Silky Skin: A Complete Guide To The Top 10 Body Lotions

With so much choice out there when it comes to body lotions, it can be hard to know where to start. Our guide to the top 10 body lotions is here to help!

Anyone who’s been to any kind of beauty store will know how overwhelming it can be when you’re trying to find the perfect skincare product.

There are aisles and aisles of colorful bottles, heaps of different lotions and potions scenting the air and an army of sales assistants trying to smear you in samples – not exactly the best environment to make rational decisions in!

Humans have been searching for the perfect moisturizer for millenia. People have used plant oils and animal fats on their skin for a very long time.

Think yourself lucky that your moisturizer comes in a tub these days and you don’t have to extract the oil from olives before smothering it on your skin!

Anyway, luckily for you, your modern hunt for moisture has now got even easier. I’ve tried plenty of moisturizers, and I’ve compiled this list of the top 10 body lotions out there as a result of my explorations…

Different Types of Product

So, what exactly should you be looking for from a body lotion and which kind of product offers what? I’ve done the research and discovered what types of product work best for whatever result you’re after, be it treating sensitive skin or oily skin.

All-rounders

All-rounders tend to be good for everything, even if they don’t have one stand-out feature or USP. General body lotions can be pretty rich compared to face moisturizers, so expect your lotion to feel creamier and heavier than the one you use for your face.

If you have any specific skin conditions, it’s worth considering a cream more suited to your skin type, although they may be more expensive.

If you’re lucky enough to have skin that’s ‘normal’ (marketing term, not my own!), you’ll be fine with an all-rounder as most ingredients are unlikely to aggravate your skin. This kind of body lotion is easy to find in most stores and supermarkets.

Products for Sensitive Skin

If you, like me, have sensitive skin, it’s best to choose a product specifically designed for you rather than just any old lotion from the store. Annoying as it can be, the all-rounder lotions I mentioned above just don’t cut it for us. They often contain products that are cheaply and easily manufactured and don’t take skin sensitivity into account.

This is fine for some people, but when you have sensitive skin, you really need to think about what you’re slathering on! Although they can be a little pricier, lotions designed for sensitive skin are definitely worth it. Look for short ingredient lists and products labeled “fragrance-free,” which the American Academy of Dermatology recommends. “Unscented” isn't the same thing and may still contain irritating chemicals.

Plant extracts and essential oils, like lavender, can also irritate sensitive skin, so “natural” doesn't always mean gentle.

Lotions for Oily Skin

Oily skin can be a bit of a nightmare, so applying lots of lotion can seem a bit counter-intuitive. Don’t worry though; there are plenty of products made with oily skin in mind, which aim to balance everything out so that you’re left with lovely, soft skin and none of the grease!

These products can be found in most beauty stores and are normally within a reasonable price range. You’ll want something that soothes the skin as well as moisturizes, so look out for products described as ‘oil free’. Makes sense, right?

Opt for something lightweight so your skin feels refreshed when you apply it.

Natural and organic labels don't guarantee a product is gentler, so check the ingredient list and patch-test anything new.

Dry Skin Solutions

Of course, some people have the opposite problem – dry skin. This can be pretty horrendous, but fear not, as there are plenty of products designed to help refresh and hydrate your skin.

Really great lotions can not only hydrate your skin once you apply it, they can also offer long-lasting benefits, such as drawing water into the outer layer of your skin. Ingredients called humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, do this.

The AAD suggests looking for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, shea butter, lanolin, jojoba oil, petrolatum and dimethicone. Creams and ointments add more moisture than lotions, and they work best applied while your skin is still damp after a shower.

If you’re not sure what your skin type is, have a read of this article explaining normal, dry and oily skin.

Brands

With so many brands out there, it can be hard to know who to trust. There’s always the hard way to find out, but now there’s the easy way, too. I’ve listed a few of my favorite skincare brands so you know what to look out for.

Aveeno

You may recognize this brand from its ads with Jennifer Aniston, though a celebrity endorsement doesn't tell you how a product will work on your skin. Aveeno offers fantastic products at reasonable prices so that you can give your skin the help it needs.

They really care about what they put into their lotions, and it makes all the difference.

Nivea

A favorite among families thanks to the huge variety of products they offer for all skin types. Nivea is available all over, so you won’t have to endlessly trawl the shops in search of it. They also offer high-street prices for high-end products, so are great for students and growing families alike. With a whole range for men, and products for babies, they really offer something for everyone.

Dove

Dove is another trusted brand for people all over the world, as they offer great products at low prices. They also provide top quality care through their DermaSpa range. They pour all their knowledge and research of skincare into this line of products to ensure you’re looking after your body in the best way possible.

Overview of the Top 10 Lotions

With so many products available it can be difficult to find the one that suits your needs. Read on below to find the perfect lotion for your skin. We have you covered with these comprehensive reviews!

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Up first is my beloved Aveeno, offering the perfect product for anyone suffering from dry skin. They’ve packed this little beauty with heaps of oatmeal to help soften and hydrate your skin.

This product offers 24 hours of hydration, so you can apply it at any time of day and still feel fantastic. This product is especially great for sensitive skin as it’s fragrance-free and less likely to irritate your skin.

It’s perfect for smothering on at any time of year, as it dries quickly and is nice and light on the skin. I used to think that lotions designed for dry skin would be heavy and greasy, but this one really isn’t.

Dry skin can be very uncomfortable and itchy, but the oats in this product help your skin hold on to moisture and can soothe minor dry-skin itch.

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Hempz Organic Herbal Body Butter

Hempz offer a great body lotion for those of you with sensitive skin. This moisturizer uses 100% natural hemp to rejuvenate your body while taking care of your skin. Even natural ingredients can cause a rash, so patch-test it first if your skin is sensitive.

It also contains oatmeal, which we now know is good for retaining moisture! I personally love the smell of hemp, but it could take some getting used to if you’ve not used hemp products before.

This is a nice body lotion for many adults; ask your pediatrician before using scented products on babies. It’s also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, which makes a change from so many high-street brands. It’s paraben-free, though that alone doesn't rule out skin reactions.

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Nivea Smooth Daily Lotion

Nivea are always going to be one of the brands in my top five skincare product reviews, I just can’t get enough of them!

This product is no different, offering great all-round hydration for all skin types. It’s great for dry skin, but can be used by anyone to help promote healthy, shining skin.

This body lotion is well-priced and widely-available. It absorbs very quickly into the skin and leaves you feeling noticeably smoother throughout the day, without feeling sticky or greasy as some moisturizers can.

It’s packed with shea butter, which I absolutely love. It’s a great, natural ingredient which helps your skin to retain moisture, so it keeps you feeling fresh all day. I wouldn’t really say it has a fragrance; it just smells nice and clean, like it’s doing your body good – which it really is!

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Dove Body Lotion

Another shea butter wonder, this time from the geniuses at Dove. I love this product because it’s just so easy and it works like a charm.

Great for any skin type, this moisturizer is lovely and rich, without the heaviness of some other products out there. It’s absorbed quickly and dries nicely without leaving any sticky residue or greasiness behind.

This product made it to my top 10 body lotions for a number of reasons, and its low price is one of them, making it a great budget buy for those who want to watch their money without having to scrimp on quality.

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Advanced Clinicals Coconut Cream

No skincare list would be complete without a product containing coconut oil, especially if it’s written by me.

I absolutely love coconut oil, so this wonderful moisturizer from Advanced Clinicals has already ticked at least one of my boxes. It comes in two sizes. Naturally, I’d opt for the smaller size as a trial if you haven’t used their products before, just to check you like it.

After that, you can invest in their bigger ‘spa size’. It’s still great quality for the price you’re paying, just in bulk so you always have plenty to cover yourself in. It contains coconut oil and lavender to improve the smoothness of your skin, and to help keep your skin moisturized. Truly heaven-scent (I couldn’t resist!)

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Amlactin Therapy Moisturizing

Great For Dry & Rough Skin
Contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid. The FDA notes AHA products may increase sun sensitivity, so use sunscreen.

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Cerave Lotion

Perfect for sensitive skin
Fragrance Free

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Alba Botanical Emollient Lotion

Great product for those with dry skin

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Nivea Essentially Enriched Lotion

Another Nivea product which helps give your skin a nice, healthy boost

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Jergen’s Healing Lotion

Packed with vitamins
Gives your skin that ‘glow’

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How to find the best lotion or cream for you?

When it comes to choosing the right lotion for your body, it’s important to think of the things you’re really looking for. It’s all too easy to arrive at the store and head straight for the first bottle you see on offer, or with the nicest label. Let’s be honest, we all do that sometimes.

Think carefully about what your skin really needs, and check what skin type you have online if you’re unsure. This is the best way to make sure you get a product that will leave you feeling smooth, soft and satisfied!

If you have very dry, cracked or itchy skin that doesn't improve with a good moisturizer, see a dermatologist.

Conclusion

So there it is – my top 10 body lotions currently on the market. I’ve chosen a range of products, in terms of type, price and ingredients, so there’s something for everyone. These products are great all-rounders but I’ve included ones that are specifically-designed for different skin conditions, too.

I’ve also included some general information to help you make the best choice. It’s important to know about the different kinds of lotions out there, as well as brands you can really trust, before you make a purchase. After all, once you find the perfect product, you’ll want to stick with it for the rest of your life…