Applying a moisturizing product immediately after showering is one of the most tried-and-true ways to keep skin hydrated and healthy. In fact, in 2022, CeraVe asked more than 50 dermatologists across 23 countries for their number-one body skin-care tip, and 96 percent said moisturizing after the shower while skin is still damp.
Over the past year, a wave of launches has taken this advice a step further by bringing hydrating products directly into the shower. As someone who doesn’t love—and often skips—applying moisturizer, adding these formulas to my shower routine has completely changed my skin without adding another step to my regimen. From balms to oils, these innovative products are meant to be applied the moment you turn the shower off, while skin is still wet, before you towel off, helping lock in moisture.
1 / 9
This body oil balm, launched last fall, helped my dry skin get through the winter. It melts on contact with wet skin, both trapping and adding moisture. The Vanilla Verve scent is cozy and sexy at once, leaving me feeling confident and hydrated post-shower in a way other hydrators haven’t.
BUY ON CYKLAR - $29
BUY ON SEPHORA - $29
2 / 9
If a balm sounds too thick, this lightweight serum is a great option. Launched this past summer, it feels fresh and weightless on the skin, making it especially appealing in warmer months. In addition to supporting the moisture barrier, it also helps firm skin and boost elasticity.
BUY ON SALTAIR - $23
BUY ON AMAZON - $23
3 / 9
This in-shower body balm makes hydrating skin quick, easy and sensorially satisfying. It comes in Sparkling Palmarosa and Fragrance-Free, the latter of which is accepted by the National Eczema Association, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin types. The reviews are impressively passionate for a reason—it leaves skin remarkably hydrated and glowy.
BUY ON AMAZON - $37
BUY ON HANNI - $37
4 / 9
We love how silky, smooth, and deeply hydrated this Amazon Rainforest-sourced, Brazil-nut–based formula leaves our skin. It can be applied to wet skin post-shower or used as a bath oil, so you can really soak it in while enjoying a bath.
BUY NOW - $27
5 / 9
Last year, Pai Skincare launched the Gentle Genius Barrier Care line, with this wet-skin moisturizer as the second step in the Soak & Seal System. It promises to keep skin hydrated for up to 12 hours, so if you apply it after every shower, you’ll always be well moisturized.
BUY ON CREDO - $49
BUY ON DERMSTORE - $49
6 / 9
This past fall, luxe bathing brand BAINA added a body-care line to its portfolio—and it’s as chic as you’d hope. The formula hydrates and softens skin while offering aromatherapy benefits that promote a calm, grounded feeling.
BUY NOW - $59
7 / 9
Well before the recent trend, NIVEA was ahead of the game with this in-shower body lotion. With more than 13,800 five-star reviews on Amazon and a price tag under $10, you can’t go wrong with this drugstore classic.
BUY NOW - $8
8 / 9
Another classic, Jergens’ Weightless Wet Skin Moisturizer has been around for more than a decade. If you’re looking for a subtle sun-kissed look, Jergens also offers the Natural Glow ($13) line, which contains self-tanner, packing multiple skin-care steps into one quick application.
BUY ON AMAZON - $11
BUY ON CVS - $12
9 / 9
This water-activated, serum-meets-oil formula melts into skin immediately. “I almost can’t live without this serum. It’s my bedtime ritual when I get out of the shower. I smell amazing, my pillows smell amazing and my skin stays hydrated all year, even in the winter,” writes one user.
BUY ON AMAZON - $28
BUY ON KORRES - $32
