Winter might mean cosy sweaters and hot chocolate, but it also brings with it the less-fun duo: dry skin and flaky patches that no moisturiser can fix. Between the cold, outdoor wind biting your ears and the blasting heaters indoors, your skin is basically sandwiched between two moisture-zapping extremes. But you don’t need to resign yourself to looking like a dehydrated berry. From rich body butters that feel like a wholesome hug to innovative bath formulations that multitask like pros, we’ve put together a list of 10 bath and body picks that will keep your skin happy, hydrated and cold-weather-ready.
Think of this as the overachiever of body creams; the multitasker that not only moisturises but also improves your skin while at it. Powered by ceramide complex, retinol, hyaluronic and salicylic acids, it gently buffs away dead skin cells and rough texture while injecting your skin with hydration. This makes it an absolute life-saver for those bumpy patches on your arms, stubborn dry patches on elbows and knees and the strawberry skin that doesn’t seem to go away. The formula strikes the perfect balance between treating and soothing, so you’re not picking a side; you’re getting the best of both worlds.
“I’ve always been a fan of French pharmacy finds because of their no-fuss, result-oriented formulas—and honestly, this one’s no different. It hydrates my dry cheeks while controlling the oiliness in my T-zone. I love how gentle and nourishing this cream feels. It has also made my skin more resistant to flare-ups over time. I use it on my face and neck, and often on my hands too when they’re feeling a little too dry. It also works great under makeup and preps my skin well.”
Fast-absorbing yet rich, this French favourite nourishes dry skin from the very first use. Infused with niacinamide, ceramides and omegas, it helps restore balance without leaving any residue. Whether you’re building your first routine or upgrading your winter kit, this one offers lasting comfort with a velvet-soft finish.
There’s a reason dermats wax poetic about Bioderma. It’s packed with niacinamide, ceramides and omega fatty acids that work together to repair your skin’s barrier, the first to get damaged in bone-chilling weather. The texture is rich without feeling oily, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so all skin types can slather it on with abandon. One application gives you up to 24 hours of hydration, which means you can go all day without having to reapply between work breaks. That spells a win.
When your skin has crossed over from dry to desperately parched and possibly waging war at this point, this is the holy grail you reach for. It’s an ultra-rich body lotion that doesn’t joke around. Infused with 15% shea butter, natural honey and apricot oil, the lotion nourishes, calms and strengthens your skin barrier. If you’ve ever experienced the tight, itchy feeling that makes you want to crawl out of your skin, this body lotion stops it in its tracks. The brand (iconic before social media) didn’t go viral for no reason.
Not everyone wants to feel like they’ve worn another winter layer in the form of lotion. And if you’re one of them, this daily body lotion is your perfect vanity partner. It’s loaded with 99% pure glycerin to lock in moisture—and the texture is surprisingly lightweight. It sinks in almost immediately, leaving your skin plump and bouncy without the greasy feeling. It’s great for daily use when you don’t have a lot of time to wait around for the product to absorb.
Here’s the thing: you can’t lather on a moisture fortress if you’re tearing it down in the shower first. Regular soaps strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving you starting from a deficit before you even reach for your body cream. This rich, soap-free cleanser repairs the damage. It’s enriched with colloidal oatmeal and rich emollients that help preserve moisture while cleansing. Think of it as the opening act, setting the tone for your moisturiser.
For skin that looks tighter and brighter, head right this away. Sol de Janeiro bottles the best-kept beauty secrets in this widely loved cream that encourages you to show your butt some love in your bodycare routine. Designed to be used across the body, this formula has its sights set on tightening any appearance of sagging skin across the bum, thighs and other areas of the body—in case that’s what you’re looking for.
This cult-favourite body cream has reigned supreme on the internet for good reason—and it’s not just the addictive pistachio-vanilla fragrance (though it smells divine). The formula is packed with antioxidant-rich açaí oil and selenium-packed Brazil nut oil, which helps visibly firm and smoothen the skin while making it plump and hydrated. The texture is rich but absorbs beautifully, making it perfect for winter when you need something substantial but still wearable.
This French beauty fave is formulated with almond oil, grape seed oil, and other ingredients that are gentle on the skin. It's designed to cleanse, moisturise, and soften the skin for a luminous finish. Almond oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, providing intense hydration and nourishment to the skin. It can help to maintain the skin's moisture balance, leaving it feeling silky smooth and conditioned. It is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, if you have a known allergy to nuts, particularly almonds, it's best to avoid it.
Another internet-favourite, this body oil transforms into a milky lather when it hits water, cleansing gently while delivering nourishing almond oil deep into your skin. Think of it as a cleansing and moisturising multitasker. You’ll step out of the shower with skin that feels soft and comfortable, not squeaky and tight. The subtle, sweet almond scent is almost spa-like, turning your shower into an indulgence.
Face oils can be game-changers in a minimal routine—especially when they multitask. This Ayurvedic blend combines turmeric, sesame oil, gooseberry, and vetiver to hydrate, brighten, and soothe skin in one go. It’s designed to improve uneven tone and reduce signs of sun damage (think lingering tan or dark spots), all while nourishing your skin barrier. Nalpamaradi oil also helps calm inflammation and improve overall skin health. Use it a few nights a week, or as a weekly treat—it’s especially lovely during drier months or when your skin feels stressed. It doubles as a body oil, making it great value for money.
If you’re looking to elevate your bodycare routine with something holistic and Ayurvedic, your search ends here. Enriched with sesame oil, turmeric, gooseberry and vetiver, this treatment oil delivers intense hydration while wrapping you in a fragrance that’s sophisticated and not overpowering. The formula is smooth and buttery and glides onto the skin seamlessly—drawing on centuries-old Ayurvedic wisdom to nourish and soften even the driest cold-weather skin. It’s the kind of product that makes you slow down and enjoy the act of moisturising.
Don’t underestimate a drugstore hero. Your mom has always had this on her vanity for a reason. It’s formulated with deep moisture serum as well as almond oil to provide 48-hour deep moisture for dry skin. The texture is milk-like, lighter than traditional cream, but still delivers serious hydration. It absorbs quickly—just a few swipes and you’re good—which makes it perfect for mornings when you don’t have time to wait for your lotion to sink in. The subtle, universally appealing scent is the epitome of clean; and the price point makes for a generous lather.
This multitasking lotion combines chemical exfoliation, hydration and brightening. With 10% AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and 1% salicylic acid, it helps with everything from rough skin to acne and pigmentation. Niacinamide soothes and supports your skin barrier. Despite the active ingredients, it’s fragrance-free, lightweight and absorbs easily with no greasy feel. Use on areas prone to texture, dullness or breakouts—like your back, shoulders or legs. Works best post-shower or before bed, giving your skin time to renew overnight.
This one works overnight while you sleep, to ease away any rough patches or bumps. The 10% AHA gently exfoliates the skin, while the 1% BHA dips deep into the pores to clear out any comedones. Niacinamide joins the army as the calm sergeant fighting anti-inflammation and regulating oil production. It’s perfect for those looking to tackle keratosis pilaris (aka strawberry skin), ingrown hairs or generally bumpy skin that requires some extra TLC.
This homegrown brand has been making waves in the beauty industry for its incredible formulations. The body lotion is formulated with 10% AHA and 1% BHA to smoothen skin texture and nourish parched skin. The creamy consistency is perfect for the really dry winter days when your skin needs all the help it can get. Plus, it works multi-duty—to reduce the appearance of acne and bumps while also removing dead skin cells and improving your skin texture. A little goes a long way with this one; it’s substantial enough to tackle even the driest of patches without leaving a tacky feeling on your skin.

