These 2 Ingredients Make This Rapid-Absorbing Body Lotion the Best Thing You Could Give Your Dry Summer Skin

Photo: Getty Images/mikroman6
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*Deep preview commercial guy voice*: From the brand that brought you acne-buffing soap bars and an exfoliating gel that leaves every inch of your body smoother than a peeled mango, now experience a new kind of body care product—a lotion that conveniently hydrates your skin in seconds.

Back in June, Soft Services launched the Speed Soak Skin Rehydrating Gel ($28), a fast-absorbing body lotion that promises to hydrate your skin without leaving any kind of sticky residue or tackiness behind. Meaning: You can apply it to your legs seconds before putting jeans or leggings on, and it won't feel like you've temporarily glued sheets of fabric to your calves and thighs. I've been testing Speed Soak for the last two months, slathering copious amounts of the gel formula onto my legs, arms, back—pretty much anywhere that felt especially dry (and thanks to A/C and beach days, I have plenty of surface area to work with).

Even if I'm applying to damp skin (i.e., after a shower or if I'm sweaty), my skin barrier gobbles this stuff up and is left feeling supple and nourished. That's because unlike most body lotions—which are heavily emollient and can leave you looking and feeling like a greased-up cupcake tin—Speed Soak is able to completely absorb into the skin in under 30 seconds, thanks to its two main ingredients: glycerin and Aquaxyl.

Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it keeps skin hydrated by better allowing its outer layer to hold on to moisture. Aquaxyl is a patented combination of ingredients (Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, and Xylitol to be exact) that nourish the skin barrier and replenish the skin's hydration levels. Glycerin and Aquaxyl work their magic by delivering a super potent, concentrated shot of hydration, and preventing that moisture from going anywhere (you've maybe noticed other body lotions will easily transfer to your clothes or sheets—not this stuff).

It's the first time I've ever used a product with Aquaxyl, but it's an ingredient I'm now going to be on the search for whenever I buy more body care. Speed Soak is just smarter, more efficient skin care that actually works and delivers on its promise (which is to give you rapid hydration and soft, healthy skin). It's like drinking a gallon's worth of water in one sip, but in lotion form.

I've really never experienced anything else like it, and my normally alligator-dry limbs have been ultra-smooth all summer long—even after days spent in chlorinated pool water and unforgiving salty, Pacific Ocean sand. Function aside, the formula is fragrance-free and comes in a convenient tube I can throw in my beach tote and not worry about spillage. You also don't have to use a lot to get a lot out of it—two quarter-sized dollops will do the trick when you're moisturizing your legs (and even if you overdo it, your skin will never feel drenched or heavy with product).

I'm not the only one who's been impressed with the lotion. "I like how it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin looking nice and healthy. Within a few days of use, my fiancée commented on how great my skin looks," one customer says.

Though I can only attest to how it works on my 30-something complexion, reviewers say it's great for mature skin, too. A 73-year-old shopper writes, "My skin is older and so drier. Not anymore! I’m very grateful to have found this product. I’ve only had it a short time but already I see noticeable results, no more tight dry skin. I love that it is not sticky and absorbs quickly so no long moisturizing routine."

A pro-tip I discovered online clued me into the fact that I should throw the tube in the fridge for a few hours if my skin is especially dry and angry (either from sun exposure, or over-doing the hot tub). After trying it, all I can say is "Thank you, Internet," for my legs have not experienced such chilling bliss in a long, long time.

Speed Soak may be especially great for hot weather, but it's really effective year-round. After all, soft, happy skin is never out of season. If you're thinking of adding three tubes to your cart, I really wouldn't blame you (in fact, I'm doing the same thing—gotta stuck up before dry autumn air dares do a number on my skin).

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Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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