A good body care routine can keep skin smooth and glowing all year round. As moisturiser is the product that stays on skin longest, its ingredients can have the biggest impact on how it looks and feels, so a good body moisturiser after you wash and exfoliate can make all the difference.<\/p>\n
The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n Skin on the body is thicker and more hard wearing than on the face, so it can generally deal with stronger perfumes and oils that would cause your face to go nuclear. But it\u2019s important to choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type, lifestyle and personal preferences.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve put the best body moisturisers on the market to the test, ranking them on their hydration levels, ingredients and their feel on application. Here are my top nine recommendations for all skin types, budgets and concerns, as well as tips from dermatologists and skincare experts.<\/p>\n At a glance<\/strong>\u00a317.60 for 473ml at Cult Beauty<\/a>\u00a34.99 for 380ml at Superdrug<\/a>\u00a314.50 for 100ml at Amazon<\/a>\u00a329 for 150ml at Green People<\/a>\u00a339.20 for 200ml at Cult Beauty<\/a>Why you should trust me<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve spent the past four years testing beauty products, including body care. In that time, I\u2019ve worked my way through endless tubs of body creams, some dreamy, others a sticky nightmare.<\/p>\n But everyone\u2019s skin is different, and what works for me might not for someone else, so before testing these products, I completed a course in cosmetic science, which gave me a deeper knowledge of moisturisers for different skin types and textures.<\/p>\n How I testedA moisture reader was used to check skin hydration levels. Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian<\/p>\n I tested 20 body moisturisers from household-name brands and cult favourites for this roundup. As I tested, I made notes on ingredients, skin moisture levels and the feeling on application.<\/p>\n I looked out for particular high-achieving ingredients, such as hydrating hyaluronic acids, smoothing salicylic acid and soothing antioxidant vitamin E. This gave me a good idea about how effective each moisturiser is at targeting specific concerns \u2013 someone with eczema will need very different ingredients from a person hoping to firm up skin. I also noted any potential nasties in the formulas, such as artificial fragrances and drying alcohols.<\/p>\n The final step was testing my skin moisture level. A less scientific way to test this at home is by pinching the skin on the back of the hand and seeing whether it snaps back into place quickly. But I wanted something more precise, so I used a moisture reader<\/a> to check my skin\u2019s hydration levels.<\/p>\n I took multiple readings for each moisturiser, starting with one immediately before application on freshly washed, dry skin. A second measurement was taken 10 minutes after application, then every three hours with a final reading 12 hours later. This gave me a clear idea of how long the hydrating effects of each moisturiser will last. I ran the hydration tests twice for each moisturiser and at least four times for the best performers featured here. Any creams that didn\u2019t provide lasting hydration were cut from the list. Read on for my nine favourite body moisturisers from my tests.<\/p>\n The best body moisturisers in 2025<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The GuardianBest body moisturiser overall:<\/strong> The CeraVe intensive moisturising lotion is a safe bet if you want a simple formula that gives your skin everything it needs. It\u2019s designed to hydrate and repair very dry, itchy skin, but it\u2019s the number one choice here because it\u2019s suitable for everyone \u2013 even those with sensitive or mature skin.<\/p>\n Why we love it The intensive moisturising lotion also uses 5% hydro-urea and cholesterol, natural ingredients that help boost moisture retention and keep skin healthy without overwhelming it. As with most good moisturisers, you\u2019ll also find glycerine and hyaluronic acid \u2013 humectants that help draw moisture into the skin.<\/p>\n This was one of the only moisturisers to give me a completely consistent moisture level reading: my skin was hydrated immediately after application and remained so over the day\u2019s testing period. That suggests the cream\u2019s humectants worked effectively to draw in moisture, and the ceramides and natural moisturising factors kept it locked in \u2013 particularly helpful if you have dry skin. Despite the intense moisturising quality of this lotion, it had an impressively light texture that was quick to absorb.<\/p>\n Coincidentally, this cream includes all the gentlest ingredients recommended by the dermatologists I interviewed, excluding peptides. It also contains no fragrance or drying alcohols, making it an easy recommendation for all ages and dry skin types.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a shame that \u2026 <\/strong>it\u2019s completely fragrance-free, so those looking for an indulgent scent won\u2019t find it here. It also uses isopropyl palmitate, which can block pores, making it potentially tricky for oily or acne-prone skin.<\/p>\n Price per ml:<\/strong> from 3p Best budget body moisturiser:<\/strong> If you want bang for your buck, this enormous tub of cream is an affordable way to give your skin a boost, costing from just over a penny per ml at the time of writing.<\/p>\n Why we love it In my tests, the cream had a nice, refreshing feel as soon as I applied it, helped along by the sweet mango scent. It dried quickly too, meaning I could get on with my day without feeling sticky. I loved using it on my legs: it helped minimise shaving bumps while softening the skin. It also performed well in my moisture level tests, with improved hydration levels sustained for six hours, dropping by only 3% by the end of the day.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a shame that \u2026 <\/strong>it has ingredients with a high comedogenic index. This is a scale from zero to five that tells us how likely an ingredient is to cause comedones (AKA blackheads and whiteheads); a higher score indicates a higher risk. This formulation includes the emollient myristyl myristate (five out of five on the index) and isopropyl palmitate (four out of five). The high concentration of these means those with acne-prone skin may find it causes breakouts on areas where skin is thinner, such as the chest and neck.<\/p>\n Price per ml:<\/strong> from 1p Best smoothing body moisturiser<\/strong>:<\/strong> A good body moisturiser can help to smooth out texture over time, especially if you have uneven skin. The Ameliorate Transforming body lotion is gently exfoliating and smoothing without being irritating or clogging \u2013 perfect for helping those with keratosis pilaris (rough, bumpy skin).<\/p>\n Why we love it If you like a little extra glow in the summer, the cream is also available in an \u201cilluminating glow\u201d bronzing version<\/a>. This isn\u2019t a gradual or fake tan<\/a>, but gives a subtle bronze sheen that won\u2019t go patchy or stain the skin.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a shame that \u2026 <\/strong>there\u2019s a slight medicinal scent, despite it being lightly fragranced. This doesn\u2019t linger, but if you want something totally odourless or more perfumed, then this might not work for you.<\/p>\n Price per ml:<\/strong> from 12p Best body moisturiser for sensitive skin:<\/strong> While skin on the body is typically tougher than on the face, you\u2019ll still need a gentle body moisturiser if you have very sensitive skin, eczema or psoriasis. Green People\u2019s hypoallergenic scent-free body lotion is suitable for sensitive skin conditions while also providing the gentle hydration skin needs.<\/p>\n Why we love it This no-nasties moisturiser comes in a handy pump bottle and applied to my skin smoothly without making it feel sticky. It provided lasting hydration over my testing period and didn\u2019t smell medicinal or artificial like many fragrance-free sensitive creams.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a shame that \u2026<\/strong> it\u2019s on the expensive side and isn\u2019t as widely stocked as other moisturisers.<\/p>\n Price per ml: <\/strong>19p Best body moisturiser for crepey skin:<\/strong> Crepey skin, with a thin, loose and wrinkled texture, is common in those with mature skin. It\u2019s caused by the gradual loss of collagen and elastin as we age. When I asked dermatologists about how best to tackle this, they agreed you should look for ingredients to calm inflammation, support hydration and promote skin barrier health. Peptides are brilliant for this, and the Charlotte Tilbury Magic body cream \u2013 the successor to the brand\u2019s viral magic face cream \u2013 has peptides and other powerful ingredients to help smooth, soothe and plump mature skin.<\/p>\n Why we love it skip past newsletter promotion<\/a><\/p>\n Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.<\/p>\n Privacy Notice: <\/strong>Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/a>. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy<\/a> and Terms of Service<\/a> apply.<\/p>\n after newsletter promotion<\/p>\n In my tests, the cream had an immediately refreshing feel as soon as I applied it. It was quick to sink in all over my body, and I enjoyed its light, rosy, floral scent.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a shame that \u2026 <\/strong>the formula doesn\u2019t include any ingredients from the retinoid family, so its anti-ageing benefits are gentler. That said, retinol can cause irritation, making this formula suitable for most people.<\/p>\n Price per ml:<\/strong> from 20p The best of the rest<\/strong>\u2018Provides a huge amount of hydration\u2019: the Malin+Goetz eucalyptus smoothing body gel. Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The GuardianRituals<\/strong> Sakura body lotion mousse<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian\u00a313.51 for 150ml at John Lewis<\/a>\u00a315.90 for 150ml at LookFantastic<\/a><\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> lightweight application<\/p>\n If getting out of a warm shower and applying a cream to damp skin doesn\u2019t appeal to you, this lightweight mousse from Rituals is the best solution. It spreads across the skin easily, turning from a fluffy mousse to a lightweight hydrating oil when applied. It sinks in quickly without leaving a sticky layer \u2013 all that\u2019s left after application is a calming cherry blossom scent.<\/p>\n Surprisingly, it\u2019s also one of the more hydrating creams I tested, with moisture levels dropping by only 1% 12 hours after the initial application, which is probably down to the glycerine. You\u2019ll also find softening shea butter and nourishing rice milk, while the cherry blossom provides antioxidant benefits to soothe irritation and reduce redness.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t make the final cut because \u2026 <\/strong>there are a lot of perfuming ingredients in this, but its scent doesn\u2019t last as long as thicker body creams. Also, its lightweight formula doesn\u2019t feel as luxurious as a richer cream.<\/p>\n Price per ml:<\/strong> from 9p; key ingredients:<\/strong> rice milk, cherry blossom, shea butter; vegan:<\/strong> yes; certified cruelty-free:<\/strong> yes<\/p>\n Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA <\/strong>lotion<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian\u00a316.50 for 473ml at Look Fantastic<\/a>\u00a39.97 for 236ml at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> an affordable option for sensitive skin<\/p>\n If you have sensitive skin that\u2019s also rough and bumpy, a simple hydrating cream won\u2019t cut the mustard. This Cetaphil sensitive-skin-friendly lotion uses salicylic acid, a gentle exfoliator that unclogs pores and softens rough, dry skin. Salicylic acid is also recommended for treating blemishes as it gets the job done without compromising the skin\u2019s delicate barrier.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also find niacinamide to soothe, glycerine to hydrate and shea butter for softness. It\u2019s free from fragrance and drying alcohols, with a simple ingredients list and light formula. I also personally love the convenience of using a pump bottle and found the lotion ideal for clearing and calming the sensitive skin on my chest and arms.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t make the final cut because \u2026 <\/strong>in my tests, <\/strong>it wasn\u2019t as hydrating as the Green People cream, and the Ameliorate pipped it to the post on smoothing. That said, it\u2019s still a good option for sensitive, bumpy skin.<\/p>\n Price per ml:<\/strong> from 3p; key ingredients: <\/strong>salicylic acid, mandelic acid, <\/strong>PHA, shea butter and glycerine; vegan:<\/strong> yes; certified<\/strong> cruelty-free:<\/strong> no<\/p>\n Malin<\/strong>+Goetz <\/strong>eucalyptus smoothing body gel<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian\u00a326.60 for 220ml at Cult Beauty<\/a>\u00a338 for 220ml at John Lewis<\/a><\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> soothing very dry skin<\/p>\n With a lightweight gel texture, this provides a huge amount of hydration. I found my skin moisture levels were increased by more than 11%, which lasted over the course of a day.<\/p>\n The gel\u2019s phytic acid helps gently exfoliate dry skin, while humectants draw moisture in. Panthenol soothes inflammation while antioxidant vitamin E protects skin from environmental stress. Moisturising urea and various emollients work on top to lock everything in.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t make the final cut because \u2026 <\/strong>its eucalyptus smell and green colour are divisive. The cap has an odd design, too, with a hole that ended up squishing product everywhere after use.<\/p>\n Price per ml:<\/strong> from 12p; key ingredients:<\/strong> phytic acid, urea, glycerine, hyaluronic acid; vegan:<\/strong> yes; certified cruelty-free:<\/strong> yes<\/p>\n Rituals Yozakura rich body cream<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian\u00a318.90 for 220ml at Sephora<\/a><\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> a rich, indulgent cream<\/p>\n Most of the creams on this page have a light texture, but if you\u2019re hunting for something thick, the Rituals Yozakura rich body cream is my recommendation. It\u2019s not just a hit in my household \u2013 originally launched in a limited-edition collection, it was recently brought back permanently due to popular demand.<\/p>\n It\u2019s beautifully scented with Yoshino cherry, white flowers, amber and vanilla, which mix to bring a warm, sophisticated yet uplifting aroma that sticks on the skin. The cream itself comes in a removable plastic casing inside the purple tub, which can be replaced with a \u00a320 refill<\/a> (when it\u2019s in stock, that is), cutting down on plastic use and reducing overall cost.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t make the final cut because \u2026 <\/strong>it didn\u2019t have the same hydrating power as other options listed, or the tailored ingredients for treating a specific skin concern. It\u2019s a great all-rounder, though, and it will make a lovely indulgent addition to a body care routine.<\/p>\n Price per ml:<\/strong> 9p; key ingredients: <\/strong>glycerine, vitamin E, sunflower oil, black rice extract; vegan:<\/strong> yes; certified cruelty-free:<\/strong> yes<\/p>\n What you need to know<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The GuardianHow much should I spend on a body moisturiser?<\/strong><\/p>\n The experts I interviewed unanimously agreed that there\u2019s no need to overspend on a body moisturiser: basic formulas usually get the job done.<\/p>\n
CeraVe intensive moisturising lotion<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian\u00a316.50 for 473ml at Look Fantastic<\/a>\u00a317.60 for 473ml at Cult Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/strong>CeraVe moisturisers are best known for including ceramides in their formula. These important fatty ingredients are found naturally in the skin and are known as the \u201cbuilding blocks\u201d of the skin barrier \u2013 a protective top layer on the skin that prevents moisture loss. Those with dry skin often have compromised skin barriers. Using creams with ceramides, such as this one, will help restore skin to its former glory and keep it healthy.<\/p>\n
Key ingredients:<\/strong> ceramides, hyaluronic acid, urea, cholesterol, glycerine
Vegan:<\/strong> no
Certified cruelty-free:<\/strong> no<\/p>\n
Garnier Vitamin C Nutri-Glow body cream<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian\u00a34.99 for 380ml at Superdrug<\/a>\u00a38.99 for 300ml at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/strong>The cream\u2019s star ingredient is mango fruit extract, which is rich in vitamins A, C and E, helping to brighten and smooth skin. In addition to this is softening shea butter and glycerine.<\/p>\n
Key ingredients:<\/strong> vitamin C, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, glycerine
Vegan:<\/strong> yes
Certified cruelty-free:<\/strong> yes<\/p>\n
Ameliorate Transforming body lotion<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian\u00a324 for 200ml at Ameliorate<\/a>\u00a314.50 for 100ml at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/strong>This lotion has an incredibly lightweight feel, making it perfect for summer. The gently exfoliating lactic acid helps remove dead skin cells; humectant glycerine hydrates; and there are sufficient emollients to lock moisture into the skin. It was one of the longest-lasting during my hydration tests, which was surprising for such a lightweight moisturiser.<\/p>\n
Key ingredients:<\/strong> lactic acid, glycerine, sodium lactate
Vegan:<\/strong> no
Certified cruelty-free:<\/strong> yes<\/p>\n
Green People scent-free body lotion<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian\u00a329 for 150ml at Green People<\/a>\u00a328.99 for 150ml at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/strong>Just because a formula is simple doesn\u2019t mean it can\u2019t include powerful ingredients. This cream contains olive squalane to improve skin health, glycerine to hydrate, and shea butter to soften. You\u2019ll also find calming chamomile and balancing prebiotics, with omega-3 fatty acid-rich perilla oil to repair skin.<\/p>\n
Key ingredients:<\/strong> squalane, chamomile, glycerine, shea butter
Vegan:<\/strong> yes
Certified cruelty-free:<\/strong> yes<\/p>\n
Charlotte Tilbury Magic body cream<\/strong> Photograph: Sarah Matthews\/The Guardian\u00a339.20 for 200ml at Cult Beauty<\/a>\u00a349 for 200ml at John Lewis<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/strong>This gorgeous, lightweight formula contains a patented \u201cAlgaktiv Uplift\u201d complex, developed using algae and clinically proven to help tighten and lift the skin. This works together with caffeine to brighten the skin to reduce the look of cellulite. The formula also has hydrating humectants, soothing floral oils and shea butter to add a smoothing emollient layer to the skin.<\/p>\n
Key ingredients:<\/strong> peptides, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, glycerine
Vegan:<\/strong> yes
Certified cruelty-free:<\/strong> yes<\/p>\n