active ingredients such as peptides, retinol, and vitamins boost the skin’s barrier function, protect against environmental damage, and help skin turnover and collagen production,” Dr. Rastogi says.
• Know your skin concerns. The best lotions can do more than just hydrate. If you have other skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, or wrinkles and fine lines, you should also be on the lookout for ingredients that can address them. For instance, “peptides, retinol, and vitamin C help stimulate collagen production,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Niacinamide also helps to even out discoloration.”
• Packaging matters. When shopping for a lotion or moisturizer, packaging might not be something you normally pay attention to. But the type of packaging a lotion comes in can actually tell you a lot about the product inside. “Moisturizers in jars and squeeze bottles tend to have thicker, creamier consistencies, which are often more nourishing,” Dr. Rastogi explains. “In contrast, pump bottles require thinner, more fluid formulations, often achieved by adding solvents like alcohol to prevent clogging. This can make them lighter but potentially less moisturizing, especially for very dry or sensitive skin. Rich textures typically provide longer-lasting hydration and smoothness, which can be especially beneficial for aging skin.