Looking for the best diabetic lotion? If you have diabetes, taking care of your skin is about more than simply making your skin feel soft. Dry, cracked skin can create openings where bacteria can enter. That makes good skin care an important part of overall diabetes care, especially when it comes to your feet.
But with hundreds of lotions, creams, and foot treatments available, how do you know which option is the best diabetic lotion for you?
The Best Diabetic Lotion Research
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need a product specifically labeled “diabetic.” Instead, look for moisturizers with ingredients that help restore the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and soothe dry or irritated skin.
I’ve researched highly rated options currently available on Amazon and selected 12 of the best diabetic lotions and creams to consider. Prices can change frequently on Amazon, so the prices below are approximate and should be checked before purchasing.
Also, this information is for educational purposes only, and is provided in random order. Always consult your doctor for recommendations first.
What to Look for in the best Diabetic Lotion
Before we get to the list, it’s helpful to understand what you’re looking for.
People with diabetes may experience dry skin for a variety of reasons. Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood vessels. Plus, prolonged high blood sugar levels can contribute to problems throughout the body. Diabetes-related nerve and circulation problems can also make foot care especially important.
A good moisturizer can help prevent the cycle of dry, cracked, irritated skin.
When choosing the best diabetic lotion, look for:
- Ceramides, which help support the skin barrier
- Urea, particularly for very dry, rough feet
- Glycerin, which helps attract and retain moisture
- Dimethicone, which helps protect the skin and reduce moisture loss
- Shea butter and other emollients
- Fragrance-free formulas, particularly if you have sensitive skin
- Creams and ointments for very dry areas rather than lightweight lotions
For very dry or thickened feet, urea can be especially helpful. Foot-care specialists commonly recommend products containing approximately 10–20% urea for dry diabetic feet.
Now, let’s look at some of the best options.
1. CeraVe Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream
Best overall diabetic lotion
Approximate price: $10 for 8 ounces
If you’re specifically searching for the best diabetic lotion in general, CeraVe Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream is one of the first products I’d consider.
This cream was specifically developed for people experiencing dry skin associated with diabetes. Its formula includes ceramides and other moisturizing ingredients designed to help restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier.
It’s a particularly good choice if you want one product that can be used on multiple dry skin areas, rather than purchasing separate products for your hands, arms, legs, and feet.
CeraVe is also developed with dermatologists, and the product has earned strong consumer ratings. One current product listing shows a 4.8-star rating (with 6,500+ ratings).
Best for: Everyday moisturizing and people looking for an all-purpose diabetic moisturizer.
2. Gold Bond Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Lotion
Best budget-friendly body lotion
Approximate price: $13 for 21 oz.
Gold Bond has created one of the most recognizable products specifically marketed for diabetic dry skin.
Gold Bond Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Lotion contains seven intensive moisturizers, three vitamins, and aloe. The formula is designed to moisturize dry, flaky skin without leaving you feeling excessively greasy.
This is a particularly good choice if you need lotion for large areas of your body. A larger bottle also makes it easier to use consistently. That’s important because the best moisturizer isn’t very helpful if it sits unused in the bathroom cabinet. (Ask me how I know!)
Current product listings show ratings around 4.7 stars, with thousands of reviews.
Best for: Affordable everyday body moisturizing.
3. Gold Bond Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Foot Cream
Best diabetic foot cream
Approximate price: $13 for 3.4 oz.
When it comes to diabetic foot creams, Gold Bond’s Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Foot Cream is definitely worth a look.
This foot-specific formula contains dimethicone and petrolatum, which help create a protective layer over dry skin. It also contains multiple moisturizers and vitamins. So this is a good option if your primary concern is dry feet, rough heels, or skin that tends to become dry and flaky.
Current listings show approximately 4.7 stars with 6,000+ reviews.
Best for: Daily diabetic foot care and very dry feet.
BONUS: WHAT IS A DIABETIC PEDICURE (and why is it safer)?
4. O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream
Best for extremely dry, cracked feet
Approximate price: $10 for 3.2 oz.
O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet has developed a reputation for tackling extremely dry, rough, cracked feet. This concentrated formula is designed to increase moisture and create a protective barrier. O’Keeffe’s specifically describes the product as being appropriate for skin affected by diabetes.
It’s also fragrance-free and non-greasy, making it appealing to people who don’t like the heavy feeling that comes with some foot creams.
Current listings show approximately 4.6 stars with 90,000+ reviews.
Best for: Severely dry or cracked heels and feet.
5. Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream
Best urea-based foot cream
Approximate price: $10 for 3 oz.
If your feet are rough, thick, or particularly dry, consider Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream.
Its standout ingredient is 10% urea, along with ceramides and natural moisturizing factors. Urea is particularly useful for helping soften rough, dry skin while also providing hydration.
The formula is fragrance-free and designed for dry-to-very-dry skin. Amazon’s current product listing shows a 4.6-star rating.
Best for: Rough heels, thickened skin, and very dry feet.
6. Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
Best for very dry skin
Approximate price: $15 for 16 oz.
You don’t necessarily need a product labeled “diabetic” to find an excellent moisturizer.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream is a good example. It contains 5% urea, ceramides, and natural moisturizing factors, making it particularly useful for dry-to-very-dry skin.
This makes it a good option for legs, arms, elbows, hands, and other dry skin areas. It’s also fragrance-free, which is helpful if you’re prone to skin irritation or have sensitive skin.
Best for: Very dry skin throughout the body.
7. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Best dermatologist-style all-purpose moisturizer
Approximate price: $16 for 16 oz.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is not specifically marketed as a diabetic product, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an excellent option. The formula contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid and is designed to help restore the skin barrier.
It’s especially appealing if you want one basic moisturizer for your entire body rather than a collection of specialized products.
Dermatology experts frequently recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Cream as an effective, affordable moisturizer for dry skin.
Best for: Everyday whole-body moisturizing.
8. CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion
Best for intensely dry skin
Approximate price: $24 for 16 oz.
CeraVe’s Intensive Moisturizing Lotion is another interesting choice for people who need more than a lightweight lotion.
The formula combines Hydro-Urea, three essential ceramides, MVE technology, and shea butter. The combination is designed to provide intensive hydration while supporting the skin barrier.
The addition of shea butter makes this particularly appealing if you prefer a richer moisturizer.
Best for: Very dry body skin and people who prefer a richer lotion.
9. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Best protective ointment
Approximate price: $19 for 14 oz.
Technically, Aquaphor is an ointment rather than a lotion, but that is exactly why it deserves a place on this list.
Petrolatum-based ointments can create an occlusive layer that helps prevent moisture from escaping. This can be particularly useful on extremely dry spots such as heels, elbows, and hands.
Aquaphor is best thought of as a moisture-locking product, rather than simply a lotion that adds hydration.
One important caution: don’t routinely coat the spaces between your toes with heavy ointment. Excess moisture between the toes can create an environment where fungal infections can develop.
Best for: Sealing in moisture on extremely dry areas.
10. Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
Best for sensitive or itchy skin
Approximate price: $10–$15, depending on size
If your biggest problem is itchy skin as well as dryness, Aveeno Skin Relief is worth considering.
This type of moisturizer is designed for dry, sensitive skin and contains soothing moisturizing ingredients. Colloidal oatmeal is particularly well known for helping soothe dry, irritated skin.
If you have sensitive skin, choosing a fragrance-free product can help reduce the likelihood of additional skin irritation.
And if you have already irritated skin, remember that adding more products isn’t always better. A simple, gentle moisturizer may be preferable to a complicated routine containing numerous active ingredients.
Best for: Dry, itchy, sensitive skin.
11. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Best for sensitive skin
Approximate price: $10–$17, depending on size
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is another excellent option for people who want a simple, dependable moisturizer without buying a product specifically marketed toward diabetes.
It’s particularly appealing for people with sensitive skin who want a basic moisturizer they can use regularly.
A simple formula like this may be preferable when your skin is prone to allergic reactions, irritation, or other skin conditions.
This is a great product to consider if you want a moisturizer for everyday use rather than a specialized foot treatment.
Best for: Sensitive skin and everyday moisturizing.
12. Flexitol Heel Balm
Best for severely cracked heels
Approximate price: $14 for 4 oz.
If your biggest problem is cracked heels, look for a product specifically formulated for that purpose.
Flexitol Heel Balm is known for its 25% urea formula. That makes it a more intensive treatment than an ordinary body lotion.
The high concentration of urea can help soften thickened, rough skin while providing significant moisture.
However, because this is a concentrated foot treatment, I would use it specifically according to the product directions rather than assuming that a higher percentage of an active ingredient is always better.
Best for: Very rough, thickened, or cracked heels.
What About Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil in the best diabetic lotion?
When you’re searching for the best diabetic lotion, you may come across plenty of recommendations for natural ingredients such as cocoa butter and coconut oil.
Both can be useful emollients for dry skin. Cocoa butter can help soften the skin, while coconut oil can help reduce moisture loss.
But don’t assume that “natural” automatically means “better.”
A fragrance-free moisturizer containing ceramides or urea may be a better choice than a heavily fragranced lotion containing cocoa butter or coconut oil.
Likewise, shea butter can be an excellent moisturizing ingredient. In fact, some of the products above combine shea butter with ingredients specifically designed to support the skin barrier. CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion, for example, combines shea butter with Hydro-Urea and ceramides.
The important thing is the whole formula, not just one ingredient.
How Diabetes Can Affect Your Skin
Why does skin care matter so much when you have diabetes?
Persistently elevated blood glucose can contribute to complications involving nerves and blood vessels. Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, which is one reason foot care deserves special attention.
Poor blood circulation and nerve damage can make it harder for some people with diabetes to notice or heal injuries.
That doesn’t mean every person with diabetes is destined to have foot problems. It does, however, mean that prevention is worthwhile.
Keeping your skin moisturized can help prevent painful cracks from developing. Regularly checking your feet can also help you notice problems before they become serious.
Lotion Isn’t a Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
This is an important distinction.
A moisturizer can help prevent dry, cracked skin. But if you already have a wound, open sore, infection, or suspected diabetic foot ulcers, don’t simply cover the area with lotion and hope it improves.
Diabetic foot wounds deserve medical attention.
Likewise, moisturizer won’t treat an infection. If you notice redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, a persistent rash, or other signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider.
And if you have numbness or neuropathy, be especially cautious about products marketed as a pain cream or treatments that create heating or cooling sensations. You may not be able to accurately feel how strongly a product is affecting your skin.
How to Use Diabetic Lotion
Even the best diabetic lotion won’t do much if you only use it once in a while.
For everyday skin care:
- Take a shower or bath using warm rather than very hot water.
- Pat your skin dry instead of vigorously rubbing it.
- Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.
- Pay particular attention to your legs, arms, elbows, hands, and heels.
- Apply foot cream to the tops and bottoms of your feet and your heels.
- Avoid putting moisturizer between your toes.
- Check your feet regularly for cracks, blisters, redness, cuts, or other changes.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends moisturizing dry skin and specifically notes that people with diabetes should moisturize their feet while avoiding the areas between the toes.
So, What Is the Best Diabetic Lotion?
If you want my short list, I’d break it down this way:
Best overall: CeraVe Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream
Budget-friendly option: Gold Bond Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Lotion
Best for feet: Gold Bond Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Foot Cream
Great for extremely dry, cracked feet: O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet
Best urea foot cream: Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream
For very dry body skin: Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
Best for sensitive skin: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Ideal for itchy, sensitive skin: Aveeno Skin Relief
Best intensive heel treatment: Flexitol Heel Balm
The important thing is that there isn’t one magical product that qualifies as the best diabetic lotion for everybody. The best choice depends on whether you’re dealing with mild everyday dryness, extremely dry skin, rough heels, cracked feet, itchy skin, or sensitive skin.
And remember: healthy skin care is only one part of diabetes foot care. Keeping your blood glucose in your target range, checking your feet regularly, wearing properly fitting shoes, and talking with your healthcare team about any concerning changes are all important parts of protecting your feet.
Prices and availability on Amazon change frequently. Check the current Amazon listing before purchasing, and always follow the product’s directions.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. If you have an open wound, suspected infection, diabetic foot ulcer, significant swelling, redness, drainage, or a foot injury that isn’t healing, contact your healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor first.
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