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A good body lotion is essential in any basic skincare routine. The key to getting the most out of your favorite lotion or moisturizer is to apply it no more than a couple of minutes after you get out of the shower or bath, while your skin is still damp to lock in all the goodness and reap the most benefits.
Below we are featuring a variety of body lotions that will work hard to help improve the health and feel of your skin. We have included some familiar drugstore staples and some not-so-familiar brands that all will contribute to enhanced moisturization, relieve dryness and even illuminate the skin.
These lotions are also all highly rated and filled with good-for-you ingredients that will keep your skin in top shape for 24-48 hours.
Comparing the Top Body Lotions of 2024
NIVEA Lotion — Best Overall
This lotion has a cult following for a reason – it truly does provide intense 48-hour moisture for dry to very dry skin types. Infused with a deeply nourishing serum and almond oil, this is a rich formula that will show a difference in just one use. Apply this lotion daily all over or just where you need some extra intensive hydration.
Pros
- This is a full-body lotion
Cons
- This lotion might not be optimal for oiler skin types
Gloves In A Bottle Lotion — Best for Dry Skin
Gloves in a Bottle may not be the most recognizable brand when it comes to shielding lotions and moisturizers but trust us when we tell you, this specific body lotion is top-notch. Not only does it effortlessly bond with your skin cells to form a shielding layer that prevents skin degradation, but it also works as a moisturizer for people that suffer from increasingly dry skin.
Apply it to your feet, hands and face and observe a marked difference in your skin’s overall freshness and moisture content with this amazing all-in-one shielding lotion that retains your natural moisture in the way your body intended.
Pros
- One application lasts a total of 4 hours
- Gives off no additional scent
- Suitable for individuals with psoriasis
- Fully diabetic friendly
Cons
- Can take some time to absorb fully
Skin MD Lotion — Best for Sensitive Skin
Are you looking for a shielding lotion that can even mend your sensitive and dry skin? Let us present the Skin MD Shielding lotion for your face and body. Its versatile nature allows it to function as both a medical product for eczema and psoriasis patients and as a natural moisturizer to remove the dryness from your skin and keep it looking glossy and healthy.
Skin MD has also been at the forefront of introducing shielding lotions that bond and hydrate your skin cells while improving your skin’s natural barrier against irritants. So, it should come as no surprise to anyone that their body lotion is one of the best skincare products in the world based on the amount of research they’ve done alone.
Pros
- Made especially for eczema and psoriasis patients
- 100% organic, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic ingredients
- No noticeable scent
- Its fully vegan and cruelty-free nature makes it eco-friendly
Cons
- The containers can lead to lotion waste
Earthley Wellness Lotion — Best Vegan
If you're looking for a body lotion that is vegan-friendly and not tested on animals, this Good Night Lotion from Earthley Wellness might be right for you. Enriched with powerful natural ingredients like apricot oil, shea butter, mango butter and candelilla wax, this body lotion is one of the cleanest and purest on the market. It's ideal for soothing and nourishing the skin, while also helping you relax and drift off into a peaceful sleep, thanks to the presence of calming ingredients like lavender essential oil.
Pros
- Completely vegan friendly
- Helps you relax
- Free of sulfates, fragrances and parabens
Cons
- Quite a strong aroma
Lubriderm Lotion — Runner Up
This hydrating body lotion helps replenish and moisturize dry skin and is clinically shown to moisturize for 24 hours. Enriched with vitamin B5 and essential moisturizers naturally found in healthy skin, this lotion also works to improve the skin’s moisture barrier over time and is great for smoothing over hands as well. Ideal for normal to dry skin types, this lotion will give you healthy-looking, hydrated skin all day long.
Pros
- This lotion is non-greasy for a clean, pleasant feel on the skin
Cons
- If you suffer from severely dry skin you may want to choose a different option
Aveeno Lotion — Honorable Mention
This oldie but goodie award-winning lotion has staying power and will moisturize dry skin for a full 24 hours. This lotion is nourishing and contains a soothing oatmeal formula that absorbs quickly, leaving your skin soft and healthy. This lotion is also non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for daily use.
Pros
- This lotion is fragrance-free
Cons
- This should not be used on the face
Jergens Moisturizer — Editor's Pick
Another great option for extra dry skin is this lotion that was made to help improve the skin’s appearance and texture. Ideal for the typically rougher areas including heels, elbows, and knees, this lotion works to penetrate the layers of skin while reducing dryness at the source. This is a thicker feeling lotion, that will leave your skin looking luminous, while never leaving behind a greasy feel.
Pros
- You can expect the hydration to last for up to 48 hours
Cons
- If you don’t like a little illumination on the skin another option might be better
Nivea Men Lotion — Formulated for Men
This 3-in-1 lotion is specially formulated for men and recommended for the body, face, and hands. It fights against dry skin while intensively moisturizing, leaving a non-greasy feel. It absorbs quickly with no stickiness and is recommended for hands, face, and body.
Pros
- This is a light feeling lotion that will intensively moisturize skin for 24+ hours
Cons
- The smell might be strong at first, but fades quickly
Marlowe. Lotion — Excellent Quality
This intensive men’s moisturizer is infused with aloe to help reveal smoother, more nourished skin. The formula contains eight amino acids to deliver hydration and helps skin retain its moisture while offering a rich and light texture that goes on smooth, absorbs quickly, and won’t leave any greasy residue. This lotion is also lightly scented with lemon citrus, bergamot, and musk and accented by black pepper accord for the ultimate fresh and energized feeling.
Pros
- For every Marlowe item purchased, a soap is distributed to people at risk for hygiene-related illnesses
Cons
- If you suffer from severely rough skin another option might be better
OGX Lotion — Also Consider
This argan oil-based hydrating body lotion, in addition to helping hydrate dry skin, will provide a soft, radiant glow. Formulated with water-based silk proteins and cold-pressed argan oil, you can expect an ultra-creamy lotion that goes on like a dream, absorbs fast and should be used morning and night.
Pros
- This lotion is free from parabens and sulfated surfactants
Cons
- There is a slight fragrance
Buying Guide: Body Lotions
If you want to maintain healthy and shining skin, you need to ensure you moisturize daily. However, there are some skin types that may require even more moisturizing. As such, you need to make sure you choose the top body lotions in 2024 to avoid blocked pores and spots.
Moisturizing body lotions are available in all sorts of thicknesses, fragrances, and are made with various ingredients. There are plenty of items to choose from, many of which will just try to sell you on their positives. That being said, you’ll need to know exactly what to look for, your skin type, and consider your own preferences before choosing a body lotion.
In order to help you make a decision, we’ve put together this buying guide so you know what to look for when buying your next body lotion. Read on for more information.
Things to Consider Before Buying Your Next Body Lotion
Natural ingredients
If you are serious about your skin’s health and don’t want to use any potentially harmful chemicals, check out all-natural body lotions. These ingredients revitalize and soothe while nourishing your skin at the same time. You are also less likely to suffer from any allergies or irritated skin.
Scent
You may also want to consider whether you prefer body lotions with a noticeable scent. If you prefer fragrance-free lotions, there are plenty of options to choose from.
However, if you do enjoy body lotions with a strong fragrance, you may want to find a product that matches your perfume and other bathroom products.
Body lotion sets
If you are looking to pick up multiple products, you may want to choose a body lotion set that also includes a body scrub or body wash. These also make excellent birthday or Christmas gifts.
Lightweight
We also recommend using a lightweight body lotion as it will absorb into your skin easily, meaning you are less like to get clogged pores.
Fast-drying
In addition, you’ll need a body lotion that dries quickly; you’ll be able to use it in the morning even if you are rushing to leave the house.
SPF
Some body lotions are also made with SPF. This is essential if you live in a hot country or you want to avoid wearing sunscreen along with your body lotion.
Skin type
If you want to protect your sensitive skin, choose a body lotion without a strong fragrance or scent. In addition, you should look for the words “for sensitive skin” on the bottle, as it will be much more delicate and less irritating.
If you have dry skin, you’ll need a thick body lotion, while those with oily skin should choose a lighter body lotion. If you have normal skin, you’re free to use whatever body lotion stands out to you.
Anti-inflammation
Certain body lotions also have anti-inflammatory properties. These will usually have ingredients such as green tea, camomile, and licorice.
Non-greasy body lotions
You don’t want a body lotion that’s going to leave you feeling greasy and uncomfortable. In addition, greasy lotions can also cause spots, or just make you feel like you’re less than your best.
Antioxidants
If you are looking for quality body lotions, make sure you buy one that contains antioxidants. Lotions containing vitamin C will be able to repair your skin and retain moisture better. They also promote collagen production and limit dark spots and wrinkles.
B vitamins
Vitamin B is fantastic for repairing your skin and achieving a desirable, glowing look. These types of vitamins will also balance your oil production and reduce the effects of dry skin or acne.
Shimmer
If you would like to sparkle and shimmer like the god or goddess that you are on the inside, chose a body lotion without any harmful minerals. Any lotion that offers a shimmer effect will make your wrinkles and scars less visible by reflecting light.
Our Tips For Healthy, Radiant Skin
A good quality moisturizing body lotion is a key component of any skin routine. If you require some other tips for achieving flawless skin, follow the steps below.
Cleanse Thoroughly
Firstly, you’ll want to clean your skin thoroughly with a PH-balanced wash and warm water.
Make sure you scrub
Exfoliation is the number one way to remove dead skin, increase circulation, and reduce cellulite. You’ll remove skin cells that are blocking your pores and making you look less like yourself. Some lucky people can cope with exfoliants every day, while others get dry skin if they do it too often. We recommend exfoliating every seven days or so; you can increase if required.
Learn how to shave properly
You’ll also want to know how to shave without damaging your skin. To ensure you remove hair safely, choose a top-quality shaving cream and avoid using the likes of shower gel to prep your skin before shaving. Sure, it saves time and money, but there is no substitute for shaving gel.
You should also only use a disposable razor twice - the clue is in the name. They’ll become blunt and you’ll be more likely to hurt yourself when applying more effort.
Apply copious amounts of body lotion
Once you’ve found a body lotion that works for you, make sure you use it every day. Body lotion keeps your skin supple, maintains the outlet layer or skin, and reduces wrinkles and scars. We recommend using it before you go to bed as well.
