15 Best Body Creams: Our Top Picks for Soft and Supple Skin

No one wants to have dry skin. Even if your skin falls into the “normal” category, dryness can happen. While body oils can be effective, not everyone likes the weight or greasiness that’s often left behind. From leaving stains on your clothing to taking too long to absorb, there’s a reason some people give body oils a wide berth. 

Body creams can be the perfect solution. These products usually offer more staying power than a traditional lotion but typically aren’t as heavy as an oil. This makes them the ideal option for year-round use. Body creams can also incorporate active ingredients to target other skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging. Keep reading to check out our top body cream picks for your skin concerns. 

Best body creams overview:

• Best overall: Derma’e Vitamin E Lavender & Neroli Skin Smoothing Shea Body Lotion
• Best budget: Palmer’s Coconut Hydrate Body Balm
• Best repairing: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• Best drugstore: Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Oat Repairing Cream
• Best nostalgic: Bath & Body Works Ultimate Hydration Body Cream
• Best butter: The Body Shop Body Butter
• Best glow: Beekman 1802 Pot of Gold Whipped Body Cream
• Best anti-aging: Nakery Beauty SkinToning Body Butter
• Best organic: Sky Organics Raw & Unrefined Mango Butter
• Best balm: Pixi Beauty Rose Body Balm
• Best smoothing: AmLactin Ultra Smoothing Intensely Hydrating Cream
• Best splurge: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
• Best overnight: ThisWorks Sleep Plus Dream Body
• Best for dry skin: Neutrogena Hydrop Whipped Body Balm
• Best K-beauty: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream

How we chose the best body creams

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including the main ingredients, skin type, SPF, scent, and more, to create a short list of the top body creams. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best body creams for each category.

Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and the Derma’e Shea Body Lotion collection is a solid starting point for this goal. While we’re featuring the lavender neroli scent, there’s an also unscented and lemongrass options.

Along with being reasonably priced, vegan, and cruelty-free, this body cream is also a dermatologist-recommended pick. It helps smooth the skin, thanks to exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and AHAs. Meanwhile, the included lavender and neroli work to calm your skin. Vitamin E also supports deep moisture penetration. While this product is billed as a lotion, the inclusion of ceramides and the thicker formula means this pick presents as a cream.

Main ingredients: Lavender, neroli, vitamin E, salicylic acid, AHAs | Skin type: Normal, oily, dry | SPF: No | Scent: Lavender, neroli

Palmer’s is a heritage skincare brand that continues to prove you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get good skin. While the company is best known for its cocoa butter formulas, the other collections are equally impressive. If you’re shopping on a budget, we recommend the Coconut Hydrate Body Balm.

Note that this is a solid formula, but the brand promises that it penetrates the skin quickly while offering up to 48 hours of moisture. That means you won’t be left with greasy stains on your clothing. The key ingredients include Fairtrade-certified organic extra virgin coconut oil and green coffee extract to not only hydrate but boost your skin’s radiance. It can also be layered with the companion Coconut Body Lotion or Coconut Body Oil from Palmer’s. 

Main ingredients: Organic extra virgin coconut oil, green coffee extract | Skin type: All | SPF: No | Scent: Coconut

Whether you’re struggling with severely dry skin or recovering from recent eczema or dermatitis flare-ups, you need a good moisturizer to help to repair your skin’s barrier. CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream is the answer, a thick formula that carries the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. 

This unscented formula combines three essential ceramides with other moisture-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Meanwhile, the heavier texture is ideal for those who struggle with moisture loss throughout the day. 

The brand promises that this cream will repair the look and feel of your skin and leave it smooth, healthy, and supple. While this pick is marketed for normal to dry skin types, people who don’t have hydration issues may find it a bit heavy.

Main ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin type: Normal to dry | SPF: No | Scent: Unscented

Whether you dislike ordering online or you prefer shopping from heritage brands, Aveeno is one of those favorite mass retailer brands that you can find almost anywhere. More importantly, it’s a company that lives up to the hype. 

Although Aveeno tends to focus on sensitive and dry skin, the company’s products can work for a wider range of consumers. The Restorative Skin Therapy Oat Repairing Cream is another go-to option if you need to repair your skin’s barrier. This pick leverages the power of prebiotic oat, aloe, and pro-vitamin B5 to achieve this goal. 

Note that this body cream is specifically recommended for people with sensitive, distressed, or dry skin and is also fragrance-free.

Main ingredients: Prebiotic oat, aloe, pro-vitamin B5 | Skin type: Sensitive, dry, distressed | SPF: No | Scent: Unscented

Take a walk with us down memory lane to a time when cruising the mall with your friends was the ultimate way to spend your free time. More than likely, no trip was complete without a stop at the Bath & Body Works store. 

Although Bath & Body Works has since branched out with fragrances for the Ultimate Hydrating Body Cream collection, we’re here for the Cucumber Melon. This classic scented cream transports us to an easier time — but more importantly, is an effective moisturizer. 

This pick combines vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, aloe, plus shea and cocoa butter for 24 hours of moisture retention. It’s dermatologist tested, free from artificial dyes and parabens, and even features bottles made from 82% recycled plastic.

Main ingredients: Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, aloe, shea butter, cocoa butter | Skin type: All | SPF: No | Scent: Cucumber melon

If you’re still on that nostalgic trip with us to the mall, but you want a brand with verifiable ingredient sourcing, consider The Body Shop. This brand focuses on ethically-produced health and beauty goods, often prioritizing Fairtrade ingredients and vegan formulas. Similar to Bath & Body Works, The Body Shop’s Body Butter collection has a wide range of fragrances available, though we love the Almond Milk scent. 

This certified vegan formula is best for dry and sensitive skin. It incorporates Community Fairtrade almond milk and oil from Spain. Additionally, you’ll get Community Fairtrade shea butter from Ghana and Community Fairtrade sesame seed oil from Nicaragua. 

The dermatologically tested moisturizer is non-sticky and non-greasy. In clinical tests, it was proven to nourish, protect and soothe skin, offering 96 hours of moisture.

Main ingredients: Almond milk & oil, shea butter, sesame seed oil | Skin type: Dry, sensitive | SPF: No | Scent: Almond milk

Beekman 1802 is a brand that’s become synonymous with incorporating pre and probiotic-rich goat milk into many of its products. This premium skincare company offers a wide array of moisturizers that aid in improving the look and texture of your skin. 

The Pot of Gold Whipped Body Cream incorporates silk proteins, goat milk, and mica (natural color pigment) to create a moisturizer that also doubles as a temporary bronzer. Goat milk aids in improving your skin’s barrier while silk proteins soften it. But don’t worry; mica washes off in the shower.

Main ingredients: Goat milk, silk protein, mica powder | Skin type: All | SPF: No | Scent: Unscented

Not everyone is ready to embrace the visible signs of aging, and we’re not going to fault you for that. If you still want to fight time, Nakery Beauty’s SkinToning Body Butter works to repair and smooth your skin, with an emphasis on fine lines, crepey skin, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. 

Available in nine scents, this is a richer body butter that uses the brand’s proprietary CrepeTone Complex to reverse signs of aging. Key ingredients include niacinamide, tri-hyaluronic acid, squalane, and shea butter. This is a vegan, clean, and cruelty-free formula for added peace of mind. 

In consumer surveys, after using this product, 96% of those polled agreed that the body butter improved their skin’s moisture, while 100% agreed that skin was softer after use. 93% of respondents felt their skin was more velvety, and 93% also agreed that their skin looked more youthful.

Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, shea butter | Skin type: Mature | SPF: No | Scent: Tropical

Sky Organics is a solid option if you prefer a single-source product. This is a brand that focuses on organic and ethically-derived ingredients. More importantly, many of the company’s products are single-ingredient items — which can give you peace of mind if you’re concerned about questionable additives that might cause allergic reactions. 

The Raw & Unrefined Mango Butter is a single-source balm that’s made from 100% pure botanical butter. While it does have a scent, that’s due to the mango and not from additives. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and is also free from soy. It’s safe for all skin types and is a solid balm.

Note that because it’s unrefined, you may have to finesse this product to make it work. At a minimum, you’ll need to emulsify it (warm the butter in your hands) or use it as part of a DIY beauty concoction.

Main ingredients: Mango butter | Skin type: All | SPF: No | Scent: Mango

Pixi Beauty is one of those brands that can expertly thread the needle between color cosmetics and skincare. The female-founded firm has made a name for itself with its SkinTreats and BodyTreats collections. The Rose Body Balm is more of a cream formula but incorporates rose flower and rosehip oils. 

Additionally, shea butter works to lock in moisture. The rose flower oil aids in restoration and moisturizing, while rosehip oil supports smoothing and conditioning for supple, healthier skin.This pick is also paraben-free and isn’t tested on animals.

Main ingredients: Rose flower oil, rosehip oil, shea butter | Skin type: All | SPF: No | Scent: Rose

Whether you have body acne, bumpy skin (known as keratosis pilaris, or any other blemish that’s left you with visible roughness, you may want to try AmLactin’s Ultra Smoothing Intensely Hydrating Cream. 

It contains 15% lactic acid, which is a naturally derived exfoliator. This formula works to not just hydrate your skin but to reduce texture with consistent use. Better still, it’s fragrance-free and non-greasy. 

However, if you have sensitive skin, patch test this product before slathering it on your entire body. This is especially true if you’re using this after recovering from contact dermatitis or an eczema flare-up, as your skin may be more sensitive than normal.

Main ingredients: 15% lactic acid | Skin type: Dry, sensitive | SPF: No | Scent: Unscented

Do you specifically need a cream just for your bum? Probably not. Does Sol De Janeiro’s firming Brazilian Bum Bum Cream smell so good that it’s worth the splurge? Yup. To be clear, this isn’t just a cream for your backside. You absolutely can use it on any areas you feel could use some toning. 

The yummy scent of pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla is one reason that this pricey find continues to be coveted by skincare fans worldwide. Key ingredients include guarana extract for tightening, cupuaçu butter for hydration, and Brazil nut oil to repair your skin’s barrier. Additionally, açai oil provides additional antioxidants for environmental protection. 

Note that this brand has now introduced refill pods to reduce its impact on the environment.

Main ingredients: Guarana extract, cupauçu butter, Brazil nut oil, açai oil | Skin type: All | SPF: No | Scent: Pistachio, salted caramel, vanilla

Moisturizing should be part of your daily routine, but sometimes an overnight treatment can help to better penetrate your skin. The ThisWorks Sleep Plus Dream Body is a cream that utilizes the power of CBD, along with other proven skin-friendly ingredients like retinol, sweet almond oil, crambe oil, and vitamin E. The CBD aids in promoting relaxation before bed, while the other ingredients work to target dryness and sun damage.

We like that it’s marketed as a nighttime routine product because retinol and daytime use don’t always mix. Although it’s scented, the lavender smell is derived from natural ingredients. Plus, this pick is vegan and cruelty-free.

Main ingredients: 2% CBD, retinol, sweet almond oil, crambe oil, vitamin E | Skin type: Troubled | SPF: No | Scent: Lavender

Neutrogena is another of those mass retailer brands that proves you can find quality products at a reasonable price. In particular, the brand’s Hydro Boost collection has become a go-to solution for people that have sensitive skin or simply struggle with dryness. The Hydro Boost Whipped Body Balm is specifically designed with extremely dry skin in mind. 

It prioritizes hyaluronic acid as the hero ingredient that helps your skin retain moisture. It’s fast absorbing and lightweight with a non-greasy feel. It’s also paraben-free and dermatologist tested. However, it’s artificially scented with an unknown fragrance.

Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin type: Very dry to dry | SPF: No | Scent: Artificial

There’s nothing better than a product that can pull double duty. Korean beauty brands have mastered this feature by expertly combining active ingredients that work to improve your skin, along with providing moisture.

In particular, the firm leverages the power of fruit botanicals with active ingredients, like the Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream. You’ll get AHA from hibiscus to help smooth your skin. It also offers a creamy formula that melts into your skin easily. The non-greasy formula means it’s ideal for a wider range of skin types too. Hyaluronic acid rounds out the core ingredients for ultra hydration.

Main ingredients: Watermelon seed butter, hibiscus, hyaluronic acid | Skin type: All | SPF: No | Scent: Watermelon

Better skin is within reach

Dry skin can happen to anyone, but body creams are designed to make that less likely to occur. A good body cream should be non-greasy but still effective at moisturizing or even tackling specific skin concerns you might have. Our Best overall selection, the Derma’e Vitamin E, Lavender & Neroli Skin Smoothing Shea Butter Lotion offers a natural ingredient list that softens, smoothes, and hydrates. Meanwhile, budget beauties will appreciate Palmer’s Coconut Hydrate Body Balm. 

How to pick the right body cream for you

Shopping for a body cream doesn’t have to turn into a dramatic event. You need to consider your skin type, any specific skin concerns you have, and the formula.

Skin type

• Normal. If you have normal skin, don’t experience dryness, or don’t have body acne, you can use a standard body cream that focuses solely on moisturizing. 
• Dry. If you have dry skin, you struggle to retain moisture. Dry skin can also become combination skin and often accompanies those who also have sensitive skin prone to irritation. Focus on creams that promise extended hydration or soothing properties to control irritation. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, oat, and squalane. 
• Oily. If you have oily skin on your body, there’s a good chance you might struggle with body acne. However, this can occur in a variety of people, not just those with oily skin. Products with salicylic acid are ideal, as they help clear pores and control acne as well as oil production
• Troubled. This isn’t a slight, but people that have skin conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis, or even keratosis pilaris need products that not only provide moisture but combat underlying conditions that are causing irritation or rough and bumpy skin. Along with moisturizing ingredients, you may need products with exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid. 
• Mature. Even if you feel young at heart, as your skin ages, it loses moisture and can succumb to visible signs of aging. Products with ingredients that plump the skin, aid in moisture retention, protect against environmental damage, and tone are critical for mature skin.

Ingredients

• Humectants. Humectants are ingredients that aid in moisture retention. One of the most common options you’ll see in our guide is hyaluronic acid because it can attract more than its weight in moisture. However, glycerin is another popular choice. 
• SPF. Depending on who you talk to, SPF-infused products are ingenious or troublesome. On the one hand, using a product that encourages routine use of SPF is good as it supports practicing safe sun health. Alternatively, using SPF-infused products can lull people into a false sense of security. Dermatologists recommend reapplying SPF every two hours if you plan on spending extended time outside. Using SPF-infused products can give the impression that this isn’t necessary. 
• Smoothing/exfoliating. Most creams prioritize smoothing your skin which aids in improving texture. Ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and even squalane can all make your skin feel softer. If texture is an issue, then exfoliation should be a priority — look for a formula with ingredients like lactic acid or glycolic acid. 

Formula

• Cream. This is the most traditional form of a body cream. It looks similar to lotion but is thicker in texture. 
• Butter. Butters can vary in texture. Some may be similar to creams but whipped. Others may market butters as solid products (think Sky Organics’ Raw & Unrefined Mango Butter), which must be first emulsified to an oil before applying them to your skin.
• Balm. A balm will usually have more of an oil-based texture — even if sold in a solid state. This type of formula is usually the heaviest, best for people with dry to extremely dry skin. 

FAQ

Is body cream better than lotion? 

This depends on your skin’s needs. If you have very dry skin or want to ensure that specific ingredients effectively penetrate your skin, a body cream can be a better choice. The thicker formula tends to last longer — even if it absorbs into the skin fairly quickly. In our guide, we nominated the Derma’e Vitamin E, Lavender & Neroli Skin Smoothing Shea Butter Lotion as our top choice. While marketed as a lotion, it has a thicker texture like a cream. 

What’s the best moisturizer for aging skin?

Depending on your aging goals, your skin can require two things — moisture and anti-aging support. We recommended the Nakery Beauty SkinToning Body Butter because it fights common signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. 

Which body cream is best?

The best body cream for you depends on your skin type, any sensitivities you have, and your overall skin goals. We recommend the Derma’e Vitamin E, Lavender & Neroli Skin Smoothing Shea Butter Lotion as an ideal option for most skin types because it provides moisture while also smoothing the skin.