Erica Kam/AmazonThe Beekman 1802 goat milk hand and body lotion.
The cold weather is always harsh on my skin, especially the backs of my hands, where I regularly experience eczema flare-ups. I have tested numerous hand lotions to soothe the itchy, red dryness, ranging from unscented drugstore brands to cheap scented tubes from Trader Joe's and even premium options like Kiehl's. While results have been mixed, I believe I have finally discovered a new favorite in an unexpected product: Beekman 1802's goat milk lotion.
$22 at Amazon$22 at Beekman 1802My usual go-to has been CeraVe's Therapeutic hand cream, which I still love. However, although the Beekman 1802 lotion is more expensive at $22 for a 12.5-ounce bottle, the cost per ounce is actually lower (my CeraVe lotion is over $3 per ounce, while Beekman 1802 costs less than $2 per ounce), and every cent matters when I am trying to save money.
Why Goat Milk Works
Beekman 1802's moisturizer contains goat milk, which the brand claims can balance the microbiome without irritation because the milk and your skin share a similar pH. (Beekman 1802 products are made in the USA, from a farm in Sharon Springs, New York with 100 goats, and they source milk from other U.S.-based farms as well.) I have found the lotion to be lightweight and fast-absorbing, leaving no heavy or chalky feeling after application.
This superstar ingredient works together with nourishing components like glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to keep the skin soft and hydrated. It is a hand and body lotion, so you can use it on your arms, elbows, knees, and anywhere else you experience dryness.
AmazonThe lotion's standout ingredient is goat milk, which offers numerous benefits to the skin.
Fragrance and Sensitivity
Because of my eczema and generally sensitive skin, I tend to avoid lotions with fragrance, but I decided to try the scented version and have not noticed any irritation so far. Reviewers also confirm that the scented lotion is gentle on sensitive skin, with one calling it a "holy grail."
I personally use the Honey & Orange Blossom scent, which has light citrus and gourmand notes, but there are many other options in the full Goat Milk Lotion collection, including an unscented version called "Pure" for those who prefer to avoid fragrance.
Real Results
I have reached for this lotion nearly every day, multiple times a day, while the extreme cold in New York City has wreaked havoc on my hands. In past winters, my flare-ups were severe enough to require a prescription topical cream, but since starting use of the Goat Milk Lotion in early December, I have only experienced temporary dryness that quickly resolves. For further convincing, here are some additional reviews:
- "I swear by this lotion. Not only does it smell really good, it's very moisturizing. I wash my hands a lot and they get very dry especially in winter but even in summer so I use it year-round. It lasts long and keeps you moisturized for a while between uses. The best thing is it isn't greasy. I normally hate lotion on my hands because many have a greasy finish, but this one doesn't. The only thing is I wish they sold a bigger size on Amazon." — Tiffany
- "This is the best lotion out there for the money, hands down. It's smooth and non-greasy and smells amazing—lightly floral/citrus but fine for my allergic husband. I have it in several rooms and the car and I love it!" — spay&neuter
- "This lotion should be on everyone's radar! We first tried it on a Princess cruise and it's the brand they used on board. It's fabulous! I don't remember which scent was on board but I got the unscented and it's just as fabulous. I subscribed so I'll try more scents. This is a thinner consistency with super moisturizing properties. I started with the unscented version which is excellent. This time I got the Eucalyptus & Mint which is a nice scent." — dionline88
- "This moisturizer is of great value. I have skin irritation from dryness; this product is different in a way that's not usual. After a single application, my skin is hydrated without tackiness. My hands are in water fairly constantly, and after a few rounds of water and soap, you need deep moisturizer. I'm more than satisfied." — deany
$22 at Amazon$22 at Beekman 1802For more dry skin solutions, check out these "magical" moisturizing products under $25:
La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
I can personally vouch for this cleanser, as I use it every day. It is the gentlest I have tried. My previous cleansers left my face so dry it felt like burning; not this one, which feels like a lightweight cream and leaves my face clean but hydrated. It contains ceramide-3 and niacinamide. Available in multiple sizes, with a refill pouch to save plastic and money. Promising review: "Every product from this brand works like a magic potion for my face. I have very dry and sensitive skin with rosacea. This face soap is absolutely perfect." — So good I returned to buy a second one.
$15+ at Amazon$10+ at Ulta$9+ at Target
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
This is the best CeraVe product for eczema-prone hands. It contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, dimethicone, and ceramides. Fragrance-free with National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy. Review: "I love this cream. It hydrates the hands very well, leaving the skin very soft and nourished. My hands' skin is very dry and this cream is magical." — Georgiana
$11 at Amazon$12 at Dermstore
Thayers Milky Hydrating Face Toner
This alcohol-free milky toner contains hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom for hydration. Formulated for dry and sensitive skin, providing up to 48 hours of hydration. Review: "Magical. I absolutely love this. It is more of an essence than a toner, with how hydrating it is. It's light on the skin, with a plush, pillowy feeling. No added scent, just a mild ingredient smell. The soothing feeling and moisture that sinks in is cooling and wonderful." — Ree
$15 at Amazon$15 at Ulta$15 at Target
