If your body care routine consists of lathering up in the shower and throwing on some deodorant before slipping into your clothes, you’re missing a crucial step. Getting in the habit of moisturizing all over (not just on your face) is an easy way to make sure your skin stays healthy and hydrated; it also protects your skin barrier , a layer of cells that blocks potentially damaging irritants. The best body lotion or cream is the one you’ll actually look forward to applying—because if you hate slathering yourself in it, you probably won’t.
“I like to consider it self-care. You should pick a product you like that makes your skin feel hydrated and soothed,” Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD , the founder of Houshmand Dermatology in Dallas, tells SELF. To find a moisturizer you’ll like, the first thing you want to think about is its consistency.
Creams are often better for dry or sensitive skin types, since they contain more oil and have a thicker texture that really seals in moisture. But if you don’t need the extra moisture boost, you might prefer a lotion because they contain less oil and usually feel lighter. Certain body lotions and creams are also formulated to address specific skin concerns.
Some feature calming ingredients to relieve itching , while others are more exfoliating to smooth texture. No matter what your goal is, we found a bunch of options that can help. All of our picks are dermatologist-approved, and some have even won our Healthy Beauty Awards —so we’re confident they’re the best of the best.
Best Budget: EOS 24H Moisture Fragrance Free Body Lotion Best for Dry Skin: Saje Carrot Body Butter Best for Itchy Skin: Sarna Calm + Cool Anti-Itch Lotion Best for Exfoliating: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment Best for Dark Spots: Vaseline Radiant X Even Tone Nourishing Body Lotion Best for Smoothing: Sol de Janiero Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Best for Eczema: Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Soothing Moisturizer Shop the best body lotions and creams More great options What should you look for in a body moisturizer? How should you apply body moisturizers? Can you use body lotion or cream on your face? eos Amazon Target Pros: Leaves skin feeling soft, absorbs quickly, fragrance-free Cons: Amazon reviewers say the pump doesn’t work This 2024 Healthy Beauty Award winner left one tester asking, “where have you been all my life?” Its lightweight formula soaks into the skin super fast, for a silky smooth feeling that lasts all day. “This product is the GOAT. I’m sensitive to everything and allergic to fragrance but with this, I can’t get over how soft my skin feels.
” our tester went on to say. Its secret? Moisturizing ingredients like glycerin,shea butter, and shea and mineral oils. Size: 16 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Dimethicone, isopropyl palmitate (an emollient), petrolatum (an occlusive) Saje Saje Pros: Softens skin, subtle earthy scent Cons: Includes essential oils that can be irritating If your skin is really dry, you might need an ultra-rich moisturizer, like this 2023 Healthy Beauty Award–winning body butter.
It’s made with nourishing coconut and carrot seed oils, plus mango, shea, and cocoa butters that’ll soften your skin right away. “If you want to feel like you just went to a spa, get this body butter,’’ one tester said. Bonus: “The scent is woodsy and earthy without being overpowering.
” Size: 6.8 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Aloe, glycerin, vitamin E (antioxidants) Sarna Amazon Walmart Pros: Feels cool on the skin, calms itchiness, fragrance-free Cons: Some Amazon reviewers have issues with the pump This lotion’s itch-relieving powers are thanks to a topical anesthetic called pramoxine hydrochloride, which is equally effective for eczema and bug bites . While that gets to work, the menthol in this formula provides an instant cooling effect that’ll feel nice after a hot shower.
“It’s very calming for the skin and a great non-greasy option,” Dr. Houshmand says, adding that it’s accepted by the National Eczema Association. It’s also a 2024 Healthy Beauty Awards favorite: “Unlike other anti-itch lotions I’ve used, this one doesn’t leave an unpleasantly sticky film on your body,” one tester said.
“I often use this one before going to bed, and I wake up feeling refreshed.” Size: 7.5 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Soothing aloe, anti-inflammatory witch hazel Paula's Choice Amazon Dermstore Pros: Fragrance-free, evens skin tone Cons: Pricey This Paula’s Choice lotion works double duty to “improve hydration while also addressing anti-aging concerns like uneven skin tone,” Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD , a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, tells SELF.
Its hero ingredient is retinol , a type of retinoid that speeds up skin cell turnover, unclogs pores, brightens skin, and encourages collagen production. Retinol can be drying, but this treatment compensates with shea butter and evening primrose oil, two occlusives that seal in moisture. And to help ward off future damage, it also contains antioxidants from vitamins C and E.
Size: 4 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Smoothing dimethicone, hydrating glycerin, calming panthenol Vaseline Amazon Target Pros: Brightens skin, smooths texture, subtle scent Cons: Some Amazon reviewers say it feels sticky If many exfoliants are a little too harsh for your skin, you can still get a brightening effect with this 2024 Healthy Beauty Award–winning lotion, thanks to its star ingredient: niacinamide . A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide can address concerns like uneven skin tone (including hyperpigmentation spots), fine lines and wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. One tester says this lotion felt instantly moisturizing as she applied it to her skin, but managed to dry in just a few minutes.
“When I wake up the next day, I STILL feel moisturized,” she says. She also loves its subtly sweet, tropical scent that “most importantly, does not give [her] a headache like other fragrances.” Size: 11 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing coconut oil, brightening vitamin C, firming peptides Sol de Janeiro Amazon Sephora Pros: Delicious scent, temporarily firms skin, absorbs quickly Cons: Pricey, fragrance may be too strong for some You need to be a fan of scented body products to fall for Bum Bum Cream—thankfully, I am.
It has a sweet, spicy vanilla aroma that lasts just about all day on me, and a creamy, dreamy formula. “Containing guarana extract, known to contain about four times more caffeine than coffee, this cream helps the skin appear tighter and firmer,” Marisa Garshick, MD , a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University , tells SELF. “It also uses hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help boost moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
” Sizes: 2.5, 5, or 8.1 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing cupuaçu butter and coconut oil Cetaphil Amazon Target Pros: Soothes itchiness, fragrance-free, not greasy Cons: Some Target reviewers say it can sting very irritated skin When your eczema just won’t quit, this Cetaphil moisturizer can calm the situation down with anti-inflammatory colloidal oatmeal, restoring ceramides, and moisturizing shea butter.
The lotion also uses “filaggrin technology,” which means the formula helps restore a protein your skin already makes (called filaggrin). That protein ultimately breaks down into molecules that retain moisture to hydrate and beef up the skin barrier, making sure it doesn’t let moisture seep out. We can also vouch for this 2023 Healthy Beauty Award winner actually working.
One tester: “After using a new serum on my face and neck, I developed a severe allergic reaction, causing my skin to break to the point of bleeding. It was not going away—even after using a steroid cream and another compound cream prescribed by my dermatologist. Finally, I started using this moisturizer.
After about a week of use, the burning sensation and the flakiness went away.” Size: 10 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Niacinamide, soothing allantoin Still haven’t found your Goldilocks of body lotions (not too slippery, not too sticky..
.)? We have a lot more dermatologist- and SELF-approved products below. Avene Amazon Pros: Calms inflammation, fragrance-free, non-greasy Cons: Expensive Both cold, dry temps and hot, humid ones can do a number on your skin, but neither are a match for this cream that Mona Gohara, MD , an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, recommends to SELF.
“The postbiotic ingredients help rebuild the barrier as it weakens with the frigid temperatures, while the French thermal spring water helps soothe skin after too much sun.” Dr. Garshick also recommends this cream for calming unwanted redness and inflammation, adding that it won’t leave the skin greasy or clog pores.
Size: 1.3, 3.3 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Glycerin, calming zinc oxide Rare Beauty Sephora Pros: Fresh scent, absorbs quickly, feels lightweight Cons: Hard to squeeze out I was instantly sold when I tried this body lotion for the 2024 Healthy Beauty Awards.
It has a light, creamy consistency that spreads easily, almost like a serum, and soaks in fast. It leaves my skin feeling soft and not at all slimy, thanks to its key moisturizing ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ashwagandha extract. I can’t get enough of the scent, either—it’s bright and earthy, with notes like lemon zest and vetiver, but also subtly sweet.
Size: 8.5 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, peach flower extract (antioxidants) Vaseline Target Pros: Helps with ashiness, inexpensive Cons: Takes longer to absorb One SELF editor calls this her “set it and forget it” overnight lotion (“like when you let that pot soak in the sink”) because it’s deeply moisturizing and takes hours to fully absorb. But trust the process—it’ll banish ashiness on your knees, elbows, and feet.
Its cast of moisturizing characters includes glycerin, petrolatum, and shea and cocoa seed butters. Size: 10, 20.3, 32 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Isopropyl palmitate, dimethicone Nivea Amazon Target Pros: Feels lightweight, absorbs fast, fresh scent Cons: Some Amazon reviewers say it’s too oily This option from Nivea might be called a cream, but it’s more like a body lotion in a jar because it feels lightweight and dries before you can even think about awkwardly standing naked in front of your fan.
According to one 2023 Healthy Beauty Award tester, “The Nivea cream melts into your skin so easily; other lotions feel like they take so long to rub in and get rid of any white streaks, but the Nivea just disappears.” The cream contains jojoba oil, which is similar to the sebum your skin naturally produces, meaning it provides enough moisture and soothing properties without overdoing it. Even better, it’s packed with vitamin E to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays and smooth textured spots.
Size: 2.6, 6.8, 10.
1 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Glycerin, mineral oil, petrolatum, dimethicone Alba Botanica Amazon Pros: Fragrance-free, non-greasy, feels silky Cons: Amazon reviewers say the pump doesn’t work well For one SELF editor, moisturizing as soon as she steps out of the shower is a must to avoid her skin feeling tight and looking scaly. “This lotion makes it easy—it's extremely soothing and hydrating, but doesn't feel greasy or heavy at all,” she says. “It sinks in quickly and doesn't smell like anything, so I don't even feel like I have lotion on after a few minutes.
My skin just feels soft and calm.” Those results are in part thanks to moisturizing avocado and jojoba seed oils, plus soothing aloe, cucumber extracts, and chamomile extracts. Size: 12, 32, 128 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Safflower seed oil, sesame seed oil, grape seed oil, panthenol, allantoin Philosophy Ulta Pros: Softens skin, non-greasy, sweet scent Cons: Some Ulta reviewers don’t like that it smells like baked goods Remember that whole “ vanilla girl ” trend on TikTok? This cream fits right in, with its sweet scent that one SELF editor calls “warm and comforting.
” Its moisturizing power comes from ingredients like macadamia nut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. “It feels thick and hydrating, but never greasy,” our editor adds. “I actually look forward to putting it on after I get out of the shower!” Size: 7 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone Gold Bond Amazon Pros: Fragrance-free, non-greasy, great for very dry skin Cons: Some Amazon reviewers think it’s too thick When it comes to parched, eczema-covered skin, this lotion has you covered.
It coats the skin in a thick layer that soothes super dry patches without leaving a weird residue, according to one SELF editor. “This lotion consistently makes my skin feel amazing in any climate and absorbs beautifully. It smells great—very clean and neutral with no heavy perfume-y scents—and the moisture just lasts.
” Gold Bond’s Lotion is made with a stacked lineup of moisturizing and soothing ingredients, like glycerin, petrolatum, aloe, and jojoba oil. It also includes vitamins B, C, and E, which act as antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental damage. Size: 14, 20, 24 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Dimethicone, niacinamide La Roche-Posay Amazon Pros: Lightweight texture, super creamy, fragrance-free Cons: Amazon reviewers say it takes a long time to absorb SELF editors and dermatologists we spoke to all praised this drugstore lotion: “My fancy lotions and oils are great but too expensive for daily use, and my moisturizers with added fragrance sometimes irritate sensitive areas of my skin (like my boobs, upper chest, and neck).
Buying this was a gentle reminder that sometimes drugstore skin care products are the best skin care products,” one editor says. Plus, “it has an amazing, creamy feel that hydrates and leaves skin smooth and soft,” Dr. Gohara says.
“Melanin-rich skin has less ceramides, leaving our skin more likely to become dry, and Lipikar is loaded with ceramides, shea butter, and niacinamide—a perfect blend of barrier supporting ingredients.” Size: 13.5 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Prebiotic thermal spring water, glycerin, mineral oil, grape seed oil, dimethicone Vanicream Amazon Target Pros: Great for sensitive skin, fragrance-free Cons: Some Amazon reviewers say it’s too thick “This moisturizing cream is a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it’s free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and more, reducing the potential for irritation or sensitivity,” Dr.
Garshick says. So, what’s actually in it? Just moisture-sealing ingredients like petrolatum and cetearyl alcohol (don’t let the name fool you—it’s a skin-softening emollient, not a drying alcohol). “This lotion helps to soothe and hydrate without leaving the skin feeling greasy,” Dr.
Garshick says, adding that you can use it on your face or body. Size: 16 fl oz Other notable ingredients: Smoothing glyceryl stearate Skin care can get complicated, so we asked dermatologists which factors you should consider as you shop for a body lotion or cream—here’s the breakdown. Skin care can get complicated, so we asked dermatologists which factors you should consider as you shop for a body lotion or cream—here’s the breakdown.
Humectants water into your skin to maintain hydration, Isha Tiernan, MD, FAAD , a board-certified dermatologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, tells SELF. Some common examples include glycerin and hyaluronic acid , which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in H2O. Emollients, like ceramides , urea, or squalane , soften and protect your skin barrier.
Occlusives act like a seal over your skin to keep moisture in and block irritants out. Some worth looking for are petrolatum, lanolin, shea butter, jojoba oil, and almond oil. Exfoliants keep your skin smooth and bright by helping slough off dead skin cells.
You can look for something with exfoliating ingredients, like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids. A major difference between body lotion and body cream is the texture, or how the product feels and absorbs into your skin. Lotions often have more water in them than oil, which gives them a lighter, silkier consistency.
“They absorb quickly and provide hydration without feeling heavy,” Dr. Garshick says. Creams contain more oil and have a thicker texture that really locks in moisture.
They’re better for people with dry or sensitive skin types whose moisture barrier tends to be compromised often. Aim to moisturize your skin at least once a day—the best time to apply is after a shower. “I generally recommend patting the body [with a towel] and then applying the cream or lotion directly onto damp skin.
It’s easier to apply this way and locks in the moisture better,” Dr. Tiernan says. If you have eczema or very dry skin, you might want to apply moisturizer twice a day—morning and night—to keep your skin hydrated.
But here’s the thing: We know that body lotion gives some people the ick (including SELF’s own commerce director). Rather than skip this step completely, we recommend you start by adding it to your everything-shower routine and working up to that derm-recommended once or twice per day. It depends.
The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your body, Dr. Houshmand says. Many body moisturizers often contain heavier ingredients, like occlusives, that can cause irritation, clog your pores, and cause acne on your face.
That said, a lighter, thinner body lotion that’s fragrance-free , could be fine to use on your face, Dr. Houshmand adds—just be sure to do a patch test first. Get more of SELF’s great product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).
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