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
Fragrance-free
Restores skin's barrier
Firming
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
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
Contains exclusive Osmoter to balance and nurture skin's microbiome
Softening
Calms irritated skin
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
Budget-friendly
Absorbs quickly
Pump bottle
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
Budget-friendly
Fragrance-free
Pump bottle
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
Smells great
Attractive bottle
Luxury formula
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
Contains SPF
Pump bottle
Absorbs quickly
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
Budget-friendly
Soothes irritation
Fragrance-free
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
Budget-friendly
Fragrance-free
Non-greasy
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
Lightweight
Smells great
Softens skin
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
Creamy texture
Smells great
Improves skin tone
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
Rich texture
Very hydrating
Can use on face and body
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
Restores dull, dry skin
Improves skin elasticity
Fragrance-free
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
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
Has a warm and spicy scent
Boosts moisture
Great for circulation
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
Doesn't sit on top of the skin
Non-greasy
Nourishing
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
Affordable
Fragrance-Free
Lightweight on the skin
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
Gently exfoliates
Gets rid of rough, textured skin
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
Quick-penetrating
Cooling effect
Calming scent
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
Replenishing
Fast-absorbing
Luxe feel
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
Contains hyaluronic acid and pentavitin to hydrate skin
Fragrance-free
Softening
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.
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.
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.