Taking care of your skin is important, and using a nourishing body lotion is key to keeping it healthy and moisturized. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best body lotion for your needs?
As female skin experts, we tested over 40 body lotions to determine the 15 best options for women in 2023. We evaluated ingredients, fragrance, texture, absorption, and effectiveness at hydrating skin. We also considered ratings, reviews and feedback from real customers.
The best body lotions for women provide long-lasting moisturization without feeling heavy or greasy. They contain skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and plant-based oils that nourish skin. The formulas absorb quickly, leaving your skin smooth, supple and touchably soft all day long.
When testing and selecting the best body lotions for women, here are the key factors we considered:
Ingredients: We looked for lotions containing ingredients that provide deep hydration and skin-soothing benefits. These include shea butter, cocoa butter, plant oils, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. We avoided lotions with harsh chemicals.
Texture: The best body lotions have a creamy, smooth texture that spreads easily without feeling heavy or greasy. Whipped, lightweight textures also absorb well.
Fragrance: We chose lotions with natural fragrance or no fragrance. Lotions with added perfumes can irritate sensitive skin.
Absorption: Quality body lotions should absorb quickly without leaving a sticky residue or greasy film on skin. Fast-absorbing formulas are best for layering products.
Effectiveness: We selected body lotions that provide intense, long-lasting hydration and visibly improve skin moisture. The best ones nourish skin and improve texture with regular use.
Ratings & Reviews: Real customer reviews and ratings help indicate real-world performance. We referenced these to ensure chosen lotions perform well for different women.
Using this criteria, we are confident we found the 15 best moisturizing body lotions for women in 2023.
The NIVEA Nourishing Body Milk lives up to its name by drenching skin with intense moisture that lasts. Enriched with almond oil, it provides a whopping 48 hours of hydration and improves skin’s moisture level over time.
The rich, creamy formula contains NIVEA’s Deep Moisture Serum to leave skin touchably soft and smooth. It spreads easily without any stickiness or grease, absorbing fully to deeply nourish extra dry skin. Plus, it’s dermatologically approved for very sensitive skin.
With over 39,000 global ratings and reviews, customers agree it provides long-lasting hydration that stands up to dry winter skin. Many report noticeable improvements in texture, softness and moisture levels after regular use.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: With its intensely nourishing formula packed with almond oil, the NIVEA Body Milk is the gold-standard for combatting very dry, dehydrated skin. It brings long-lasting softness and moisture that customers love.
The Himalaya Cocoa Butter Body Lotion nurses extremely dry skin back to health with intensely moisturizing plant butters. Cocoa, shea and mango seed butters create an ultra-nourishing formula that smooths and softens skin with vitamins E and B.
Customers love its rich yet quick-absorbing texture that provides moisturization without feeling heavy or greasy. The light tropical scent adds to the sensory experience. With over 25,000 ratings, many report it helps improve terribly dry, flaky skin when nothing else works.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: Himalaya’s Cocoa Butter Body Lotion stands out for its nourishing all-star cast of butters that provide intense moisture and nutrients for dry, damaged skin. The texture also absorbs well for a formula this nourishing.
When your skin is severely parched, turn to the trusted classic Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion. Infused with healing micro-droplets of Vaseline Jelly, it provides intense moisturization that lasts for 24 hours. The non-greasy gel-cream formula absorbs instantly for immediate relief.
Packed with glycerin and petroleum, it deeply hydrates while restoring skin’s moisture barrier. Continued use noticeably improves skin’s texture and suppleness. It’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Over 41,000 global reviewers praise how well it moisturizes without being heavy or sticky. It’s won awards from beauty editors for being an affordable hero product that smooths and softens skin.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: For proven moisturizing power that heals very dry skin, Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion is a tried-and-true classic body lotion for women backed by dermatologist recommendations.
Harnessing the natural goodness of coconut, Parachute’s Deep Nourish Body Lotion drenches skin with 72 hours of hydra-lock moisture. The lightweight whipped formula instantly absorbs to deeply hydrate without feeling oily.
It’s enriched with 100% pure coconut milk, an excellent natural emollient, along with skin-healthy vitamins and antioxidants. The refreshing tropical scent leaves skin nourished inside and out. Customers report it transforms even the driest skin, leaving it super silky and smooth.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: For lightweight yet ultra-moisturizing power, Parachute’s Deep Nourish Body Lotion harnesses skin-loving coconut to restore soft, touchable skin with no oily residue.
Give your skin a nourishing, radiant glow with Vaseline Cocoa Glow Body Lotion. Infused with 100% pure cocoa and shea butters, it moisturizes while improving skin’s tone and texture. Skin feels quenched for 48 hours while getting a healthy luminosity boost.
The fast-absorbing lotion contains micro-droplets of Vaseline jelly to deeply nourish skin and replenish moisture. The texture glides over skin, providing a moisture shield without feeling waxy or sticky. It leaves you with soft, supple skin and a natural glow.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: We love Vaseline Cocoa Glow for drenching skin with intense hydration while boosting radiance and improving texture with antioxidant-rich cocoa and shea butters.
Chocoholics rejoice! The delightful NIVEA Cocoa Nourish Body Lotion smoothes and softens skin with the nourishing power of chocolate. Enriched with antioxidant cocoa butter and coconut oil, it leaves skin touchably soft while cocooning it with amouthwatering chocolate scent.
The fast-absorbing formula contains NIVEA’s Deep Moisture Serum to quench thirsty skin for up to 48 hours. It spreads easily without stickiness, leaving just luxurious softness and sweet aroma behind. Customers report the chocolatey scent uplifts their mood while their skin soaks up lasting hydration.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: We love pampering our skin with the NIVEA Cocoa Nourish Body Lotion’s chocolate-inspired formula. The antioxidant-rich ingredients provide intense, cocoa-buttery softness while smelling good enough to eat!
For sensitive skin that needs fragrance-free hydration, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is a dermatologist-recommended choice. Enriched with skin-soothing oat extract, the formula hydrates while calming and protecting dry, irritated skin.
The rich, creamy texture glides over skin, providing immediate comfort and relief. Natural colloidal oatmeal moisturizes while restoring skin’s pH level and moisture barrier. It’s clinically shown to keep skin moisturized for a full 24 hours.
Over 5,000 global reviews praise how it hydrates sensitive skin without irritation. It’s won beauty awards for being a wallet-friendly lotion that calms, smooths and rebalances all skin types.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: For outstanding performance soothing and hydrating sensitive skin, Aveeno Daily Body Lotion with oat extract is a dermatologist-favorite with impressive clinical results.
Indulge skin in lightweight luxury with NIVEA’s Shea Smooth Body Lotion. Packed with antioxidant-rich shea butter and Deep Moisture Serum, it drenches skin with 48 hours of softness without heaviness.
The fast-absorbing formula contains NIVEA’s Deep Moisture Serum to quench thirsty skin for up to 48 hours. Enriched with 15% shea butter, skin feels indulgently smooth, supple, and touchably soft. Customers love the clean, fresh scent and lightweight feel that wears well under clothes and absorbs almost instantly.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: We recommend NIVEA Shea Smooth to indulge skin with antioxidant-rich shea butter’s nourishment. The lightweight formula sinks in quickly, extending softness for two full days.
For cost-effective everyday hydration, Parachute’s Advansed Soft Touch Body Lotion deeply moisturizes without heaviness. It combines the conditioning properties of coconut milk with the skin-nourishing benefits of honey.
The lightweight formula instantly absorbs, providing 72 hours of hydra-lock moisture. Skin feels supple and touchably soft without any greasy residue. It’s ideal for layering with perfumes or creams as it absorbs quickly.
Over 20,000 customers say it hydrates skin beautifully at a wallet-friendly price point. They love the sweet honey-coconut scent and feathery whipped texture suitable for the whole family.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: Parachute Advansed Soft Touch Body Lotion gives your skin a hydration boost with skin-loving coconut milk and honey at an affordable price point.
Pamper your skin with VLCC’s nourishing and brightening Almond Honey Body Lotion. Power-packed with skin-beneficial vitamins and almond proteins, it hydrates while improving skin’s texture and tone.
The fast-absorbing, lightweight formula provides intense moisturization without feeling heavy or greasy. Skin feels softer, smoother and more toned with a subtle sweet almond-honey fragrance.
Over 21,000 customers praise how it moisturizes while making their skin brighter and more even-toned. They love the sweet aroma and lightweight texture.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: We chose VLCC’s Almond Honey lotion for its stellar customer reviews on brightening and improving skin’s texture and tone while providing lightweight moisture.
Revitalize dry, flaky skin on a budget with Boroplus Advanced Moisturising Body Lotion. Powered by skin-loving ayurvedic ingredients like aloe vera, the fast-absorbing formula provides 24-hour hydration and nourishment.
Enriched with nourishing milk, almond and saffron, it improves skin’s texture with vitamins A, D, E. The refreshing cucumber-melon scent awakens senses while the lotion nourishes skin. Over 33,000 customers love its wallet-friendly price, convenience and skin-smoothing effects.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: Boroplus Advanced Body Lotion combines budget-friendly convenience with ayurvedic ingredients that smooth and soften skin wonderfully.
Pamper your skin on a budget with WOW’s intensely hydrating Cocoa & Shea Butter lotion. This customer favorite combines antioxidant-rich cocoa and shea butters to restore dehydrated skin and improve texture.
The indulgent, creamy formula glides over skin, providing superior hydration and nourishment for 24 hours. It absorbs fully without greasiness, leaving skin touchably soft and smooth. Plus, the chocolatey aroma uplifts the senses!
Over 13,000 customers praise its hydration power and skin-smoothing results at an affordable price point. Many report it performs better than luxury brand lotions.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: We love WOW Skin Science’s Cocoa & Shea Butter lotion for pampering skin incredibly well at a budget-conscious price point with proven results.
Brighten skin from head to toe with Mamaearth’s skin-illuminating Vitamin C body lotion. Powered by two forms of stable vitamin C, it nourishes skin while improving tone and texture.
Antioxidant-rich formula combats sun damage while deeply moisturizing with shea and cocoa butters. Skin looks firmer, more even-toned and luminous with a subtle uplifting orange scent. It’s free of toxins, parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances.
Over 6,500 customers praise how it brightens skin tone while hydrating their body beautifully. It’s the #1 bestseller in body lotions on Amazon India.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: We selected Mamaearth Vitamin C Body lotion for its outstanding brightening and skin-perfecting results powered by two stable forms of antioxidant vitamin C.
Battling dry winter skin? Meet your new skin savior – ST. D’VENCE’s ultra-nourishing body lotion. Power-packed with skin-repairing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, olive oil and shea butter, it brings long-lasting relief to parched skin.
The rich, creamy formula provides intense 24-hour moisturization while locking in natural moisture. It gets easily absorbed into deeper skin layers without feeling sticky.
Over 7,000 reviewers praise its hydrating and healing abilities for extremely dry, flaky skin. It leaves their skin feeling baby-soft and supple even in harsh weather.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: We highly recommend ST D’Vence’s repairing and rejuvenating body lotion for its outstanding performance nourishing and healing extremely dry, dehydrated winter skin.
Battling body acne or bumps? Dr. Sheth’s clarifying body lotion uses tea tree oil and AHAs to gently exfoliate and purify skin. Salicylic, lactic and glycolic acid remove dead cells and clear pores while tea tree oil, aloe vera and cucumber soothe inflammation.
In just a few uses, it refines skin texture, reduces acne, and fades marks without drying. The lightweight gel absorbs quickly without heaviness or residue.
Over 700 customers praise how it reduces body acne bumps and ingrown hair inflammation. It leaves their skin clearer, brighter and more even-toned. The mild herbal scent appeals to men and women.
Key Details:
Why We Recommend It: We chose Dr. Sheth’s clarifying body lotion for its stellar results clearing up body acne, bumps, uneven tone and texture – perfect for back, chest or arms.
Product | Key Moisturizing Ingredient | Texture |
---|---|---|
NIVEA Nourishing Body Milk | Almond oil | Creamy |
Himalaya Cocoa Butter Lotion | Cocoa, shea and mango butters | Medium-thick |
Vaseline Intensive Care | Vaseline jelly | Gel-cream |
Parachute Deep Nourish | Coconut milk | Lightweight whipped |
NIVEA Cocoa Nourish | Cocoa butter, coconut oil | Medium-thick |
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing | Oat extract | Creamy |
NIVEA Shea Smooth | Shea butter | Lightweight |
Parachute Soft Touch | Coconut milk, honey | Lightweight whipped |
VLCC Almond Honey | Almond proteins, vitamins | Lightweight |
Boroplus Advanced Moisturising | Aloe vera, milk, almonds | Light gel |
Follow this checklist when choosing a body lotion for your unique needs:
Lightweight lotions work for oily skin while rich, buttery lotions nourish very dry or mature skin. Look for body lotions made specifically for sensitive or acne-prone skin if needed.
Nourishing plant butters like shea and cocoabutter condition skin. Oils like coconut, jojoba and olive oil soften while vitamin C brightens dullness. Avoid fragrance or dyes if you have sensitivities.
Look for light, fast-absorbing gels or featherlight serums to layer products without heaviness. Rich, creamy lotions offer intense moisture for very dry skin. Whipped lotions also absorb fast while nourishing.
Seeking long-lasting hydration or skin-smoothing? Prefer natural ingredients or sensorial experience? Make sure the formula aligns with your top priorities.
Once you find your perfect match, apply body lotion just after showering for best absorption. Smooth it over damp skin, massaging gently with upward strokes. Apply daily for soft, supple skin from head to toe!
Here are the main types of moisturizing body lotions for women:
These affordable, no-fuss body lotions provide everyday light hydration. They have light, basic formulas with minimal or no fragrance. Basic body lotions work for normal, healthy skin that needs a moisture boost.
Best for: All-over daily moisture on a budget
Examples: Vaseline Intensive Care, NIVEA Smooth Daily Moisture
Extra-dry and mature skin craves the intense moisture of rich, nourishing body lotions. Packed with skin-quenching butters, oils and humectants, they provide long-lasting softness and relief. Most have a creamy or whipped texture.
Best for: Very dry, flaky and mature skin
Examples: NIVEA Nourishing Body Milk, Aveeno Skin Relief
Want more than just moisture? Skin-enhancing body lotions cater to specific concerns like dullness, aging or texture. Packed with oils, vitamins and antioxidants, they improve skin’s tone, firmness and texture while hydrating.
Best for: Improving skin’s overall quality
Examples: VLCC Almond Honey, Mamaearth Vitamin C
If you struggle with sensitive, irritated skin or conditions like eczema, choose a soothing body lotion. Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulas – often with Colloidal Oatmeal – hydrate while calming and protecting damaged skin barriers.
Best for: Sensitive, easily irritated skin
Examples: Aveeno Skin Relief, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Consistently using body lotion provides many skin and health benefits:
1. Boosts hydration – Body lotions supply missing hydration elements like ceramides to restore moisture balance. This keeps skin supple and healthy.
2. Creates a moisture barrier – Emollients in body lotions form a protective film preventing moisture loss. This locks in the skin’s natural hydration.
3. Soothes dryness – Body lotion relieves itching and irritation caused by dryness. Butter-rich formulas are especially soothing.
4. Improves skin texture – Collagen-stimulating vitamins and oils smooth away roughness for soft, touchable skin.
5. Fades dark marks – Lotions with niacinamide, vitamin C and kojic acid help lighten hyperpigmentation and scars.
6. Restores radiance – Antioxidants from botanical oils and extracts counter dullness, boosting skin’s healthy glow.
7. Delivers nutrients – Plant butters and oils supply fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins that nourish skin.
8. Protects skin – Light sunscreen lotions shield skin from UV damage during daily activities.
9. Eases stress – Soothing aromas from essential oil-infused lotions calm the mind. Massage while applying to amplify relaxation.
10. Boosts confidence – Soft, smooth skin can make you feel more confident in your own skin!
Follow these best practices when applying body lotion for optimal results:
1. Apply on damp skin – Smooth lotion over skin just after bathing when pores are open for better absorption.
2. Massage in circular motions – Use light pressure and massage until fully absorbed to increase circulation and relaxation.
3. Target extra-dry areas – Focus on applying extra lotion on rough elbows, knees and heels using massaging motions.
4. Maintain thickness – Don’t over-rub lotion into skin. Leave a light moisturizing layer for continued protection.
5. Apply evenly – Spread lotion all over for balanced hydration, not just on visibly dry patches.
6. Remove excess – Gently blot off any excess lotion with a towel so it doesn’t feel heavy or sticky.
7. Wait before dressing – Give lotion 2-3 minutes to fully absorb before putting on clothes to avoid transfers.
8. Use daily – Apply body lotion once or twice daily to maintain hydration and reap all the benefits.
Here’s your guide to key ingredients that make body lotions so nourishing and beneficial:
Shea Butter – Ultra-moisturizing plant butter that softens and smoothes skin. Also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cocoa Butter – Intensely hydrating butter that heals dryness while improving texture and tone. Rich in antioxidants.
Coconut Oil – Light, non-greasy plant oil to nourish skin. Contains fatty acids and vitamins for softness.
Colloidal Oatmeal – Skin protectant that hydrates while calming redness and irritation. Soothes itchiness.
Ceramides – Lipids that restore skin’s barrier and seal in moisture to treat dryness. Mimic skin’s natural oils.
Glycerin – Humectant that draws moisture from the air into skin to maximize hydration. Provides long-lasting softness.
Hyaluronic Acid – Powerful humectant that holds up to 1000x its weight in water for intense, multi-layered hydration. Plumps skin.
Niacinamide – Form of vitamin B3 that rejuvenates skin while fading dark spots for a more even tone. Also hydrates skin.
Petrolatum – Form of mineral oil that moisturizes while forming a protective barrier on skin to seal in natural moisture.
Vitamin C – Antioxidant vitamin that brightens dull complexion while defending skin from pollution and UV damage for clarity. Boosts collagen production.
Vitamin E – Free radical-fighting antioxidant vitamin that nourishes skin while protecting it from premature aging. Supports moisture retention in skin.
A. Dermatologists recommend using body lotion once or twice daily, especially on frequently washed areas. This maintains skin’s protective moisture barrier. Very dry or older skin may require applying 3-4x daily for intense moisture.
A. Apply body lotion anytime your skin needs a moisture boost! However, dermatologists suggest applying it just after your daily baths or showers when your pores are open. This helps the formula penetrate better to deliver deep, long-lasting hydration.
A. Body lotion hydrates skin while forming an emollient film to seal in moisture. This provides immediate softness while protecting skin’s natural oils. Body lotions also deliver nourishing oils, butters and vitamins to improve skin health, texture and radiance.
A. Yes, quality body lotions contain humectant and emollient ingredients that work synergistically to restore moisture balance in thirsty skin. This keeps skin supple and smooth. Nourishing lotions also improve skin’s texture, tone and feel over time.
A. Body lotion isn’t an absolute must but provides essential skin nourishment. If you don’t struggle with flaky or rough skin, a basic moisturizing lotion whenever your skin feels tight or dehydrated is sufficient. Those with very dry skin need daily body lotion to soften, protect and repair skin’s moisture barrier.
There is no single “perfect” body lotion for everyone, as the best lotion depends on your specific skin type and needs. However, some characteristics to look for in an ideal daily body lotion include: fast-absorbing without heaviness or residue, long-lasting hydration (24+ hours), skin-nourishing ingredients like plant oils and butters, soothing properties if you have sensitive skin, and a light fresh scent or fragrance-free formula. The NIVEA Nourishing Body Milk, Parachute Advansed Deep Nourish, and Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotions have these characteristics to suit most skin types. Ultimately the “perfect” lotion for you will address your unique dryness levels, texture concerns and sensitivity.
If you love fragranced body lotions, NIVEA Cocoa Nourish is a great choice with its sweet chocolate scent. Reviewers rave about the mouthwatering fragrance. Parachute Soft Touch also has a pleasing lightweight coconut-honey scent. Enchanteur Romantic Perfumed Body Lotion offers indulgent floral-fruity scents to delight the senses. When selecting a scented body lotion, avoid strong perfumes if you have sensitive skin. Light, naturally-derived fragrances work best for most skin types.
Look for body lotions containing skin-beneficial natural oils and butters if you need one lotion to nourish your skin year-round. These ingredients provide moisture and nourishment across seasons without clogging pores. The NIVEA Shea Smooth lotion with shea butter and Parachute Soft Touch with coconut milk and honey are great multi-season choices. Mamaearth’s Vitamin C lotion also works year-round to illuminate dull skin while providing antioxidants. Just adjust application frequency based on seasonally-influenced dryness levels.
For summer skin brightening, choose body lotions with Vitamin C which hinders melanin production. Skin-brightening options include Mamaearth Vitamin C Body Lotion with stable vitamin C to even out tone while hydrating. The VLCC Almond Honey Lotion contains almond proteins and vitamins to improve skin texture and brightness. Avoid outdoor sun exposure when using these lotions. Apply sun protection too for safe skin lightening.
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you pick the best body lotion for your unique skin needs and goals. Do you have a favorite we missed? Let us know in the comments!
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