Body Lotions

Lotion, cream or butter?

The difference is water content. Lotions are the lightest and absorb fastest, suiting normal skin and warmer months. Creams are thicker and hold moisture longer. Body butters are the richest and work best on genuinely dry areas — elbows, knees, heels — or overnight. Most people benefit from switching between them seasonally rather than committing to one.

When should I apply it?

Within a few minutes of showering, while skin is still slightly damp. Lotion applied to damp skin traps the surface water rather than working against fully dry skin, which makes a noticeable difference for the same product.

What ingredients are worth looking for?

Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw moisture in. Emollients like shea butter and squalane smooth the surface. Occlusives including petrolatum and dimethicone slow water loss. Effective formulas usually combine all three rather than relying on a single hero ingredient.

Why does my skin still feel dry?

Often the water is the problem rather than the lotion. Long hot showers strip more oil than they replace, and heavily fragranced body washes can compound it. Shorter, cooler showers and a gentler wash will do more than upgrading your moisturiser.

What else should I look at?

Browse the full skincare essentials range, or the bath and body section for body washes and soaps that suit dry skin.