Not to sound like one of those people who claim their greatest flaw is that they “care too much,” but one of my real issues is that I take a minimum of two showers a day, which has unfortunately dried my skin out—making trials of the best body lotions a top priority. My quest has become a bit of a personal magnum opus—as I’ve spent years going through bottles in search of the perfect lotion, serum, butter, cream, and sometimes the perfect cocktail of all of the above to keep my skin nourished and smooth as can be.
Vogue’s Favorite Body Lotions
Soft Services Carea Cream Moisturizing + Softening Body Lotion
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You might not think too deeply about which lotion you use, unless you are a Taurus or Virgo, in which case yours likely provides a full sensorial experience and has an assigned spot in your routine. But body moisturizer is more than just an indulgence; it’s a key part of maintaining healthy skin.
“Moisturizers hydrate, support the skin barrier, and lock in moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. “These qualities are important for keeping the skin healthy and plump and for making sure that the skin barrier is functioning optimally. An impaired skin barrier will leave the skin more vulnerable to damage, dryness, irritation, inflammation, and infection.”
Generally, dermatologists emphasize the importance of moisturizing daily. “Apply body lotion in the morning, ideally right after getting out of the shower while the skin is still a bit damp. You can retain some of the moisture from the shower by doing so,” explains board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. “Allow the body lotion to fully absorb and dry before getting dressed. You should always apply a lotion after shaving—since shaving will take off the top layer of skin. It’s a great time to get newly exposed skin hydrated.” Additionally, for those suffering from bouts of really dry skin, he recommends “[applying] your body ointment of choice overnight, [then covering] with long sleeves [and clothing] to intensify the effect of the ointment on the skin and repair the barrier while you sleep.”
Ahead, Vogue’s edit of the best body lotions, milks, creams, and butters to consider—from new brands reimagining the moisturizing classic and innovative formulas from heritage brands to beautiful packaging, standout scents, and fragrance-free formulas—each vetted by dermatologists and editors.
In This Story
Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: When it comes to the coveted Nécessaire body lotion, Idriss believes it’s “a very beautiful and elegantly formulated body lotion with niacinamide that gets absorbed without any residue and leaves your skin feeling soft for hours.”
- Editor’s Experience: “This is the first body lotion I recommend those who ask because there’s really nothing to not love about it. The ingredient composition is stellar and work for most skin types—save for those sensitive to niacinamide; otherwise, its cocktail of peptides, vitamins, and omegas will cater well. The texture itself is stellar too—the perfect midweight moisturizer to utilize yearround.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: 2.5% niacinamide, peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega 6 & 9
- Best For: Dry skin
- Available Size(s): 2.4 oz, 6.8 oz, 13.5 oz
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
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