9 Best Body Lotions 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed
Self-care shouldn't stop after a relaxing hot shower or bath - your skin still needs some extra TLC to keep it in tip-top condition! Applying a hydrating body lotion is the perfect way to give yourself a nice massage whilst getting your arms and legs silky smooth. Some lotions even include amazing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, which can actually boost your skin's moisture levels to the max.
To help you pick the best body lotion, we've created a guide covering all of the essential factors to consider for your oily, dry, or sensitive skin, including if you should go for a natural/organic product and whether scented options are worth it. Then, we've put together a list of our favourite products to buy for both men and women on Amazon, Boots and more, from brands like Aveeno, Vaseline and CeraVe.
Quick List - Top Body Lotions
Aesop
A Rich, Spicy, and Highly Nourishing Option With Shea Butter and Almond Oils
Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu
- How to Choose a Body Lotion in the UK
- Whether to Hydrate, Soothe, Plump or Smooth, Choose Ingredients That Will Benefit Your Skin Type1
- Go For Scented Lotions If You Like to Smell Good and Pamper Yourself2
- Check the Ethical Credentials and Consider Natural Formulas If You're Vegan or Prefer Plant-Based Beauty3
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Body Lotion Cause Acne?
- Are Body Lotion and Moisturiser the Same?
With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu
Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
How to Choose a Body Lotion in the UK
- Depending on Your Skin Type, Choose Hydrating, Soothing or Plumping Ingredients
- Decide if You Want a Scented Body Lotion
- Check the Ethical Credentials and Consider Natural Formulas if You're Vegan
Whether to Hydrate, Soothe, Plump or Smooth, Choose Ingredients That Will Benefit Your Skin Type
Normal Skin? Opt for Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, and Oat Extract
If you have normal skin, you're in luck because not only does it allow you more freedom to look for products with beauty-focused goals like brightening, you'll also rarely suffer from dryness, oiliness, or breakouts. For this reason, we recommend looking out for ingredients like aloe vera, cocoa butter, and oat extract.
Aloe vera seals moisture into your skin, cocoa butter maintains elasticity, and oat extract has lots of good fats which help to plump up your skin. Using a product with these ingredients will hence keep your body feeling nourished and looking healthy.
If you're adopting plant-based skincare, aloe vera gel is a good place to start.
The action of aloe vera as a moisturising agent has only recently been studied, even though it has been in use for decades to formulate hydrating products. The polysaccharide-rich (long-chained sugars) composition of aloe vera extracts imparts moisturising properties to any product it's added.
Studies have shown that aloe vera extract attracts water from the other layers of the epidermis to the stratum corneum (the outermost layer) and that it provides short-and-long term benefits to skin hydration regardless of the concentration found in the formulation.
Glycerin, Oils and Shea Butter Are Good Choices for Dry, Dull Skin
There are lots of useful ingredients out there for dry or dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient for dry skin as it can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water molecules - perfect for retaining your skin's natural moisture! Similarly, glycerin helps to prevent moisture loss by forming a protective layer.
Nourishing oils like walnut, olive, and omega also benefit dry skin by maximising hydration. Lastly, shea butter is soothing and aids in the skin’s natural collagen production, which is definitely needed when you have dry skin that's starting to look lacklustre.
Shea butter contains a mix of fatty acids that have been shown to improve the skin barrier, such as palmitic, stearic, linoleic, and oleic acids. It also contains fatty acids, allan, vitamins E, A and D, that have been shown to improve the skin's protecting function, helping to hydrate, plump, and protect the skin. It also contains phenolic components that exert antioxidant effects.
Hyaluronic Acid Will Retain Moisture Without Feeling Greasy if You Have Oily Skin
Those with oily skin might be tempted to skip moisturising, but there are still plenty of products that can work in harmony with your skin type! Aloe vera is one particular ingredient that's ideal for oily skin - it helps to lock moisture in, but doesn't feel too heavy.
Hyaluronic acid is also beneficial if your skin is a little greasy - it moisturises without stripping away any of your body's natural oils (which is what actually leads to an overproduction of oils in the first place).
Lock in moisture to plump your complexion with hyaluronic acid serums.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a poly-saccharide (sugar) that can bind moisture up to 1000 times its weight when topically applied, making your skin appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated after each use.
In most cases, these agents draw water from the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) into the epidermis, although they can also draw water from the air when there is high humidity. It also helps the skin heal after injury.
For Sensitive Skin, You'll Need Soothing Aloe Vera and Protective Ceramides
Got sensitive skin that's prone to irritation and acne flare-ups? We recommend looking for simple yet soothing ingredients like aloe vera, which has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to treat inflammatory skin issues.
Ceramides, molecules which contain fatty acids, are also great because they hold the skin together, preventing damage and strengthening the skin to protect itself against irritants and pollution. While ceramides occur naturally in the skin, they reduce as you age, so you need to replenish them by using products like lotions.
Ceramides play a crucial role in the barrier function of the skin and water retention. The addition of synthetic ceramides to moisturisers (there are no natural sources of ceramides) is beneficial for people with dry skin.
Studies have shown that ceramide-enriched creams increase skin hydration and demonstrate an immediate and sustained reduction in the visible signs of dry skin and subjective perceived tightness or itching.
Look to Collagen, Elastin and Green Tea to Leave Mature Skin Looking Plumper
We should all be moisturising at any age - including those of us with mature skin! Collagen production decreases with age, making skin lose some of its plumpness, so try a formula with collagen and elastin proteins if you want to look more youthful.
As green tea extract is renowned for slowing down the ageing of cells and preventing wrinkles and fine lines, we also suggest looking out for this ingredient in your body lotion.
While topically applied collagen and elastin will moisturise the skin, that's about the extent of what it can do. Applying collagen topically has never been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis or growth, mainly because they are too large to penetrate the top layer of skin and get into the dermis, where these substances are supposed to exert their effects.
In some products, the collagen or elastin is supposedly "re-engineered" to be made small enough so it can be absorbed into the skin. However, even if nano-sized, these ingredients will not fuse with the collagen and elastin in your skin.
Go For Scented Lotions If You Like to Smell Good and Pamper Yourself
Applying a body lotion with a pleasant fragrance can make your moisturising routine feel even more luxurious and can even save you from having to spritz on perfume after you get dressed. If you like the idea of a lotion with a strong masculine fragrance, it's worth scanning for a warm spicy scent which will give off a powerful smell that lasts well.
For a calming aroma that'll help you drift into relaxation, look out for a lotion with a sweet-smelling scent like vanilla and coconut. The comforting aroma of a vanilla-scented lotion will blend with your perfume containing notes of citrus, lavender, chamomile or lemon. Otherwise, a woody or spicy fragrance with black pepper or patchouli works great as an everyday scent.
If you have normal skin, this kind of product shouldn't cause you any problems. However, we suggest that those with sensitive skin avoid heavily scented lotions as they may cause irritation or breakouts.
Check out the best perfumes for men and women while you're here.
Some products may require the use of fragrances to mask the unpleasant scent they might otherwise have and would detract people from applying them continuously.
Most dermatologists agree that if you have a story of sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis, it is advisable to stick to fragrance-free products. To identify fragrant ingredients, look out for other words in the ingredient list like eugenol, geraniol, citronellol, linalool, and limonene.
Check the Ethical Credentials and Consider Natural Formulas If You're Vegan or Prefer Plant-Based Beauty
Lastly, many people like to consider whether the skincare product they're purchasing has been tested on animals or contains animal-derived ingredients - in the case of body lotions, these can include glycerine or collagen.
Vegan, cruelty-free lotions are often made with natural ingredients (which are often organic too), so they are a good choice if you want to use more plant-based beauty products. Since our skin absorbs lotion, using natural lotion with non-toxic ingredients improves skin cell growth and reduces irritation or redness. Not to mention, they're also greener for the planet!
“Cruelty-free” and “vegan" are often used interchangeably by companies and consumers alike, but they don’t mean the same thing. Cruelty-free means that the product was developed without any tests on animals, while vegan means that the product does not include any animal-derived ingredients.
Cosmetics produced in the UK and Europe cannot be tested on animals, so they are de facto "cruelty-free." Another fact to consider is that there is no standard or legal definitions for these labels, so companies can use these labels in whichever way they like.
9 Best Body Lotions in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Aesop Resolute Hydrating Body Balm | | A Rich, Spicy, and Highly Nourishing Option With Shea Butter and Almond Oils | |
2 | Lush Dream Cream Self-Preserving | | With Oat Milk, Lavender and Rose to Soothe and Soften | |
3 | Garnier Intensive 7 Days Hydrating Lotion | | A Great Value Drugstore Lotion With Probiotics and Aloe | |
4 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream | | A Lightweight Formula You Can Apply and Go | |
5 | Le Labo Santal 33 Body Lotion | | A Luxuriously Heady Perfumed Lotion to Treat Yourself To | |
6 | Nivea Naturally Good Organic Natural Cocoa Butter | | A Simple Vegan Body Lotion With Organic Cocoa Butter for Very Dry Skin | |
7 | CeraVe Moisturising Lotion | | A Dermatologist-Approved Lifesaver for Dry, Sensitive Skin | |
8 | Dove Derma Spa Goodness 3 Body Lotion | | A Self-Care Indulgence With a Gorgeous Scent | |
9 | St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Body Lotion | | Rejuvenates Dull Skin With Collagen, Elastin and Swiss Glacial Water |
A Rich, Spicy, and Highly Nourishing Option With Shea Butter and Almond Oils
Aesop's formulations are never one to miss and Resolute Hydrating Body Balm is no different. Packed with nourishing ingredients like wheat germ, sweet almond oils and shea butter, the formula will help to fully rehydrate your skin after a hot shower.
With no artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, or animal-derived ingredients, you can rest assured that this handy squeezy tube won't irritate your skin. If you prefer a bottle container, don't worry, it comes in a 500ml bottle too! Being an emollient balm means it's rich for drier areas, and it has a distinctive spicy aroma that'll give character and strength to the way you smell.
With Oat Milk, Lavender and Rose to Soothe and Soften
This deeply hydrating lotion contains a blend of vitamins and minerals that will replenish your skin's essential nutrients. With glycerine, extra virgin olive oil and oat milk, it locks in moisture without feeling heavy on the skin.
Designed for eczema sufferers and people with sensitive skin but ideal for everyone year round, it can calm sunburn during summer and hydrate during winter. It's self-preserving, which means it has no synthetic preservatives and is made with natural ingredients. This is the perfect choice if you're on a budget but still want your skin to look its very best!
A Great Value Drugstore Lotion With Probiotics and Aloe
The non-sticky formula is also easy to apply and has a subtle, cooling fragrance. We can't believe that such a large bottle is less than £5 - for about the same price as a cup of coffee, you can have beautifully smooth skin all week long!
A Lightweight Formula You Can Apply and Go
Boost your skin's moisture levels with this gel-based lotion from Neutrogena. It's clinically proven to make dry skin look healthier by improving its ability to retain hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, olive oil, and glycerin.
Best of all, the lightweight formula sinks into your skin quickly and the handy pump dispenser makes application effortless. What's more, it comes in both 250ml and 400ml bottles. It's never been easier to achieve smooth, supple skin!
A Luxuriously Heady Perfumed Lotion to Treat Yourself To
If you're after something a bit fancier than your average lotion, why not try this bestseller by luxury beauty brand Le Labo? The formula contains shea butter, vitamin E, vitamin A, aloe vera, coconut and olive oil, which are natural softening ingredients that rehydrate dry skin and leave it feeling super soft.
We love the woody, spicy and musky fragrance of this product, it's so hard to ignore! It's also paraben and cruelty-free, as well as vegan making it the perfect all-rounder for you, or as a gift.
A Simple Vegan Body Lotion With Organic Cocoa Butter for Very Dry Skin
Nivea's vegan range is the perfect blend between price and formulation. Using a few simple ingredients, this body lotion is a great way to protect your body from dryness for up to 48 hours.
If you are looking for more environmentally friendly products to stock your shelves, Nivea's unique roll-up design means that you can squeeze out every ounce while using 50% less plastic! A great win for you and mother nature.
A Dermatologist-Approved Lifesaver for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Need something to soothe your dry, delicate skin? This gentle formula by cult US skincare brand CeraVe has been developed with dermatologists to provide expert relief. With 3 essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) and hyaluronic acid, it helps your skin to retain its natural moisture all day long.
Best of all, this product is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic so it won't clog your pores or irritate your skin in any way. Although it's a little pricey, we think it's always worth paying a bit more for top-quality ingredients.
A Self-Care Indulgence With a Gorgeous Scent
Take a few minutes to indulge in some self-care with this rich yet fast-absorbing lotion by Dove. The silky formula features natural seed oils like omega to transform dry skin, and unique elastomer technology to create a protective barrier.
The delightful coconut and vanilla fragrance of this product will help you to unwind and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa! It's an easy, inexpensive way to treat yourself after a long day.
Rejuvenates Dull Skin With Collagen, Elastin and Swiss Glacial Water
Enjoy radiant, youthful skin with this revitalising lotion from St. Ives. Combining collagen and elastin proteins with pure Swiss glacial water, it helps to revive dull skin and retain moisture.
Just two pumps of this product will do the trick, so the large bottle should last you a while. Use it morning and night, and you'll have plumper, softer skin in no time! The only downside is that due to the collagen, this formula isn't vegan or cruelty-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Body Lotion Cause Acne?
Acne is a multifactorial disease, and no single agent can be considered the culprit. However, the use of certain cosmetic products can worsen existing acne lesions, especially, "heavier" (oil-rich) lotions can worsen congestion of pores and lead to increased oil production that can exacerbate acne breakouts.
Therefore, if you have a story of "pimples" or body acne, it's better to stick to body lotions labelled as "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free."
Are Body Lotion and Moisturiser the Same?
Moisturisers are cosmetic products designed to prevent dryness of the skin and, in some cases, avoid skin inflammation. They come in many kinds of formulations: lotions, a mix of oils, and water with a fluid consistency that allows them to be absorbed quickly. Therefore, body lotion and moisturiser are not synonyms: Moisturisers can exist in a lotion formulation, but not all lotions are moisturisers.
Written and researched by Nicola McClements
Top 5 Body Lotions
No. 1: Aesop｜Resolute Hydrating Body Balm
No. 2: Lush｜Dream Cream Self-Preserving
No. 3: Garnier｜Intensive 7 Days Hydrating Lotion
No. 4: Neutrogena｜Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
No. 5: Le Labo｜Santal 33 Body Lotion
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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