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.

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.

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 much lighter, Rodney explains. Which one you choose is a matter of personal preference, but generally speaking, you may want to consider lotions in the summer and creams in the winter.

We Found the 14 Best Body Lotions for Buttery-Smooth Skin

Theresa Holland

and

Syden Abrenica

Updated on Nov 15, 2021

Medically reviewed by

Stacy Chimento, MD

BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

Fact checked by

Michelle Regalado

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. You can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Best Body Lotions — 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.

According to licensed esthetician Dana Murray of Babe + Beauty, daily 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.

Body lotions have one main purpose: to moisturize your skin. With that said, some do a better job than others because they contain 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, you'll want to consider the ingredients, consistency, scent (or lack thereof), and skin type. You should also look at the amount, as you can expect to go through it much faster than your face moisturizer.

Scroll down for the best body lotions for every, well, body.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Nécessaire The Body Lotion at Sephora

Packed with a plethora of vitamins, this lotion moisturizes, strengthens, and improves tone and texture.

Best Budget:

Vaseline Body Lotion at Walgreens

This affordable pick imparts a heavy dose of moisture and seals it in.

Best Drugstore:

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion at Ulta

This affordable everyday body lotion is so gentle and reliable, it’s the greatest choice for every member of the family.

Best Splurge:

Byredo Gypsy Water Body Lotion at Nordstrom

With a lovely scent, this luxurious lotion is long-lasting and can be used daily.

Best Body Butter:

Hanahana Beauty Eucalyptus Shea Body Butter at Hanahanabeauty.com

Containing earth-derived ingredients, this body butter is formulated to condition, nourish, and smooth dry skin.

Best With SPF:

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion at Amazon

We all know Supergoop! makes great face sunscreen, and now they have a lotion that protects your body from the sun.

Best for Eczema:

Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream at Amazon

Skin soothing ingredients in this formula make it ideal for easily irritated or eczema-prone skin.

Best Unscented:

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 at Amazon

This fragrance-free formula goes on smooth, moisturizes dry skin, and offers all-day hydration without a greasy feel.

Best Nourishing:

Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion at Sephora

The plant-derived butters in this formula help to soften, nourish, and moisturize skin.

Best Consistency:

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter at Amazon

The icing-like texture of this cream goes on smooth and hydrates skin.

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie?

View On Sephora View On Nordstrom View On Necessaire.com

What We Like

Fragrance-free
Restores skin's barrier
Firming

What We Don't Like

Expensive

This Quick-Absorbing Body Lotion Hydrated My Skin Like No Other

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.

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

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

View On Walgreens View On 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.

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

View On Ulta View On Walmart

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—even your face!

View On Nordstrom View On Byredo.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

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.

Hanahana Beauty Eucalyptus Shea Body Butter

View On Hanahanabeauty.com

What We Like

Smells great
Nourishing
Natural formula

What We Don't Like

Relatively small amount

We love a good body butter, and Hanahana's Eucalyptus Shea is one for the books. Containing earth-derived ingredients (think shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil) the rich concoction is formulated to condition, nourish, and smooth dry skin.

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Supergoop.com

What We Like

Contains SPF
Pump bottle
Absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Reviewed: This Supergoop Sunscreen May Be the Best I've Ever Tried

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.

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

View On Amazon View On Walgreens View On Walmart

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.

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion SPF 15

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Fragrance-free
Non-greasy

What We Don't Like

Not cruelty-free

This Body Lotion-Sunscreen Hybrid Revived My Skin—And It’s Only $8

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.

Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

4.5

View On Sephora View On Kohls.com View On Revolve.com

What We Like

Clean formula
Smells great
Softens skin

What We Don't Like

Small amount of product

Summer Fridays New Body Lotion Leaves My Dry Skin Feeling Baby-Soft

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.

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Creamy formula
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.

Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp and Haitian Vetiver Body Lotion

View On Amazon View On Nubianheritage.com View On Walmart

What We Like

Natural formula
Softens skin
Great value

What We Don't Like

Strong scent

This body lotion from Nubian Heritage boasts a blend of natural butters and oils like coconut, shea, and hemp seed. When you slather it on every day, you can expect softer, smoother skin.

View On Sephora View On Nordstrom

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.

3.5

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Drunkelephant.com

What We Like

Restores dull, dry skin
Improves skin elasticity
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Expensive

I Tried Drunk Elephant's Body Lotion on My Parched Skin—Here's What Happened

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.

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

View On Amazon View On Alaffia.com

What We Like

Great value
Natural formula
Smells great

What We Don't Like

Pump can be finicky

What's the best body lotion for daily use? You're looking at it. Alaffia's 32-ounce Everyday Shea flaunts a formula full of naturally derived ingredients, like shea butter and red palm oil, and comes in a range of incredible scents.

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 (view at Amazon), 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

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.
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 much lighter, Rodney explains. Which one you choose is a matter of personal preference, 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

Meet the Expert

Board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, MD, Dr. Ife Rodney.

Licensed esthetician Dana Murray of Babe + Beauty.

These 21 Body Washes Deserve Some Real Estate in Your Shower

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.

Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. Published 2017 Dec 27. doi:10.2147/CCID.S144180
Scapagnini G, Davinelli S, Di Renzo L, et al. Cocoa bioactive compounds: significance and potential for the maintenance of skin health. Nutrients. 2014;6(8):3202-3213. Published 2014 Aug 11. doi:10.3390/nu6083202
Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
Matts P, Oblong J. A review of the range of effects of niacinamide in human skin. Int Fed Soc Cosmet Chem Mag. Published 2002 Jan 1.
Matts P, Oblong J. A review of the range of effects of niacinamide in human skin. Int Fed Soc Cosmet Chem Mag. Published 2002 Jan 1.
Morales-Burgos A, Loosemore MP, Goldberg LH. Postoperative wound care after dermatologic procedures: a comparison of 2 commonly used petrolatum-based ointments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(2):163-164.
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
Komane B, Vermaak I, Summers B, Viljoen A. Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (Marula) oil: A clinical perspective. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;176:327-335. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.10.037
Spada F, Barnes TM, Greive KA. Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:491-497. doi:10.2147/CCID.S177697
Draelos ZD. The science behind skin care: Moisturizers. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(2):138-144. doi:10.1111/jocd.12490

We Found the 14 Best Body Lotions for Buttery-Smooth Skin

Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Lotion

Best Budget: Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Best Splurge: Byredo Gypsy Water Body Lotion

Best Body Butter: Hanahana Beauty Eucalyptus Shea Body Butter

Best With SPF: Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

Best for Eczema: Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream

Best Unscented: Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Best Nourishing: Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

Best Consistency: Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

Best Softening: Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp and Haitian Vetiver Body Lotion

Best for Dry Skin: 54 Thrones African Beauty Butter

Best for Mature Skin: Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

Best Daily: Alaffia Everyday Shea Body Lotion

Related Stories