Winter and dry skin are not exactly the best combination. As temperatures drop, my skin tends to lose moisture faster, leaving it feeling tight, rough and occasionally itchy. Having sensitive and dry skin means I cannot simply pick up any moisturiser that promises long-lasting hydration. I need something that nourishes my skin, keeps dryness at bay and, most importantly, does not trigger irritation.
While a lightweight body lotion may work well during warmer months, winter calls for something more nourishing. I decided to try five popular body lotions to see which ones could keep my skin moisturised during the colder months. From a deliciously scented formula to a dermatologist-focused moisturiser, these are the five products I looked at, their benefits and what could have been better.s
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If you enjoy sweet, gourmand fragrances in your body care routine, this one is hard to overlook. Plum BodyLovin' Vanilla Caramello Body Lotion combines the warm fragrance of vanilla, salted caramel and pistachio with moisturising ingredients such as cocoa butter and panthenol (vitamin B5).
What makes this lotion interesting is its lightweight, non-greasy formulation. Cocoa butter helps soften and nourish dry skin, while glycerin supports hydration. It is designed to leave the skin feeling soft without a heavy or sticky after-feel.
What I liked: The fragrance makes everyday moisturising feel more indulgent, and the combination of cocoa butter and hydrating ingredients makes it an appealing option for normal to dry skin.
What I didn't like: The noticeable fragrance may not be everyone's preference, particularly if you have sensitive skin that reacts to fragranced skincare. I would have preferred a fragrance-free alternative for days when my skin feels particularly reactive.
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When it comes to winter skincare, protecting the skin barrier is just as important as adding moisture. Dermafique Intensive Restore Body Lotion focuses on this aspect with a formula containing 18% emollients and 10X vitamin E.
The lotion is designed to help repair the skin barrier, prevent moisture loss and maintain skin suppleness. It also contains glycerin, shea butter and vitamin E, making it an interesting choice for people dealing with dryness. Its non-greasy, quick-absorbing formulation is another advantage for everyday use.
What I liked: The focus on skin barrier support makes this lotion worth considering for dry skin. I also like that its formulation is designed to absorb quickly without leaving behind a sticky layer.
What I didn't like: While it offers a good combination of moisturising and barrier-supporting ingredients, I would have liked a fragrance-free formulation, especially considering that sensitive skin can be more particular about fragranced products.
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Vaseline Gluta-Hya Dewy Radiance Lotion takes a slightly different approach to body moisturising. Instead of focusing only on dryness, it combines hydration with skin radiance. Its formula features glutathione, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, ingredients commonly used in skincare for hydration and improving the appearance of dull skin.
The serum-in-lotion formulation has a lightweight, water-burst texture designed to absorb quickly without leaving the skin feeling greasy. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture, while niacinamide supports the skin barrier and helps improve uneven-looking skin tone.
What I liked: I like the combination of hydration and radiance-focused ingredients. Its lightweight texture also makes it an interesting option for people who dislike heavy body creams.
What I didn't like: If your skin becomes extremely dry during winter, a lightweight serum-lotion may not always feel nourishing enough on its own. I would prefer something richer for particularly dry areas such as elbows, knees and legs.
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This is the product I would shortlist first for a winter body care routine focused on dry and sensitive skin. Bioderma Atoderm Crème Ultra-Nourishing is formulated to moisturise, nourish and support the skin barrier.
Its Skin Protect Complex combines vitamin PP (niacinamide) with moisturising sugars to help strengthen the skin barrier and maintain moisture levels. The brand also highlights its D.A.F. patented complex, which is designed to improve the skin's tolerance to external stressors.
Another advantage is its unfragranced formulation, making it an appealing option for people who prefer to avoid added fragrance in their skincare.
What I liked: The combination of barrier-supporting ingredients, lasting hydration and an unfragranced formula makes it particularly relevant to my dry and sensitive skin concerns. It is also designed to provide softness and suppleness without a greasy finish.
What I didn't like: If you prefer lightweight, quickly disappearing lotions, a nourishing cream may feel like a richer step in your routine. I would also have liked a more convenient pump-style packaging for everyday application.
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Himalaya Cocoa Butter Intensive Serum Body Lotion combines the moisturising properties of cocoa butter and wheat germ oil. The formula is designed to lock in moisture, prevent moisture loss and support the skin barrier.
Cocoa butter is an emollient that helps soften rough, dry skin, while wheat germ oil is a source of vitamin E. The brand also describes the formula as gentle and dermatologically tested, making it an option worth considering for everyday moisturising.
What I liked: The combination of cocoa butter and wheat germ oil makes this a practical choice for tackling winter dryness. I also appreciate that the formulation focuses on nourishing the skin and preventing moisture loss.
What I didn't like: While the ingredient combination is promising, I would have liked more clarity on how the formula caters specifically to sensitive skin. Those with reactive skin should always check the complete ingredient list before incorporating it into their routine.
The final verdict
After comparing these five body lotions, Bioderma Atoderm Crème Ultra-Nourishing would be my provisional pick for a winter skincare routine focused on dry and sensitive skin. Its unfragranced formulation and emphasis on skin barrier protection give it an advantage for people who want more than just temporary moisturisation.
However, the right body lotion ultimately depends on your skin's requirements. If you enjoy fragrant body care, Plum BodyLovin' Vanilla Caramello is worth exploring. Dermafique focuses on barrier support, Vaseline Gluta-Hya offers lightweight hydration with radiance-focused ingredients, and Himalaya brings together two nourishing ingredients for dry skin.
My biggest winter skincare takeaway? Do not wait until your skin feels tight or flaky before reaching for your body lotion. Consistent moisturising, especially after a shower, can help keep dryness under control throughout the season.
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