Do you know that? You stand in front of the shelf with body care and ask yourself: body lotion, body cream or body butter. What is actually the difference? And which product is right for my skin? We get this question so often that we thought it was time for a detailed guide!
In this article, Unlimited Brands explains the most important differences between the three product types and tells you which consistency suits your skin type.
The three product types at a glance
All three products nourish and moisturize, so the choice depends of depends on your skin type, the season and your personal preferences.
What is body lotion?
Body Lotion is the lightest of the three variants. It has a high water content (approx. 70-80%) and contains moisturizers such as glycerin, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. Due to its liquid consistency, it is absorbed particularly quickly into the skin and does not leave a sticky feeling.
Benefits of Body Lotion:
- Pulls within of 1-2 minutes to fully absorb
- Ideal for quick use after showering
- Does not leave a film on the skin
- Perfect for warm summer months
- Pleasantly light under clothing
Tip: The body lotions of Bath && Body Works are enriched with shea butter, vitamin E and aloe vera, so you get intensive care.
What is Body Cream?
Body cream is exactly between lotion and butter. It contains around 50-60% water and a higher proportion of oils and fats. The creamy texture is richer than a lotion but not as heavy as a butter. It forms a light protective film on the skin that locks in moisture for longer.
Advantages of the body cream:
- Provides more intensive moisture than lotion
- Absorbs in about 3-5 minutes
- Provides lasting care without weighing you down
- The perfect all-rounder for the whole year
- Ideal for normal to slightly dry skin
What is Body Butter?
Body Butter is the richest care product in the trio. It only contains around 20-30% water, but a high proportion of natural butters such as shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter as well as nourishing oils. The dense, buttery texture forms a protective film on the skin and provides it with intensive moisture for hours.
Benefits of Body Butter:
- Maximum hydration for very dry skin
- Long-lasting care – ideal overnight
- Repairs and regenerates stressed skin areas
- Perfect for rough areas like elbows, knees and heels
- Forms a protective film against moisture loss
Pro tip: It is best to apply Body Butter in the evening before going to bed so that it can work overnight.
Which product suits your skin type?
Choosing the right body care is crucial of your skin type. Here is the Unlimited Brands expert guide:
Normal skin
Our recommendation: Body lotion or body cream
Your skin is neither too dry nor too oily? Then you have free choice! In summer you use a light lotion, in winter you can switch to cream. Bath && Body Works offers you the right product for every season
Dry skin
Our recommendation: Body Cream (all year round) or Body Butter (winter/problem areas)
Dry skin needs more oil than water. The Body Cream is your daily companion, while the Body Butter is used for particularly dry areas or in the cold season. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E.
Very dry or stressed skin
Our recommendation: Body Butter
If your skin is tight, flaky or prone to cracking, body butter is your salvation. Apply it generously and give it time to absorb.
Oily or blemish-prone skin
Our recommendation: Light body lotion
Even oily skin needs moisture! Choose a light, fast-absorbing lotion with moisturizing but non-greasy ingredients. Avoid rich butters that can clog pores.
The right application – this is how you get the maximum out of it
The best personal care is of little use if it is used incorrectly. Use these tips to achieve optimal results:
The perfect time
The best time for body care is immediately after a shower or bath, when the skin is still slightly damp. In this state it absorbs the care ingredients best. Just pat yourself lightly and then apply your product, the remaining moisture will be included.
The right technology
Massage the care product in circular movements of bottom to top. This stimulates blood circulation and supports the natural lymph flow.
Our conclusion
The choice between body lotion, body cream and body butter is no question of Right or wrong, it's about what suits you and your skin. As a rule of thumb:
- Body lotion for quick care, normal to oily skin and warm days
- Body cream as an all-rounder for normal to dry skin and all year round
- Body Butter for intensive care, very dry skin and the cold season
The most important thing: listen to your skin! She tells you exactly what she needs. And if you're unsure, start with a bath && BODy Works Body Cream – it is the perfect middle ground and fits almost always.
Do you have any questions about our Bath? && Body Works personal care products? Feel free to write to us and we will help you choose!