buuk.top / Brian Kopinski
If you—like many of us—subject your skin to long, hot showers, over-drying soaps, excessive hand washing, compulsive sanitizing, or exposure to cold air (hello, winter), moisture loss is all but guaranteed. According to esthetician Dana Murray, theskin below the neck is particularly prone to dryness."The body has fewer oil glands than the face, so it can dry out a lot quicker," she explains.
Replenishing this lost moisture is essential,which is where body lotion comes in. Beyondhydration, youll want to think about your individual needs when choosing a lotion. Are you looking for something fordaily use, a seasonal moisturizer, a nourishingproduct with skin-friendly vitamins, or a formula that wont irritate your reactive skin? Luckily, tons of outstanding unisex body lotions cover all bases, as well as manyformulated specifically for men. We researched dozens of top-reviewed products and narrowed it down to this list of 11 top picks with the help of an esthetician and board-certified dermatologist. Available in a range of price points, we found a product forevery skin type and concern.
Kiehls Corps Bottle at Amazon
Art of Sport Daily Skin Lotion at Amazon
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion at Amazon
SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Lotion at Amazon
Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Balm at Amazon
Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Jao Goe Oil at Jaobrand.com
Anthony No Sweat Body Defense Lotion at Amazon
diptyque Fresh Body Lotion at Amazon
Jack Black Black Reserve Body Lotion at Amazon
In This Article
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Best Overall
Kiehls Creme de Corps
Sephora
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Rich, luxurious texture
Spreads easily and absorbs quickly
Refillable, recyclable container
Can feel greasy
A buttery richnessis what gives this classic body cream the top prize. Therestorative formula is clutch for dry skin, adding much-needed moisture while addressing textural inconsistencies(were looking at you, cracked heels). Itsall-star ingredientslist includes squalane, cocoa butter, aloe vera, almond oil, and avocado oil. According to dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD, avocado oil, "both softens the skin and traps humectants and emollients onto skin."
We tried Creme de Corps firsthand and can see why its a best-seller. This body lotion feels truly amazing,absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. With regular use, you can count on healthier-looking, consistently moisturized skin.
Who Its For
Suitable forall skin types, this unscented body lotion is great for guys looking for a fast-absorbing daily moisturizerfor hydrated, healthy skin.
Key Ingredients:Cocoa butter, shea butter, squalane, almond oil, avocado oil |Skin Type: All | Size: 2.5–33.8 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Art of Sport Daily Skin Lotion
Art of Sport
Spreads and absorbs easily
Long-lasting hydration
Convenient pump bottle
Strong smell
This lotion is a really excellent product behind abudget price tag. The brand is fast becoming "the Nike of Skincare" in that it appeals broadly to athletes and people with active lifestyles. AOS Daily Skin Lotion is ahigh-performance body moisturizer containing shea butter and aloe vera. The perfect follow-up to an intense workout and hot shower, it keeps your skin hydrated and smooth. While most users say they like the fresh scent, some report it being a tad on the strong side, so if thats not your bag, you might want to skip this one.
Who Its For
AOS Daily Skin Lotion is an affordable lotion in a convenient pump bottle that provides refreshing post-workout skincare while replenishing moisture
lost from frequent showers.
Key Ingredients:Shea butter, aloe vera |Skin Type: Rough, dry | Size: 13.5 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Ulta
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Protects skin barrier
Can use on face and body
Non-comedogenic
Must reapply often
From cleansers to hydration, CeraVe rounds all the bases for people with sensitive skin. This body lotion is no exception, utilizinghyaluronic acid (known for its ability to absorb and retain 1,000 times its weight in water)1 as well as skin-smoothing niacinamide and protective, firming ceramides. It lacks any fragrance—super important for preventing reactions—and keeps the skins barrier function strong.2The only issue we found with it is you have to reapply it more often than other lotions weve tried.
Who Its For
Keeping irritants out and moisture in, thisgentle hydrating lotion is ideal for stressed, reactive skin
in need of hydration.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, sensitive | Size: 3–16 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Dry Skin
SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Lotion
Courtesy of Amazon.
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Reasonably priced
Rich, nourishing formula
Smooths rough skin
Thick texture can clog pump
When you meet a coconut oilconvert, youll get an earful about how effective the wonder ingredient is for skin, hair, and—yes—cooking. In addition to pure coconut oil, SheaMoisture formulated its all-over lotion withmurumuru butter (derived from nuts from an Amazon palm tree that helps prevent moisture loss) and shea butter. The result? Adeeply nourishing, ultra-moisturizingboost for the driest, roughest skin. The only thing we dont love is that the pump can sometimes clog due to the lotions ultra-thick texture.
Who Its For
Containing a blend of plant oils and earth-sourced butters, thisrich daily moisturizeris just the thing for guys withvery dry, cracked skin
.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, murumuru butter | Skin Type: Sensitive, dry | Size: 13–16 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Scent
Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Balm
Nordstrom
View On Aesop.com
Creamy but easy to spread
Pump bottle or small tube available
Refreshing, therapeutic aroma
Might be too pungent for some
We love a lotion with a fantastic scent, and Aesops Body Balm certainly delivers. It has a refreshing, almost therapeutic essence ofgeranium, mandarin, and bergamot essential oils. Its also rich in coconut, macadamia, and sweet almond oils, along with a hearty dose ofshea and cocoa butter, so you know it has great moisturizing power. Lather it on everywhere (except the face), and maybe hide it from your roommates or significant other because youre not gonna want to share the covetable formula. Theyll benefit simply by being in yoursoothingly scented orbit.
Who Its For
This aromatherapybody lotion is perfect for men looking for something that not onlymoisturizes but potentially replaces cologne
. However, if you dont love florals, this may not be the lotion for you.
Key Ingredients: Plant oils, shea butter, cocoa butter, essential oils | Skin Type: All | Size: 4–16.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Nourishing
Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Amazon
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View On Violet Grey
Contains vitamins and fatty acids
Replenishes moisture barrier
Balancess skins pH
Not fast-absorbing
A good body lotion shouldnt just help replenish your skin with moisture—it should revitalize it with nutrients as well. This pH-balancing body lotion is chock full ofskin-saving vitaminslike niacinamide tosmooth texture and vitamins A, C, and E to brighten, firm, and hydrate.3It also calls on omega fatty acids and ceramides to keep the skin barrier in tip-top shape2while delivering much-needed moisture and asoft, supple feel. It does take a few minutes to absorb into the skin, but we promise you, its worth it.
Who Its For
Ideal for cracked, stressed skin, this vitamin-rich formula not only moisturizes parched skin but also firms, brightens, andreplenishes the skin barrier
.
Key Ingredients:Niacinamide, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega fatty acids, peptides |Skin Type: All | Size: 2.4–15.2 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Oil-Based
Jao Brand Goe Oil
Anthropologie
View On Credo Beauty
Contains 28 natural oils
Makes skin smoother and softer
A little goes a long way
Small amount
This unique product from Jao is more of a jelly-like balmthan a traditional liquid body oil (but we love it all the same). Containing ablend of 28 oilsextracted from flowers, fruits, and plants, plusmango butter and chamomileextract, it not only moisturizes and nourishes but also soothes inflammation.4
Though the tube is pretty small, a little goes a long way. Just make sure you warm it up in your hands for a moment to help it spread and dissolve into your skin.
Who Its For
This richoil-based balm delivers ample moisture and nourishment while soothing inflammation
.
Key Ingredients: Plant oil blend, mango butter, chamomile | Skin Type: All | Size: 3 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free:Yes
Best Powder Lotion
Anthony No Sweat Body Defense Lotion
Amazon
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View On Fragrancenet.com
Talc-free formula
Absorbs odor and sweat
Travel-friendly container
Can leave behind a white residue
Small amount
Some lotions have a particular function, like this one from Anthony. It turns into a powdery film on contact and you lather it onto your nether regions or feet to absorb sweatand prevent things like swamp crotch, jock itch, thigh chafe, and soggy feet. The lotion relies on a talc-free formula and instead deploys tapioca starch and aloe vera for the dual task of nourishing skinandprotecting its natural moisture levels. The only thing we dont love about it is the small amount you get for the price.
Who Its For
A lifesaver for athletes and those prone to sweating, this lotion-to-powder formulaabsorbs moisture, prevents body odor,
and keeps skin hydrated.
Active Ingredients:Aloe vera, macadamia nut oil extract, vitamin E, glycerin, tapioca starch |Skin Type: All | Size: 3 ounces | SPF:None |Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Luxury
diptyque Fresh Body Lotion
Nordstrom
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Convenient pump bottle
Lightweight yet ultra-hydrating
Replenishes dry skin
Some find scent perfumey
When we splurge on a body lotion, we want to know were getting what we paid for. Diptyques body lotion definitely delivers, boasting acalming blendof sweet almond oil and macadamia nut oil. These ingredients allow it tosoothe, balance, and hydrate the skin on impact,5 while the inclusion of orange blossom water delivers a positively fresh, uplifting aroma. Reviews consistently rave about the smell, and that it lasts longer than most colognes they wear. High end? Sure. Worth every penny? Absolutely.
Who Its For
This high-end body lotion instantly moisturizesand soothes the skin while waking you up with aninvigorating citrus scent
.
Active Ingredients:Sweet almond oil, macadamia nut oil |Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 8.5 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Pump Bottle
Jack Black Black Reserve Hydrating Body Lotion
Courtesy of Amazon.
View On Ulta
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Easy to dispense
Replenishes lost moisture
Great guy-friendly scent
Scent fades quickly
If youre as much about convenience as a hydrating formula, this ones for you. Black Reserve Body Lotion comes in ahandy pump bottle, making it easy to dispenseafter showering and anytime you need extra moisture. Afterreplenishing dry skinwith shea butter and olive oil, it leaves behind adecidedly dapper scent of cardamom, red cedarwood, bergamot, and patchouli. The only issue we found with it is reviewers say the scent fades faster than they wouldve liked.
Who Its For
Easy to dispense and deeply hydrating, this body lotion is for guys looking for convenient skincare thatmakes them smell good.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, olive oil, essential oils | Skin Type: All | Size: 12 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best Drugstore
Gold Bond Healing Hydrating Lotion
Courtesy of Amazon.
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Repairs and soothes rough skin
Long-lasting moisturization
Available in travel-size and pump bottle
Slightly greasy feel
When it comes to drugstore body lotion, you cant go wrong with Gold Bond. This tried-and-true productrepairs and soothes rough, cracked skin with a blend of petrolatum6(aka petroleum jelly, what Vaseline is made of),glycerin, and aloe vera7 while providing long-lasting hydration. We also like that it comes inmultiple sizes, including a travel-size container, a standard tube, and a large pump bottle.
Who Its For
This affordable mainstay is great for men with severely dry skin in the market for a whole-body moisturizer.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, petrolatum, aloe vera | Skin Type: All | Size: 1–20 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best With SPF
Eucerin Daily Hydration Cream SPF 30
Amazon
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Absorbs quickly
Doesnt feel greasy
Replenishes and prevents moisture loss
Distinct sunscreen smell
"Using a body lotion with SPFhydrates your skin and provides sun protectionin one simple step," says Dr. Hayag. We recommend Eucerinsfast-absorbing, non-greasy Daily Hydration Cream, which not only replenishes and prevents lost moisturebut also safeguards your skin with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Though it has that distinct sunscreen smell, it dissipates pretty quickly.
Who Its For
The two-in-one formula is for men who spend lots of time outside who want daily moisture and sun protection in a single step.
Key Ingredients:Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene |Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8 ounces | SPF: Yes | Cruelty-Free:
No
Where We Stand
Our favorite body lotion for men overall is Kiehls Creme de Corps due to its fast-absorbing, skin-smoothing, impressively hydrating effects—we also like that its unscented and suitable for all skin types. If youre looking for a more affordable option you can get at the drugstore, we highly recommend Gold Bond Healing Hydrating Lotion, especially if you have super rough, dry skin.
What to Look For in Mens Body Lotion
Moisturizing Ingredients: The most important thing to look for when buying body lotions is moisturizing ingredients. This includes emollients and occlusives like plant oils, natural butters, mineral oil, ceramides, squalane, and petrolatum. Then there are humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera that hydrate the skin by drawing moisture in from the air.8Kiehls Creme de Corps and Gold Bond Healing Hydrating Lotion contain emollients, occlusives, and humectants.Vitamins and Antioxidants: As with Nécessaire The Body Lotion, some of the best body lotions dont just moisturize but also nourish, repair, firm, address hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and protect the skin with vitamins and antioxidants.3Look for formulas containing vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide (vitamin B3), witch hazel, green tea extract, CoQ10, and ferulic acid.Appealing Scent (or Non at All):
Many body lotions for men can be used in place of or as a complement to cologne. If you want something that not only hydrates but also makes you smell good, consider a scented product, like Aesop Body Balm or Jack Black Black Reserve Body Lotion. Those prone to headaches or skin reactions from scented products should look for an unscented formula.
Mens skin can get dry, but men often dont use lotion. That could be because its thought to be a "womans" product or because many guys prefer a lower-maintenance body care routine. Just because men dont typically use lotion doesnt mean it wouldnt help their skin feel more hydrated, though. As far as whats "normal," we say dont worry about it and just do you!
All people should use body lotion at the same time, regardless of gender. Ideally, this occurs after you bathe, whether youve taken a shower or a bath. Youll want to dry yourself off first, then apply moisturizer. Its OK to moisturize while your skin is still a bit damp. Allow the lotion to dry completely before using any additional products.
Skin gets dry, and lotion moisturizes it. So if you have dry skin and you opt not to do that, your skin may continue to get drier. It can even get flaky if the dryness becomes excessive. This is especially the case in the winter when temperatures are cold and humidity is low.
Why Trust buuk.top
Adam Hurly is an experienced writer and editor specializing in mens grooming with bylines in GQ, Mens Journal, Forbes, and Gear Patrol. Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product tester specializing in skincare and lifestyle.
Dana Murray of Babe + Beauty is an esthetician with nearly two decades of experience in the beauty industry.
Marie Hayag, MD, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any travel pants from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@buuk.top.com
, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
Ally Hirschlag
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Tokudome Y. Improvement of the Skin Barrier Function with Physiologically Active Substances. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2019;139(12):1549-1551. doi:10.1248/yakushi.19-00181-1
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Miraj, Sepide, and Samira Alesaeidi. A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile). Electronic physician vol. 8,9 3024-3031. 20 Sep. 2016, doi:10.19082/3024
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Morales-Burgos A, Loosemore MP, Goldberg LH. Postoperative wound care after dermatologic procedures: a comparison of 2 commonly used petrolatum-based ointments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(2):163-164.
Radha MH, et al. Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. Published 2014 December 23.
Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, Saefudin T. The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. Clin Med Res. 2017;15(3-4):75-87. doi:10.3121/cmr.2017.1363
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