Our 2026 testing crowned the best body lotions, including Aestura and CeraVe, to deeply moisturize and protect all skin types.

If you moisturize your face religiously but often skip your body, you are not alone. It can feel like an extra step, but daily hydration is far from trivial. “The skin on the body is thicker and has fewer oil glands than facial skin, so it loses moisture faster,” explains Dr. Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist in California. Maintaining that moisture is critical because, as Dr. Teresa Song, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, points out, “Moisturized skin maintains a healthy skin barrier, preventing irritation and premature aging.” To discover the formulas that truly deliver, the team at Byrdie put more than 80 body lotions to the test over four weeks in 2026. A panel of 29 testers—each with different skin types and concerns—evaluated every product on consistency, application, and overall effectiveness. Below, the standout winners that deserve a place on your vanity.

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Best Overall: Aestura ATOBARRIER365 Body Lotion

This K-beauty gem earned top marks across all categories. Its lightweight, almost gel-like consistency feels cooling on contact and sinks in within minutes, yet it delivers endurance hydration that lasts all day. The fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula carries the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval, making it a safe harbor for sensitive and eczematic skin. Ceramides, PHA, vitamin E, panthenol, and glycerin work together to reinforce the barrier. One tester with eczema-prone skin noted, “I love the results! My skin feels smoother, tighter, and soothed. It’s also more elevated than the typical cream I would use for eczema, and a bit more sensorial thanks to its cooling sensation.” The only nuance is that those with extremely dry skin may want a richer layer in winter.

Best Overall Runner-Up: Necessaire The Body Lotion

For those who enjoy a touch of fragrance without irritation, this option hits the sweet spot. Available in both scented and fragrance-free versions, the warm, sweet aroma did not aggravate even eczema-prone skin during testing. Niacinamide, vitamins C and E, and peptides hydrate while the texture straddles a perfect middle ground—creamy enough to quench dryness, yet never sticky. Senior editor Dominique Hobdy, who has dry skin and eczema, declared, “It’s like the Goldilocks of lotions. It’s not too light and watery and not at all too heavy. I’ve already made it my new go-to.”

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Best for Aging Skin: CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin

Daily moisturizing is already an anti-aging move, but this formula goes further with exfoliating salicylic acid that smooths roughness and bumps. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid rebuild the barrier while the gel-cream absorbs speedily. A tester with dry skin shared, “This really is a magical formulation, leaving your skin with a buttery finish that’s smooth, but not too slippery.” It comes in an easy pump bottle, though those with very dry skin might crave additional richness.

Best Smelling: Cyklar Secret Santal Nutrient-Rich Body Cream

Sometimes fragrance is the ritual. This cream arrives in five sophisticated scents; the Sacred Santal version is earthy, woody, and musky, lingering pleasantly for hours. Banana flower extract, prickly pear water, and niacinamide nourish while the texture stays light and spreadable without greasiness. Tester Ashley, who has very dry skin, said, “I keep coming back to this aromatic formula. It has a woody, musky scent that smells so luxe. It leaves my skin lightly fragranced for hours later.” Frequent reapplication may be needed on parched days, but the sensorial payoff is worth it.

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Best Drugstore: Eos Shea Better 24H Moisture Body Lotion

An affordable workhorse, this shea butter lotion comes in nine scents plus a fragrance-free option. Testers loved the no-residue finish and the balanced consistency that works year-round, though super-dry skin may need a thicker cream in cold months. “You get a lot of product for your money, and I anticipate the bottle lasting for a while,” noted one tester.

Best With SPF: Eucerin Daily Hydration Cream SPF 30

This multitasker combines broad-spectrum SPF 30 with glycerin and dimethicone to hydrate and protect. It absorbs quickly, never feels greasy, and calms dryness-related itch. Tester Bianca, with normal-to-dry skin, remarked, “This will be part of my daily routine. It’s a nonsticky, hydrating option for everyday, even at home.” The initial sunscreen scent dissipates fast.

Best Nongreasy: Fenty Beauty Butta Drop Body Milk

A blend of natural oils and butters manages to feel featherlight while leaving a subtle glow. Available in three scents, it spreads like a dream and vanishes on contact—perfect for summer or anyone who detests heavy texture. Editor Alyssa Kaplan, who has balanced skin, said, “This is lighter and more spreadable than most body lotions I’ve used. It’s great when you don’t want something greasy.”

Best Firming: Olay Firming Body Lotion

Collagen peptides and niacinamide team up in this drugstore find to visibly tighten and quench. Despite a thicker initial feel, it melts into a serum-like finish that is completely undetectable. Hydration lasts a full 24 hours, and it even smoothed keratosis pilaris patches for one tester. “The drought that was plaguing my skin is finally gone!” exclaimed Jailynn, who has normal to dry skin.

Best for Crepey Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Cream

Although formulated for general moisture, testers saw a noticeable improvement in crepey texture, especially on hands. The rich, fragrance-free cream relies on shea butter and niacinamide and is acceptable for face, body, and hands. It carries the National Eczema Association seal. “I noticed the crepey skin on my hands looks smoother after application,” said Evangelina, a tester with dry skin. The thick consistency requires a bit of targeted rubbing.

Best Softening: L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate

Almond milk and oil swiftly knock out rough patches and leave a luminous finish without any residue. It is lightweight yet provides all-day softness. Associate editor Shannon Stubbs, who battles very dry, rough skin, raved, “This has the best finish in any lotion I’ve used—it makes my skin feel so soft with absolutely no residue.” The price is the only notable con.

Best Brightening: Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion

Shea butter, fatty acids, and sodium PCA impart deep hydration while imparting a natural, lit-from-within glow. Even sensitive complexions remained calm and redness-free. Tester Jessica stated, “I’ve noticed my skin feels significantly softer and looks brighter. It appears healthier and more radiant, almost as if it has a natural glow from within.” The thick texture requires a little massage but the payoff is immediate radiance.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Prequel Multi-Purpose Skin Protectant Cream

Urea, the star ingredient, gently exfoliates while drawing in moisture. It is so mild that it holds seals from both the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation, and it can be used on face and body alike. Katie, a tester with dry skin, confirmed, “I love that it’s a body and face lotion and is extremely gentle. Your skin will be hydrated, glowy, and much softer.” Super-dry areas may welcome an extra layer.

Best with Retinol: Saltair Rapid Repair Body Lotion

Retinol works to improve tone and texture alongside glycerin, kelp extract, and algae oil. The fragrance-free formula sinks in instantly with zero greasiness, making it a fast addition to any routine. Anna, who has normal to dry skin, shared, “There was no greasiness; I could quickly put on clothes.” Hydration is not extremely long-lasting, so reapplication might be needed.

Best Splurge: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

A hyaluronic acid blend, Brazilian sugarcane, and cupuaçu butter deliver intense, long-lasting moisture with the iconic Cheirosa ’62 scent—a warm pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla dream. The lightweight texture stretches far, and one tester with combination skin noted, “This lotion soothed my dry skin immediately, and it stayed that way until I showered again. The extra dry areas felt softer and less rough.” The sensorial experience justifies the price.

What to Look for in a Body Lotion

Ingredients: Dr. Song advises seeking humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) to attract moisture, occlusives (petrolatum, mineral oil) to seal it in, and ceramides to strengthen the barrier. Niacinamide adds calming and brightening benefits. For rough texture, Dr. Shokeen suggests gentle exfoliants like lactic acid or urea.

Texture: Lotions range from milky fluids to dense creams. Those with dry skin may lean toward richer formulas, while lighter options work well in humid weather or for normal skin.

When and How to Apply

All experts agree: apply at least once daily. Dr. Maya Thosani, a double-board-certified dermatologist, recommends applying on damp skin post-shower. Dr. Song explains that humectants and occlusives will then “attract and seal in the moisture,” and dampness improves spreadability. Reapply to very dry spots as needed.

Can Body Lotion Be Used on the Face?

Generally, no. “Facial skin, being more sensitive and having more oil glands, requires lighter formulations,” Dr. Song cautions. Body lotions are often heavier and can clog pores, potentially leading to breakouts. Stick to products explicitly designed for both face and body, like the Prequel cream mentioned above.

From drugstore staples to luxurious splurges, the 2026 Byrdie body lotion testing proved that the right formula can transform skin into a smoother, healthier, and more radiant version of itself—without a burdensome routine.