Body Oil, Lotion or Body Butter: Which Is Best for Your Skin?

When it comes to body care products, it seems creams are the 'la crème de the crop. Just like crops can have different companion plants that all serve as food staples, there are different body moisturizers that all serve to quench skin. Body cream gets all the love on our self-care shopping lists – but you should invest in high-quality body oil and butters, too!

We know the benefits of body creams, bath soaks, and body scrubs for self-pampering, but a body oil or butter can perfectly round out your home spa experience. While creams and butters deeply nourish skin with a creamy-dreamy to a very thick consistency, body oils hydrate the top layer of skin, with a lighter and thinner feel than their skin-nourishing relatives.

Are you ready to find your “crème de la crème” – the best of the best – natural skincare moisturizers for your skin? We’re covering the benefits of body creams, oils, and butters, how they differ, and which one is best suited for your skin type. It’s time to discover the perfect companion for your skincare routine. Get ready to double down on maximum moisture!

It doesn’t matter if it’s a full summer meltdown or body-trembling dead of winter - our delicate skin NEEDS a little tender love and care. And when we say “care”, we usually grab and slather on some conventional body cream or lotion to treat our dry skin. It’s not a matter of whether you should moisturize your skin, it’s more of a concern of what you use to properly moisturize your skin type.

Let’s get these moisturizing winners into the ring and find out which one can combat your skin woes over the others. It’s body oil versus, cream, versus body butter. Ding, ding!

Body Oil

A body oil’s most prominent feature is its occlusive action. While they don’t draw moisture to the surface of the skin, they will seal in hydration that’s already been applied. Oils can range anywhere from inexpensive mineral oils to more luxurious (and higher quality) plant oils. Ideally, body oil should sink into the skin and not leave you feeling greasy.

Body oils contain several types of fatty acids They’re important for protecting our skin barrier since they play a role in helping us combat free radical damage. A body oil targets hydration in the upper layers of your skin, with a lighter and thinner feeling than lotions and butters. They’re often not much different from facial oils, though certain body oils might be too greasy or heavy for the face.

Body Cream / Lotion

Skin creams or lotions, on the other hand, tend to contain humectants. Humectants bring moisture to our skin, which is important for healthy skin barrier function. Natural body creams are thicker formulations with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. They’re often packed with nutrient-rich ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extract. These ingredients are known for their antioxidant properties, vitamins, and minerals.

The downside is that not all body creams contain the essential fatty acids that oils do. Low-quality or conventional creams and body lotions are often lighter than oils, and depending on the formula can evaporate from the skin more quickly. Many natural body lotions are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors that can irritate sensitive skin.

Body Butter

Body butter is specifically designed to replenish much-needed moisture back into parched, desert-esque skin. Body butter usually has a very thick and creamy consistency, made with rich ingredients like shea butter, to nourish the deepest layers of the skin. The key to deeply moisturizing and softening your skin is the healing base of natural butters with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.

The key to deeply moisturizing and softening your skin is the healing base of natural butters. We’ve whipped avocado, shea, and cocoa butter into a thick, luxurious spread; think of these three body butter ingredients as the skin-healing trifecta. Additional lifesavers are vitamin-rich argan oil, anti-aging rosehip seed oil, and to top it off, we’ve included skin-restorative vitamin E.

Oils are like food for your body. They re-introduce lost moisture – post-cleansing or exfoliating - to the skin and feed your delicate dermis with essential hydration. Body oils are doted on for their absorbent capabilities and deep moisturizing properties because many vegetable-based oils, avocado, jojoba, and almond, mimic the natural lipids found in our skin. Let’s uncover more benefits of body oil.

#1: Seal in moisture

One of the most notable benefits of body oil is its occlusive action. While they don’t draw moisture to the skin’s surface, they will seal in hydration that’s already been applied. Hydration can come from damp skin or your moisturizer and can be sealed in and therefore enhanced by a body oil.

Our cold-pressed Organic Marula Oil provides light, luxurious moisture for the skin. Oleic and linoleic acids as well as omega fatty acids in marula oil seal in moisture and replenish dry or aging skin. Vitamins E and C rejuvenate the skin for a youthfully supple glow.

#2: Smooth and soften

Oils work so well because they imitate the natural lipids present in our skin barrier. Lipids help to fill gaps between our skin cells caused by dryness or flaking, creating a smoother surface. We need these lipids to help trap moisture in our skin; without them, we’re more likely to suffer from dry or scaly patches.

One of the best face-body oil hybrids we know is Argan oil – it’s a perfect starter oil for any skin type. Argan oil is naturally rich in vitamin E, phenols, carotenes, squalane, and essential fatty acids to deeply moisturize, nourish, and soften skin.

#3: Instill antioxidants

The antioxidants in many oils can help protect your skin from aging and sun damage. While we can use retinol or vitamin C serums for our faces, we often don’t have the same anti-aging options for our bodies.
Oils are a great way to remedy that!

Our Organic Rosehip Oil is rich in vitamins and omega fatty acids, to deeply nourish skin. This cold-pressed oil offers maximum potency to effectively target fine lines, loss of elasticity, and uneven skin tone.

#4: More moisturizing than facial oils

We know that certain oils can be pore-clogging – especially for acneic or oily skin. If you patch-tested an oil and found it comedogenic, why not use it for your body? Heavier oils can be great for eliminating dry patches on your body, particularly if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis.

Remember “crème de la crème”? That’s essentially the calling card of body creams. Body lotions and creams have the edge over body oils if we're talking about moisturizing abilities. Creams are a mix of oil and water and typically work better for dry skin. Because they're partly water-based, they're often better at penetrating the skin and can deliver ingredients that improve the ability of the skin to maintain moisture. Let’s find out more benefits of body cream.

#1. Deep hydration

Natural body creams are formulated with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. These ingredients penetrate the skin deeply, providing intense hydration and locking in moisture. As a result, your skin feels nourished, soft, and supple throughout the day. Body lotions are lighter and less oily than body oil and butter.

Our Vanilla Bean Nourishing Body Cream is a luxuriously creamy vanilla bean body lotion enriched with potent anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants for softer, more supple skin. Deeply moisturizing cocoa and avocado soothe dryness and flaking, while aloe and rose hydrosol replenish essential hydration. Additions of stimulating Kona green coffee and vitamin C brighten and energize the skin for a more youthful glow. This silky smooth natural body cream is infused with the scent of sweet, decadent vanilla.

#2. Absorption of beneficial nutrients from natural ingredients

Natural body lotions are often packed with nutrient-rich ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extract. These ingredients are known for their antioxidant properties, vitamins, and minerals. When applied to the skin, they get absorbed, delivering their beneficial effects. This can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, including the signs of aging.

Our Honey Almond Nourishing Body Cream is a luxuriously creamy body lotion enriched with potent anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants for softer, more supple skin. Deeply moisturizing cocoa and avocado soothe dryness and flaking, while aloe and rose hydrosol replenish essential hydration. Additions of stimulating Kona green coffee and vitamin C brighten and energize the skin for a more youthful glow. This silky-smooth body cream is infused with the scent of sweet, honey-glazed almonds.

#3. Gentleness and suitability for sensitive skin

Many natural body lotions are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors that can irritate sensitive skin. Instead, they contain gentle and soothing ingredients like calendula, lavender, and oatmeal. This makes them ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, as they provide hydration without causing irritation or allergic reactions. They are also suitable for combination skin types as they help balance skin.

#4. Mega moisturization

All skin needs a healthy moisture balance so it doesn’t knock our skin-Zen off kilter. A natural body lotion has moisturizing ingredients like rich butters and essential oils. These nourishing ingredients contain important vitamins like A and E and help to repair the lipid barrier of the skin. These mega-moisturizers also help to seal in hydration, slowing the process of transdermal water loss (TEWL).

Our Coconut Nourishing Body Cream is a luxuriously creamy coconut-scented lotion enriched with potent anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants for softer, more supple skin. Deeply moisturizing cocoa and avocado soothe dryness and flaking, while aloe and rose hydrosol replenish essential hydration. Additions of stimulating Kona green coffee and vitamin C brighten and energize the skin for a more youthful glow.

Body butter is specifically designed to replenish much-needed moisture back into parched, desert-esque skin. That makes these thick, luxurious butters Ideal for rough or extremely dry skin. The key to deeply moisturizing and softening your skin is in its healing base of natural butters. This makes butters especially ideal for rougher body areas, like hands, feet, elbows, and legs.

#1. Intense moisturization

If you’re looking for a deeper cure to dry, rough skin, body butter is your answer. These thick, luxurious butters are on-call for the times when your skin is yearning for intense hydration. Because body butter is thicker, it tends to stay on top of your skin longer and works to reduce the loss of moisture from your skin. This protective barrier will keep you more moisturized, for longer.

We can’t think of anything better than smelling like sweet, fruity honey and creamy, nutty almonds after a long-refreshing bath. Our Honey Almond Whipped Body Butter comes complete with vitamin E, enriching the skin, and the honey inside is naturally antibacterial. Shea, argan, and cocoa butters create a moisturizing trifecta that seriously makes skin sparkle while skin-healing argan oil feed skin with softening and anti-aging nutrients to condition and repair.

#2. Absorption of beneficial nutrients from natural ingredients

Natural body butters are made with quality skin-loving natural ingredients, which are super beneficial for all dry skin woes. There’s usually an assortment of skin-healing ingredients that will help heal, soften, and replenish dry skin types in need of a serious water and oil infusion, such as cocoa avocado, and shea butters.

#3. Gentle, effective formulas

Many natural body butters are free from chemical culprits and synthetic fragrances that can irritate dry or sensitive skin. Instead, they contain gentle yet effective ingredients like vitamin-rich argan oil, anti-aging rosehip seed oil, skin-restorative vitamin E, and soothing aloe vera. This makes them ideal for individuals with sensitive or the driest skin, as they provide hydration without causing irritation or allergic reactions.

Our Vanilla Bean Whipped Body Butter is formulated in a base of water-rich aloe vera and soothing rose hydrosol replenishes lost hydration. Ultra-rich cocoa butter, avocado butter, and blackcurrant oil coat skin with essential moisture to fortify skin's delicate lipid barrier, effectively relieving dry or sensitive skin. This thick and creamy body butter is infused with the scent of sweet, decadent vanilla.

#4. Offers long-lasting hydration

Body butters are typically a mix of rich butters that nourish and hydrate parched skin and promote a smooth surface. Because of their key components of natural butters, body butters are heavier and thicker in consistency when compared to oils and lotions, and they keep your skin hydrated long after you apply them.

Our Coconut Whipped Body Butter is an extra pure, ultra-concentrated formula that’s made with a nourishing trio of avocado, shea, and cocoa plant butters that deeply moisturizes and softens skin. Thanks to soothing rose hydrosol, areas prone to redness or irritation stand no chance. Aside from its coconut, food-grade aroma, this vegan body butter will keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and youthful looking. Say goodbye to pesky dry patches and hello to silky-smooth skin!

To maximize the effectiveness of body cream, oil, or butter, it’s essential to know how to properly apply these moisturizing skin gems. What’s great about these is their versatility, meaning some you can apply before, during, or even in the shower or bath. If you have very sensitive skin or reactive areas, remember to pat – not rub – skin dry and apply your body care product the same way. Let’s find out more!

Body Creams / Lotions

When using natural body lotions, make sure to apply them on slightly damp skin. This helps the lotion to absorb better and work its magic.

Pay extra attention to those dry areas of your body like elbows, knees, and heels. They can benefit from the moisturizing power of body creams.

While applying the lotion, give yourself a nice massage. Not only does it feel good, but it also promotes blood circulation and helps the lotion to penetrate deeper into your skin.

If you want some extra hydration and protection, consider layering your natural body lotion with other products like body oils. This combination can give your skin an extra boost.

Remember to store your natural body lotion in a cool and dry place. Extreme heat or humidity can affect its quality, so keep it in a safe spot.

Body Oil

You can apply your oil after a sudsy shower or therapeutic bath soak. Pat your skin down, but keep it a bit damp to maximize the moisture gained from your bath. Another option is to apply your oil in-shower after using body wash and before drying down. This saves you the extra time of applying lotion after a bath. Be careful not to slip!

You can also apply a bit of body oil before a shower – particularly if you suffer from compromised skin. Cleansing can strip much-needed moisture from very dry and sensitive skin. Oil can create a barrier between your skin and the water, to mitigate some of that moisture loss.

Another option is to add a few drops of oil to your body cream. Not only does an oil provide a more luxurious feel, but it also provides more occlusive action for dry skin that needs it.

Use a few drops of oil in your bath. High-quality plant oils mixed with citrus or rose essential oils can make your bath water smell divine while providing deep moisturization.

Massage your body. While facial massages are important, you should pamper and provide your body with relaxation, too. Focus on areas where you hold the most tension, like shoulders and calves.

Body Butter

If you have parched or sensitive skin, or it’s during the harsh winter, always keep water by your bed. Your hydration station is extra important during the colder months when extreme high-low temperatures (think indoor heater, outdoor cold) can help dehydrate our skin.

Most of us tend to wipe our skin down with a towel, straight from the shower or bath. Instead of going to town with the wipe-down, dry your skin by pressing and patting – rather than rubbing. This allows the hydration and moisture from your bath products to stay on the skin, rather than being promptly wiped away. It’s also much gentler on your delicate lipids!

Moisturize right after a warm shower, when the pores are most open to receiving hydration and nutrients from oils, lotions, and creams. Surface water will also help nourishing emollients to be more easily absorbed into the skin.

Treat yourself to an oil-enriched body massage. You can book a service with your masseuse, or ask your sweetheart to lend a hand! Wheat germ, coconut, or sweet almond oils are top choices for nourishing dry or thirsty skin, and you can even add aromatherapy with lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus oils.

Can I use all three products together?

If you're looking for an extra dose of hydration for parched skin, you can layer multiple products together. Keep in mind that oil and water don't mix, so use body oil to seal in a water-based cream or lotion, or if you applied oil first, follow with body butter since it's also oil-based and can sink in.

How do I choose which one is best for my skin type?

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, stick to a body oil, which has a thin, easily absorbable consistency. Oils help dial down your skin's natural sebum production since it no longer needs to overcompensate for the lack of oil.

Dry or itchy skin or just skin that needs some hydration will benefit from a body cream. Creams or lotions can also have ingredients that target skin concerns like textured skin might reach for a smoothing lotion that targets bumps.

If you have extremely dry skin (or cold winter air is wreaking havoc on your skin), body butters may be more your speed. While body lotions are typically a mix of water and oils, body butters are a mix of rich butters (and sometimes oils) that hydrate parched skin and promote a smooth surface. Plus, butters offer longer lasting hydration compared to their moisturizing relatives.

Are there any potential adverse effects of using these products?

If you buy from a reputable brand with transparent labels and natural ingredients, many natural body lotions, oils, and butters are formulated with gentle ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation or adverse reactions. These products often exclude common irritants such as synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, and artificial dyes. Instead, they incorporate natural and soothing ingredients, which are known for their calming and moisturizing properties.

In conclusion, nourishing our skin with a natural body cream, oil, or butter is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. We encourage you to explore and discover the perfect natural body moisturizer (or two) that suits your skin's unique needs and preferences. Self-care is not just a luxury; it is a vital investment in our overall well-being. So, embrace the power of natural body care, indulge in self-care, and enjoy the benefits of your crème de la crème body care product for beautiful, nourished skin.