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Want to know which products are best for sensitive skin? Our beauty-obsessed editors curated a list of gentle cleansers, serums and more. Shop it now.
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The 8 best body lotions for radiant skin, according to our editors
Want to achieve soft, supple skin? Shop our list of the best body lotions, formulated to heal dry skin, prevent aging and benefit skin texture.
Applying body lotion is one of life’s little rituals that turns shower time into spa time. And when you find a lotion you can’t live without, it’s common to buy the same one again and again. Have you found your favorite lotion yet? If not, our editors are here to help. We reviewed top formulas from the best skincare brands to bring you our recommendations for the best women’s body lotions. From hydrating lotions for dry or sensitive skin to those with anti-aging properties, this list of body balms ranges from affordable to more luxurious with products designed to soften and smooth skin with each and every use.
Read more: Keep your hair hydrated and shop the best heat protection sprays
Browse our top picks for body lotions
Best-smelling body lotion
Victoria’s Secret Coco Peach Glow Boosting Body Lotion
Our top pick overall
Pros & Cons
Non-greasy
Low price point
Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Non-scented
Not formulated to treat skin issues, such as eczema
If you are looking for an everyday lotion, this moisturizer by Aveeno is a great option. With simple yet effective ingredients and a low price point, it nourishes skin for up to 24 hours.
The lotion has a prebiotic oat formula that provides intense moisture for dry skin, plus it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and has been allergy tested. It’ll make a great addition to any daily skincare routine. It’s also non-greasy and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin soft and healthy with zero residue.
Best for dry, dehydrated skin
Pros & Cons
Firms skin
Minimizes signs of aging
Light fragrance
Clarins’ Moisture-rich body lotion is one of the best-rated body lotions with a 4.9-star average rating. The formula contains shea butter, which replenishes moisture. On top of that, the natural plant extracts visibly minimize signs of aging and remove dull, flaky cells to give your skin a more youthful glow.
The moisturizer absorbs quickly and instantly soothes dry rough patches. Many reviewers say they would never use another lotion, which shows it’s a formula you can count on.
Best for anti-aging
Pros & Cons
Formulated to prevent aging
Rich texture
Good for all skin types
Some reviewers say pump can malfunction
Retinol may cause skin irritation
If you’re looking for something with stronger anti-aging qualities, our editors recommend this lotion by Paula’s Choice. This body moisturizer contains pure retinol and antioxidants, which help make skin softer and firmer. It also reduces the look of uneven skin tone.
Containing natural butters and plant oils, it has a rich, nourishing texture but isn’t greasy. It’s also lightweight and designed for all skin types, so just about everyone can experience the benefits of this advanced formula.
Best-smelling body lotion
Pros & Cons
Dye-Free
Contains vitamin C
Pump packaging can get stuck
Want a lotion that reminds you of a day at the beach? Then, you’ve got to try the Coco Peach Glow Boosting Body Lotion by Victoria’s Secret.
With a heavenly fragrance containing peach and coconut, this tropical-inspired lotion provides major island vibes — but the scent isn’t overpowering.
Packed with vitamin C, coconut oil and peach extract, this lightweight formula smooths, softens and hydrates skin effectively. It goes on like butter and will leave you with a healthy glow all day long.
Best for firmer skin
Pros & Cons
Contains vitamin C
Skin-firming
Great for dry skin
Only available in one scent
Some reviewers have said it’s greasy
Get firmer skin with regular use of this body lotion by NIVEA. It contains Q10 and vitamin C, both of which help to improve firmness and elasticity in as little as two weeks. The creamy formula also provides intense moisture, making it great for those with dry skin.
Additionally, it’s cost-effective. The lotion comes in a large bottle, meaning it will last longer, and has one of the lowest price points on our list.
Best for preventing aging
Pros & Cons
Includes SPF
Reduces fine lines
Some reviews report irritation with sensitive skin
Signs of aging can show up all over the body, which is why Vaseline developed this 10-in-one body lotion to counteract those effects. It contains AHA, pro-retinol, vitamin B3 and micro-droplets of Vaseline jelly to help heal your skin and return it to a more youthful state.
The lotion has visible skin-brightening effects, restores an even skin tone, reduces dark marks and fine lines, firms skin — and helps with skin renewal. It also has triple sunscreen to protect against sun damage and provides deep hydration, which is much-needed in more mature skin.
Top budget-friendly option
Pros & Cons
Budget-friendly
Designed for dry skin
Some complaints about the packaging
Who said you have to sacrifice effectiveness for price? Our editors found this body moisturizer from up & up that has the lowest price on our list, but it’s still effective at repairing dry skin. It’s extra moisturizing, making it perfect for winter months — or for those who experience dry skin year-round.
The unscented lotion is thick and absorbs into the skin easily, but doesn’t feel oily, sticky or greasy. Many reviewers have reported smoother, more hydrated skin after regular use.
Top lotion for sensitive skin
Pros & Cons
Smooths, firms and hydrates skin
Contains antioxidants and natural plant oils
Non-greasy finish
Can be tricky to get out of container without a pump
Thickness can make application take longer
While it’s one of the higher-priced lotions on our list, this formula from Paula’s Choice is packed with antioxidants, ceramides, peptides and amino acids to help firm and hydrate your skin. It also uses natural plant oils to help retain moisture. These ingredients are known to help strengthen and visibly firm your skin’s surface.
It has a thick, whipped formula that goes on sheer and absorbs quickly without leaving behind a sticky or greasy feeling. All you need is one application for long-lasting hydration and it’s also fragrance-free.
What to look for when choosing a body lotion
Everyone looks for something a bit different in their body lotion. Maybe you like fragrances, maybe you don’t. Perhaps you deal with dry, itchy skin year-round or just in winter. Here are some things to keep in mind as you search for the best body lotion.
Ingredients
Not all lotions are created equal — and the difference typically comes down to their ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to choose more natural formulas and avoid chemicals, such as sulfates, alcohol and fragrances. If you have extra dry skin, lotions with ultra-hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, are the way to go. And if you’re after an anti-aging formula, look for formulas containing rejuvenating ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C.
Skin type
While you can go with a lotion that’s good for all skin types, it’s better to find one that works best for your specific skin type. Those with dry skin need a thicker cream for more moisture, while lightweight lotions are best for normal to combination skin. If you have sensitive skin, look for ingredients that are more soothing, such as aloe vera and green tea.
SPF
Just as you want foundation and face creams with SPF, you also need to protect the rest of your body. If you burn easily, look for a lotion that has SPF to add another layer of protection.
Fragrance
If you have sensitive skin — or don’t want your body lotion to clash with your perfume, make sure to look for fragrance-free formulas. We recommend checking the packaging label and reviews because even creams marketed as fragrance-free may still sometimes have a light scent.
Which body lotions top our list?
While all of the lotions on our list are good choices for various reasons, if we had to choose, these would be our top two picks.
Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion: We can’t ignore the fact that this lotion had no bad reviews. It contains shea butter, so you know you’re getting a ton of moisture and it also helps to firm up your skin. While it is one of the higher price points, it’s worth it for the quality.
NIVEA Skin Firming Body Lotion with Q10 and Vitamin C: You get a lot of lotion for a lower price, which is hard to ignore. This is a great cost-effective option for that reason alone. Plus, in addition to hydrating the skin, it boasts additional benefits, such as promoting skin firmness and elasticity, to help you achieve great results.
Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Emma Kalka
A former music writer, Emma Kalka works to help customers find little ways they can save at their favorite brands. Emma previously worked at The Korea Herald and Groove Korea. Today, she lives in Florida and writes murder mysteries in her free time.
Specialized topics
Bathroom
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