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Body Moisturizers Buying Guide

Body moisturizers  are important for keeping skin soft, smooth and youthful. They are a quintessential beauty product  to indulge in during the cool, dry winter months and they are a must-have year-round for those with dry skin. Choosing a moisturizer (or several) is easy, considering that most people just pick up the first one they see in the drugstore. However, keep in mind that giving some thought to your purchase may actually result in happier skin.

Skin Type

  • Normal Skin : For the most part your skin stays soft and smooth all year round. You might get slightly dry during the winter, but that's about the extent of your skin woes. This means you have the most choices when it comes to products. Select your favorite fragrance because, most likely, it won't irritate your skin. Choose maybe two or three different lotions of varying thicknesses to suit your skin at different times of the year. For example, an intense moisturizer for winter, a light, scented lotion or mist  for summer and a standard lotion for use anytime during the rest of the year. You may also want to consider lotions that contain an SPF. 
  • Sensitive Skin : Your skin may be on the dry or oily side, but the main problem you face is dealing with itchiness, redness, rashes or irritation. You may or may not have a skin condition such as eczema, keratosis pilaris, or even allergies. In this case, it is recommended to avoid products that contain fragrances or other chemical products. Natural  and organic products  are usually a very good choice. When in doubt about a product, try to do a patch test before slathering it on your whole body.
  • Dry Skin : No matter if it's summer, spring, winter, or fall, you tend to have dry, itchy, flaky skin. You are the prime target for thick, rich, luxurious moisturizing creams that contain essential oils,  shea  and cocoa butter.  Fragrances are fine as long as you don't have sensitive skin, too. Moisturizers that include an exfoliating chemical, such as 1% or 2% BHA (salicylic acid), might help to rid your skin of the dead flakes. For moisture during the summer months when creams can be too thick, try periodically spraying a moisturizing mist on your skin. It won't be heavy, but it will keep your skin from becoming parched.
  • Acne-Prone Skin : When you have breakouts frequently on your back, neck or thighs, it is best to follow the same regime on your body as you do on your face. It also means that you should be sure to couple your moisturizing regimen with your cleansing routine so as to get the best results from the products you use. Non-comodegenic  products that include an exfoliant  and a medication are the best. Look for traces of sulfur or clay to dry up blemishes and tea tree oil  to help disinfect the bacteria on your skin. Another option for the winter months is a moisturizing gel --it absorbs quickly, won't clog pores, and provides plenty of skin nourishment. If the problem is severe, retinoids, oral antibiotics, and photodynamic therapy are serious solutions to acne problems. You must consult a physician before using these products. 

Moisturizer Types

There are two main types of body moisturizers: lotions  and creams.  Yet creamy moisturizers aren't the only way to nourish the skin! Below you can see that there are many options for hydration, ordered from lightest to heaviest.

Mist : Light, barely there nourishment adds just a touch of moisture. Great for the hot summer months when lotions simply melt from the heat.

Oil : Great for right after getting out of the shower to seal in moisture. Though often light and fast absorbing, it's not a substitute for a true moisturizer if you have dry skin. These oils can also be used for a  nice massage.

Lotion/Souffle : Average weight and thickness makes it easy to wear for almost everyone, but it provides only limited moisture to very dry skin.

Cream/Mousse /Butter : Thick formulas moisturize deep down and are best for those with dry skin.

Salve : This doesn't quite fit into the lotion or cream category, as it has a texture similar to Vaseline.  Since it's not in liquid form, use it only on especially rough patches of skin.

Top Picks

Like with all bath and body products, it is imperative as an informed consumer to know what matters most. Above all other features on any product are the ingredients. Never take cost as a substitute for quality! Learn to read labels, understand which items are emollients, which are prone to drying skin, which are natural and which are synthetic. Surely you have seen the aisles in the drugstores and the hundreds of products available online, so just keep in mind that there are plenty of user reviews and product ratings at your disposal. From those, a list has been compiled to enhance your shopping experience. From basic moisturizers for everyday use, to slightly posh new products and luxurious gifts ideas, hopefully these will help guide you to finding a new favorite moisturizer that is perfect for your skin.

Inexpensive: Less Than $10

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula 

Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment 

Dr. Hiosous Quince Hand Lotion 

L'Oreal Sunless Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer 

Nivea Body Lotion 

Mid-Range: $10 to $20

Sarah Jessica Parker Love Body Butter 

Lush Dream Cream 

L'Occitane 100 Pure Shea Butter 

Philosophy Soul Owner 

Ahava Advanced Hand Cream 

Luxury: $20+

Kiehl's Creme de Corps 

Fresh Shea Butter 

Jaqua Girls Buttercream Frosting Sinfully Rich Body Butter 

Tend Skin 

Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter 

Related Guides

External Links

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Bodylotion Shopgids
DE: Lotions und Cremes
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