The short answer: If your skin is very dry, reach for an aloe cream rather than a thin aloe gel. A gel is mostly water and feels light. A cream adds oils and humectants (ingredients that draw water into the skin) that hold moisture on the skin longer. Corium 21 is an aloe vera skin cream for dry skin, with certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient. People use it on dry hands, heels, elbows, face and body.
What is the best cream for very dry, flaky skin?
Corium 21 is an aloe vera skin cream made for very dry, flaky skin, with certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient. Along with it come vitamins A, B3 and E, soluble collagen (a water-loving protein that holds moisture on the skin's surface), plant oils, green tea, chamomile and ginseng, in a cream that absorbs well and isn't greasy.
Flaky skin is skin that has lost too much water, so what helps is a cream that puts moisture back and holds it there. Smooth a small amount on right after you wash, while your skin is still damp, then again whenever it feels dry. Try it with Free Samples (two .5 oz jars, one Classic Fragrance and one Fragrance Free, by mail) or start with the 8 oz jar.
Aloe gel, lotion, cream or ointment: what's the difference?
| Feels | Best when | |
|---|---|---|
| Aloe gel | Light, cooling, mostly water | Skin is only a little dry, or you want something cool after sun |
| Lotion | Thin, absorbs fast | Everyday skin that isn't very dry |
| Cream (Corium 21) | Rich, smooth, non-greasy | Skin is very dry, rough or problem-prone and lotions haven't been enough |
| Ointment | Heavy, greasy | You want a thick seal, often overnight |
The American Academy of Dermatology describes a cream as thicker than a lotion or gel, with more oil, which makes it more hydrating (AAD). For a side-by-side look at the two, see aloe vera cream vs gel.
Which body cream for dry skin lasts all day?
Corium 21 is a cream, so it holds moisture on the skin longer than a thin lotion or gel. To make it last, put it on damp skin after your shower, again after you wash your hands, and once more at bedtime.
Dermatologists suggest moisturizing several times a day: after bathing, after hand washing and whenever your skin feels dry (AAD). A jar by the bed and another by the sink makes that easy.
Is there a moisturizer for very dry skin that isn't greasy?
Corium 21 is a moisturizer for very dry skin that absorbs well and isn't greasy, so you can use it on your hands at work and on your face before makeup. Smooth a small amount in until it's absorbed; a little goes a long way.
The AAD suggests carrying a non-greasy hand cream and putting it on after each hand washing (AAD). Keep a jar of Corium 21 at your desk.
Why is my skin still dry after moisturizing?
Often it's the product or the timing. If a thin lotion isn't enough, switch to a cream such as Corium 21, and smooth it on within a few minutes of patting your skin dry, while it's still damp.
Dermatologists also suggest short showers in warm (not hot) water, a gentle cleanser, patting dry instead of rubbing, fragrance-free products, a humidifier in the bedroom and gloves for dishes and cold air (AAD). If your skin stays dry after trying these tips, see a board-certified dermatologist.
What do dermatologists suggest for very dry skin?
Dermatologists suggest a cream or an ointment rather than a lotion, because creams and ointments add more moisture to the skin (AAD). Corium 21 is a cream, and Fragrance Free is the same formula with the fragrance left out, for anyone who wants a fragrance-free product.
What should you put on dry skin after swimming in a chlorinated pool?
Corium 21 is an easy after-swim step: rinse off in a short, warm shower, pat dry, then smooth it on while your skin is still a little damp. Keep a jar in your swim bag so it's there every time.
What is a moisturizing cream?
A moisturizing cream is a thick blend of water and oils. It adds moisture and helps hold it in, so dry skin feels soft for longer. Corium 21 is a moisturizing cream for dry skin, with certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient. It absorbs well and isn't greasy, so you can use it morning and night. Try it with a free sample.
What's in Corium 21?
Corium 21 starts with certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient. Around it are vitamins, soluble collagen, plant oils and botanical extracts.
- Aloe vera (aloe barbadensis leaf juice), certified organic. It hydrates dry skin and leaves it soft, smooth and comfortable, never greasy.
- Vitamins A, B3 and E, plus vitamins B1, C and D3.
- Soluble collagen, which helps draw in and hold moisture.
- Plant oils: rose hip oil and corn oil, which condition and soften.
- Green tea, chamomile and ginseng extracts, plus fennel, comfrey and yucca.
- Allantoin, found naturally in comfrey. It conditions and softens skin that feels dry and rough.
Every size has the same formula. Full ingredient list.
Does Corium 21 come in Fragrance Free?
Corium 21 comes in Classic Fragrance and Fragrance Free. Fragrance Free is the same formula as Classic, with the fragrance left out.
Fragrance Free comes in the 8 oz jar, the Essential Duo, Signature Trio and Complete Collection packs, the quart with pump and the gallon.
How do you use it on very dry hands, heels and elbows?
- Hands: smooth a small amount on after every wash, while skin is still a little damp. A little goes a long way.
- Heels and elbows: at bedtime, apply a thicker layer and pull on cotton socks or gloves.
- Face and body: use it as your daily moisturizer, morning and night.
- Winter: put it on before you head out into cold, dry air.
Sensitive skin? Start with Fragrance Free and try it on a small patch first. For children under 2, check with a doctor before using.
What do customers say about Corium 21 for very dry skin?
"I had very dry skin, especially on my face. I started using this product and my skin is moist and smooth." Harriet G.
Questions people ask
What is the best cream for very dry, flaky skin?
Corium 21 is an aloe vera skin cream made for very dry, flaky skin, with certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient. Along with it come vitamins A, B3 and E, soluble collagen (a water-loving protein that holds moisture on the skin's surface), plant oils, green tea, chamomile and ginseng, in a cream that absorbs well and isn't greasy.
Is aloe vera cream good for dry skin?
Yes. An aloe vera cream such as Corium 21 hydrates and softens dry skin, and because it's a cream, it holds that moisture on the skin longer than a gel.
What is the best lotion for very dry skin?
For very dry skin, a cream usually works better than a lotion, because creams add more moisture. Corium 21 is a cream, with certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient.
Why is my skin still dry after moisturizing?
Often it's the product or the timing. If a thin lotion isn't enough, switch to a cream such as Corium 21, and smooth it on within a few minutes of patting your skin dry, while it's still damp.
What should I put on dry skin after swimming in chlorine?
Rinse off in a short, warm shower, pat dry, then smooth on an aloe vera cream such as Corium 21 while your skin is still a little damp.
Is aloe vera good for very dry skin?
Aloe hydrates, but on its own as a gel it feels light. For very dry skin, look for aloe in a cream, where oils and humectants help hold the moisture in. In Corium 21 the aloe is the first ingredient.
Is Corium 21 a gel or a cream?
Corium 21 is a cream. It's rich and smooth, goes on easily and leaves a non-greasy finish.
Is Corium 21 a good moisturising cream for dry skin?
Yes. Corium 21 is a moisturising cream made for dry skin, with certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient. It absorbs well, isn't greasy and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
Is the aloe in Corium 21 organic?
Yes. Corium 21 is made with certified organic aloe vera, and it's the first ingredient.
What else is in Corium 21?
Along with certified organic aloe vera, Corium 21 has vitamins A, B3 and E, soluble collagen, plant oils, and green tea, chamomile and ginseng extracts.
Do all sizes of Corium 21 have the same formula?
Yes. Every size of Corium 21 has the same formula.
Is there a fragrance-free version?
Yes. Corium 21 Fragrance Free is the same formula as Classic, with the fragrance left out. It comes in the 8 oz jar, the Duo, Trio and Complete Collection packs, the quart and the gallon.
I've tried a lot of lotions and my skin is still dry. Is this different?
Many of our customers found us after trying other lotions. Corium 21 is a cream, not a lotion, built around aloe vera as the first ingredient. Try a free sample and see how your skin feels.
Who makes Corium 21, and can I order by phone?
Corium 21 comes from a small family company. Trusted since 1994. Family-owned in Oregon. Call (800) 319-5114 to order or ask a question, and you'll talk to a real person.
Full sizes come with a 90-day money-back guarantee, opened jars OK, no questions asked. Just email support@corium21.com. Read our promise.