Moisturiser is an essential step in any skincare routine, no matter your skin type or concern. So why don’t we treat moisturising our body with the same importance? Though it may seem like a minor step that can be all too easily skipped, body moisturising is crucial for keeping our skin looking and feeling its best. Not only does body moisturiser help to maintain a healthy skin barrier, it also prevents irritation and wards off premature ageing.
With so many formulations, textures, and finishes available, choosing the right body moisturiser for your skin’s needs can be overwhelming. But fear not—we’ve curated a list of our favourite hydrating heroes. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best smelling body lotion, the best body moisturiser for acne, or the best body cream for dry skin, we have you covered.
Scroll on to discover the best body moisturisers.
What are the differences between body moisturisers, lotions, creams, and body butters?
While they all work towards the same goal – providing moisture to your skin – the main contrasts can be found in their texture, formula, and level of hydration. Picking the one that’s right for you depends on your skin type and needs and might require some trial and error. However, understanding their differences can help speed up the selection process:
Body moisturiser – An umbrella term for any product designed to hydrate and soften the body.
Body lotion – A lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser that has a higher water and lower oil content. They are quickly absorbed into the skin, making them ideal for normal-to-slightly-dry skin.
Body cream – A moisturiser that’s thicker and richer than lotions, with a moderate-to-high oil content. Slower to absorb and providing deep hydration, these are great for very dry skin and areas that need extra TLC like elbows and knees.
Body butter – A very thick, dense moisturiser that has a low water and high oil content. Often packed with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and oils, they are slow to absorb and offer the most intensive hydration. If you’ve got extremely dry or rough skin, these are for you.
The best body creams for dry skin
When it comes to tackling dry skin, the best body creams provide intense hydration, help to restore the skin barrier, and keep moisture locked in for long periods of time. You want to opt for body creams that are rich in texture, as these will relieve any dryness and maintain soft, supple skin. Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is a fool-proof choice, bursting with buttery ingredients and fatty acids to deeply hydrate the skin, alongside Brazil nut to improve the skin’s barrier. Coco & Eve’s Glow Figure Whipped Body Cream is another dry skin saviour, powered by smoothing coconut oil to leave skin buttery-soft and ultra-nourished. For the ultimate skin-quench, indulge in Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench® Hyaluronic Cloud Body Cream, featuring a rich texture and 5% hyaluronic acid complex for long-lasting hydration.
The best smelling body lotions
Finding the perfect body lotion doesn’t just have to be about hydration – it can also be about treating your senses. To feel and smell your best, opt for a body lotion that combines effective moisturisation with a long-lasting scent. Sol de Janeiro has fought for (and won) another spot in our top moisturisers with their Rio Radiance Body Lotion SPF 50, which delivers hydration, sun protection, and the scent of leite de coco, ylang-ylang, and creamy vanilla. Alternatively, boost your mood with the Sunday Rain Chamomile and Ylang Ylang Body Lotion, oozing soothing scents of chamomile and ylang-ylang while replenishing and hydrating the skin’s barrier. If you prefer sweeter scents, the Shay and Blue Hand & Body Lotion is infused with fruity bursts of apple blossom and salted toffee apple, leaving skin hydrated, softened, and smelling better than ever.
The best body moisturisers for body acne
If you’ve got body acne, finding products that won’t react with your skin can feel like a struggle. The best body moisturisers for acne are lightweight, soothe, and hydrate the skin, and won’t cause breakouts. Eucerin’s AtoControl Body Care Lotion is made with sensitive skin in mind, packed with nourishing ceramides to soothe irritable skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Mallows Beauty Peachy Shea Butter is another gold-standard choice for those with body acne, by exfoliating, protecting, and smoothing the skin without causing congestion. From the skincare experts themselves, The INKEY List has also won our hearts with their PHA Exfoliating Hydrating Body Water Cream. Boosting hydration levels without clogging the pores, this body cream gently exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal softer, clearer skin.
Luxury body moisturisers that won’t break the bank
Here at BEAUTY BAY, we’re firm believers that luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Our favourite indulgent body moisturisers feature high-quality ingredients, lavish textures, and unbeatable hydration, all at an affordable price. The By BEAUTY BAY Body Smoothing Butter with Ceramide NP and Shea Butter is a prime example, upgrading your body care routine with an ultra-rich, velvety formula that leaves skin effortlessly soft, supple, and hydrated after just one use. For first-class nourishment, Mario Badescu Coconut Body Butter is another luxurious choice, melting seamlessly into the skin for radiant results. CeraVe’s Moisturizing Lotion is another trusted choice, developed by dermatologists to provide instant hydration and protection for up to 24 hours. Lightweight, non-greasy, and brimming with everything your skin needs, you’re in for the ultimate pamper session.
The best tinted body moisturisers for a glow
Tinted moisturisers are a great way to achieve an effortless glow. The best tinted moisturisers nourish your skin while delivering a natural, healthy radiance. Some offer instant bronzed results, while others, like the The Fox Tan Gradual Body Lotion, develop a tint over time. This lotion, bursting with hydrating hyaluronic acid and other nourishing essentials, provides a head-to-toe sun-kissed glow that intensifies gradually. For a quicker bronze fix, the SOSU Cosmetics Highlighting Body Lotion gives the skin an instant shimmering hue while deeply nourishing and protecting it. If you prefer a tan that can be built up over time, the Tanologist Hydrating Daily Glow is a firm favourite. This intensely hydrating, streak-free lotion delivers a long-lasting bronze finish that deepens with every application.
Whichever you choose to go for, body moisturisers are key to maintaining healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin. Whether you’re dealing with dry patches, combating body acne, or seeking a luxurious post-everything shower experience, there’s a body moisturiser out there for every need and preference. Add to your beauty routine for benefit-packed body care and happy, hydrated skin.
