7 Best Body Moisturizers That Hydrate And Replenish Your Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 12, 2024
Types of Body Moisturizers That Are Perfect for All Skin Types
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Moisturizers are the most common type of skincare product that we can safely assume everyone uses! But, ironically, very few people understand the different types of body moisturizers and how they work. According to Dr. Jenny Liu, “a moisturizer should have three components, which include a humectant, an emollient, and an occlusive” — ingredients that provide and hold moisture on your skin, while also softening its texture and nourishing it. Besides, moisturizers are available in various formulations such as lotions, gels, creams, etc. that are suitable for application at different times according to the skin conditions. 

Now would be a good time to upgrade your skincare routine if you have only stuck to a basic go-to cream or lotion so far, as your skin has more needs than you think it does. Also, instead of making product investments by watching commercials, it is best to refer to our product recommendations listed below and understand why they are fit for you. Hop in to learn more

7 Best Body Moisturizers

This body lotion by Palmer’s gets its luxurious, creamy consistency from coconut oil, shea, and cocoa butter infused in it. These ingredients protect your skin’s natural moisture content and make it soft, supple, and healthy. With the caffeine of green coffee extracts, this lotion replenishes your skin with antioxidants that shield it from UV damage and environmental aggressors (1). The product is excellent for daily use and free from parabens, phthalate, and mineral oil.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, and green coffee extracts

Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Delightful fragrance
  • Suits all skin types
  • Ethically sourced ingredients
Cons
  • Requires frequent re-application
  • WOW SKIN SCIENCE SHEA BUTTER AND COCOA BUTTER MOISTURIZING BODY LOTION

    WOW SKIN SCIENCE SHEA BUTTER AND COCOA BUTTER MOISTURIZING BODY LOTION
  • Despite being plush with rich emollients, you can trust this body lotion by Wow to not make your skin greasy or icky. The formula is rich in vitamin E, which replenishes your skin’s lipid barrier, and fights and alleviates oxidative damage (2). It intensely nourishes and rejuvenates your skin to make it healthy and plump. Besides, this product is made from naturally derived ingredients and is cruelty-free. 

    Key Ingredients: Shea butter, cocoa butter, and argan oil

    Pros
    • Highly nourishing
    • Plush with skin conditioners
    • Rich in antioxidants
    • Retexturizes neglected skin areas
    • Long-lasting results
    Cons
    • Thick and less absorbing
  • Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer

    Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer
  • You cannot get enough of the refreshing feel and scent of tea tree oil in this multi-use moisturizer by Paul Mitchell! The lotion is lightweight and absorbs into your skin like a dream — perfect for hot and humid weather. Despite having a water-based formula, the product contains jojoba oil that seals your skin’s natural moisture without making it feel greasy. If you like to have a simple beauty regimen, then look no further than this lotion as it doubles up as a leave-in hair conditioner and an after-shave. 


    Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, aloe vera extracts, white ginger root extracts, and jojoba oil

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Rejuvenating formula
    • Soothing benefits
    • Intensely hydrating
    • Ethically sourced
    Cons
    • Requires frequent re-application
  • Best Body Lotion

    CETAPHIL Body & Face Moisturizing Lotion

    CETAPHIL Body & Face Moisturizing Lotion
  • This dermatologically-developed moisturizing lotion by Cetaphil is so mild and lightweight that you can apply it anywhere on your body without risking any irritation, comedones, or breakouts. Infused with vitamin E and pro-vitamin B3 and B5, the product helps boost skin’s elasticity and strengthens its protective barrier. It makes your skin soft, supple, and nourished. With this paraben-free lotion, you can safely moisturize your skin multiple times a day and follow up with other products such as sunscreen and makeup. 

    Key Ingredients: Panthenol, niacinamide, vitamin E, and glycerin

    Pros
    • Fragrance-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Soothing benefits
    • Great for sensitive skin
    • Rich in antioxidants
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • COSRX OIL-FREE Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion

    COSRX OIL-FREE Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
  • Formulated with clean ingredients, this lotion by COSRX intensely hydrates and replenishes your skin without causing any comedones or leaving a greasy residue. The lotion is translucent and water-based that absorbs well into the skin and refreshes it. 70% of it consists of white birch sap — a powerful ingredient in Korean skincare known to rejuvenate skin cells and boost elasticity. Plush, the lotion contains other skin conditioners such as allantoin and hyaluronic acid to make your skin plump and youthful. 

    Key Ingredients: Japanese white birch extract, allantoin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid

    Pros
    • Softens the skin
    • Weightless formula
    • Suits all skin types
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Restores natural water content
    • Anti-inflammatory and soothing
    Cons
    • Weak emollient for dry skin

    2. Milks

    While often used synonymously with lotions, body milks are significantly different from the former. Body milks have a runnier consistency and absorb faster into the skin than most lotions. This is because they are infused with lighter occlusives such as sunflower oil, argan oil, etc. that don’t feel too heavy or greasy on the skin. Hence, body milks are more suitable for hot and humid climates to provide instant, soothing hydration.

  • ARCHIPELAGO BOTANICALS OAT MILK LOTION

    ARCHIPELAGO BOTANICALS OAT MILK LOTION
  • This body milk by Archipelago has a balanced blend of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide complete and long-lasting moisture to your skin. Colloidal oat extracts in the formula soothe your skin, combat dryness, and alleviate inflammation (3). Plus, the hydrolyzed protein in the body milk makes your skin plump and healthy by boosting collagen. 

    Key ingredients: Colloidal oat extracts, hydrolyzed milk protein, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil

    Pros
    • Strengthens skin barrier
    • Penetrates deep into the skin
    • Rich in fatty acids
    • Rich in antioxidants
    Cons
    • Inefficient packaging
  • BIOTHERM LAIT CORPOREL L’ORIGINAL ANTI-DRYING BODY MILK

    BIOTHERM LAIT CORPOREL L’ORIGINAL ANTI-DRYING BODY MILK
  • You can forget about skin dryness and discomfort with this deep-hydrating body milk by Biotherm. With the properties of glycerin and other skin conditioners infused in it, the product luxuriously soothes and nourishes your skin. It contains the extraordinary hydration benefits of life plankton, which helps soften and smoothen your skin’s surface. To top off, the clean and fresh citrus scent of the product makes the skincare routine much more enjoyable.

    Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, and life plankton

    Pros
    • Absorbs easily
    • Boosts skin’s elasticity
    • Non-greasy
    • Suits most skin types
    Cons
    • Overpriced

    3. Creams

    Creams are perhaps the most commonly used and easily understandable type of moisturizer. Yet somehow, these semi-viscose products are the most difficult to define as they can be quite versatile. A cream can be light and water-based or oily and rich in emollients, to serve different skin types and regions on the skin.

  • Best Cream Moisturizer

    CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

    CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
  • Developed by dermatologists, this nourishing cream by CeraVe is the holy grail of moisturizers owing to its several skincare benefits. The product has a clean and mild formula that can be safely recommended for all skin types. Formulated with essential ceramides, the product helps protect your skin’s lipid barrier and prevent evaporation of its natural water content — without any oily residue or ickiness. Hyaluronic acid boosts skin’s elasticity by penetrating the epidermal layer and makes your skin look beautiful, to top off the product benefits. 

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Fragrance-free
    • NEA Seal of Acceptance
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Climate pledge friendly
    • A little goes a long way
    • Enhances overall skin health
    Cons
    • Not indulgent as other scented and colored formulas
  • e.ra Organics tea tree oil + moisturizer

    e.ra Organics tea tree oil + moisturizer
  • What makes this moisturizing cream by e.ra Organics special is that it contains salicylic acid — a powerful chemical exfoliant that unclogs pores and removes impurities from the skin (4). After purifying the skin, the product mollifies and pampers it with the humectant properties of hyaluronic acid and other skin conditioners infused in it. It also energizes and refreshes the skin, which makes it feel its best. The product is a single solution that effectively caters to multiple skin concerns. 

    Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, green tea, and goldenseal

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Rejuvenating formula
    • Smells delightful
    • Helps reduce acne
    • Combats whiteheads
    • Resurfaces and softens the skin
    Cons
    • Cannot be used too often

    4. Gels:

    Gel moisturizers are semi-fluid, water-based products that contain lesser occlusives than other products. Such products are rich in humectants such as aloe vera, glycerin, etc. that provide soothing hydration to the skin, which makes them preferable for hot and dry climates.

  • Best Gel Moisturizer

    Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST HYALURONIC ACID WATER GEL

    Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST HYALURONIC ACID WATER GEL
  • Despite its lightweight formula, you can expect this gel moisturizer by Neutrogena to provide long-lasting hydration to your skin. The product feels very refreshing against the skin and absorbs nicely, so you can top it up with other products without getting a cakey layer. Plush with hyaluronic acid, the product effectively boosts skin elasticity (5). Besides, its soothing benefits tackle problems such as eczema and rashes. 

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, and glycerin

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Suits all skin types
    • A little goes a long way
    • Makes skin beautiful
    Cons
    • Not for the scent-sensitive
  • AVEENO Positively Radiant Daily Gel Moisturizer

    AVEENO Positively Radiant Daily Gel Moisturizer
  • This translucent gel moisturizer by Aveeno quenches the thirst of your skin by boosting hydration and rejuvenating the skin cells. With its anti-inflammatory properties, the product soothes itchy skin and alleviates irritation caused by external aggressors. It is the kind of mild moisturizer you turn to when your skin is in desperate need of some restorative care. Plus, as the product’s name suggests, it does give you an even skin tone and a radiant glow. 

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, and glycerin

    Pros
    • Feels refreshing
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Non-greasy
    • Absorbs like a dream
    • Very mild scent
    Cons
    • Inefficient packaging

    5. Butters

    Often formulated with natural butters such as shea, mango seed, or cocoa, a body butter is a concentrated skin moisturizer. With such products, a little quantity goes a long way in replenishing the skin and softening its texture. Body butters are rich in emollients and occlusives — ideal to apply after a shower to prevent transepidermal moisture loss.

  • mCaffeine naked & rich choco body butter

    mCaffeine naked & rich choco body butter
  • With the concentrated goodness of cocoa butter, this body butter by mCaffeine makes your skin incredibly soft and smooth. While preventing trans-epidermal water loss from your skin, the product does not make your skin feel icky or greasy. It is the perfect formula to make your skin appear beautiful after hair removal. Besides, its caffeine content boosts blood flow and improves skin health from the inside out.

    Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, argan oil, and caffeine

    Pros
    • Highly emollient
    • Clean ingredients
    • Softens neglected, chapped skin
    • Provides long-lasting moisture
    Cons
    • Tough to blend and absorb
  • Petal Fresh Pure RESTORING HONEY & COCONUT BODY BUTTER

    Petal Fresh Pure RESTORING HONEY & COCONUT BODY BUTTER
  • Unlike cheap drugstore moisturizers, this body butter by Petal Fresh helps maintain your skin’s pH balance. A little amount of its concentrated formula goes a long way in resurfacing your skin and making it soft and supple. Its ingredients are certified organic and ethically sourced, to offer only the best to your skin.  This formula shields your skin from sun damage and other environmental aggressors while boosting its appearance. 

    Key Ingredients: Honey, and coconut extracts

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Non-GMO
    • Vegetarian
    • Long-lasting moisture
    Cons
    • Feels sticky

    6. Yogurts

    Body yogurts have a pomade-like consistency, and are stored in jars. Despite being semi-fluid, yogurts absorb as quickly into the skin as lotions. The right way to use a body yogurt is right after a shower. Such types of moisturizers are perfect for humid and tropical climates.

  • Best Body Yogurt

    THE BODY SHOP BRITISH ROSE BODY YOGURT

    THE BODY SHOP BRITISH ROSE BODY YOGURT
  • With this indulgent body yogurt by The Body Shop, you won’t just nourish your skin but also enjoy the aromatherapy benefits of British rose. It has a plush consistency and translucent color that penetrates deep into the skin layers and improves its appearance. While designed considering the needs of dry skin, this product works adequately for most skin types. For best results, use this product on damp skin after showering. 

    Key Ingredients: Almond milk, almond oil, shea butter, and rose extracts

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • A little goes a long way
    • Absorbs like a dream
    • Botanical ingredients
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Contains denat alcohol

    7. Oils

    These are occlusive moisturizers formulated with botanicals such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc. as well as essential oils such as sweet almond oil and rosehip oil.

  • Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist

    Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist
  • Unlike other body oils, this lightweight formula by Aveeno comes in a convenient spray dispenser to efficiently and evenly spread it on your body. The product is rich in occlusive ingredients such as jojoba oil that replenishes your skin’s lipid barrier and prevents its natural water content from getting evaporated. To top off its benefits, the product is free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and harsh alcohol, which makes it safe to use. 

    Key Ingredients: Oat oil, and jojoba oil

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Rich in vitamin E and C
    • Naturally-derived ingredients
    • Suitable for daily use
    Cons
    • Scent is a bit overpowering
  • Best Body Oil

    ANCIENT GREEK REMEDY Oil

    ANCIENT GREEK REMEDY Oil
  • This invigorating body oil by Ancient Greek Remedy has a plethora of skincare benefits owing to the nourishing botanical extracts infused in it. The naturally-derived moisturizer is excellent to moisturize the skin and strengthen its protective barrier, especially for people with skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, sensitivity, etc. It is an excellent product to massage your skin and improve its texture while reaping the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils. The product is great to soften chapped and weather-beaten areas of your skin. 

    Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and olive oil

    Pros
    • Multiple benefits
    • No chemical preservatives
    • Climate pledge friendly

    Now that you have understood the different types of body moisturizers and seen our product picks for the same, let us go through the following buying guide so you can shop wisely.

    How to Choose the Best Body Moisturizers?

    Skin Type And Concerns: Be it your face or your body, it is always important to consider your skin type before investing in a body moisturizer. People with oily, normal, and combination skin types should go for lightweight, water-based formulations that absorb quickly and provide instant hydration. On the other hand, dry skin requires rich, creamy formulations that replenish the skin and prevent loss of natural moisture. For sensitive skin, it is best to look for products that have minimal ingredients and a clean formulation to prevent triggering skin irritations. It also helps if the product is labeled as “hypoallergenic”. 

    Time of Application: You need to be clear about when you’re planning on applying the product. Do you want a moisturizer that you can quickly apply before leaving the house? Then a fast-absorbing gel moisturizer or body milk is an excellent choice. Do you want a luxuriously emollient product to nourish your skin overnight? Then get your hands on a good body oil or a thick lotion. To replenish your skin right after a shower, a rich body butter or body yogurt would work marvelously. 

    Moisturizing Agents: Many people are unaware of this, but there are three types of ingredients one must look for when investing in a body moisturizer. They are as follows:

    1. Humectants: These consist of ingredients such as aloe vera, colloidal oat, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, etc. that make your skin healthy and moist. Humectants are water-based and soothing. 

    2. Emollients: These include ingredients such as honey, coconut extracts, avocado extracts, shea butter, etc. that soften and replenish the skin. Emollients enhance the quality and appearance of dry, chapped, and neglected skin areas, and smoothen their surface with regular use. 

    3. Occlusives: While many emollients have occlusive properties, some specific examples would include argan oil, olive oil, petroleum, silicone, etc. that prevent trans-epidermal water loss and protect your skin’s natural moisture. 

    Though body butters and oils are an exception to this, a good body moisturizer has a perfect blend of humectants, emollients, and occlusives. 

    Weather Conditions: The kind of moisturizer we pick should also depend on the weather conditions around us. Humid and tropical weathers call for water/gel-based moisturizers that are very soothing and easy to apply on the skin. On the other hand, dry, cold, and harsh weathers require you to use a rich, highly emollient, and nourishing formula that penetrates deep into your skin’s layers and replenishes it from the inside out. 

    With the above-mentioned types of moisturizers and product recommendations, you can provide your skin with the right nourishment at the right time. And our buying guide can further help you understand how moisturizers work and how to pick the right product for your skin. Before making a purchase, understand your skincare needs well — whether you need a quick fix for healthy skin or a luxurious product to pamper yourself. And after making the purchase, ensure you use the product regularly to make the best of it. Happy shopping!

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, our in-house skincare expert, says that body moisturizers are the easiest way for one to get smooth and nourished skin. With a blend of hydrating ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, they lock in moisture and leave the skin feeling replenished. She suggests that you use a body moisturizer regularly to achieve the best results. After putting all the products to the test, she noticed that Palmer’s Coconut Oil Daily Body Lotion stole the spotlight. It had a pleasant fragrance and a creamy texture that felt heavenly when applied to the skin. Also, the product is cruelty-free and made with ethically-sourced ingredients, making it an absolute must-have!

    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 Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Caffeine's mechanisms of action and its cosmetic use

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23075568/ 

    2. Vitamin E in dermatology

    https://journals.lww.com/idoj/Fulltext/2016/07040/Vitamin_E_in_dermatology.18.aspx 

    3. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in the treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/ 

    4. SALICYLIC ACID – An Effective Skin Care Agent

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367336080_SALICYLIC_ACID_-_An_Effective_Skin_Care_Agent

    5. Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361/

    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