11 Body Lotions without Alcohol for a Skin-friendly Beauty Routine

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Mar 26, 2024
Body Lotions without Alcohol for a Skin-friendly Beauty Routine
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Although we do not compromise with our facial skincare routine, we often fall for advertisements and start experimenting blindly with products when it comes to body care. These body lotions without alcohol can be the savior for the ones who undermine the effectiveness of the ingredients in their beauty products. Although alcohol-based products help the ingredients penetrate better, they have a downside as well, i.e. they make the skin dry and flaky. 

Other than that, people’s skin with certain skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, and acne-prone, tend to react adversely when alcohol-based products are applied.

“If your skin barrier is not intact due to irritation or a rash, then alcohol has the potential to be irritating. It’s going to burn [when applied],” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a Massachusetts-based dermatologist. 

Let’s admit, it is quite time-consuming and puzzling to pick the best alcohol-free lotions when the market is full of well-advertised products. To help you with this, we have rounded off some of the best products that you can lay your hands on—

11 Body Lotions without Alcohol

CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion comes with the goodness of hyaluronic acid which is known for having the most excellent moisturizing properties. The MVE technology, which ensures the effectiveness of individual ingredients, of this no-alcohol lotion helps the skin retain moisture for upto 24 hours. Other than these revolutionary ingredients, the dermatologist-recommended product contains ceramides to protect the natural barrier of the skin. The lightweight texture doesn’t clog the pores while the quick-drying formula doesn’t give a chance to make the skin greasy.

Pros
  • Fragrance-free
  • Dermatologist-favorite
  • Hydrates the skin for 24 hours
  • Lightweight texture
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Allergy-tested
  • National Eczema Association approved
Cons
  • Contains paraben
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion

    AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion
  • The body lotion without alcohol is a blessing in disguise for the ones with serious skin conditions. It is another dermatologist-recommended lotion that boasts of gently exfoliating the skin while infusing moisture. With the goodness of 10% potent lactic acid, the lotion is a Godsend product for the ones with rough skin. Apart from restoring hydration, the lactic acid present in the product takes care of certain skin conditions like eczema, redness, rosacea, and psoriasis by infusing humectants that help lock in moisture.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist-recommended
    • Treats dry, dull, rough skin
    • Clinically approved
    • Moisturises thoroughly
    • Paraben-free
    • Gently exfoliates
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell
  • Best for All Skin Types

    OGX Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Lotion

    OGX Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Lotion
  • The organic creamy lotion comes with the goodness of coconut oil, tiare essence, and vanilla extract to help you to get the desired smooth skin. The tropical body lotion with exotic ingredients quickly absorbs into the skin leaving behind a nice fragrance. The paraben-free formula ensures that your skin gets nothing but the goodness of natural ingredients which makes the product a great organic body lotion without alcohol.

    Pros
    • Extra creamy
    • Exotic ingredients
    • Suits all skin types
    • Paraben-free
    • Little goes a long way
    • Infuses moisture
    • Non-greasy
    Cons
    • The scent may seem overpowering to some
  • NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion

    NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion
  • This healing body lotion from Nivea is an intensive moisturizer that needs no introduction! With active ingredients like glycerin and vitamin B5, this body lotion is an excellent option for dry skin. The lotion claims to keep the skin hydrated for 72 hours while healing your skin from the inside. The convenient packaging comes with a sturdy pump to ensure a hassle-free application without any spills. The unscented formula of the lotion makes it a great product for those sensitive to smell.

    Pros
    • Fragrance-free
    • Provides moisture for 72 hours
    • Handy bottle
    • Convenient packaging
    • Intensively nourishing
    • Treats rough skin
    Cons
    • A bit greasy
  • Best for Dry Skin

    NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion

    NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion
  • The body lotion is a holy grail moisturizing formula that does not contain alcohol. With the goodness of almond oil, this body lotion provides intrinsic care to even the driest skin. The deeply nourishing formula of the product claims to provide 48-hour-long hydration to your skin. The dermatologist-tested product is an ideal option for those who are dealing with rough and flaky skin. It comes with a convenient pump to ensure a hassle-free application.

    Pros
    • Provides intense hydration
    • Treats rough skin
    • Works on sensitive skin
    • Easy-to-use
    • Best for dry skin
    • Enriching formula
    Cons
    • A bit greasy
  • Non-comedogenic

    Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Body Lotion

    Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Body Lotion
  • This stress-relief body lotion comes with a uniquely blended formula that relieves your stress with its soothing lavender scent. The non-comedogenic product gives you 24 hours of nourishment without leaving the skin greasy. With the goodness of prebiotic oats and chamomile, the moisturising lotion heals the skin and helps lock the moisture to make your skin look healthy all day long. The dermatologist-recommended body lotion without cetyl alcohol is also free from paraben, dye, and other harmful chemicals.

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Soothing scent
    • Dermatologist-recommended
    • Leaves the skin soft and smooth
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Sticky texture
  • Gold Bond Ultimate Men's Essentials Everyday Moisture

    Gold Bond Ultimate Men's Essentials Everyday Moisture
  • Gold Bond Ultimate Men's Essentials Everyday Moisture is one of the best body lotions without alcohol for everyday moisturising. The rich and thick formula of the cream soothes dry skin while strengthening the barrier by infusing proteins and vitamins present in the product. Other than that, it offers an intensive hydrating texture that treats rough, dry, and dull skin effectively. The product is dermatologists-tested and claims to be hypoallergenic which is safe for people with sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Protects skin barrier
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Smells good
    • Rich formula
    • Absorbs quickly
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell
  • Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Body Lotion

    Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Body Lotion
  • Lubriderm’s body lotion without alcohol and fragrance is a good choice if you have high sensitivity to smell. The dermatologist-developed product comes with the goodness of vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 that deeply nourish even the driest skin. The rich formula of the product deeply hydrates your skin while strengthening the barrier for an overall glow and protection. The nourishing formula improves and protects your dull skin by increasing the resilience of the skin barrier with hydrating ingredients.

    Pros
    • Fragrance-free
    • Replenishes skin
    • Strengthen the barrier
    • Deeply moisturises
    • Non-greasy
    Cons
    • Contains mineral oil
  • ree To Tub Lavender Shea Butter Body Lotion

    ree To Tub Lavender Shea Butter Body Lotion
  • This bottle of body lotion comes with an ultra-rich formula that is meant for sensitive skin. With the amazing properties of aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, cocoa butter, and chamomile, the body lotion goes deep into your skin for a healthy appearance. It treats dry skin with the help of nourishing blends of botanicals. The non-greasy texture further makes it an excellent option to wear daily without a second thought.

    Pros
    • Contains natural ingredients
    • Soothing lavender fragrance
    • Hydrates dry skin
    • Non-greasy
    • Protects skin barrier
    • Absorbs quickly
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
  • RaGaNaturals Soo Shea Hand and Body Lotion

    RaGaNaturals Soo Shea Hand and Body Lotion
  • RaGaNaturals’ body lotion comes with a soothing formula without any synthetic fragrance that might cause you to react to the smell. The intense body lotion hydrates flaky and dry skin with the help of its plant-based ingredients. The goodness of argan oil, avocado oil, shea butter, and vitamin E goes deeply into your skin to make it feel smooth and soft. Furthermore, the product is not tested on animals and is free of harmful chemicals and preservatives.

    Pros
    • No synthetic fragrance
    • Cruelty-free
    • No chemicals or preservatives
    • Works for sensitive skin
    • Plant-based ingredients
    • Calms your senses
    Cons
    • Thick consistency
  • Organic Excellence Hand and Body Therapy Lotion

    Organic Excellence Hand and Body Therapy Lotion
  • The Excellence Hand and Body Therapy Lotion from Organics is a great hand lotion without alcohol that comes with numerous benefits. With anti-aging properties, the lotion penetrates deeply into your skin to soften and replenish your skin quickly. The product comes with a fragrance-free, soy-free, and gluten-free formula to moisturize your skin without harming your health. Active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, and shea butter, make for a great amalgamation of components to treat your skin without making it greasy.

    Pros
    • Organic
    • Free of harmful chemicals
    • Replenishes skin
    • Free of paraben
    • Faster result
    Cons
    • Too thick consistency

    How to Choose the Best Body Lotion without Alcohol for Your Skin?

    Before you lay your hands on the best body lotion that may work for your skin, let us guide you on how to pick the right product—

    a) Components: When it comes to taking care of skin, components play the biggest part! Stick to products that come with natural ingredients. Other than that, certain kinds of acids like AHA, and hyaluronic acids work best for your skin to moisturize it. Ingredients with occlusive, lipids, and humectant work best for your dry and dull skin to make it look healthier and glowy.

    b) Type: People with severely damaged and dry skin can go for oil-based or petroleum-based lotion. Contrary to this, if you have oily skin, choose a water-based formula that is derived from natural ingredients like avocado, aloe vera, shea butter, chamomile, etc. On the other hand, people with sensitive and certain skin conditions should go with dermatologist-tested products!

    c) Formula: The formula also depends on your skin type. If you have oily skin, better to go for a non-comedogenic one that will not clog your pores. On the other hand, people with dry skin should go with an oil-based formula that deeply nourishes the skin. Sensitive skin people must choose a soothing formula free of chemicals and dyes that will not irritate the skin.

    d) Things to avoid: Now that you know why you should avoid alcohol-based products in your skincare routine, you must keep your beauty stash curated carefully especially if you have dry and sensitive skin. Other than this, harmful preservatives like parabens and paraffin, chemicals like sulfate, toluene, and components like oxybenzone, methanol, and glycol should be on the list.

    What Is the Correct Way to Apply Body Lotion?

    Now that you know how to pick your holy grail, it’s time to know how to apply it correctly—

    a) It is always advisable to moisturize your skin right after taking bath on your damp skin to get the maximum benefit. After taking a bath, pat dry your skin and take a dollop of body lotion.

    b) Rub in between the palm to warm up the lotion and activate the ingredients in it for maximum benefit.

    c) Spread it evenly in your body and massage it in a circular motion.

    d) Keep repeating the process until you cover the entire body.

    While alcohol-based products might have their benefits, such as— helping the ingredients to go into the skin better, making the skin non-greasy, and curating a lightweight formula, they also greatly affect the overall health of your skin. These body lotions without alcohol are the perfect answer for you if you are looking for a product that will not do more harm than good.  We hope this curated list has helped you to pick the right product that will make a permanent spot in your stash.

    FAQ's

    Which body lotions are alcohol-free?
    There are plenty of body lotions in the market that claims to be alcohol-free. We have rounded off the best ones for you in the article above.
    Why do lotions contain alcohol?
    Lotions contain alcohol to help the ingredients absorb better into your skin and make the texture lightweight. However, it has its downside, making the skin dry and flaky, and irritating sensitive skin.
    What does alcohol-free lotion mean?
    Alcohol-free body lotions do not contain oxybenzone, methanol, glycol, or ethyl alcohol.
    Do body lotions expire?
    Yes, body lotions expire. However, you can increase the shelf life of the product if they are placed in a cool place away from sunlight.
    Is there a difference between body creams and body lotions?
    The only difference between body cream and body lotion is the consistency. While body cream is heavier in texture, body lotions are mostly lightweight and can be applied in hot summers as well.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Body lotions are a must-have in a skincare routine, because why not? It is not only our facial skin but also the body skin that needs special attention. Our certified skincare expert, Anoushka, has time and again talked about the benefit of alcohol-free skincare products and this time she thought of introducing to you body lotions without the ingredient that can cause more harm than good. Addedly, she has used some of them over a period of time to come up with the list.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More