The 6 Best Lotions for Smoothing Rough Skin

Smooth Rough Skin With These Skin Softening Creams

If you struggle with dry cracked, roughened and sensitized skin, a good quality skin softener will provide both relief and confidence. But finding the product that will work best for your skin can involve a lot of trial and error. Buyer Beware: The most expensive formulations may not always provide the results you expect.

Here we review 5 of the leading skin softening lotions all of which are widely available.

1. AmLactin Ultra Smoothing Intensely Hydrating Cream (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 Stars)

Heals severely dry areas Smooths, Repairs, Softens Advanced ultraplex formula Thick, rick cream for persistently rough, dry areas like feet, elbows, etc. Fragrance free and nongreasy

This thick cream is used to heal severely dry and flaky skin. It is made from a combination of lactic acid, emollients and humectants which work together to exfoliate, soften and moisturize the skin. I love this product. It works well to soften skin, doesn’t leave a film over the skin and does a great job on moisturizing.  Lots of active ingredients working together to get the job done. However, this cream can sting areas of broken skin and increase UV sensitivity so sunscreen is advised when using this product. It is available for around $14 for a 4.9 oz tube.

2. Gold Bond Rough & Bumpy (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 Stars)

About the product DAILY MOISTURIZING THERAPY FOR ROUGH SKIN: Rough, bumpy skin can be hard to care for and difficult to moisturize. When used as part of your daily skin care routine, Rough & Bumpy Skin Cream can help to smooth, soften, and reduce the appearance of bumps. SMOOTHS & SOFTENS ROUGH SKIN: Gold Bond's Rough & Bumpy Daily Skin Therapy helps skin feel & look smoother & softer. Great for thighs, back of arms, back, & buttocks. It may help reduce the appearance & roughness associated with KP (Keratosis Pilaris). GOLD BOND SKIN CARE: Gold Bond is known not just for powder, but for a variety of medicated & non-medicated body powders, skin creams, & ointments. Since 1908, Gold Bond Powder has been providing comfort, soothing relief, & skincare to adults & children. A WELL ROUNDED MEDICINE CABINET: When you or a family member is in pain, sick, hurt, or just generally feeling under the weather, you don’t want to run to the pharmacy. A well stocked home medicine cabinet helps ensure relief is at hand when you need it. COMPARE TO OTHER POWDERS & CREAMS: Compare to products from brands like Mexsana, Caldesene, Assured Body Powder, Johnson's, Ammens, Salubrex, Puriya, Terrasil, Thena, Theraworx, Flexitol, Skin Clinical, CeraVe, Honeyskin, Baebody, Aquaphor, & Dermarest.
If you are struggling with rough and bumpy skin the formulation of Gold Bond Rough and Bumpy is targeted to smooth and lessen the appearance of bumps. Its 8 intensive moisturizers include a blend of alpha (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) along with Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) which work together to exfoliate, penetrate and clear follicles and reduce skin inflammation.

Price averages $18 for an 8 oz jar from a variety of vendors. It is fragrance free and users appreciate that it is non-greasy. I personally didn’t like it. While it DID smooth out rough patches, it felt like there was a film over your skin. Even still, it DOES work which is why I gave it 4 stars. However, it is generally well reviewed online with users with ketosis piliaris (KP) reporting notable improvement in many cases and certainly the price is right. On the other hand, some have reported that it possess a strong odor.

3. Epaderm(⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars)

About the product EPADERM OINTMENT 1000G - TUB ECZEMA, PSORIASIS AND OTHER DRY SKIN CONDITIONS-3 IN 1 EMOLLIENT, BATH ADDITIVE AND SKIN CLEANSER - 1 KG

This Swedish manufactured 2-in-1 emollient and skin cleanser is well favored by people of all ages with eczema, psoriasis and generally thickened and dry skin. One of its key benefits is that it can be used to both to cleanse skin and scalp and moisturize. It can also be used as a bath additive. Epaderm’s main ingredients are emulsifying wax and yellow soft paraffin which leave a comforting layer on the skin that retains moisture hours after use. While I like how this product feels on my skin, it doesn’t actually have any ‘active’ ingredients to remove rough patchy skin. Other people like it because it’s fragrance and color free but some users find it greasy with the potential to stain clothing and bedding. Epaderm can be found at a wide range of retails for approximately $20 per 500g

4. Eucerin Advance Repair Cream (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 Stars)

About the product Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream is a breakthrough in repairing very dry skin and provides 48 hour moisture, for skin that looks and feels healthy Ceramide 3 and Natural Moisturizing Factors Enriched Repairs very dry skin Fragrance and dye free Non-greasy, fast absorbing Dermatologist Recommended Brand

Retailing at a cost effective $6 for a 4oz jar, Eucerin cream has been a staple for dry skin conditions for decades. Formulated with
ceramides, this rather thick cream it works well for softening especially dry and sensitive skin. I love it because it’s fragrance free. Some people find the cream too thick and difficult to apply but generally report skin soothing and softening with ongoing use. I love the thickness of this cream.

5. Vanicream (⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars)

Free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde Dermatologist Tested Can be used as a night cream, for massage, and as a daily moisturizing cream for face, hands, and body Awarded seal of acceptance from the national eczema association Please note there are no fragrances or masking fragrances in Vanicream products. There may be a slightly different aroma to each batch

Vanicream stands out as an all-purpose rich and creamy moisturizer that has a variety of uses including daily facial moisturizing and after-sun. Eczema and psoriasis users have reported improvement of their symptoms with use. This is an all around good cream for sensitive skin. I don’t think it’s as effective as some for getting rid of ‘bumpy’ skin but certainly for people with skin sensitivities this one works well. Though thick, Vanicream is non-greasy and is readily absorbed into skin.It is also fragrance free. A 16oz pump dispenser jar is $20 from a variety of retailers.

6. Aquaphor Healing Ointment (⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars)

About the product One essential solution for many skincare needs Chapped lips, dry hands and cuticles, cracked heels and feet, friction and minor burns Different from a lotion or cream, this multi-purpose ointment protects, helps and soothes to restore smooth, healthy skin 14 oz. Jar is the ideal size for the whole family Preservative and fragrance free, Dermatologist Recommended Brand

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a popular choice as a medicated preparation for healing dry, cracked skin, chapped lips, diaper rash, cuts and minor burns. Made by Eucerin, this ointment is formulated with petrolatum as well as mineral oil, lanolin and glycerin for deep moisturizing. It is suitable for all the family and retails for $16 for a 14oz jar.