Selecting a hydrator, though, is a bit of a journey—while I’d argue the search for the dreamiest product is half the fun, it can also be confusing to wade through various ingredient lists and marketing claims. For example, many shoppers are left scratching their heads when browsing body creams versus lotions: Are these two products actually different, or is it merely semantics? Because of their higher concentration of oils and butters, “Body creams take longer to rub in, and body lotions tend to not be as sticky,” adds board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D., co-host of The GIST Show. At the end of the day, though, there are no stringent rules for what’s considered a body cream versus a lotion (you may even discover a lightweight product that calls itself a body cream or a butter-thick formula sold as a lotion). Ultimately, we can chalk the difference up to marketing, but overall most experts agree on this textural distinction. The timing matters, too, as the skin is more permeable at night (here’s a 2016 study explaining why1), which means your skin can lose significant hydration as you sleep. That’s why experts recommend applying a heavier, more occlusive moisturizer before bed to help your skin deal with transepidermal water loss2. Those with acne-prone skin might fare better with a lotion, as these typically aren’t as occlusive as their body cream counterparts—meaning, they don’t include heavier ingredients (the shea butter, the coconut oil) that can be comedogenic for those prone to breakouts. A thinner lotion is also best for daytime use, says King: “It’s more readily absorbed by the skin and it leaves a less greasy residue.” Lotions also tend to have a quicker dry-down time and an easier slip, which makes them more wearable for daytime hours (read: It won’t stick to your clothes). See here for our list of body lotion recommendations, make a vat of your own DIY version, or select one of the lightweight confections below.
No matter your product, you’ll also want to pay attention to fragrance: “If the body lotion or the body cream is scented, it could be more irritating,” says Downie, especially if you have sensitive skin. Artificial fragrance is “one of the most common ingredients to cause sensitivity, puffiness, itch, and rash,” board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, once told us, but even natural fragrances (essential oils and the like) can sneak into the formula and trigger irritation for some. If your skin feels itchy or irritated after you slather on a cream or lotion, you may want to opt for a fragrance-free number (these options will make your skin feel like butter).
