Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream, 16 oz

Why it's worth it

A hyaluronic acid gel-cream that absorbs almost instantly and leaves nothing behind. It's the right call if thick creams feel suffocating, or if you live somewhere humid and still deal with dry skin.

Some people just won't wear a heavy cream, and that's the problem this solves. Hyaluronic acid can bind up to a thousand times its weight in water, which is why a formula this light can still hydrate meaningfully. The gel-cream texture sinks in fast enough that you can get dressed right after. Owners who normally hate the feeling of lotion — and therefore skip it — tend to keep using this one.

It's a strong pick for humid climates. In a Gulf Coast summer, a rich occlusive cream feels like plastic wrap, but skin can still be dry from air conditioning and long showers. A humectant-led gel-cream adds water without the seal. It's oil-free, dye-free, paraben-free and free of drying alcohols, and Neutrogena lists it as dermatologist-tested for normal to dry skin.

From our review of 8 body lotions for dry skin, by Sarah Wright, Editorial Associate

What we like

• +Some people just won't wear a heavy cream, and that's the problem this solves
• +It's a strong pick for humid climates
• +It also works well as a hand lotion for people who wash constantly

What to know

• –It's the least suited pick here for severely dry or cracked skin
• –It absorbs fast, but not instantly, and a few owners expecting a dry-touch finish found it takes a minute