The 19 Best Hydrating Body Lotions and Creams of 2023 For Every Skin Type

Our best overall pick is the Nécessaire Body Lotion

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The 14 Best Body Lotions of 2022

Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

No matter what your daily routine is, everyone needs a good body lotion in their beauty arsenal. Whether you slather it on after a shower, before bed, following a day in the sun, or when dry skin crops up, you should have a go-to bottle (or tube or tub) on hand.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

If you like a lotion that doesn't hang out too long on the surface of your skin, our editors swear by the fast-absorption power of our top pick Nécessaire The Body Lotion. However, we also know it's a product you're going to be using often and liberally, which is why we recommend Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body, an excellent and affordable pick.

According to licensed esthetician Dana Murray, daily and even application is ideal. "The skin on the body has fewer oil glands than the face, so it can dry out a lot quicker," she explains.

A good body lotion should moisturize effectively with hydrating ingredients like nourishing plant oils, earth-derived butters, and humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Some formulas work overtime to address other skin concerns like eczema, chronic dryness, and loss of elasticity, while others contain SPF to safeguard against sun damage.

When shopping for body care products, consider the ingredients, consistency, scent, and the skin type for which the formula works best. You might also be interested in a fragrance-free option, especially if you have sensitive skin. We conducted hours of research on the best body lotions, taking the aforementioned into consideration. We also looked at the size of each product, because you go through body lotion much faster than face moisturizer, and you want to be able to apply it evenly and liberally for optimal results. After considering dozens of formulas, and consulting with dermatologists, we landed on the following best in show.

Best Overall

Nécessaire The Body Lotion

5
Necessaire the Body Lotion
What We Like
  • Fragrance-free

  • Restores skin's barrier

  • Firming

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Who else recommends it? Insider, Women's Wear Daily, and the New York Post all picked Nécessaire's The Body Lotion.

What do buyers say? 93% of 800+ Nordstrom reviewers rated this product 4 stars of above.

When it comes to moisturizing from head to toe, The Body Lotion is tough to beat. Packed with a nourishing medley of shea butter and vitamins A, C, and E, plus complexion-improving niacinamide, the luxurious formula works hard for your skin.

This fragrance-free, fast-absorbing moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and promises to strengthen your skin's barrier, improve tone, smooth texture, and restore firmness. It's no wonder Byrdie editorial director Faith Xue and senior editor Hallie Gould agree it's the crème de la crème of body creams.

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter, vitamins A, C, E | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.8 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $28

Necessaire the Body Lotion

Byrdie / Jenna Igneri

What Our Testers Say

"As someone who seldom uses her body creams and oils because they take forever to sink in, I was delighted by how fast The Body Lotion absorbed. My skin instantly drank it up as I massaged it in, leaving behind a smooth, soft finish without any greasy residue." — Jenna Igneri, Product Tester

Best Overall, Runner-up

Ahava Probiotic Body Lotion

4.9
Body Lotion

Walmart

What We Like
  • Contains exclusive Osmoter to balance and nurture skin's microbiome

  • Softening

  • Calms irritated skin

What We Don't Like
  • Reviewers note it can be slow to absorb

Packed with Probiotics, prebiotics and Osmoter, a proprietary ingredient that pH balances the skin microbiome, this hydrating and softening body lotion leaves the skin resistant to sensitivities like dryness and irritation. Although it's fairly lightweight, it can be a bit slow to absorb, which we don't mind because the formula so effectively targets dry skin.

Active Ingredients: Probiotics, prebiotics, Osmoter, Dead Sea minerals | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 8.5 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Fragrance-Free: Yes



Price at time of publish: $36

Best Budget

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

Walmart

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Absorbs quickly

  • Pump bottle

What We Don't Like
  • Strong smell

For babes on a budget, we recommend Vaseline Intensive Care, an affordable fav of Byrdie associate editor Eden Stuart. Containing the brand's signature petrolatum (aka petroleum jelly), plus a generous dose of cocoa butter, you can count on this body lotion to mend damaged skin and seal in moisture.

Active Ingredients: Petrolatum, cocoa butter | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 20.3 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: No

Price at time of publish: $4.50

What Our Editors Say

"As someone in a constant battle with keeping ashiness at bay, I need deep hydration in my body lotion. This one delivers and at a super affordable price point. Plus, the blend of cocoa and shea leaves my skin looking glowy in that natural, lit-from-within sort of way." Eden Stuart, Associate Editor

Best Drugstore

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

5
Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Amazon

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Fragrance-free

  • Pump bottle

What We Don't Like
  • Not cruelty-free

Murray is a fan of CeraVe, and we can see why. Formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides, the brand's Daily Moisturizing Lotion targets dryness and restores moisture. Murray notes, "CeraVe is packed with ceramides, which helps to moisturizer the skin." We like that this drugstore pick comes in a convenient pump bottle and can be used anywhere on your body, your face included!

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 12 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $16

Best Splurge

Byredo Gypsy Water Body Lotion

Byredo Body Lotion

Nordstrom 

What We Like
  • Smells great

  • Attractive bottle

  • Luxury formula

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Relatively small amount

Cherished for its scrumptious scents, Byredo's Gypsy Water will leave you not only moisturized but also smells heavenly. After splurging on this luxury body lotion, we'd understand if you wanted to show off the minimalist-chic bottle on your vanity.

Active Ingredients: Shea butter, dimethicone | Skin Type: All | Size: 7.6 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: No

Price at time of publish: $70

Best With SPF

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

5
Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

Amazon

What We Like
  • Contains SPF

  • Pump bottle

  • Absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

If you're on the year-round sunscreen bandwagon, why not kill two birds with one stone and slather on a body lotion with SPF like Supergoop! Play? The chemical formula is pleasantly lightweight, fast-absorbing, and most importantly, moisturizing.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 18 ounces | SPF: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $32

What Our Testers Say

Supergoop's Play Everyday Lotion is a hard-working SPF with a whole bunch of skincare benefits. Unlike other formulas, it’s something you will actually want to wear daily, without the white cast or grease.” — Gabrielle Dyer, Product Tester

Best for Eczema

Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream Full Body Lotion for Eczema-Prone Skin

Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream

Amazon

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Soothes irritation

  • Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like
  • Not cruelty-free

Those with eczema-prone skin should reach for Eucerin Eczema Relief. Its star ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, which is known to address inflammation, soothe irritation, and protect the skin barrier while delivering much-needed moisture.

Active Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, licochalcone, ceramides | Skin Type: Eczema-prone | Size: 8 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $12

Best Frangrance-Free

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Fragrance-free

  • Non-greasy

What We Don't Like
  • Not cruelty-free

We also appreciate this affordable, unscented body lotion by Lubriderm. The dermatologist-developed formula goes on smooth, moisturizes dry skin, and offers all-day hydration without a greasy feel.

Active Ingredients: Mineral oil, glycerin, vitamin B5 | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 24 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $8.50

Best Nourishing

Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

4.5
Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

Summer Fridays 

What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Smells great

  • Softens skin

What We Don't Like
  • Small amount of product

Want baby-soft skin? Go with Summer Skin. This ultra-indulgent body lotion contains earth-sourced oils, plant-derived butters, and ceramides to deliver all-day moisture and a lovely coconut-vanilla scent.

Active Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.7 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

Price at time of publish: $27

Best Clean Formula

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

Sephora

What We Like
  • Creamy texture

  • Smells great

  • Improves skin tone

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

If it's the consistency for you, you'll love Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter. This nutrient-rich, exceedingly creamy moisturizer goes on like icing and works to smooth, hydrate, and improve skin tone. To get this dreamy consistency, the body butter is filled with nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter and argan oil, that are all vegan, organic, and gluten- and cruelty-free.

Active Ingredients: Argan oil, shea butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No, unscented option available

Price at time of publish: $38

Best for Dry Skin

54 Thrones African Beauty Butter

54 Thrones African Beauty Butter

54 Thrones

What We Like
  • Rich texture

  • Very hydrating

  • Can use on face and body

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

When you treat your skin to this African body butter, you'll feel like royalty. The rich, creamy formula goes on thick, but a little goes a long way. Plus, you can apply it anywhere—even your face.

Active Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba seed oil, honey | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

Price at time of publish: $24

Best Daily

Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

4.2
Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

SpaceNK

What We Like
  • Restores dull, dry skin

  • Improves skin elasticity

  • Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like
  • Not long-lasting

The best option for mature skin is undoubtedly Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion. A favorite of editor Faith Xue, it moisturizes and protects with marula oil and enhances elasticity with ceramides.

Active Ingredients: Marula oil, shea butter, ceramides | Skin Type: Mature, dry | Size: 8 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $20

Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

Byrdie / Ashley Rubell

What Our Testers Say

"If you have some minor dryness or a lack of glow, I think the Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion is going to work wonders for you." — Ashley Rubell, Product Tester

Best Firming

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

4.9
SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
What We Like
  • Has a warm and spicy scent

  • Boosts moisture

  • Great for circulation

What We Don't Like
  • Scent might be too strong for some

The hype over this body cream is real, and it's not just because of its yummy scent. In case you weren't aware, Sol de Janeiro's Bum Bum Cream also boasts tons of firming benefits that help the skin look and feel replenished. Baby smooth skin in an instant, basically.

Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, argan oil, cupuaçu butter | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 8.1 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: No

Price at time of publish: $48

Best for Winter

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

4.8
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Amazon

What We Like
  • Doesn't sit on top of the skin

  • Non-greasy

  • Nourishing

What We Don't Like
  • Pills over some facial serums

One thing about this rich cream is that it contains not just one, but three types of essential ceramides. Meaning, it doesn't sit on your skin (no sticky, greasy, or heavy residue), and will only keep your skin nourished, comfortable, and hydrated all-day long.

Active Ingredients:
Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All skin types, especially dry and sensitive | Size: 16 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $20

Best for Sensitive Skin

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

4
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Fragrance-Free

  • Lightweight on the skin

What We Don't Like
  • Not hydrating enough for very dry skin

Sensitive skin types will appreciate the soothing formula inside this Aveeno lotion. You won't have to worry about an overpowering scent when you use this product, as it is completely fragrance-free. Plus, it has a feathery lightweight feel that is both hydrating and smooth.

Active Ingredients: Prebiotic oat, emollients | Skin Type: All skin types, especially dry and sensitive | Size: 18 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $10

Best Exfoliating

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

amlactin

Walmart 

What We Like
  • Gently exfoliates

  • Gets rid of rough, textured skin

What We Don't Like
  • Odd smell

Scrubbing products can be too rough of the skin (and bad for the environment, too), so a more gentle and easier alternative is a body lotion with exfoliating ingredients. This one from AmLactin contains 12% lactic acid (a less aggressive alpha hydroxy acid) speeds up your skin's cell renewal process once applied.

Active Ingredients: Lactic acid | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 7.9 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $14.40

Best for Men

Jack Black Cool Moisture Body Lotion

Jack Black Cool Moisture Body Lotion

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Quick-penetrating

  • Cooling effect

  • Calming scent

What We Don't Like
  • Scent doesn't last long

Just like the vibe this lotion gives off, the effects of using Jack Black's lotion are cool, hydrating, and calming. It has a gel-like formula that makes it quick-penetrating and refreshing on overheated skin.

Active Ingredients: Soy protein, vitamin E, jojoba oil | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 16 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: No

Price at time of publish: $30

Best for Anti-Aging

Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream

Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream

 Courtesy of Skincity

What We Like
  • Replenishing

  • Fast-absorbing

  • Luxe feel

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Formulated with white almond and elderberry blossom, this lotion will tighten the skin and restore elasticity. The renewing ingredient, purslane extract, helps smooth fine lines and with consistent use, promotes a healthy glow.

Active Ingredients: Shea butter, white almond, purslane extract | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 7 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: No

Price at time of publish: $95

Best Gel-Cream Formula

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydrating Body Cream

Body lotion

Walmart

What We Like
  • Contains hyaluronic acid and pentavitin to hydrate skin

  • Fragrance-free

  • Softening

What We Don't Like
  • Some people might be off-put that formula contains PEGs

We love this pick for how it feels on our skin—silky and cushion-y. It's weightless formula includes 5% hyaluronic acid complex and pentavitin, an ingredient that hydrates skin. It not only makes skin feel supple, it helps to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines plus improve elasticity. We also love that the gel-like formula delivers hydration sans greasiness.

Active Ingredients: Shea butter, hyaluronic acid, Pentavin | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 8 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $35

Final Verdict

Our number one pick is Nécessaire The Body Lotion, a luxurious vitamin-rich formula that moisturizes and nourishes with shea butter and niacinamide. If you're looking for a more wallet-friendly option, go with Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Body Lotion, a generous pump bottle containing a moisturizing blend of petroleum jelly and cocoa butter.

CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough and Bumpy Skin Review

Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

Meet the Expert

  • Dr. Ife Rodney is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, MD.
  • Dana Murray is a licensed esthetician, and owner of the spa Babe + Beauty.

What to Look for in a Body Lotion

Humectants

There are several different types of moisturizing ingredients out there, but according to board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, MD, Dr. Ife Rodney, humectants are the best ones to seek out in a body lotion. They attract moisture to and seal it in the skin but are still lightweight and don’t feel heavy on the skin. Some of her favorites to look for include hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The Peter Thomas Roth option has both hyaluronic acid and pentavitin, a hydrating ingredient that helps the skin lock in moisture.

Exfoliants

If your skin is super dry, it’s not a bad idea to seek out a lotion that contains gentle chemical exfoliants, such as urea and/or alpha-hydroxy acids, advises Rodney. Exfoliating body lotions and creams also tackle two important issues — dryness and removing dead skin — without the need of scrubbing. These ingredients are especially great for those who have rough areas and/or bumps, and are looking to reveal more silky, smooth skin.

SPF

Okay, not necessarily a must, but, “particularly for the summer months, it’s a great perk if your body lotion contains SPF. Your body needs sun protection, too, so why not kill two birds with one stone?” says Rodney. Make sure to not forget the neck, chest, and hands, too. We love the Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 for its effective formula.

Necessaire the Body Lotion
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
FAQ
  • Can you put body lotion on your face?

    Body lotions are usually thicker than face moisturizers and contain ingredients that are focused on driving as much moisture into the skin as possible. These thick lotions are too heavy for your face; especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, constantly using body lotion could clog your pores and might be the reason you’re breaking out,” says Rodney. However, if you don't mind the thicker consistency, then feel free to use your body lotion in place of your face moisturizer,

  • Does body lotion expire?

    “If it’s stored properly, away from heat and sunlight, it can last up to a few years. But eventually, it may become less effective, and you may notice things like separation or a color change,” says Rodney. Some products have a suggested time frame of 12 to 24 months or less once opened, so make sure to keep an eye out for your product's recommendations before use. Keep in mind, an expired body lotion shouldn't case any harm (we still suggest reading the label and stopping use).

  • What’s the difference between body cream and body lotion?

    Creams have higher concentrations of hydrating ingredients and are thicker and richer, whereas lotions have higher amounts of water and are more lightweight (making them quick-absorbing products), Rodney explains. Which one you choose is a matter of personal preference and skin type (i.e. drier skin types might prefer a thick cream compared to those with normal or oily skin), but generally speaking, you may want to consider lotions in the summer and creams in the winter.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in beauty. For this roundup, she interviewed an esthetician and researched key ingredients, ultimately selecting products that offer ample hydration and skin-enhancing benefits. Theresa has tried a handful of products on this list and is particularly partial to Nécessaire, Vaseline, Josie Maran, and Summer Fridays, along with Eucerin for eczema flare-ups. A big proponent of daily sunscreen use, she's also a fan of Supergoop! Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers skincare, makeup, and fitness products.

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

 Byrdie / Joline Buscemi

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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  10. Sobhan M, et al. The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020; 13: 241–251. Published 2020 Mar 25. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S246021

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