Body lotion vs cream vs butter is a question of how much water and how much oil a product contains. All three moisturize. The balance of water to oil decides how thick the product is, how long it lasts on the skin and which skin it suits. The right texture can change with the season and with the part of the body.
What they are made of
Most body moisturizers are mixtures of water, oils and ingredients that hold the two together.
| Type | Water and oil balance | Texture | Feel on skin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lotion | Mostly water | Thin, pourable | Light, absorbs quickly |
| Cream | Roughly equal parts | Thick, scoopable or in a tube | Rich, comforting |
| Butter | Mostly plant butters and oils, little or no water | Dense, sometimes whipped | Heavy, protective |
| Ointment | Mostly oil or petrolatum | Greasy, translucent | Very protective; stays on the surface |
As a rule, the less water a product contains, the more it seals in moisture, and the greasier it feels.
Lotion
- Best for: normal to slightly dry skin, hot or humid weather, large areas, and use under clothes in the morning.
- Pros: spreads easily, sinks in fast, no residue.
- Cons: less lasting. Very dry skin may feel tight again within hours.
Cream
- Best for: dry skin, winter, and the legs, arms and hands.
- Pros: more moisturizing than lotion, and still pleasant to use.
- Cons: takes a minute or two to absorb, and can feel heavy in the heat.
Dermatologists generally consider creams and ointments more effective for dry skin than lotions.
Butter
- Best for: very dry or rough areas, such as elbows, knees, heels and shins, and for night-time use.
- Pros: rich and long-lasting.
- Cons: can feel greasy and mark clothes. Butters made only of oils contain no water and no humectants, so they work best on damp skin.
Common ingredients are shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter.
Ointment
- Best for: cracked, very dry or eczema-prone skin, and small areas that need protection.
- Pros: the most effective at preventing water loss, with few ingredients, so irritation is rare.
- Cons: greasy.
Which should you choose?
| Your skin or situation | Suggested texture |
|---|---|
| Normal skin, warm weather | Lotion |
| Slightly dry skin | Lotion or light cream |
| Dry skin, cold weather | Cream |
| Very dry, rough or flaky skin | Cream, butter or ointment |
| Elbows, knees, heels | Butter or ointment. See Rough Elbows and Knees: Daily Skin Care Tips |
| Oily or acne-prone body skin | Light, oil-free lotion |
| Sensitive or eczema-prone skin | Fragrance-free cream or ointment. See How to Choose Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin |
| Daytime, getting dressed quickly | Lotion |
| Bedtime | Cream or butter |
Many people use more than one: a lotion in summer and a cream in winter, or a lotion all over with a butter on rough patches.
Look at the ingredients, not just the name
The words on the front are not regulated, so one brand's "butter" can be lighter than another's "cream". The ingredient list tells you more.
- Humectants draw in water: glycerin, urea, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid.
- Emollients smooth: shea butter, plant oils, ceramides, fatty alcohols.
- Occlusives seal: petrolatum, dimethicone, mineral oil, waxes.
A good body moisturizer of any texture contains a mix of these. Moisturizer Ingredients: Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives explains them in detail.
How to apply any of them
- Shower or bathe in warm water.
- Pat your skin until it is just damp.
- Apply your moisturizer within a few minutes.
- Use more on dry areas.
- Let it absorb before dressing.
When to Apply Body Lotion for Your Daily Routine covers timing through the day.
Pump, tube, tub or jar?
Pumps and tubes are convenient and keep the product clean. Jars and tubs suit thick creams and butters. Use clean, dry hands, or a spatula, and close the lid.
Adding oil
Body oil can be layered with any of these for extra softness. See How to Use Body Oil with Body Lotion. If your skin is persistently dry, Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care has a full routine.
Related on ArniSun
- Moisturizer Ingredients: Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives
- When to Apply Body Lotion for Your Daily Routine
- Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care
- How to Use Body Oil with Body Lotion
- How to Choose Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Is body butter better than lotion?
It is richer and lasts longer, so it suits very dry skin and rough areas. Lotion is better for normal skin, warm weather and quick daytime use.
Can I use body cream on my face?
It is better not to. Body creams are often heavier and more fragranced than face products and may clog pores or irritate facial skin.
Which is best for very dry skin: lotion, cream or ointment?
Creams and ointments. They contain more oil and hold moisture in the skin for longer than lotions.