9 best body moisturisers I've tested for super-soft skin
Much like our favourite face creams, the best body moisturisers have one core mission: to keep your skin soft, supple and glowy. Because your face shouldn’t be the only one getting the good stuff. Your body deals with everything from hot showers and shaving to fake tan, cold weather, central heating and general life – so yes, it deserves a proper moisturiser, too.
I'm not just talking about a basic lotion you panic-buy when your shins start looking a bit dry and flaky, though. Many body moisturisers are now supercharged with skincare actives to help tackle everything from dullness and loss of firmness to keratosis pilaris, eczema-related dryness, itching and bumpy texture. And they're the ones you should be looking for. Put simply, there’s a body cream out there that can tick all the boxes for your skin – you just need to know where to look.
“Body moisturisers are needed to maintain the skin's hydration, prevent dryness, and protect it from environmental damage," explains consultant dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips. "They also help to improve skin texture, elasticity, and the overall appearance.”
From fast-absorbing everyday lotions to decadent whipped body butters that smell as good as they feel, we’ve tried, slathered, re-applied and judged accordingly – so this edit only includes the body moisturisers we’d actually tell our friends to buy. We’ve also asked leading dermatologists when to apply them, what ingredients are worth looking for, and why your body cream deserves a permanent spot in your routine.
Meet the experts
- Dr Derrick Phillips, consultant dermatologist.
- Dr Munir Somji, dermatologist, aesthetic doctor and hair restoration surgeon.
- Dr Sindhu Siddiqi, GP and aesthetic practitioner at No Filter Clinic.
How I tested the best body moisturisers:
As a beauty writer who has tried more lotions and potions than I care to admit (my bathroom shelf is permanently at capacity), I put every body moisturiser in this edit through a genuinely rigorous road test. That meant assessing texture, absorbency and scent, but also paying close attention to how my skin looked and felt hours - and days - later. Did it actually soften dryness? Did it give me that post-shower glow without feeling greasy? Did it soothe the redness on my arms or and hydrate my stubborn dry patches? I wore them under clothes, after evening baths, post-workout and on freezing commutes, all in the name of finding formulas that genuinely deserve a place on your body-care roster.
Why you can trust me
I'm Georgia Brown, a freelance beauty writer and lifestyle journalist. I’ve spent years reviewing beauty products for titles including HELLO!, Marie Claire, Glamour and Women’s Health, which means I’ve tested more body creams than most people will encounter in a lifetime. I know the difference between a formula that talks a big game and one that actually delivers - and I’m brutally honest about both. I’m not swayed by pretty packaging or fleeting TikTok hype; I’m interested in products that work, feel great and fit seamlessly into real people’s routines. If something makes it into this edit, it’s because it earned its spot.
At Glamour, a huge part of our mission to make our guides as inclusive and relatable as possible - so we made sure every product in this edit went through a worthy trial against different skin types. So, if it wasn't tested by me, it was used by a member of the Glamour beauty team (as shown in the videos).
Discover our edit of the best body moisturisers for soft & supple skin all-over.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
- Tested by: Georgia Lockstone, freelance commerce writer.
- Consistency: Rich and buttery cream.
- Key ingredients: Guaraná, cupuaçu butter, açaí oil, and coconut oil.
- Fragrance: Cheriosa '62 - pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla.
- Pros: Gorgeous gourmand scent; Absorbs surprisingly quickly; Feels really luxurious; Leaves skin smooth and radiant.
- Cons: Pretty pricey; Some say it's not hydrating enough for dry skin.
Why we love it: It's viral, it's fun to say, (it's pronounced “boom boom,” FYI), and it's won beauty addicts over with its super hydrating and rich texture. Infused with caffeine-rich guaraná to stimulate blood flow, cupuaçu butter to lock in moisture and help restore skin’s elasticity, and the antioxidant, açaí oil, it's a visibly tightening and smoothing formula – that also happens to smell amazing.
“With its addictive salted caramel and pistachio scent, and the gorgeous way it leaves my skin smooth, firm, and subtly shimmery, this cream feels made for indulgent date nights, and balmy evenings on holiday,” says freelance commerce writer, Georgia Lockstone. “If my legs are out, you can guarantee that they'll be lathered in this lovely moisturiser."
Shop all the best deals on your favourite body moisturisers with these Sephora discount codes.
NEOM Great Day Magnesium Body Butter
- Tested by: Georgia Lockstone, Freelance Commerce Writer.
- Consistency: Glossy, smooth and milky
- Key ingredients: Magnesium, shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil
- Fragrance: Fresh, citrusy, uplifting (mint + mandarin)
- Pros: Gorgeous scent; indulgent texture; mood-boosting; very nourishing
- Cons: Fragrance might not be suitable for sensitive skin
Why we love it:“I use coconut oil in my skincare routine anyway, so I'm always drawn to a product that contains it,” says Georgia Brown. "The blend of shea and mango seed butter makes it deeply softening, while the added magnesium can help reduce inflammation if you have sore muscles. And the scent? Bright, citrusy and instantly uplifting - the kind of fragrance that feels like a spa product.
“As someone who tests a lot of body lotions, I love when a formula feels both pampering and practical. This one does exactly that. It gives me that silky-skin finish you want from a body butter, but without the heavy residue.”
Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Vitamin Infused Body Lotion
- Tested by: Georgia Lockstone, Freelance Commerce Writer.
- Consistency: Lightweight / medium-lotion
- Key ingredients: 7-type Hyaluronic Acid blend, Brazil nut oil, cactus-pear extract, Brazilian sugar-cane extract, coconut fruit extract.
- Fragrance: The brand's signature “Cheirosa 62”
- Pros: Generous size for the price; Hydrating yet light; Absorbs quickly without greasiness; Leaves skin soft, smooth and lightly scented.
- Cons: Nothing of note!
Why we love it: This formula is deeply hydrating yet wonderfully weightless, packed with moisture-locking hyaluronic acids with nourishing botanical oils to leave skin feeling soft, supple and healthy - without any of the heaviness that thicker creams can sometimes give. The signature Cheirosa 62 scent adds a warm, sunny sweetness that feels uplifting rather than overpowering
“For me, the generous 400 ml size is a real standout: a little goes a long way here, making the value feel like an excellent option for teens still building their skincare routines,” says Georgia Brown. “My 17-year-old niece loves Sol de Janeiro, but the price point doesn't always make sense for her younger skin. I think this formula gives you all the benefits of Brazilian Bum Bum Cream for less.”
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Consistency: Lightweight lotion.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, peach flower extract, and ashwaganda.
- Fragrance: Lemon zest, jasmine, and vetiver.
- Pros: Non-greasy yet hydrating formula; Gorgeous aromatherapy scent; Leaves skin soft and smooth.
- Cons: Bottle doesn't come with a pump.
Why we love it: As well as providing your skin with twenty-four hours of hydration, this glorious Rare Beauty lotion promises to give you the healthy glow that you deserve. Combining vitamins and antioxidants like niacinamide, peach flower extract, and ashwaganda – a natural “anti-stressor” – it's visibly firming and brightening.
“It’s not too thick or watery, but the perfect in between,” says Shani Cohen. “It’s got a lovely fresh scent with a zesty twist that lingers on the skin, and absorbs in seconds. It gives my skin a lovely healthy glow without the greasiness, and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. One thing I’d note is that the lid is a little stiff to open, and it’s quite tricky to see how much you’re dispensing. Aside from that, it’s a perfect everyday moisturiser - especially for the summer months.”
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm Ap+M Moisturiser For Dry Skin
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Consistency: Rich balmy cream.
- Key ingredients: Thermal spring water, glycerin, shea butter, and niacinamide.
- Fragrance: None.
- Pros: Soothes eczema and sensitive skin; Fragrance-free; Hydrating and repairing formula.
- Cons: Can be a little heavy for daytime use.
Why we love it: If you have sensitive, reactive or eczema-prone skin, this is the kind of body moisturiser you’ll want on standby at all times. The thick, balmy texture feels exactly what you’d expect from La Roche-Posay - rich, comforting and intensely nourishing. Packed with shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide, it helps restore the skin barrier, lock in moisture and calm irritation, making it ideal for dry patches, flare-ups and skin that just feels generally unhappy. The fact it’s fragrance-free is a huge bonus too, especially if scented formulas tend to cause irritation.
“I have dry, sensitive skin and struggle with eczema, especially when the weather changes, so this has become my SOS product,” says Shani Cohen. “The texture is definitely thicker than most body lotions, and it takes a little longer to rub in, but that’s exactly what I’d expect from La Roche-Posay, having used so many of the brand’s products before. It does leave a slight greasiness at first, but also gives skin a really nice subtle glow. After using it for a week, my dry patches looked noticeably better, felt much smoother and, most importantly, were far less itchy. I also love that it’s fragrance-free, because I never have to worry about it irritating my skin further.”
Shop all the best deals on your favourite body moisturisers with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Eucerin UreaRepair Plus 10% Urea Lotion
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Consistency: Light lotion.
- Key ingredients: 10% urea and cermaides.
- Fragrance: None.
- Pros: Designed specifically for very dry skin; Nourishes the skin barrier; Reduces skin itchiness and flaking.
- Cons: Can leave the skin a little sticky.
Why we love it: Thanks to its exfoliating properties, it's ideal for tackling patches of uneven skin texture and intense dryness and flaking. Plus, it's also recommended by many dermatologists for tackling keratosis pilaris. It's rich in barrier-strengthening ceramides, natural moisturisers, and – most importantly – a hefty serving of 10% urea, which deeply hydrates the skin, while also providing very gentle exfoliation.
“I deal with a lot of itchiness and dry patches, so this was exactly the kind of formula I look for,” says Shani Cohen. “I was expecting a super thick cream, but it’s actually really lightweight with quite a loose, almost watery texture, which I loved because it sinks in so quickly. There’s no scent at all, which makes it feel much safer for my sensitive skin, and it noticeably helped calm the itchiness I get so often. My skin felt smoother straight away and had such a beautiful healthy, dewy glow afterwards. It does leave a little bit of greasiness, so I’d wait a few minutes before getting dressed, and I do wish it came with a pump because the product comes out quite fast - but overall, it’s such a reliable dry-skin staple.”
Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Consistency: Thick whipped cream.
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, mango butter, Kalahari melon oil, baobab oil, jojoba oil and Barbados cherry.
- Fragrance: Citrus Sorbet, with notes of blood orange, fizzy lemonade and pink sugar.
- Pros: Rich whipped texture; Absorbs quickly for a body butter; Leaves skin soft, smooth and glowy; Refillable jar; Great for fragrance lovers.
- Cons: Heavily scented; Can feel a little greasy; Tub packaging can get messy and isn’t the most hygienic.
Why we love it: If you like your body moisturiser to feel fun, indulgent and a little bit extra, Fenty Skin’s Butta Drop is very much that girl. The texture is thick, whipped and ultra-creamy, but it melts into skin quicker than you’d expect from such a rich body butter. Packed with nourishing butters and luxe oils, it leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturised, with the kind of glossy glow that makes dry skin look instantly nourished. The citrus sorbet scent is fruity, sweet and long-lasting, so it’s a great pick if you love your body cream to double up as a fragrance moment.
“I was expecting this to feel rich, and it definitely does, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it absorbed,” says Shani Cohen. “The scent is very fruity and quite sweet - a little too sweet for me personally - but I can see it being perfect for anyone who loves fragranced body cream. I have sensitive skin, so heavily scented products can be a bit of a gamble, but this didn’t irritate me at all. It does leave a slightly greasy feel at first, though the payoff is a really lovely glow that makes skin look healthy and smooth. I also like that the tub makes it easy to scoop out exactly how much you need, but it can get a little messy and it’s not the most hygienic option.”
Palmer's Tahitian Vanilla Whipped Body Cream
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Consistency: Rich whipped cream.
- Key ingredients: Tahitian vanilla, cocoa butter and shea butter.
- Fragrance: Creamy vanilla, with hints of vanilla bean and caramelised sugar.
- Pros: Deeply hydrating; A little goes a long way; Leaves skin with a subtle glow; Long-lasting scent; Great value.
- Cons: Takes a while to blend in; Can feel slightly sticky; Pot packaging can get messy and feels bulky for travel.
Why we love it: Palmer’s is one of those body care brands that always feels reliable, especially if you love rich, comforting creams that make skin smell incredible. This whipped body cream is designed to drench dry skin in long-lasting moisture, with cocoa butter and shea butter helping to leave skin feeling soft, comforted and hydrated. The Tahitian Vanilla scent is the real standout: warm, creamy and sweet without feeling too overpowering, and it lingers beautifully on the skin.
“I’ve been using Palmer’s for years, so this instantly felt like a staple - especially for the summer months when I want my body cream to double as a fragrance,” says Shani Cohen. “The scent lasts for hours; I could still smell it on my skin when I got home from work, which I loved. It leaves a subtle glow and a little really does go a long way, so the tub should last you a while. That said, it doesn’t blend quite as easily as some others I’ve tried and takes a bit longer to rub in. It feels slightly sticky rather than silky-smooth, so I’d definitely wait a good five minutes before getting dressed to let it properly dry down. I’ve been using it on repeat for a good few weeks now, but I have noticed the pot has got quite grubby around the sides, and because it’s quite bulky, I wouldn’t choose it for packing in a suitcase.”
SALT & STONE Neroli & Basil Body Lotion
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Consistency: Lightweight lotion.
- Key ingredients: Seaweed extracts and niacinamide.
- Fragrance: Neroli and basil.
- Pros: Chic packaging; Pump dispenser makes it easy to control
- product; Sinks in nicely; Leaves skin glowy; A little goes a long way.
- Cons: Pricey; Takes a little while to fully dry down.
Why we love it: Ask anyone in the Glamour office what their favourite new body care brand is and chances are they’ll say Salt & Stone. When this landed on my desk a few months back, what instantly caught my attention was the chic, minimalist packaging. It gives me that same elevated vibe as Aesop - the kind of bottle you’d happily leave out on your bathroom shelf. But the formula itself is just as impressive. Infused with seaweed extracts and niacinamide, this fast-absorbing daily lotion hydrates skin quickly, leaving it soft, smooth and subtly glowy.
“I know we shouldn’t judge a body lotion by its bottle, but this one really does look good on the bathroom shelf,” says Shani Cohen. “The scent is subtle in the best way - not overpowering, but enough that you catch little whiffs throughout the day. It reminds me of something you’d find in a fancy hotel bathroom, and if you like Jo Malone’s Basil & Neroli, you’ll probably love this. It sinks in easily, feels really nourishing and gives skin a lovely glow. I also love that it includes niacinamide, one of my favourite ingredients for supporting the skin barrier. A little goes a long way, so while it’s pricey, the bottle should last ages. It’s not one I reach for every day, but after a bath on a robe-on kind of night, it feels like the best treat.”
Your body moisturiser FAQs, answered:
How often should you apply body lotion?
“For most people, a single daily application of body moisturiser is sufficient,” explains Dr Derrick. "However, those with particularly dry skin might need benefit from reapplying at night." We'd recommend applying at the same time as your night cream so that you don't forget.
What ingredients should you look for in a body moisturiser?
A group of ingredients designed to draw water into the skin, humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, and aloe vera are definitely worth looking out for in your body moisturiser. “Hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture and keep the skin hydrated, while glycerin draws moisture from the air into your skin," Dr Sindhu explains.
Emollients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and natural oils also play an essential role in smoothing and softening the skin. "Shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it excellent for nourishing and moisturising," Dr Sindhu adds. Meanwhile, occlusives like petrolatum help form a protective barrier to protect against water loss – making them a great pick for especially dry and eczema-prone skin.
Finally, look out for active ingredients that'll help target your specific skin concerns. For example, niacinamide can really help with uneven skin tone, while ceramides help strengthen and repair the skin barrier. "If you’re prone to acne on the body, look for moisturisers containing BHAs or AHAs like salicylic acid or lactic acid, which help to exfoliate the skin and unblock pores,” suggests Dr Sindhu. For your face, shop the best face exfoliators.
What are the benefits of using a body moisturiser?
As well as helping your skin look and feel its absolute best, the best body moisturisers play a crucial role in preventing dryness and tightness, supporting the skin's protective barrier, and supporting recovery after shaving or sun exposure. And – of course – they also leave your whole body seriously soft and supple.
“Daily outdoor exposure can also result in damage or act as a stimulus for skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema," Dr Munir adds. "It is therefore especially important to moisturise and protect the skin barrier.”
What's the best way to apply body lotion?
“Body moisturisers should be applied immediately after baths and showers,” explains Dr Derrick – especially as showering in hot water can actually strip your skin of a lot of its natural oils. Ideally, apply your chosen cream or lotion on damp skin to help lock-in more moisture. You can apply body cream after exfoliating to allow for better absorption of active ingredients, notes Dr Munir.
Can you use your body lotion on your face?
Only if it specifically says so on the product label. Otherwise, likely not – as many lotions contain heavy ingredients and fragrances that would likely irritate the more delicate skin on your face.
Is it okay to use fragranced formulas?
Dr Munir recommends avoiding fragranced formulas and essential oils for fear of irritation and their potential to compromise the skin barrier. Dr Sindhu, on the other hand, says to proceed with caution.
“It is generally okay to use fragranced formulas unless you have sensitive skin or are allergic to certain fragrances,” she notes. “If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free moisturisers to avoid any potential irritation.”
Looking to revolutionise your body care and skincare routine? Be sure to check out our guides on the best hand creams, best shower gels and body washes, best hyaluronic acid serum, best vitamin C serums, best fake tans and the best body scrubs and exfoliators.
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