Body lotion serves a variety of purposes from softening rough skin to simply helping you smell nice. The calming sensation of body lotion applied to a sore back, legs, or feet is enough to make you keep these products forever a part of your daily life a daily. Whether you apply body lotion on a daily basis or just need something for occasional use, it’s important to use one suited to your skin type and personal needs.
With all the various body lotions available, you’re sure to find one to fit your personal preferences or specialized needs. The best body lotions feature superior moisturizing properties, gentle formulations, smooth application, and amazing value.
Finding the Best Body Lotion
Moisturizing Properties
The primary reason most people use body lotion are for their moisturizing properties. No matter the climate you live in, body lotion can help seal moisture into skin, keeping it supple and hydrated.
Ironically, many body lotions contain more synthetic fragrances and filler ingredients than actual moisturizing agents. The best body lotions contain natural, moisturizing ingredients such as organic coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera.
Gentle Formulas
Some manufacturers label their body lotions “natural” and “organic” when in reality it’s the opposite. Many products are filled with parabens, preservatives, artificial fragrances, and other harsh ingredients which can cause irritation, redness, itchiness, and dryness.
The best body lotions are formulated with gentle, safe ingredients which are appropriate for use on all skin types along with a low risk for negative side effects. Quality body lotions formulated with natural ingredients and no artificial fragrances prevent skin irritation and even help alleviate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Smooth Application
The texture of a body lotion affects how smoothly it applies and also reflects the quality of ingredients within the lotion itself. You want a non-greasy body lotion which glides easily over skin, absorbs quickly to seal in moisture, along with a smooth, even texture. Avoid sticky products as they make smooth application difficult while thin, watery body lotions are often difficult to rub in and leave behind filmy residues.
Value
The biggest, cheapest bottle of body lotion doesn’t make it the best value. Premium body lotions may cost a little more but they last longer after application and their quality ingredients offer healthier benefits to your skin. Many high-quality body lotions are rich in natural moisturizing agents and usually only cost slightly more than the average drugstore body lotion.
Lotion Types
Drugstore Body Lotions
Lotions found at your local drugstore can provide the same moisturizing benefits as lotions sold at higher-end stores. Drugstore body lotions are perfect for those on a budget and those seeking the convenience of one-stop shopping. Whether you’re looking for a simple moisturizing lotion or one providing anti-aging properties, drugstore body lotions benefit individuals who care about their skin’s health as well as their bank account.
Normal Skin Lotions
Most body lotions are designed for normal, balanced skin. These lotions help maintain natural moisture levels to preserve soft, supple skin. Lotions for normal skin aren’t difficult to find, but choosing the right one can be a challenge. Options which contain the most moisturizing agents and fewer additives are most beneficial to individuals with normal skin.
Sensitive Skin Lotions
Individuals with sensitive skin are susceptible to irritations due to the chemical ingredients found in many lotions. Body lotions for sensitive skin typically don’t contain fragrances, parabens, or additives known to cause itching, redness, and breakouts. These products are very gentle on the skin while providing the same moisturizing benefits as regular lotions intended for normal skin.
Anti-Aging Lotions
In addition to provide the moisturizing benefits of an ordinary lotion, anti-aging body lotions have the ability to firm up your skin and help it look younger and brighter. These lotions will typically contain key ingredients such as polypeptides and collagen which help smooth away wrinkles and fine lines. Some of these lotions are best applied before going to bed while others may be applied at anytime during the day.
Dry Skin Lotions
These body lotions typically provide extra moisturizing benefits to aid in the healing of dry skin. Whether you suffer from chronic or seasonal dry skin, these lotions can quickly deliver and lock in much-needed moisture. Lotions for dry skin also help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier as well as preventing undue moisture loss.
Men’s Lotions
Formulated with men in mind, these body lotions put extra emphasis on moisturizing men’s skin and less on the flowery fragrances. Men’s body lotions give men’s skin a healthy and smooth look for an overall well-groomed appearance. These specialized lotions may also help reduce skin irritation after shaving due to the inclusion of soothing ingredients such as aloe and vitamin E.
Natural/Paraben-Free Lotions
Natural body lotions contain the purest ingredients found in nature without any parabens or preservatives. These lotions are safe to use on all skin types and pose the least risk of side effects such as irritation and breakouts. Natural and paraben-free lotions typically contain nourishing moisturizing agents such as antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils to heal and protect skin.
Unscented Lotions
Whether natural or artificial, fragrance-free body lotions are ideal for individuals who suffer from allergic reactions to fragrances or simply don’t want to smell their lotion. Unscented lotions provide the same moisturizing and nourishing benefits as other lotions, just with less additives. These lotions are also perfect for individuals who wear cologne or perfume and don’t want a lotion competing with their signature fragrance.
Shimmer Lotions
Shimmery body lotions are perfect for instantly adding a hint of shimmer to your skin. They boost skin’s radiance using light-reflecting mica minerals while protecting skin against dryness and damage. Shimmer lotions contain moisturizing agents such as coconut oil and cocoa butter to ensure your skin is actually as healthy and radiant as it looks.