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11 Post-Shower Lotions To Hydrate Wet & Dry Skin

by Alexa Tucker

When it comes to skin care, your mind probably jumps straight to your face. After all, there's an infinite number of steps and products you can include in your routine: cleansers, moisturizers, toners, spot treatments, you name it. However, this face focus makes it easy to forget about the rest of your skin (guilty over here). Taking care of your skin with an in-shower body lotion or an after-shower formula keeps it feeling healthy, soft, and smooth.

The body lotion you choose depends on personal preference. In-shower formulas are used like body wash, so you'll rinse it off (they're big time-savers, IMO). Wet skin formulas are used on — you guessed it — wet skin, and absorb into damp skin. Your third option is a regular body lotion, but using any product post-shower helps it also absorb better (similar to formulas designed specifically for wet skin).

Ready to recommit to body moisturizing? There are endless options out there, from budget-friendly to luxe, lighter textures to thick creams, and gradual tanning or SPF formulas. Here are 11 old classics and new favorites to fend off dryness. Once you get into the habit and start seeing results, you'll forget what your skin felt like before.

1. Olay Ultra Moisture In-Shower Body Lotion With Shea Butter

Olay Ultra Moisture In-Shower Body Lotion With Shea Butter, $11, Amazon

One of the OGs in the in-shower body lotion game, this rinse-off formula works with the humidity of your shower to hydrate skin.

2. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula With Vitamin E

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula With Vitamin E, $10, Amazon

This cult-classic formula is super rich and nourishing, so it's a great option if you shower at night and have some time to let it sink in after applying it post-shower. Plus, true to the name, it has a heavenly natural cocoa scent.

3. Curel Hydra Therapy Body Lotion

Curel Hydra Therapy Body Lotion, $15, Amazon

The formula of this brand-new product activates with the help of water on just-showered skin.

4. Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion

Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion, $15, Amazon

This upscale option includes vitamins C, E and pro vitamin B5 to give your skin an extra boost of TLC. Plus, for a ~fancy~ lotion, it won't break the bank.

5. Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer

Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer, $11, Amazon

If you're looking for a glow-boosting lotion, this gradual tanning options hydrates while building a natural-looking tan.

6. St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower

St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower, $25, Amazon

Another bronzing option, I can attest that this smells more divine than any other tanning formula you've tried, and it leaves skin smooth and soft too. At the end of your shower, turn off the water, apply, and chill for a few minutes before rinsing off.

7. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, $7, Amazon

Although this is technically a body wash, I'm a big fan of anything that takes away a step. This formula cleanses while it hydrates (plus, since it's Aveeno, you can channel your inner Jennifer Aniston).

8. Neutrogena Sheer Oil-Lotion

Neutrogena Sheer Oil-Lotion, $15, Amazon

Though nourishing and effective, full-on skin oils can be intimidating — they tend to get a little messy and takes a while to sink in (if you don't want to stain your clothes, that is). This option blends it with a lotion for an easier application, and it absorbs quickly.

9. Dove Cream Oil Intensive Body Lotion

Dove Cream Oil Intensive Body Lotion, $17, Amazon

This cream oil is a bit thicker than the Neutrogena option, but it comes with all of the skin-softening benefits that Dove is already known and loved for.

10. NIVEA In-Shower Nourishing Body Lotion

NIVEA In-Shower Nourishing Body Lotion, $6, Amazon

This rinse-off body lotion is formulated with almond oil for skin that needs some serious hydration.

11. Philosophy Fresh Cream Body Lotion With SPF 15

Philosophy Fresh Cream Body Lotion With SPF 15, $17, Nordstrom

We all know that daily SPF is a smart skincare habit, and it's beneficial for your body as well (especially if you'll be out and about with your skin exposed, or you're fair and burn easily). While actual sunscreen on your body takes the cake if you're spending a bunch of time in the sun, this formula is an everyday protection option that feels more like a lotion than a sticky sunblock.