Keeping your skin moisturized is key to keeping it looking and feeling great. Whether it’s your face, neck, hands, or body, it’s important to prevent your skin from drying out. While many people moisturize their face, neck, and hands, most people neglect to moisturize the rest of their body. This can be a big mistake. Just because it’s usually covered by clothes doesn’t mean that the majority of your skin should be ignored, especially not in winter. As temperatures drop, dry patches are inevitable, but by using an effective moisturizing body lotion, they can be avoided, or at the very least, minimized.
There are countless different body lotions out there. Finding one that suits your skin type and lifestyle can be a real challenge. With that in mind, we reviewed dozens of body lotions to help you find the product that will help you keep your skin looking youthful, healthy, and supple. During our comprehensive research, we looked at factors such as ingredients, skin type and conditions, scent, application, packaging, size, cost, and customer reviews.
In the end, we chose the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion as our top choice. Ideal for people with normal to dry skin, this body lotion is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which boost your skin barrier and help seal moisture within the skin. That means that this lotion can soothe extra dry skin and keep it moisturized for up to 24 hours. The lotion, which is allergy-tested and fragrance-free, is even approved by the National Eczema Association!
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Body Lotions
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Body Lotion Overall | CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion | 4.7 |
| Best Body Lotion with CBD | CBD American Shaman CBD Body Lotion | 5.0 |
| Best Budget Body Lotion | Solimo Hand and Body Lotion | 4.4 |
| Best Lightweight Body Lotion | Neutrogena Sheer Oil-Lotion | 4.7 |
| Best Body Lotion for Dry Skin | Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion with Macadamia Oil | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from the time of publication and can change
Best Body Lotion Overall: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion promises to restore the protective skin barrier and provide 24-hour hydration. Judging by more than 8,000 positive reviews, the lotion more than succeeds in doing that. That’s not surprising considering that the lightweight formula contains three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II). These lipids reinforce the skin barrier and protect the skin against environmental aggressors like pollution and irritants. In addition, the lotion also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps retain the skin’s moisture.
The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is suitable for people with normal to dry skin and people who suffer from eczema and other sensitive skin conditions (the lotion is approved by the National Eczema Association). Since the lotion is gentle on the skin, allergy tested, and fragrance-free, you can use it not only on your body but also on your hands and face without worrying about fragrance irritation. And, because the lotion is oil-free and non-comedogenic, it won’t clog your pores.
You can use this lotion day or night. In fact, you can apply this product liberally to dry areas on your body as often as needed. According to customers, this lotion absorbs quickly, so you can slather your face and body in it, knowing that it won’t cause any issues or pill under makeup or sunscreen. As a bonus, this lotion is more than affordable and comes in a handy 355mL pump bottle for easy dispensing.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Key Features:
- 355mL
- Pump bottle
- Normal to dry skin
- Developed with dermatologists
- National Eczema Association approved
- 24-hour hydration
- Lightweight
- Free of oil and fragrance
Best Body Lotion with CBD: CBD American Shaman CBD Body Lotion
Nourish your skin with the CBD American Shaman CBD Body Lotion, which contains not only hemp oil but also shea butter, avocado oil, and vitamin A, D, and E oil.
Check PriceHemp oil is said to have numerous skincare benefits. For example, it can help control oily skin, prevent dry skin, soothe inflammation, treat atopic dermatitis, and reduce signs of aging. You can reap these and potentially other benefits of hemp oil with the CBD American Shaman CBD Body Lotion, which has 120mg of CBD. In addition to hemp oil, this body lotion also contains other powerful natural ingredients, including coconut oil, cocoa oil, shea oil, apricot oil, grape oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, lavender oil, MCT oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe vera, soy lecithin, and vitamins A, D, and E.
The lotion is made in the U.S. and has a non-greasy formula and a light scent. Since this lotion spreads well, a little goes a long way (the company recommends that you use a quarter-sized drop of lotion for each use). The lotion comes in a blue glass bottle (240mL) with a pump. The same product is available in travel-size packaging (60mL), as well. However, the travel size bottle has a snap lid. The CBD American Shaman CBD Body Lotion comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee. So, if you’re not happy with it, you can get your money back — no questions asked.
CBD American Shaman CBD Body Lotion Key Features:
- 240mL
- Pump bottle
- 120mg of CBD per bottle
- Available in travel size
- Non-greasy
- Light scent
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Best Budget Body Lotion: Solimo Hand and Body Lotion
Although inexpensive, the Solimo Hand and Body Lotion gets hundreds of rave reviews. Comparable to store brand lotions found at Walgreens and CVS, this Amazon brand lotion, which is designed to moisturize and hydrate your skin, is dermatologically tested, non-greasy, and lightweight. Although the lotion feels a little bit sticky right after you put it on, it absorbs quite quickly and doesn’t leave a visible residue on the skin. As such, you can use it as often as necessary, be it day or night. The lotion has a slight, soothing scent (think aloe vera mixed with cucumbers) that doesn’t linger.
Made in the U.S. with both U.S. and foreign ingredients, this lotion is free of parabens and phthalates. It contains aloe vera juice powder as well as water, glycerin, stearic acid, mineral oil, isopropyl myristate, glyceryl stearate, dimethicone, glycol stearate, PEG-100 stearate, petrolatum, tapioca starch, cetyl alcohol chlorphenesin, benzyl alcohol, magnesium aluminum silicate, disodium EDTA, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, fragrance, stearamide AMP, xanthan gum, titanium dioxide, and triethanolamine.
The product comes in a large (725mL) plastic bottle with a pump. However, if you want to save even more money, you can get the same lotion in a pack of four. Even better, Amazon provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with the product or the results it produces, you can ask for a refund within a year of purchase.
Solimo Hand and Body Lotion Key Features:
- 725mL
- Dermatologically tested
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Free of parabens and phthalates
- Pleasant scent
- 1-year money-back guarantee
Best Lightweight Body Lotion: Neutrogena Sheer Oil-Lotion
Marketed as “a whisper-light skin-silkening moisturizer,” this body lotion by the dermatologically-approved Neutrogena brand is so sheer it absorbs the second you slather it on, leaving your skin feeling silky and moisturized. Since the lotion is enriched with sesame oil, which has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help your skin in several ways, like reducing inflammation and healing burns.
Because the lotion is non-comedogenic, it’s suitable for all skin types (including dry and sensitive skin) and won’t clog your pores. You can apply it on your skin after bathing, shaving and sun exposure. You can also put it on throughout the day whenever your skin feels dry without worrying that it’ll make your skin feel sticky. The product has a light, fresh scent that’s not too overwhelming. A few customers have noted that the lotion smells like you’ve just stepped out of the shower, whereas others have compared it to old-school suntan lotion.
Some customers have also said that the Neutrogena Sheer Oil-Lotion is more or less the same lotion that you get at luxury hotels (including the Hilton hotel) but in a bigger (946mL) pump container. Since the bottle is so big, the lotion will likely last you a very long time. One customer shared that her last bottle lasted her almost three years.
Neutrogena Sheer Oil-Lotion Key Features:
- 956mL
- Pump bottle
- Enriched with sesame oil
- Fast-absorbing
- Non-comedogenic
- Fresh scent
Best Body Lotion for Dry Skin: Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion with Macadamia Oil
Adamia combines macadamia oil, sourced from sustainable Australian farms, with clinically-proven moisturizers to create Promega 7, a unique blend that can soften and repair red, burning, dry, cracked, broken, and itchy skin. Because macadamia oil is rich in essential fatty acids, it may also help prevent premature aging and trans-epidermal water loss and restore the skin barrier’s function.
The Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion with Macadamia Oil clearly works. In 2018, it received a Women’s Choice Award. Apparently, 9 out of 10 customers recommend this lotion for its therapeutic properties and its ability to banish dry skin. The Women’s Choice Award aside, the lotion is also dermatologically and clinically tested. Clinical trial results are available on the product page and include observations on skin tear incidence, distressed skin improvement, and skin quality.
This lotion comes in two sizes: 473mL plastic pump bottle and 118mL squeeze bottle. You can apply this lotion as needed. For best results, Adamia recommends that you use it twice a day for at least a month. The lotion has a very mild scent, absorbs well, and doesn’t leave a sticky, greasy feeling post-application. The lotion is non-allergenic, non-GMO, vegan, and not tested on animals. It’s also free from fragrances, gluten, parabens, and petroleum.
Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion with Macadamia Oil Key Features:
- 473mL
- Received Women’s Choice Award
- Dermatologically and clinically tested
- Non-sticky, non-GMO, and non-allergenic
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free from fragrances, parabens, petroleum, and gluten
- Mild scent
Who Should Buy Body Lotions
Pretty much everyone should make applying body lotion a staple part of their daily routine. Body lotions can rehydrate dry skin, making it feel and look softer and healthier. A quality body lotion can also alleviate the redness, flakiness, itchiness, and pain that often accompanies dry skin.
That being said, you shouldn’t wait until your skin is dry or cracked to use a body lotion. Even if your skin is looking healthy, using a body lotion every day can significantly reduce the possibility of developing dry skin. Plus, because moisturized skin stays younger for longer, body lotion can minimize premature skin aging. Many body lotions actually contain anti-aging ingredients, like keratin, that help cells regenerate faster.
Body lotions can also help you relax and make you feel pampered. Just a few minutes at the end of a busy day spent applying luxurious body lotion can help you unwind and prepare you for bed. Some body lotions can also add a nice shimmer to your skin tone — perfect for warm summer days.
If you’re interested in face care products, check out our review of The Best Face Washes and Facial Cleansers and our review of The Best Eye Creams.
Important Features to Consider
Body lotion should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a body lotion:
- Ingredients. Avoid body lotions that contain mineral oil, petroleum derivatives, phenoxyethanol, artificial fragrances, and methylisothiazolinone. These are dangerous ingredients that can disrupt hormonal balance in the body, cause allergic reactions, and trigger skin problems like eczema. Instead, look for body lotions with ceramides (lipid molecules that help prevent moisture loss) and essential fatty acids (such as shea butter, almond oil, avocado, and olive oil). Other beneficial ingredients include hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, vitamin C ( also known as tocopherol), glycerin, glycols, and polyols.
- Skin type. Some body lotions suit all skin types. However, others are formulated with dry or sensitive skin in mind. If you have very dry, itchy skin, make sure you opt for an ultra-nourishing lotion.
- Skin conditions. If you’re suffering from a particular skin condition, look out for a lotion that can help you treat it. For example, some body lotions can help you beat eczema, psoriasis, and bumpy and itchy skin. In contrast, others are specifically made to reduce signs of premature skin aging, like dark spots on your hands, arms, neck, and chest.
- Application. Make sure to always read the back of the bottle for instructions before applying new body lotion on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might also want to consider doing a patch test before applying the lotion all over your body. Apply a small amount of lotion on your chest for a few days. If your skin doesn’t react adversely, you’ve got a winner.
- Scent. Body lotions come in a variety of different scents. For example, some lotions have a flowery scent, whereas others smell slightly medicinal. If you’re particularly sensitive to scents, your best bet is to buy a lotion with a very mild scent or one that doesn’t have any scent at all. Don’t underestimate the power of scent. If you don’t like how a lotion smells, you’re probably not going to use it, which means that you’ll have to put up with dry skin until you buy a new lotion.
- Packaging. Most body lotions come in a pump bottle. Pump bottles are generally superior to squeeze bottles because they dispense metered doses, which means that you’re less likely to waste the product. If you’re looking for ways to be more eco-friendly in your everyday life, keep an eye out for lotions that come in recyclable pump bottles.
- Size. Most body lotions come in huge containers. However, if you look hard enough, you can find lotions that come in travel-size packaging — perfect for taking with you on the road.
- Cost. You don’t have to buy a fancy body lotion. Cheaper brands can make your skin glow, too. Just remember to avoid certain ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a body lotion do?
Body lotion protects against loss of skin moisture, thus preventing (or helping heal) dry, cracked skin.
Is body lotion good for your skin?
Totally! Regular application of body lotion can help you have younger, firmer, and smoother skin. Body lotion can also prevent skin problems like dryness and acne and repair skin damage caused by UV rays.
Should I use body lotion every day?
Yes. You should use body lotion at least once a day, preferably right after you bathe. However, if your skin is very dry, you might want to apply body lotion a few times a day (morning and night).
Where should I put lotion on my body?
That depends on your skin type, condition, and overall preference. Some people moisturize their entire body, whereas others prefer to apply body lotion to specific areas, like feet, elbows, and hands (especially during the flu season when you wash your hands more often).
Unless otherwise stated, you should never apply body lotion to your face. Body lotions tend to contain a lot of butter, oil, and other ingredients that are much too thick and heavy for your face. When applied to the face, body lotions can clog pores and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Some body lotions also contain fragrances that can irritate facial skin. Besides, most body lotions don’t have sun protection.
Other Body Lotions We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other body lotions. Even though they didn’t make our five body lotions list, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Body Lotions with CBD
In addition to CBD oil, the Sol CBD Nourish Formula also contains avocado oil, aloe vera, pomegranate seed CO2 extract, rosehip seed CO2 extract, sea buckthorN CO2 extract, and essential oils.
Key Features:
- 30mL
- Pump bottle
- Suits all skin types
- Mostly organic ingredients
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cost: $90
With the CBD Living Lotion, you can choose from three different scents: lavender, eucalyptus, and unscented.
Key Features:
- 30mL
- 100mg CBD
- Variety of scents available
- Natural ingredients
- Grease-less formula
Cost: $30
Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Whipped Body Creme
This whipped body lotion by Hempz is infused with yangu oil (a rare natural oil extracted from the seed of an African forest tree), grapefruit, and peach for a pleasant, sweet scent.
Key Features:
- 500mL
- Pump bottle
- 24-hour hydration
- Infused with yangu oil, peach, and grapefruit
- 100% vegan
- Sweet, pleasant scent
Cost: $30
The Fay Farm Healing Hemp Lotion
The Fay Farm developed this hemp-infused lotion to treat their daughter’s eczema and psoriasis. You can also use this lotion to treat dermatitis, burns, cuticles, and cracked heels.
Key Features:
- Organic, natural ingredients
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Free of harmful chemicals like parabens
- Free of oil and alcohol
Cost: $20
If you’re not happy with the results after using the Sold CBD Extra Care Formula, you can get a full refund.
Key Features:
- 50mL
- Suits all skin types
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Mostly organic ingredients
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Body Lotions for Dry Skin
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 15
The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is one of the few body lotions that contain broad-spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen for UVA/UVB protection.
Key Features:
- 354mL
- Pump bottle
- Dermatologist-recommended brand
- With broad-spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen
- Non-greasy
- Moisturizes skin for 24 hours
- Fragrance-free
Cost: $16
Containing the antioxidants Q10 and vitamin C, this NIVEA body lotion can improve your skin’s elasticity in just two weeks, provided that you apply it to your body twice a day.
Key Features:
- 500mL
- Dry to very dry skin
- Dermatologically tested
- Enriched with Q10 and vitamin C
- Skin stays moisturized for 24 hours
- Flowery scent
Cost: $11
AmLactin Rapid Relief Restoring Lotion + Ceramides
Because this AmLactin body lotion contains lactic acid, which can support the skin’s natural renewal cycle, it can exfoliate and hydrate your skin. Lactic acid is also used to treat age spots, hyperpigmentation, and other skin conditions that lead to uneven skin.
Key Features:
- 233mL
- Pump bottle
- Paraben-free
- Fast-absorbing
- Faint medical scent
Cost: $19
Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion
Designed with extremely dry, flaky skin in mind, the Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion is very moisturizing and will leave your skin feeling softer after just one application.
Key Features:
- 500mL
- Pump bottle
- Dermatologist recommended brand
- For very dry, flaky skin
- Free from parabens, dyes, and fragrances
- 24-hour hydration
Cost: $12
Packed with naturally hydrating and soothing ingredients like shea butter, eucalyptus leaf extract, ceramides, and pro-vitamin B5, this lotion by Curél Skincare can repair even the driest skin.
Key Features:
- 591mL
- Pump bottle
- Dermatologist tested
- With ceramide complex
- Fragrance-free
- Fast-absorbing and non-greasy
- Light, citrus-like scent
Lightweight Body Lotions
OGX Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Lotion
This creamy oil lotion by OGX is enriched with coconut oil, which exfoliates dead skin cells and helps retain the moisture in your skin.
Key Features:
- 557mL
- Fast-absorbing
- Eco-friendly packaging
- With coconut oil, vanilla bean extract, and essence of tiare
- Ultra-hydrating
- Sweet, coconut scent
Cost: $9
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion
The unscented Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion is fast-absorbing, contains no parabens and phthalates, and is cruelty-free.
Key Features:
- 946mL
- Normal to dry or sensitive skin
- Clinically tested and hypoallergenic
- Fast-absorbing
- No parabens and phthalates
- Cruelty-free
- Unscented
Cost: $7
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion
The 12% glycolic acid in this lotion exfoliates the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines, whereas the vitamin and plant nutrients moisturize and soothe the skin.
Key Features:
- 354mL
- Free of parabens and fragrances
- With 12% glycolic acid
- Cruelty-free
- Non-greasy
- No scent
Cost: $18
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
This fragrance-free lotion by Lubriderm contains vitamin B5 and skin essential moisturizers, which makes it great for tattoo aftercare.
Key Features:
- 709mL
- Pump bottle
- Normal to dry skin
- Dermatologist-developed
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
- Light scent
Cost: $10
Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion
Developed by doctors, the Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion contains over 70% certified organic ingredients.
Key Features:
- 355mL
- Pump bottle
- All skin types
- Free from harsh chemicals like parabens
- Cruelty-free
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
Cost: $14
Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion with Royal Jelly
Formulated with royal jelly, this body lotion by Burt’s Bees will give your skin an attractive sheen.
Key Features:
- 175mL
- With royal jelly
- For normal skin
- 98.1% natural
- Shimmery
- Light, floral scent
Cost: $9
The Ahava Mineral Body Lotion, which contains a blend of Dead Sea minerals, is free from parabens, phthalates, GMOs, petroleum, mineral oil, SLS/SLES, and animal-sources ingredients.
Key Features:
- 250mL
- Free from harsh chemicals
- With Dead Seawater
- Fast-absorbing
- Non-greasy
- Vegan
- Prickly pear and floral moringa scent
Cost: $30
NIVEA Men Maximum Hydration Lotion
Made for men, this NIVEA product is a 3-in-1 lotion that can be used on your body, face, and hands.
Key Features:
- 500mL
- Pump bottle
- 3-in-1
- For dry skin
- 24-hour hydration
- Light, clean scent
Cost: $8
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Lotion
Formulated with sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients, the Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Lotion provides 24-hour moisture and, according to customers, smells like “vacation at the beach.”
Key Features:
- 400mL
- Pump bottle
- 24-hour hydration
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil
- No dyes, sulfates, or gluten
- Non-greasy
- Mild, pleasant scent
Cost: $6
Rosen Apothecary Retinol Body Lotion
For firm, tight, and bright skin, use the retinol, argan oil, and caffeine-infused Rosen Apothecary Retinol Body Lotion.
Key Features:
- 950mL
- Pump bottle
- Anti-aging
- Free from parabens, GMOs, and silicones
- Cruelty-free
- With retinol, argan oil, and caffeine
- Light scent
Cost: $18
