Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion is our pick for everyday use. It was easy to apply, absorbed quickly and didn’t feel greasy in our original reviews. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is the richer option here, while Clinique Deep Comfort Body Moisture was another favorite for its smooth feel.
Lubriderm used to be our top value pick. Its formula has changed since we tested it, so we’ve kept that earlier rating separate from the current product.
Compare our picks
| Product | Why choose it? | Original rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion | A light everyday lotion | 5/5 |
| CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion | A lighter lotion with ceramides | 4.5/5 |
| Clinique Deep Comfort Body Moisture | Smooth feel and quick absorption | 5/5 |
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | A richer moisturizer for normal to dry skin | 4.5/5 |
| Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-Free | A changed formula to consider separately | Earlier formula: 5/5. Current formula: not yet rated. |
The ratings and photos come from our original reviews. In August 2026, we checked the current US product information.
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Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion: our everyday pick
Vanicream was easy to apply and quick to absorb, without a greasy finish. We also liked the pump. It’s the lighter alternative to Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, which we cover in our dry-skin moisturizer guide.
The manufacturer’s current ingredient list is short and contains no fragrance, masking fragrance, botanical extracts or essential oils. Vanicream describes the lotion as non-comedogenic and suitable for face and body. It also holds the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
It does contain propylene glycol, so skip it if that is one of your known triggers. A shorter ingredient list is useful when you’re checking for ingredients you avoid, but it is not a guarantee against a reaction.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion: a lighter option with ceramides
Our original reviews found that CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion had a lighter consistency and absorbed quickly. That made it a convenient morning option when we didn’t want a heavier cream.
CeraVe describes the current lotion as oil-free and free of added fragrance, with three ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It is intended for normal to dry skin and can be used on the face and body.
Choose the bottle labeled Daily Moisturizing Lotion, not Moisturizing Cream. The cream is a different product, reviewed below.
Clinique Deep Comfort Body Moisture: a smooth-feeling favorite
At the time of my original review, I’d been using Clinique for more than 20 years. This body moisturizer felt smooth, absorbed quickly and left my skin moisturized.
Clinique now lists it as Deep Comfort Body Moisture Cream. Its US skincare range is described as fragrance-free. We could not verify a full current US ingredient list for this product, so check the box if you need to avoid ingredients beyond fragrance.
Body Moisture and Body Butter are different products. Our dry-skin guide reviews the Body Butter.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: the richer choice
We found CeraVe Moisturizing Cream effective in our original review. It’s the option here to consider when you want a richer moisturizer rather than a light lotion.
The current CeraVe product page describes a fragrance-free cream for the face and body, intended for normal to dry skin. Its formula includes three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum and dimethicone.
If a light lotion hasn’t been enough, this is a sensible next option. For more choices with thicker textures, see our fragrance-free moisturizers for dry skin.
Lubriderm Daily Moisture: the formula has changed
Original vitamin B5 formula: 5/5. Current Pro-Ceramide formula: not yet rated.
The old formula was our top value pick. We loved how quickly it absorbed: we could apply it and get dressed without waiting. It felt light but still gave us enough moisture for dry skin, and we liked the convenient pump.
Today, Lubriderm describes a fragrance-free formula with Pro-Ceramide, shea butter and glycerin. The company confirms that its formulas changed. We haven’t tested this version, so the earlier 5/5 rating does not apply to it.
Choosing a lotion or a cream
For everyday use, start with the texture you’ll be comfortable applying regularly. Vanicream and CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion worked well for us when we wanted something light and quick to absorb. If your skin needs more moisture, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a fragrance-free cream or ointment for very dry skin, applied while skin is still damp.
To compare value, check the current price per ounce as well as the bottle price. Retailers offer different sizes and multipacks, so the lowest total price is not always the lowest cost for the same amount. We don’t publish fixed prices because they change.
Choose fragrance-free rather than relying on an “unscented” label: the FDA explains that unscented products can contain masking fragrance. Fragrance-free products can still have an ingredient smell, and plant oils or butters are not automatically added perfume. Our guide to fragrance-free, unscented and hypoallergenic labels explains the distinction.
Check the label on the package you receive, especially if you have a known allergy. Formulas can change, and fragrance-free does not mean that no one can react.
