Body

13 Best Body Lotions Under $10

You don't have to pay a fortune to get soft, smooth skin. See the 13 best drugstore lotions now

August 23, 2012 | by Christine H. Lee | 89 COMMENTS

No. 1: Curel Daily Moisture Lotion, $6.29 Best for: All skin types.
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.5*
Why: Our readers with dry, sensitive skin "keep a bottle of this lotion in every room." One reader says, "My hands would become so chapped that they would bleed. After the first time I used Curel, I saw an insane improvement in my skin. It's been 10 years and I still use this." All readers agree that Curel's non-greasy formula tops their list as "the best drugstore lotion on the market."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

14 of 14

products mentioned

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Shea + Enriching Cocoa...

8.9

Eucerin Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Creme

8.9

Burt's Bees Soothingly Sensitive Aloe & Buttermilk...

9.0

Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer

9.0

Olay Ultra Moisture In-Shower Body Lotion

9.0

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

9.0

St. Ives Intensive Healing Lotion

9.2

Nivea Smooth Sensation

9.2

Johnson's Baby Lotion

9.2

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion

9.4

St. Ives Soothing Oatmeal Shea

9.1

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream

9.4

Curel Daily Moisture Original Lotion

9.4

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thanks good advice

by brianna121791 Monday, May 13, 2013 at 11:23AM Report as inappropriate

I am a constant lotion user, always trying to keep my skin feeling smooth and looking healthy. I get a lot of dryness, especially in the winter. I found the Made from Earth Aloe & jojoba Therapy body lotion to be the best for my dry skin - it absorbs well, and doesn't smell to strong. And its super gentle yet moisturizing. Im natural and healthy, so I like that the brand doesn't put any chemicals in their products and they do not test on animals.

by melissa_locks Friday, May 3, 2013 at 06:35PM Report as inappropriate

I'm slightly confused now... I just read the article for the worst lotions and now I'm going through the best. The Eucerin Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Creme was on both!? Unless I misread something. Sooooo is a good one or a bad one? Guess I'll just have to try it for myself!

by jhilgers Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 12:42PM Report as inappropriate

My favorite lotion is the Aveeno Eczema one. It's great especially when you have dry skin in the winter. Jergens is a great one too. I didn't know about Burt's Bees. I will have to give that one a try. I also love Nivea!

by bbumpus01 Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 09:49PM Report as inappropriate

these sound like great picks

by LittleBunny Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 06:17PM Report as inappropriate

I have tried most of these brands or all though maybe a different type. The most recent Burts Bee and it was better than I thought.

by evet Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 06:58AM Report as inappropriate

It's great to find moisturizers suitable for acne-prone skin. I usually avoid body lotion for fear of breakouts.

by Helmi Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 11:07AM Report as inappropriate

I've used so many of these and loved them. It's so nice to find nice lotions on a budget.

by thequietnoise Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 06:07PM Report as inappropriate

cheap lotions are fine

by LittleBunny Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 11:27PM Report as inappropriate

I love Nivea's Smooth Sensation, it's the only drugstore brand lotion I can use in the winter that keeps my skin feeling nice and moisturized.

by MizzPink Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 09:16AM Report as inappropriate

I love Eucerin Calming Creme. I wash my hands constantly at work, sometimes to the point where my hands crack and bleed, especially in the winter. This lotion is only one I've found that moisturizes and helps my poor hands.

by unfamiliargirl Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 05:16PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks, I second your Aveeno recommendation. My favorite lotion by far!

by tarynone Monday, November 26, 2012 at 12:57PM Report as inappropriate

Aveeno and Johnson's are no fails for under $10. Arbonne lotions are phenomenal however!

by BlackFleur145 Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 08:33PM Report as inappropriate

I like 'the Body Shop' products.

by lilas Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 09:47PM Report as inappropriate

ive tried a couple of these i think aveeno works best

by jenni84 Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 04:22PM Report as inappropriate

Great lotion recommendation, I really do like the Aveeno one!

by MissXu Monday, November 5, 2012 at 06:11PM Report as inappropriate

Definitely going to pick some of these up soon! I just ran out of my current lotion (Cetaphil).

by schien Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 12:38PM Report as inappropriate

After reading this article I decided to purchase the Nivea Smooth Sensations lotion. IT IS AMAZING! I also bought the Nivea Touch of Smoothness body wash. What a great combination! My 48 year old skin has never felt better. My fiance even noticed how smooth my skin felt...and he never comments on anything!!!

by DTC Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 04:37AM Report as inappropriate

i used Palmers Cocoa butter lotion during my pregnancies and the result was amazing.

by lilas Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 01:17PM Report as inappropriate

I really like this Burts Bee's lotion, it's thick and creamy but feels really light.

by littleladyfish Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 06:23PM Report as inappropriate

Love cocoa butter! I just never seem to buy it though!

by Chris213 Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 11:46AM Report as inappropriate

I love the baby lotion. I apply it after my daily bath and the next day my skin is sooo smooth!

by Cupcake900 Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 10:29AM Report as inappropriate

I am guilty of spending an unbeievable amount of time, money and effort on face, neck decolette products whilelargely ignoring the rest of my body. I just hate getting all slippery and trying to get dressed afterwards etc. I have had to use a prescription product for my hands at times aas they crack and bleed in winter sometimes. The product is Uremol 20 an it works bit is expensive considering I need to use a lot for it to be effective. I have used the OLay in Shower lotion and really liked it as it was so easy and quick to use. Lately I havent been able to find it so I wondered if it had been discontinued. Another option is spray on moisture cream/oils, for those who want quick!! I do get acne on my shoulders and upper arms and was ntersted to see some of the products are meant for acne prone skin, I usually just avoid using on the areas. I dont have facial acne however and it seems to start due to sweaty hot weathr and then continue. I will have to try the baby lotion. Agood article with affordable choices, good work

by mum21 Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 10:48PM Report as inappropriate

I\'ve had extremely dry skin since I was a baby, so I\'m totally addicted to body lotion. I don\'t know why anyone would pay the high prices for the overpriced department store products when there are so many affordable drug store brands out there. I used to use the St. Ives lotions, and they have many different formulas that treat almost every kind of skin. Honestly, I don\'t know why I stopped using St. Ives producuts, But I plan on buying some the next time I go to the drug store!!

by BengalsGal Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 08:06PM Report as inappropriate

Johnson's Baby Lotion, can never go wrong!

by BrookeSS Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 07:37PM Report as inappropriate

Palmers cocoa butter formla lotion has been a favorite of mine for years the only thing I dont like is it makes me smeel like a chocolate bar....I really want to try the burts bees lotion ow after readig this.

by angiebug Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 06:11PM Report as inappropriate

Personally, I have Jergens Ultra Healing in my bathroom right now and I don't agree with the reviews. I use it right out of the shower after layering in some baby oil and once I've dried off after applying, my skin still looks like it needs a layer of moisturizer. I will have to give some of the others a try.

by flirtygirl214 Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 10:29AM Report as inappropriate

I'm going to check out the St Ives Oatmeal Shea. Can't go wrong at that price!

by alictasia Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 10:15AM Report as inappropriate

I would like to try the new aveeno eczema therapy lotion. I never heard of it. I have bad eczema in the winter times. I just hope it smells good. Some eczema lotions don't have a too nice smell.

by misschanel67 Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 08:31PM Report as inappropriate

I loveeee anything by aveeno.

by yestfl Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 08:00PM Report as inappropriate

My favorites to use are J&J Baby Lotion or Creamy Baby Oil, Lubriderm & any of the St. Ives lotions. All are very hydrating, smell good & cost effective. :-)

by Feline44mom Monday, August 27, 2012 at 03:12PM Report as inappropriate

Great review. I just can't stand to be sticky after putting lotion on and I don't want it to fight with my perfume. Thank you.

by Ydabney Monday, August 27, 2012 at 10:20AM Report as inappropriate

I love St Ives body lotions. They really do work and are well priced.

by jenn8779 Monday, August 27, 2012 at 09:12AM Report as inappropriate

i think the best ones are johnsons baby lotion and aveeno

by jenni84 Monday, August 27, 2012 at 06:08AM Report as inappropriate

I've tried a lot of these and loved them, particularly the St. Ive's ones and the Cocoa Butter lotion!

by thequietnoise Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 07:33PM Report as inappropriate

I've used most of these, and really liked them! I haven't tried the Burt's Bees, but have heard great things about it.

by MsCami Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 02:31PM Report as inappropriate

Curel is great

by rachelneed Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 03:19PM Report as inappropriate

really helpful! I've been trying to find a new body lotion without breaking the back

by sportimonki13 Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 11:05AM Report as inappropriate

I have tried a lot of these, and my favorite is Johnson's Baby Lotion. I definitely want to try the Curel though in the winter when my skin gets crazy dry.

by shinyandiknowit Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 07:02AM Report as inappropriate

Pretty reliable sharing! :) I have used most of them and they are really good. Brands like - St. Ives, Jergens, Johnson, Eucerin, Aveeno are pretty trusted brands.

by Colours Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 02:18AM Report as inappropriate

Johnson's and Johnson's baby lotion & eczema, I never would have thought, I'll get some this weekend

by jaye_tyler Friday, August 24, 2012 at 09:10PM Report as inappropriate

I'm curious to try Olay's in-shower lotion. It sounds pretty cool. I like Johnson's baby lotion, wasn't crazy about dove, jergens and st ive's...

by venenumletalis Friday, August 24, 2012 at 07:45PM Report as inappropriate

I check the ingredients carefully of the lotions I buy. I prefer Burt Bee's. I want to make sure the ingredients that are being absorbed into my skin are healthy for me. :)

by muellsrus Friday, August 24, 2012 at 04:55PM Report as inappropriate

I've used Dove and it was good, but right now nothing beats my current one! I got a tub of Monsia moisturizer cream online and omg it's the best I've ever used. Nice list though :)

by laura_wolfhart Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 03:02PM Report as inappropriate

giovanni rules

by LittleBunny Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 06:54AM Report as inappropriate

Can't wait to try either the Nivea or the Dove. Have tried and liked some of the others. Good & helpful list.

by LiLiMurr Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 09:10AM Report as inappropriate

shea butter cream sounds good :)

by yun_yuwa Friday, July 27, 2012 at 05:36AM Report as inappropriate

I know the Eucerin is excellent for really dry skin especially for those who suffer from eczema. Pediatricians recommend it for children, but it also works great for adults with skin problems. I was surprised to see the Dove Pro Age Body Cream Oil for such a great price! That is the one product that I can't wait to get to the store for some!

by flirtygirl214 Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 11:33AM Report as inappropriate

I'm so surprised Cetaphil Cream in the pot, is not on this list! Having eczema and atopic dermatitis since 9 days old, I haven't had much selection without irritation, but Cetaphil is a godsend! Couldn't live without it! But I must say, I may have to try out some of these others on this list because some sound heavenly!

by Corduroy Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 09:01PM Report as inappropriate

good

by Nicole2814 Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 06:52PM Report as inappropriate

I love Jergens!

by lisiana_de_bem_justino Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 08:08PM Report as inappropriate

great

by Nicole2814 Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 05:24PM Report as inappropriate

I should probably upgrade my body lotion

by LittleBunny Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 03:16PM Report as inappropriate

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is my favorite on this list! Love it!

by MissXu Sunday, April 8, 2012 at 02:28PM Report as inappropriate

Love johnson's lotions!

by venenumletalis Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 09:42AM Report as inappropriate

Have tried some of these and others would love to try. Great list.

by Nicole1021 Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 01:38AM Report as inappropriate

love any and all jergens lotions!

by bianca_renee_luoni Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 06:00PM Report as inappropriate

I need more moisture than drug store lotions offer. I use Bliss Body Butters.

by powerwoman033 Monday, March 12, 2012 at 09:36PM Report as inappropriate

thanks! now i know which to buy:)

by datshhcray Monday, March 12, 2012 at 07:41PM Report as inappropriate

I always forget about Vaseline, seems to be one of the old but true brands. I'll definitely give them a try.

by mrselliott08 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 04:45PM Report as inappropriate

Definitely going to try those cocoa butter ones. They are both under 5 dollars and most people say it makes your skin radiant and glowing, which is what I want!

by peachtone Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 08:02PM Report as inappropriate

Good article! I love Aveeno always have!

by Alisunshine Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 08:50AM Report as inappropriate

This article is great- I'll definitely be purchasing two of these- I am still after a soothing sort of lotion!

by Shawnalaa Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 08:21PM Report as inappropriate

After using Lubriderm for awhile it started irritating my skin pretty badly when it originally worked so well for me.

by sportimonki13 Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 08:54PM Report as inappropriate

i have tried more than half of these lotions and i agree they work wonders

by Nicole2814 Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 04:31PM Report as inappropriate

Used a lot of moisturizing lotions. Jergens, Curel was okay for my dry skin but CeraVe is wonderful. Wanted to try Johnson's though. I love the smell of it.

by ebbsandtides Friday, December 9, 2011 at 01:49PM Report as inappropriate

I love Suave's lotions...the scents are great

by LittleBunny Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 08:30PM Report as inappropriate

Love how a lot of these are only 3 or 4 dollars

by MysticMeercat Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 09:32AM Report as inappropriate

Johnson's melt away stress lotion sounds wonderful, I'll have to try it!

by StephieRawx Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 12:58AM Report as inappropriate

Great suggestions here, especially the less expensive ones. I'm looking forward to trying the St Ives!

by tarynone Monday, October 17, 2011 at 09:24PM Report as inappropriate

I have been loving Olay's Total Effects, but the results here are interesting

by Agrimony Monday, October 3, 2011 at 11:26AM Report as inappropriate

Actually this is the first place I've found so much good lotions! I'm really interested in 5 of the above: Dove's,Eucerin's,Johnson's,Nivea's and Neutrogena's. Next trip to the drugstore I'll definitely buy at least one of these,maybe two:))

by selma Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 12:07PM Report as inappropriate

The Johnson's Melt Away Stress Body Lotion smells and feels incredible! I love to put it on just before bed. It's definitely worth a try!

by vfalkow Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 12:00PM Report as inappropriate

My all time fave is Palmer's Cocoa Butter!

by Only1KimmieD Monday, August 22, 2011 at 06:11AM Report as inappropriate

I have tried most of them, Jergens is nice, Ives whipped silk is lovely too.. Vaseline cocoa butter.. not so much. maybe i got a bad one out of the lot. I did like it before. Nivea is nice too.

by Paro Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 03:34PM Report as inappropriate

Aveeno, and Eucerin are my fave.

by MissPurple Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 10:44AM Report as inappropriate

vasilene intensive care for extra dry skin i think is the very best and according to consumers report a couple years ago it was rated top of the list.

by lynnaya Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 12:51PM Report as inappropriate

I love nivea, but what about olay body quench?

by laurie_olsbo Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 11:55AM Report as inappropriate

I love Eucerin! Aquaphor (from Eucerin) is great on really chapped areas of your body.

by LipglossandSpandex Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 10:27PM Report as inappropriate

You missed one. Fruit of the Earth Skin Cooling Aloe Vera Lotion with Naturals. It comes in a 16 oz. bottle, is made in the USA and lists Aloe Vera as the 1st ingredient. I first bought this product because it was cheap and the drug store. They were dusty and on the bottom row. I used it after a shower and have been hooked since. It has a fresh, light fragrance and makes my skin soft and smooth. I believe it will work on any type skin. And because aloe vera is the first ingredient it will sooth sun burnt skin. I highly recommend this lotion. It can be found in some discount and drug stores.

by PauletteK Friday, April 1, 2011 at 01:44AM Report as inappropriate

I've tried most of these! There are couple I would like to try but can't seem to find...

by volta Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 11:45PM Report as inappropriate

love alot of these :)

by lelalu100 Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 01:38PM Report as inappropriate

some really good ones on that list for sure!

by judyangel101 Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 06:03PM Report as inappropriate

St. Ives whipped lotion is really good but then again so are all of their lotions.

by Bon_Bon Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 06:00PM Report as inappropriate

When my skin is really dry, I mix a bit of vaseline into my st. ives intensive care lotion. Works really well!

by bailey7 Friday, February 18, 2011 at 10:49AM Report as inappropriate

I love coconut oil

by LittleBunny Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 07:21PM Report as inappropriate

Enjoyed this. There are several I have to try!

by Agrimony Friday, February 11, 2011 at 12:17AM Report as inappropriate

they forgot to mention olay body quench! thats really an amazing drugstore lotion!

by kenya Sunday, December 26, 2010 at 10:20PM Report as inappropriate

I love to rub raw cocoa butter and coconut oil on my skin. My favorite out of this list is the Eucerin though.

by pynkNymphette Friday, November 26, 2010 at 04:52PM Report as inappropriate

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