These Are the 14 Best Body Lotions to Ever Exist, Period

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

As a skincare-obsessed beauty editor, I do everything in my power to care for the skin below my neck as well as I care for the skin above it. After all, skincare is a comprehensive term, and it doesn't just mean caring for the skin on your face. I had to learn this the hard way. For years, I was lackadaisical when it came to bodycare. Sure, if I spent all day at the beach, I would apply sunscreen, and if my skin was visibly dry and flaking, I would apply body lotion, but that was about it. Now that I'm seeing sun damage and fine lines and wrinkles on my chest, arms, and legs, I'm taking it more seriously. 

By that, I mean I'm using effective body lotions with active ingredients targeted toward specific skin concerns. If I need a brightening body lotion, I've got one. If I need a firming body lotion, I have one of those too. What about a retinol- or SPF-infused formula? Yep, I have them both in my bathroom cabinet. It took trial and error and product recommendations sourced from other beauty editors and the internet, but I'm convinced I've found the best body lotions that money can buy. Ahead, see them all.

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(Image credit: @shutthekaleup)

What to Look for in a Body Lotion

The good thing about modern body lotions is that they treat the skin just as much as they moisturize it. That means that the right one for you depends on your skin concerns and overall goals. For example, if you have dry skin, look for a body lotion with occlusive ingredients, like plant oils and butters, which will lock moisture in and prevent transepidermal water loss. If you have mature skin, look for a body lotion that has a rich formula to deeply moisturize the skin. You could also look for one with anti-aging ingredients like retinol and peptides. Finally, if you have dull or uneven skin, look for a body lotion with brightening ingredients like vitamin C.

Clearly, there are a multitude of options on the market. In fact, there are so many that it can be difficult to separate the good from the bad. That's where editor testing and online reviews come in. Keep scrolling to see the best body lotions in each major category! 

Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Lotion

Best Drugstore: Weleda Unscented Body Lotion

Best for Very Dry Skin: U Beauty The Super Body Hydrator

Best for Mature Skin: Naturopathica Manuka Honey Creamy Body Lotion

Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream

Best Brightening: Beauty Pie Superdose Vitamin C Bio-Vitamin Brightening Body Lotion

Best Firming: Juice Beauty Green Apple Firming Moisturizer

Best Retinol: Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment

Best SPF: Versed Total Package Replenishing Body Lotion SPF 30

Best Smoothing: Peach & Lily KP Bump Boss Smoothing Body Lotion

Best Body Butter: Mutha Body Butter

Best Scented: Saltair Lush Greens Body Lotion

Best Gradual Tanning: + Lux Unfiltered N°32 Gradual Hydrating Self Tanner

Best Derm Recommendation: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.