The Ultimate Guide to the Best Body Moisturisers

We all know the importance of taking care of our skin every day with the best face moisturisers, but are you as committed to moisturising your body every day? Let’s be honest, probably not.

Often, we leave moisturising our bodies for sunny holidays with body bronzing formulas or in winter when our skin is super dry and scaly. However, we think moisturising is an all-year round commitment to keeping the skin in tip top condition. But with so many lotions and potions on the market, you may be wondering 'what is the best body moisturiser for dry skin?' the answer is: one that suits your skin type, season and preferences in texture. Whether you’re looking for a rich body butter, a lightweight body oil, or a hydrating body cream for mature skin, we’ve got you covered.

And if you’ve ever asked yourself 'what is the difference between body lotion and moisturiser?', we explain that too. This complete guide walks you through the benefits of each format—balm, butter, cream, lotion and oil—and helps you find the perfect fit for your routine.

Luckily for you we’ve rounded up all your common FAQs to help run through the very best body moisturisers. This may be a long one, but it’s certainly worth it.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive straight in!

Body Balm

What is a body balm?

A body balm is a moisturiser which helps smooth and soothe the skin, made up of solidified oils, beeswax or butters. They are an indulgent treat for the senses and often have luxury scents. Body balms also don't contain water and instead have a thick, rich consistency. They are perfect for deeply hydrating any dry patches, such as the elbows, feet and knees.

How do you use body balm?

The best time to apply body balm is after a shower or bath when your skin is damp as the balm helps lock in the moisture. Simply take a small amount of the product and gently massage across your whole body, focusing on any areas that need some extra TLC. The heat from your body and your hands will melt the formula, making it glide easily across your skin, so you're left feeling soft, smooth and oh-so-supple.

Is body balm the same as lotion?

Not quite. If you're wondering 'what is the difference between body lotion and moisturiser?', lotions are just one type of moisturiser—typically lightweight and water-based. A body balm has a thick texture, enriched with oils or beeswax. A lotion, on the other hand, has a water base and a thinner consistency. Body balms are perfect for winter worn skin, when your body feels extra dry, while lotions feel lightweight and are ideal in the summer months.

What are the best body balms?

Body Butter

What is body butter?

Body butter is a thick, rich moisturising cream that you can smooth over your entire body. They are often heavier than gels or creams and are perfect for the skin in colder months. In summer, beauty lovers may favour lighter moisturisers.

Body butters are deeply nourishing on the skin and are a comforting option for after bathing. Body butters also leave you with a long-lasting hydrated feeling, which are perfect for people suffering from dry, chapped or flaking skin.

How do I use body butter?

Take a scoop of the body butter in your hands and massage across your skin in big circular motions, concentrating on any dry patches. Your natural body heat will help melt the formula into the skin.

Like any other body moisturiser, use after bathing or before heading to bed as this will boost hydration and allow the butter to fully absorb into the skin throughout the night. Use as little or a much as you like, but we recommend using a generous amount to fully nurture your skin. Mix and match your favourite body butters to get the best nourishing results.

What is body butter made from?

Body butters can be made from a variety of different ingredients. They combine a nourishing mix of butters, oils, vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants to create a deeply hydrating elixir. Popular body butters often include shea, cocoa or coconut butter. Whether it's a just one or a blend of a few different types, all come with huge benefits.

Cocoa butter is fantastic at locking in hydration, helping even the skin tone and reducing the appearance of scars. It is also known as a great option for skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Coconut butter also has fantastic restorative properties, while shea butter has high fat content and keeps your skin feeling silky and supple. It also has a plethora of anti-ageing properties thanks to its rich vitamin content. If you're asking 'what is the best body moisturiser for dry skin?', this is a strong contender thanks to its ultra-nourishing formula.

What is the best body butter?

Body Cream

What is body cream?

Body cream is similar to body lotion in that it is a moisturising formula that utilises an oil and water blend. Body cream has a higher concentration of oil though, and tends to be thicker in consistency in order to provide a strong barrier that supplies ultra-hydration.

Body creams are the best option if you are looking to treat and prevent very dry and cracked skin, especially when the harsh weather can take a toll on skin. They are extremely good at absorbing into the deeper layers of skin and can keep the skin moisturised for longer. If you're someone asking 'what is the best body moisturiser for mature skin?', look for a body cream enriched with antioxidants, peptides or collagen-boosting ingredients. These can help improve elasticity and tone while deeply hydrating the skin.

Like lotions, body creams are typically non-greasy, however they may feel heavier on the skin. Body creams are usually packaged and sold in a jar or tub container.

Can I use body cream on my face?

Using body cream on your face isn't advised. While it may seem harmless and convenient, body creams are thicker than face creams and typically contain fragrances that could irritate skin.

When it comes to moisturising your face, you should use gentle and delicate day creams that have been specifically formulated for your skin type and concern. Face creams are made with many more targeted ingredients, so that your skin is cared for in the right way. Whereas, body creams are designed to protect and soften the skin on your body. If they are applied to the face, they can clog pores, cause breakouts and leave skin feeling greasy and heavy.

What is the best body cream?

Body Lotion

What is body lotion?

Body lotion is the beauty product that keeps your skin soft and smooth, all year round. Not only are they specially formulated to lock in moisture, but they also stop your skin absorbing water and oil from elsewhere. The result? Skin that bursts with hydration, for longer.

Body lotion can be used to soften rough patches of skin and soothe minor skin irritations, such as nappy rash or sun burn. Some formulas can even boost cell turnover and elasticity, leaving you with skin that looks and feels younger.

How do I use body lotion?

Body lotion is essential in any everyday beauty routine. You can use body lotion twice a day, in the morning and evening; like other body moisturisers it's best to apply body lotion immediately after a bath or shower when skin is still damp, as this allows you to lock in the most moisture.

What is a firming body lotion?

A firming body lotion is the ideal option if you want to target areas on the body that have cellulite, stretch marks or sagging skin.

Firming body lotions are specially developed to temporarily tighten and restore the elasticity of skin. They often include ingredients such as caffeine and retinol, which help to boost collagen production and plump skin.

How long does body moisturiser last?

You’ll typically feel moisturised for 8–24 hours depending on the product’s formula and your skin type. Richer options like body butters or balms tend to last longer, while lighter lotions may require more frequent application—especially in dry or cold environments.

What are the benefits of a retinol body lotion?

Retinol-based body lotions offer a magnitude of benefits, if used correctly.

As retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, it packs the ability to boost cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and minimise the appearance of pigmentation. That means it can be used to target anything from stretch marks and cellulite to uneven skin tone and signs of ageing.

What are the best body lotions?

Body Oil

What is a body oil?

A body oil is the perfect lightweight alternative to heavy moisturising lotions, creams and butters. While those thicker treatments will certainly help hydrate your body, they can often take some time to fully absorb into the skin, unlike body oils.

Quality body oils help improve the texture and tone your skin. With restorative properties, they can help soothe and nourish scars, stretch marks, blemishes and irritations. They also create a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture, without feeling weighed down or greasy.

Looking for the best body oil for glowing skin? Choose dry oils with natural botanicals and vitamin E for a radiant finish.

Body oils can also be the perfect massaging tool to ease muscle tensions, reduce joint pains and send you off to the land of nod. It's the all-rounder body treatment everyone should have in their beauty collection.

How do I use a body oil?

From body glow oil to body massage oil and bath soaks to body oil sprays, there's a product for every occasion and every skin care need. How you use them is up to you.

For the simple moisturising body oils, we suggest massaging into the dry patches on your skin. Whether it's your feet, elbows or even your cuticles, body oil can nourish your entire body.

You can also add a few drops of body oil to your bath and soak up all the nourishing properties. Not to mention, deeply massaging an oil onto your stomach if your pregnant can help soothe stretch marks. Body oils also make the perfect healing elixir and can be applied to areas that feel achy or sore.

What is the best body oil?

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FAQs About Body Moisturiser

What is the best body moisturiser for mature skin?
The best body moisturiser for mature skin is one that supports elasticity, hydration and firmness. Look for rich body creams or body butters infused with peptides, collagen-boosting ingredients or antioxidants such as vitamin E and shea butter. Products like ELEMIS Frangipani Monoi Body Cream and Weleda Skin Food Body Butter are deeply nourishing options that leave mature skin feeling soft, supple and smooth.

What is the best body moisturiser for older skin?
Older skin benefits from moisture-rich formulas that restore lipid balance and improve tone. Choose hydrating body oils or restorative creams with ingredients like cocoa butter, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These not only replenish moisture but also strengthen the skin barrier to reduce dryness and dullness.

What is the best body moisturiser for dry skin?
If you struggle with dryness, go for ultra-hydrating products like body butters or body balms. Look for formulas containing shea butter, coconut oil or glycerin, which seal in moisture and protect against environmental stressors. For intense hydration, CeraVe Moisturising Lotion and Nuxe Reve De Miel Body Oil Balm are tried-and-true favourites.

How long does body moisturiser last?
Hydration can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours depending on your skin type and the formula used. Thicker creams, butters and balms tend to have longer-lasting effects, while lightweight lotions may need reapplication, especially in cold or dry weather. To maximise results, apply your moisturiser after showering when skin is slightly damp to lock in moisture.

How to use body moisturiser?
For best results, apply your chosen body moisturiser straight after a shower or bath. Massage it into the skin using circular motions, focusing on dry areas such as elbows, knees and heels. Using daily helps improve skin texture and prevents flakiness — and if you prefer multitasking, layer a body oil over your lotion for an extra hydration boost.

Why is my body moisturiser pilling?
If your body moisturiser starts to pill or roll off the skin, it’s often due to product layering or over-application. Using too much product or combining formulas with silicones or heavy oils can cause residue to sit on the surface rather than absorb. Try exfoliating once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells, then use a smaller amount of moisturiser and let each layer absorb fully before adding more.

Phew, that was a lot! If you made it this far, we know you’re ready to find all the best moisturising body and skin care. For more go-to guides, why not take a look at The Best Hand Cream for Dry and Cracked Skin and The Best Bath Oils for Total Relaxation?