The Best Body Lotions of 2026

One of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated and smooth is to create a ritual of applying body lotion from head to toe as soon as you step out of the shower. Whether you've exfoliated dead skin with a body scrub, shaved with your favorite razor, or just cleansed with a new body wash, your skin craves a protective layer of body lotion after its natural oils are washed away.

We tested 14 of the best body lotions from the most popular brands in body care. Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Moisturizing Lotion (available at Amazon) won our Best Overall for its creamy and quick-absorbing formula that left behind a smooth, silky finish.

We also awarded the Hempz Moisturizing Skin Lotion (available at Amazon) with a Best Scent title for its wide variety of refreshing fragrance options and moisturizing feel.

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Other Body Lotions We Tested

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How We Tested Body Lotions

The Tester

Jessica Kasparian, former beauty editor at Reviewed, has tested all things skin-, makeup-, and hair-related for our beauty section. Kasparian says that after years of testing beauty products, she has learned that moisturizing is key for healthy skin and that your skincare routine should extend beyond your face. That said, Kasparian put that advice to the test when rating the best body lotions for Reviewed.

The Tests

I tested two moisturizers a day—one on each side of my body, from shoulders to feet. I recorded results on a scientifically-calibrated rubric that noted the body lotions’ most important attributes, including how it felt on the skin, how long it moisturized, and how it smelled. We also considered bottle design—because things like a pump that locks helps avoid spills.

What Should You Know About Body Lotions

After testing over a dozen moisturizers, I found that many could work well for any one person. They all contain moisturizing ingredients designed to soothe and hydrate the skin. Some examples of key ingredients include glycerin, pantothenic acid, hyaluronic acid, fatty acids like ceramides, shea butter, and fruit and plant oils. Also consider fragrance: A great-smelling body lotion can help you remember to stick with your moisturizing routine. However, those with sensitive skin may want a fragrance-free formula. (Also consider fragrance-free if you don’t want it competing with your perfume, or if you think you’ll simply tire of the smell after a while.)

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Body Lotion?

Incorporating a body lotion into your daily skincare routine can do wonders for your skin’s overall health, including keeping it soft, smooth, and adequately hydrated, says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University. She adds that some body lotions can also brighten and exfoliate the skin.

What Kinds of Ingredients Should You Look For In A Body Lotion?

Browsing the ingredients in body lotion is a must to ensure that it’s serving your needs. If your concerns pertain to hydrating your skin, Garshick says to look for humectants—specifically hyaluronic acid and glycerin—because they will attract moisture to the skin. She also says occlusives such as petrolatum can also help hydrate the skin by retaining moisture, in addition to protecting the skin from outside aggressors. Ceramides are another hydrating ingredient to watch out for, given that they help to seal moisture into the skin as well.

If you’re in search of a body lotion that exfoliates the skin, Garshick recommends looking for a formula that uses alpha hydroxy acids (i.e., glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid) or beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid. She calls out the DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion as an example of an exfoliating formula. This lotion claims to relieve dry and bumpy skin. It calls on lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, to turn over dead skin cells. The Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion, which won our title as the best thick formula for dry skin, is another example of a body lotion we’ve tested that uses lactic acid as well.

How Do You Apply A Body Lotion?

When applying your body lotion of choice, Dr. Garshick says to use an amount that can be rubbed all over the skin. Working it into the skin "using gentle circular motions [will ensure] proper absorption and this may also help to boost circulation," she explains.

When Should You Apply A Body Lotion?

Before you grab a body lotion, consider when you plan to apply it. Garshick recommends using a body lotion right after taking a shower when your skin is damp in order "to help boost moisture and minimize transepidermal water loss." She notes that some people may benefit from putting on body lotion twice a day to ensure that their skin is throughly hydrated all day long and into the night.

While "lotion" connotes a thin formula, it’s important to note that some options here have a thicker consistency. It may take more work to apply, and more time to absorb. On the other hand, you may want to consider using a thinner body lotion. It won’t last as long, but it’ll dry quicker, getting you dressed and out of the door. For extra moisture, opting for a thicker cream may be the better bet. It may take more effort to rub in, but it generally will last longer.

Can You Use Body Lotion On Your Face?

Whether or not body lotion can be used on your face depends on the product. Some of the best body lotions are suitable for both like the Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion. It's important to read the ingredients and application instructions in a body lotion before deciding if you should also use it on your face. The skin on the face is usually more delicate than the skin on the rest of your body, so your body lotion may not be best for both.

It's also very important to consider your skin type. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you may not want to put body lotion on your face as it may cause irritation, and this is especially true for scented body lotions.

Does Body Lotion Expire?

While body lotions can be long-lasting, they do eventually expire. Unopened bottles of body lotion tend to last two to three years if stored properly—they must be kept in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Once a bottle of body lotion is opened, it'll expire in six months to a year. Many body lotions have a label to indicate how long they'll last once opened.

If you're unsure of whether your body lotion is still okay to use, there are signs to look for that'll determine if you should dispose of it. If you've noticed the color, consistency, or smell of the body lotion has changed then it has probably expired. If your body lotion is darker in color or appears cloudy, and if the consistency of the body lotion is now thicker or clumpy, then it's no good. If you also see that the oil and water of the body lotion have separated, then you should no longer use it.

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