Not to sound like one of those people who claim their greatest flaw is that they “care too much,” but one of my real issues is that I take a minimum of two showers a day, which has unfortunately dried my skin out—making trials of the best body lotions a top priority. My quest has become a bit of a personal magnum opus—as I’ve spent years going through bottles in search of the perfect lotion, serum, butter, cream, and sometimes the perfect cocktail of all of the above to keep my skin nourished and smooth as can be.
Vogue’s Favorite Body Lotions
You might not think too deeply about which lotion you use, unless you are a Taurus or Virgo, in which case yours likely provides a full sensorial experience and has an assigned spot in your routine. But body moisturizer is more than just an indulgence; it’s a key part of maintaining healthy skin.
“Moisturizers hydrate, support the skin barrier, and lock in moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. “These qualities are important for keeping the skin healthy and plump and for making sure that the skin barrier is functioning optimally. An impaired skin barrier will leave the skin more vulnerable to damage, dryness, irritation, inflammation, and infection.”
Generally, dermatologists emphasize the importance of moisturizing daily. “Apply body lotion in the morning, ideally right after getting out of the shower while the skin is still a bit damp. You can retain some of the moisture from the shower by doing so,” explains board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. “Allow the body lotion to fully absorb and dry before getting dressed. You should always apply a lotion after shaving—since shaving will take off the top layer of skin. It’s a great time to get newly exposed skin hydrated.” Additionally, for those suffering from bouts of really dry skin, he recommends “[applying] your body ointment of choice overnight, [then covering] with long sleeves [and clothing] to intensify the effect of the ointment on the skin and repair the barrier while you sleep.”
Ahead, Vogue’s edit of the best body lotions, milks, creams, and butters to consider—from new brands reimagining the moisturizing classic and innovative formulas from heritage brands to beautiful packaging, standout scents, and fragrance-free formulas—each vetted by dermatologists and editors.
In This Story
- What’s the difference between a lotion, cream, and oil?
- What to Look for in a Body Moisturizer
- How to Apply Body Lotion
- Should you apply body lotion or body oil first?
- Can you use body lotion on your face?
- What is the best body lotion for aging skin?
- Meet the Experts
Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: When it comes to the coveted Nécessaire body lotion, Idriss believes it’s “a very beautiful and elegantly formulated body lotion with niacinamide that gets absorbed without any residue and leaves your skin feeling soft for hours.”
- Editor’s Experience: “This is the first body lotion I recommend those who ask because there’s really nothing to not love about it. The ingredient composition is stellar and work for most skin types—save for those sensitive to niacinamide; otherwise, its cocktail of peptides, vitamins, and omegas will cater well. The texture itself is stellar too—the perfect midweight moisturizer to utilize yearround.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: 2.5% niacinamide, peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega 6 9
- Best For: Dry skin
- Available Size(s): 2.4 oz, 6.8 oz, 13.5 oz
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Delivers 48-hour hydration | The scent is quite strong for some and tends to linger (thought here is a fragrance-free version) |
| uses peptides and niacinamide to moisturize and firm the skin |
Best for Softening: Soft Services Carea Cream Moisturizing + Softening Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: Both lightweight and hydrating, this softening lotion from Soft Services is formulated with “very hydrating ingredients like urea and squalane,” per board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, who notes that the urea is what sets this formula apart. It not only provides deep moisture but also helps exfoliate dead skin cells, soothe irritation, and support the skin barrier. “It is also fragrance free, which I prefer when it comes to any skincare, making it suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin.” While it’s on the pricier side, a little goes a long way and the pump bottle lasts for a long time.
- Key Ingredients: 10% urea, 5% squalane, 1% colloidal oatmeal
- Best For: All skin types
- Available Size(s): 11 oz.
- Fragrance: No
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Provides gentle exfoliation | The texture can feel slightly sticky on application |
| Leaves skin noticeably soothed |
Best For Barrier Repair: Cyklar Nutrient Rich Body Cream
- Why We Love It: I cannot say enough nice things about Cyklar’s products. The brand is relatively new, but it has already earned a permanent spot in my body-care rotation because everything—the scent profiles, the packaging, the textures—feels, dare I say, perfect. Dr. Shirazi agrees. “Cyklar’s Nutrient Rich Body Cream is the one I’d pick for skin that needs real replenishment,” she says. It’s packed with barrier-supporting ingredients like glycerin, squalane, shea butter, and niacinamide, all of which work together to restore moisture and strengthen the skin’s protective layer. The dense emollients in this moisturizing cream create a comforting cushion that actually stays put. “Because it is a more dense, restorative cream, I typically recommend it for mature skin or for post-laser skin that needs stronger barrier reinforcement.”
- Key Ingredients: Banana flower extract, niacinamide, prickly pear water, ethylhexyl olivate, squalane
- Best For: Mature, dull skin, very dry skin
- Fragrance: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Available Size(s): 8 Fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Absorbs quickly, never leaves a greasy or sticky finish | The fragrance can feel strong if you prefer subtle scents |
| With this formula, a little goes a long way |
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: Powered by the brand’s thermal spring water, La Roche-Posay’s body formula boasts soothing and hydrating properties. Sensitive skin-friendly, this promises to restore the skin barrier and promote 48-hour moisture via the brand’s prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, shea butter, and niacinamide.
- Editor’s Experience: “I do not leave Europe without picking up a bottle of the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M. (A security agent at Charles de Gaulle airport once flagged it as too big for my carry-on and the agent kindly let me fly with it, due mostly to my incessant pleading.) I’ve yet to confirm if this formula is the exact same as the French pharmacy version, but its just as good. My go-to wintertime body lotion, this instantly quells dryness—locking in moisture without any greasiness or irritation. One of my favorite creams of all-time.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin
- Best For: Dry skin, rough texture, sensitive skin
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Available Size(s): 6.76 fl oz, 13.52 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Barrier-restoring, great for sensitive, eczema-prone skin | Some users notice slight flaking during the first few uses |
| Rich lotion, that has an almost cream texture |
Best for Mature Skin: Natura Tukumã Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: According to Dr. Shirazi, “Tucuma butter-based products tend to have a luxuriously rich feel to them without feeling waxy, and they melt into the skin pretty effortlessly.” She adds that this is an excellent option for anyone with dry or mature skin, due to the anti-aging benefits of tucuma which looks to increase skin’s natural hyaluronic acid. “I especially love it for rough areas like elbows and knees in the winter, since its emollient base is great for supporting the lipid barrier.” She does note one caveat: Richer oils can clog pores, so this formula may feel like too much for oily or acne-prone skin types.
- Editor’s Experience: “I like to think there is a clean fifty-fifty split between people who want a lightweight serum-lotion and those who want something unapologetically rich. This falls into the latter category. While it’s not technically a body butter, the texture is thick enough to get me through a brutal New York winter.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: 3% tucuma raw butter
- Best For: Mature, rough skin
- Fragrance: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Available Size(s): 13.5 Fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Rich cream formula, skin replenishing benefits, delicious scent | The fragrance may not suit very sensitive skin |
Best for Hydration: Eos Shea Better Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: “This is a great product to reach for when skin needs softness without the weight,” says board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD. She notes that it contains humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin, along with lighter occlusives such as squalane and triglycerides to help maintain moisture.
- Editor’s Experience: “Even after testing some of the most expensive body lotions on the market, there’s something special about Eos’s affordable formulas. Maybe it is the fact that I can slather on as much as I want without wincing at the cost, or maybe it is the texture. It sits perfectly in between a lotion and cream, feeling thicker than a gel but lighter than a heavy cream or balm.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, shea oil, vitamin E, glycerin
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Available Size(s): 16 Fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| All day hydration, contains seven nourishing oils | The fragrance may feel too strong for sensitive noses |
| Formula might be too lightweight for very dry skin |
Best Luxe Feel: Sidia Soaked The Cream
- Why We Love It: Like all of Sidia’s products, you can expect a sensorial moment with every use, but beyond the beautiful packaging, the formula itself really shines. According to Dr. Camp, “It helps to soften and plump the skin, leaving it looking nourished and radiant.” The lotion is formulated with aloe, prickly pear, and cactus flower, a blend that works together to deeply hydrate and replenish the skin. It is lightly scented and generally well tolerated, but if your skin is sensitive, it is always a good idea to patch test first.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, aloe, prickly pear, cactus flower, coconut oil, jojoba oil, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
- Best For: Dry skin
- Available Size(s): 12 Fl. oz.
- Fragrance: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Tabutan helps soften the look of fine lines, delivers a soothing, moisturizing finish | The rich texture may be overwhelming for oily or acne-prone skin |
Best Drugstore: Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion
- Why We Love It: If you’re someone who hates thick body lotions, this serum-lotion hybrid will be exactly what the beauty doctor (me) ordered. “Vaseline is a true staple for deep hydration, and this lotion has the same moisturizing level but is lightweight and not greasy on the skin compared to regular Vaseline,” says Dr. Camp. There are two options to choose from, and it leaves the skin with a soft, healthy-looking glow. The formula blends vitamin B3, vitamin E, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, which Dr. Camp says work together to lock in moisture and give the skin a hydrated, luminous finish.
- Editor’s Experience: “The texture absorbs instantly and never requires any elbow grease. I’ve already gone through three bottles, which feels completely justified because it costs under ten dollars.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, antioxidant complex, peptides,
- Best For: Dry skin, sensitive skin
- Fragrance: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Available Size(s): 7.5 Fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Niacinamide helps revive dull skin, leaves a soft, luminous sheen | Moisture is short-lived |
Best Body Milk: Tronque Triple Active Body Milk
- Why We Love It: Not only will this body milk spark oohs and ahhs from anyone who catches a glimpse of your luxurious body-care lineup, but it also performs beautifully. “Body milk is meant to be light and fast absorbing, which makes it perfect for everyday use,” explains Dr. Shirazi. “What I love about this formula is how comprehensive it is. It hydrates while also supporting firmness and overall skin smoothness, making it an excellent choice for normal, combination, mature, and mildly dry skin.” She also appreciates that it is thoughtfully-crafted without endocrine disruptors, parabens, or synthetic fragrance, a cleaner approach that many of her patients value. “I often remind my patients that consistency beats intensity. A well-formulated body milk used daily can transform skin more than a heavy treatment used sporadically.”
- Editor’s Experience: “This lotion glides onto skin like nothing else I’ve tried, delivering exceptional moisture without feeling too heavy on the skin—excellent to wear while trotting around on sunny, humid days—not to mention it’s packed with caffeine, arnica, green-tea extract, and hyaluronic acid to improve skin’s texture, tone, and laxity. And for the fragrance buffs, it smells of bergamot, sweet orange, and gaiac wood.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Caffeine, green coffee, curry tree, artichoke, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Available Size(s): 6.7 Fl oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Provides lightweight hydration, targets firmness and cellulite while supporting the skin barrier | Steep price tag |
Best Overnight Body Lotion: Gold Bond Overnight Deep Moisturizing Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: For an overnight moisture treatment, King is a fan of the Gold Bond Ultimate Overnight Deep Moisturizing Lotion. Along with master hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this non-greasy formula “also contains aloe and ginger root, chamomile, lavender, and rosemary extracts to soothe the skin; urea to exfoliate to smooth and soften the skin gently; and niacinamide to improve tone and texture.”
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, gluconolactone
- Best For: Dry to very dry skin
- Fragrance: Scented
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Available Size(s): 8 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Provides deep overnight hydration, barrier support from hyaluronic acid | The texture can feel heavy on the skin |
Best for Itchy Skin: Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm
- Why We Love It: “I discovered this through using the Aveeno Eczema Relief Balm on my babies, and their skin became smooth,” shares Idriss, explaining that “it absorbs easily without leaving any residue.” The paraben-free formula leads with colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient dermatologists praise for its soothing properties, apt to quell itchiness, tightness, and flakiness on even the most sensitive skin types. The additional featuring of ceramides, and oat kernel extract expand upon these benefits. While its called a balm, I’d liken it more to an ultra-rich cream, imparting long-lasting non-greasy moisture.
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramide
- Best For: Eczema, sensitive skin, itchiness, dryness
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Available Size(s): 11 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Gentle enough for sensitive skin, noticeably improves itching with long-lasting relief | The rich texture can feel too heavy for daytime wear |
Best For Bumpy Skin: CeraVe SA Body Lotion for Rough and Bumpy Skin
- Why We Love It: The CeraVe SA lotion is one of the most frequently recommended formulas by dermatologists to transform bumpy skin texture. Through an intelligent blend of exfoliating acids (salicylic and lactic acids) and conditioning agents (hyaluronic acid and ceramides), this sloughs away flaky skin to reveal a soft, radiant glow. Because its exfoliating, designed to alleviate the likes of keratosis pilaris, we’d start by applying to targeted areas a few times per week. Start slow to build up tolerance, and consult with your dermatologist if you have any concerns.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Best For: Rough texture, keratosis pilaris, uneven tone
- Available Size(s): 8 fl oz.
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-Free: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| A blend of salicylic and lactic acids smooths bumpy skin, MVE technology delivers steady hydration | Can cause irritation or red bumps for some users |
Best Scents: Native Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: A drugstore classique, Native’s body lotion comes in a surprisingly wide range of scents, including seasonal drops and playful brand collaborations. I have both the Girl Scout Cookies and Boba Café collabs stockpiled in my bathroom, which says everything about my commitment to whimsy. If you prefer to keep things simple, there are unscented options as well, which are ideal for easily irritated skin. According to Dr. Camp, this formulation “helps keep the skin hydrated all day long without a greasy finish.” He adds that it is made with plant-based daily moisturizing agents and is suitable for all skin types, though the fragrance-free version is the safest choice for those who react to scent.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter
- Best For: Dry skin
- Available Size(s): 16.5 Fl. oz.
- Fragrance: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Non-greasy, fast absorbing, provides long-lasting moisture | The nozzle is too narrow for such a rich formula |
Everything You Need to Know
What’s the difference between a lotion, cream, and oil?
When considering lotions, creams, and oils, it’s all about the consistency—how light or heavy it is—and its likelihood to clog pores. Dr. Kobets breaks it down for us: Lotions tend to be waterier and lighter due to their higher water content compared to oils and other ingredients. Creams, on the other hand, contain more oils, emollients, hydrators, and occlusives (such as niacinamide, dimethicone, shea butter, squalane, ceramides, glycerin, and others). Oils take it a step further, as made with higher oil-based ingredients and occlusives.
“It should be noted that a higher oil content doesn’t necessarily mean the product is more hydrating,” says Dr. Kobets. Oil primarily functions as an occlusive, while other ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and other hydrators need to be sealed in with occlusion for effective hydration.
What to Look for in a Body Moisturizer
- Ingredients: Experts recommend looking for formulas that feature hyaluronic acid, essential fatty acids like shea butter and avocado oil, humectants like glycerin, or emollients like lanolin. Experts say body lotions with fragrance are generally safe to use, unless you have sensitive skin or known allergens, which may cause further irritation.
- Texture: If you have dry skin, experts often recommend something richer with a thicker, creamier texture to lock in moisture. If you have normal skin, a general lotion will do the trick. If you have acne-prone skin or just you don’t want to feel sticky (it is summer, after all!), consider something more lightweight like a body serum, gel-cream, or milk; this is also great if you’ll be spending time in the sun and are following up with the best sunscreens.
- Fragrance: According to New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, “if you have completely normal skin, never had an allergy a day in your life, and are not prone to sensitive skin, then you can enjoy the experience of a scented body lotion.”
How to Apply Body Lotion
No matter how lazy you might feel post-shower, applying body lotion is crucial. “It not only hydrates the top layer of the skin from the outside in but also traps moisture from within,” says New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Allyson Brockman-Bitterman. She recommends applying it twice a day, but most importantly after a shower.
Should you apply body lotion or body oil first?
Similar to layering thinner ingredients before thicker creams and moisturizers in skincare, body care follows the same principle. According to Dr. Brockman-Bitterman, if using a body oil, it should be applied to damp or dry skin after showering and before a body lotion. Although, it’s important to note that for most people, either body lotion or body oil alone will suffice. “Body lotions are formulated with humectants, emollients, and occlusives that all work together to draw water, improve the skin barrier, and lock in moisture,” says Dr. Ibrahim.
Can you use body lotion on your face?
“Most body moisturizers are too heavy or may contain ingredients not suitable for facial skin,” cautions Dr. Brockman-Bitterman. However, it depends on the body lotion in question as well as the individual’s face. “Some lotions for the body, particularly ones created for sensitive skin, may be suitable for the face as well as it’s less likely to irritate the skin,” says Dr. Ibrahim. Some people may find body lotion to be pore-clogging, which can lead to breakouts. However, there are some excellent products formulated for all-over use, so it’s important to read the labels and patch test.
What is the best body lotion for aging skin?
When addressing aging skin, it’s ideal to seek products containing hydrating ingredients and those that promote skin firmness and elasticity. Tried-and-true ingredients to look for include plant-based oils and butters as they contain a slew of nourishing fatty acids to moisturize the skin, as well as antioxidants to protect it. “Body lotions with ingredients like retinol, bakuchiol, Vitamin C, sea buckthorn berry, and peptides are all beneficial for aging skin as well,” adds Dr. Ibrahim.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a Birmingham, Alabama-based and board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology.
- Dr. Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in facial aesthetics and rejuvenation, as well as minimally invasive body tightening.
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology of at Montefiore-Einstein, specializing in rejuvenation, acne, rosacea, acne scarring and hair restoration.
- Dr. Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
- Dr. Allyson Brockman-Bitterman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Millburn, New Jersey.
- Dr. Omer Ibrahim, MD, is a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology and hair loss.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. He sees patients at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York.
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