You know the struggle. You need a lotion that actually hydrates your dry skin, but you can’t stand that sticky, greasy feeling.
It’s frustrating when a product leaves your hands slick or your clothes feeling tacky. You want relief without the mess, and that’s a tough balance to find.
We tested dozens of lotions to find the best ones. Our goal was simple: find formulas that soak in fast and leave skin truly soft, not shiny.
This review is based on real use, not just claims. We’ll help you find a lotion that works hard without any annoying residue.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion | 72-Hour Moisture | PRICES |
 |
Boldly Basic Fragrance Free Lotion | Fragrance-Free Sensitive | PRICES |
 |
The Lotion Company 24 Hour Skin Therapy Lotion | 24-Hour Hydration | PRICES |
 |
Dial 7-Day Moisturizing Lotion with Shea Butter For Extra Dry Skin, 21 Ounce Bottle | 7-Day Hydration | PRICES |
 |
Cake Beauty Shea Butter Body Cream | Shea Butter Hydration | PRICES |
 |
Fragrance Free LubriSoft Moisture Lotion | Lasting Moisture | PRICES |
 |
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Hydrating Unscented Body Lotion | Vitamin B5 Enriched | PRICES |
NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion
This lotion is a powerhouse for tackling serious dryness without leaving you feeling sticky.
It’s packed with glycerin and niacinamide to provide deep, 72-hour moisture. The formula is specifically designed to soothe very dry and itchy skin effectively.
I love the convenient pump bottle, which makes it easy to use daily. It absorbs surprisingly fast, so you can get dressed almost immediately.
Pros:
👍 Provides 72 hours of deep moisture
👍 Quickly absorbs without greasy residue
👍 Soothes itchy, uncomfortable skin
👍 Comes in a handy pump bottle
👍 Contains skin-loving glycerin and Provitamin B5
Cons:
👎 The scent might be too strong for some
👎 Can feel a bit thick upon initial application
👎 Pump mechanism can sometimes clog
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to when my skin is at its driest and most irritated. It delivers serious hydration that lasts, and the non-greasy finish is a major win for everyday use.
Boldly Basic Fragrance Free Lotion
If you need serious moisture without any heavy, sticky residue, this lotion is a fantastic choice.
This Boldly Basic lotion is made specifically for dry and sensitive skin. It’s completely fragrance-free and dermatologist tested for safety. The formula is also free from common irritants like sulfates and parabens.
It absorbs into your skin incredibly quickly. You won’t be left with that greasy, slippery feeling on your hands or body.
Pros:
👍 Truly non-greasy and fast-absorbing
👍 Perfect for sensitive skin with no fragrance
👍 Dermatologist tested for safety
👍 Free of sulfates, parabens, and gluten
👍 Hypoallergenic formula
Cons:
👎 The basic packaging isn’t very exciting
👎 May not be rich enough for extremely severe dryness
👎 Only available in one size option
My Honest Opinion:
This is a no-nonsense, effective moisturizer that does exactly what it promises. I love that it hydrates my dry patches without making my skin feel slick or oily. It’s become my go-for for daily, fuss-free use.
The Lotion Company 24 Hour Skin Therapy Lotion
This lotion delivers serious hydration that lasts all day without leaving your skin feeling sticky or greasy.
It’s specially formulated for sensitive and dry skin, and it’s completely fragrance-free. I love that it provides soothing hydration that you can feel working immediately.
The texture is rich but absorbs incredibly fast. You won’t be left waiting around for it to dry before getting dressed.
Pros:
👍 Truly non-greasy formula
👍 Fragrance-free for sensitive skin
👍 Provides 24-hour hydration
👍 Absorbs quickly into skin
👍 Made in the USA
Cons:
👎 The pump bottle can be bulky for travel
👎 Some may prefer a scented option
👎 Can feel a bit thick in very humid climates
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, no-nonsense moisturizer. If you hate that greasy feeling but need powerful hydration, this lotion is a top contender.
Dial 7-Day Moisturizing Lotion with Shea Butter For Extra Dry Skin, 21 Ounce Bottle
This lotion promises a full week of hydration for extra dry skin, and it actually delivers without that heavy, greasy feeling.
It’s packed with shea butter, which is a superstar for locking in moisture. The formula is designed to provide long-lasting relief, so you don’t need to reapply constantly. I found it really helps soothe that tight, uncomfortable feeling.
The lotion has a nice, creamy texture that spreads easily. It absorbs surprisingly fast, so you can get dressed almost right away. It doesn’t leave any sticky residue on your skin or clothes.
Pros:
👍 Provides long-lasting, 7-day hydration
👍 Absorbs quickly without greasiness
👍 Contains nourishing shea butter
👍 Great value in a large 21-ounce bottle
👍 Effectively soothes extra dry, tight skin
Cons:
👎 The scent might be too strong for some
👎 The pump can be inconsistent
👎 Not the most luxurious texture compared to high-end brands
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, no-fuss workhorse lotion. If you want reliable, all-day hydration for dry skin without spending a fortune, this Dial lotion is a top contender. It does exactly what it says on the bottle.
Cake Beauty Shea Butter Body Cream
This lotion feels like a dessert for your skin, delivering deep moisture without any sticky residue.
It’s packed with shea butter and milk proteins to nourish dry skin. The formula is rich but absorbs surprisingly fast. You’ll love the sweet, vanilla-like scent that isn’t overpowering.
The texture is thick and creamy, yet it spreads easily. I found a little goes a long way, so the tube lasts. It leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, not slick or greasy.
Pros:
👍 Deeply hydrates with shea butter
👍 Absorbs quickly without greasiness
👍 Delicious, dessert-inspired scent
👍 Thick, luxurious texture
👍 A little product goes a long way
Cons:
👎 Scent might be too sweet for some
👎 Tube is smaller than some body lotions
👎 Premium price point
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic pick if you want serious hydration that feels indulgent. It truly lives up to its “not greasy” promise, making it perfect for daily use after a shower.
Fragrance Free LubriSoft Moisture Lotion
If you hate that sticky feeling after applying lotion, this fragrance-free formula is a game-changer.
LubriSoft delivers major hydration without any greasy residue. It absorbs quickly to nourish normal to dry skin. You’ll notice your skin feels softer and smoother almost instantly.
The lotion has a lightweight texture that spreads easily. It’s perfect for daily use all over your body. I found it doesn’t leave any oily film on my hands or clothes.
Pros:
👍 Truly non-greasy and fast-absorbing
👍 Fragrance-free for sensitive skin
👍 Provides major, lasting moisture
👍 Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
👍 Good value in a 16 oz bottle
Cons:
👎 Pump bottle can be less travel-friendly
👎 May not be heavy enough for extremely dry skin
👎 Simple packaging isn’t very exciting
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to daily lotion when I want hydration without the mess. It’s reliable, effective, and doesn’t irritate my skin. For the price, it’s hard to beat for basic, non-greasy moisture.
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Hydrating Unscented Body Lotion
If you want a simple, no-fuss lotion that hydrates without any greasy residue, this is a classic choice.
This Lubriderm lotion is designed for daily use on normal to dry skin. It’s packed with Vitamin B5 to help lock in moisture. The formula is both fragrance-free and non-greasy.
It absorbs incredibly quickly, so you can get dressed almost immediately. I find the texture is light and doesn’t leave a sticky film behind.
Pros:
👍 Absorbs quickly with no greasy feel
👍 Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
👍 Enriched with Vitamin B5 for hydration
👍 Trusted, dermatologist-developed brand
👍 Great value in a large 16 oz bottle
Cons:
👎 May not be rich enough for extremely dry skin
👎 The plain packaging isn’t very exciting
👎 Pump can sometimes get clogged
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to for everyday hydration. It’s reliable, affordable, and truly lives up to its non-greasy promise. You can’t go wrong with this basic, effective lotion.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Skin Type & Sensitivity
Identify if your dry skin is also sensitive or prone to irritation. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas, like Boldly Basic or The Lotion Company, are essential for reactive skin to avoid redness or itching.
Moisture Duration & Texture
Look for lotions that promise 24 to 72 hours of hydration, such as NIVEA Intense Healing. A non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture is crucial for daily use and wearing clothes comfortably right after application.
Ingredient Priorities
Key moisturizing ingredients to seek include glycerin, shea butter, and niacinamide. Avoid lotions with common irritants like sulfates, parabens, or heavy perfumes if you have sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best non-greasy lotion for extremely dry skin?
NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion is a top choice for very dry, itchy skin. It provides deep, 72-hour moisture with a blend of glycerin and Provitamin B5 without leaving a heavy residue.
Are fragrance-free lotions better for dry skin?
For sensitive or easily irritated dry skin, yes. Fragrance-free options like Boldly Basic or Lubriderm Daily Moisture minimize the risk of allergic reactions while still delivering effective hydration.
Can I use body lotion on my face?
It’s not generally recommended. Body lotions are formulated for thicker skin and may be too heavy or contain ingredients that could clog facial pores. Use a moisturizer specifically designed for the face.
How often should I apply lotion for dry skin?
For best results, apply daily after showering while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture. You may need to reapply more often with very dry skin or in harsh weather.
What’s the difference between a lotion and a cream?
Creams are typically thicker and more occlusive, ideal for very dry patches. Lotions have a higher water content, absorb faster, and are less greasy, making them better for full-body, everyday use.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For most people seeking powerful, non-greasy hydration, the NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion is the best overall pick. It tackles severe dryness for up to 72 hours. If you have sensitive skin, Boldly Basic Fragrance Free Lotion is a superb, gentle alternative. For a trusted, daily-use staple available everywhere, Lubriderm Daily Moisture remains a consistently reliable choice.
Your ideal lotion depends on your skin’s specific needs, but any of these top selections will effectively moisturize without the greasy feel.