Body Oil vs Lotion: Which Is the Right Choice for Glowing Skin?

Both body lotion and body oil work to hydrate the skin. While these two products may seem similar, there actually is a difference between using a body oil and a body lotion. The formulas vary between each product, so it can be difficult to find the right one for your skincare needs. We talked to dermatologists to figure out the difference between body oil vs lotion, the benefits of each, and which product is right for you.

What Is Body Oil?

“Body oils are skincare products made from natural oils, such as jojoba, olive, fruit, squalane, argan, sunflower, and almond oil,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. Ranging from lightweight to thick oils, there are many different body oils on the market. Dr. Camp recommends looking for body oils with vitamins C and E because these vitamins protect the skin from free oxygen radicals. “Free oxygen radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that can contribute to cellular damage and premature aging,” Dr. Camp says. 

What Is Body Lotion?

Adding a body lotion to your skincare routine helps your body retain moisture. Popular ingredients in body lotions include hyaluronic acid, which maintains a healthy skin barrier and attracts moisture. For an added bonus, Alex Hushcha, esthetics educator at Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute Minneapolis, says body lotions absorb more easily.

“Body lotion usually has oils in it as well, but it's not just oil. They will usually take a blend of water-loving ingredients and oil-loving ingredients and emulsify them into more of a creamy substance,” Hushcha says. Since body lotions combine oil and water-loving ingredients, this would be ideal for someone who doesn't like the feeling of residue on the skin after body oil application.

Benefits of Adding a Body Oil and Lotion

For ultimate hydration, using a combination of a body oil and a body lotion will seal and retain moisture in the skin. Body oils support hydration and add a natural sheen to your skin. “They make skin feel smooth, soft, and provide a shine or glow. Ingredients in natural oils, [such as] vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, fortify the skin,” Dr. Camp says. 

To prevent dry, itchy skin, body lotions help retain moisture in the skin. “Body lotions often contain ingredients that help repair the skin barrier so that it more effectively retains water and protects the body from the external environment,” Dr. Camp explains.

Application Tips and Tricks

Both body oils and lotions are safe for daily use. “In winter or when someone has particularly dry or eczema-prone skin, oils and lotions can be applied twice a day,” says Dr. Camp. Post shower is the best time for effective body oil and lotion application. “Applying them at this time helps them trap water into the skin more effectively. If using body oil and lotion simultaneously, apply the lotion first and the oil last,” Dr. Camp says.

For body lotion application, Hushcha recommends applying lotion from the limbs up towards the heart center. She suggests using this method after exfoliation to remove dead skin on your body. "You're helping to promote good circulation in the body [and] moisturizing those young healthy skin cells,” says Hushcha.

Ingredients to Avoid

Based on your skin type, your product formula needs may vary. “If you're easily congested and then [use] something that's very heavy, you're probably going to see an increase in congestion in your skin,” explains Hushcha. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, Dr. Camp recommends avoiding coconut oil because it has comedogenic potential and may contribute to acne formation. Look for lightweight body oils if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Depending on your skin type, fragrances and exfoliants in body oils and lotions could irritate the skin. “There are going to be some people who are sensitive to fragrances, so [it's important] to be aware of what those triggers are for fragrances. I would avoid synthetic or natural fragrances for sensitive skin," says Hushcha. Also, some body lotions may have added ingredients that act as exfoliants to the skin, which could cause irritation for sensitive skin. Hushcha suggests avoiding exfoliating ingredients if you have easily irritated skin.

Where to Shop

Hydrate your skin with these expert-approved body lotions and oils.

Body Oils

• The Perricone MD Chia Body Oil is lightweight and fast-absorbing, which is essential for daily use. The oil promotes healthier-looking skin with skin-smoothing lipids and a vitamin F blend. 
• This 2-for-1 body oil and SPF protection by Manjeri is perfect after a morning shower to moisturize and protect your skin from the sun. 
• Founded by Ashley Tisdale, the Being Frenshe Cashmere Vanilla Body and Hair Radiance Oil works wonders for your body and hair. The cozy, warm vanilla scent and jojoba seed oil provides ultimate hydration. 
• Mix your perfume and body oil in one with the TOCCA Cleopatra Scented Dry Body Oil for your body and hair. The cleopatra scent includes notes of grapefruit, jasmine, and vanilla musk. 
• For a budget-friendly body oil option, try the Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil Cocoa and Shea for soft, moisturized skin. This body oil has a blend of cocoa butter and vitamin E to soothe dry skin.

Body Lotions

• Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Body Therapy provides intense hydration which is great for dull, dry skin.
• This Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Spray is perfect for lotion on-the-go. It offers a quick and easy application that's lightweight for every day.
• Featuring a blend of floral notes and champagne, the Antica Farmacista Prosecco Body Moisturizer is hydrating and boasts a fresh scent. This moisturizer is even included in hotels such as The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Four Seasons, and Hotel Bel-Air.
• The Alpha Skin Renewal Body Lotion 12% Glycolic AHA gently exfoliates and hydrates your skin. Added bonus: it helps even your skin tone.
• Ever used retinol on your body? Try the Wild Elements Restorative Overnight Body Cream that uses a plant-based retinol. Benefits include super soft skin and radiance.