The best body moisturisers for every skin type and budget

Time for you to experience super silky skin

best body moisturisers

by Georgia Scott |
Updated on

We spend plenty of time focusing on the best moisturisers for our faces, but it's about time we turn our attention to the best body moisturisers. Finding a new fave body moisturiser can be tricky, especially when the seasons change. When it comes to body moisturiser, we want to have supple, soft skin without feeling sticky.

If you're looking for a tanning lotion that will gradually tan, or an exfoliating cream that will leave your skin gleaming - we have the best body moisturiser for you. We've put together a selection of our tried and tested favourites that will suit everyone's skin type.

We've broken down certain ingredients and features in these body lotions to figure out which would suit you best. If you prefer a rich, intensely hydrating cream, then you might be looking for the best moisturisers for dehydrated skin. Or, if you'd rather dash some light lotion all over and go, then an in-shower body moisturiser might be for you.

Closer's best body moisturisers at a glance:

Best body moisturiser to hydrate: Weleda Skin Food Body Lotion, £14.95 -View offer on Cult Beauty

Best body moisturiser on a budget: Soap & Glory Perfect Zen Body Souffle, £9.99 - View offer on Boots

Best in-shower body moisturiser: Frank Body In-Shower Moisturiser, £11.95 - View offer on LookFantastic

So, if you're in need of the best moisturisers for dry skin, you'll be pleased to know we've included moisturisers to bring hydration back into your skin. There are even some fragrance-free moisturisers, which are fab options for those with sensitive skin. Here are the best body moisturisers as recommended by us at Closer that you can shop now.

SHOP: The best body moisturisers

Best body moisturiser to hydrate

A picture of the Weleda Skin Food Body LotionWeleda

We all know and love the Weleda Skin Food original, designed to hydrate and moisturise the face, but we can now have the same effect all over the body with the Weleda Skin Food Body Lotion. If you prefer a lightweight texture or if your skin is sensitive, you can shop the Weleda Sensitive Body Lotion, too.

Customer review: "As a lover of both the original Skin Food and Skin Food Light, I was really excited to try this especially with very dry skin made worse by the winter months! This moisturiser didn't disappoint, it has really hydrated and nourished my skin and instantly."

Pros

  • Best for dry to very dry skin
  • Made with all organic ingredients
  • A celebrity favourite

Cons

  • May run out quickly

Best body moisturiser on a budget

A picture of the Soap & Glory Perfect Zen Body SouffleSoap & Glory

We all love a classic Soap & Glory body cream and the Perfect Zen Body Souffle is great to use as an everyday body moisturiser. This cream is a dream to apply after a refreshing shower as the formula absorbs instantly without having to wander around waiting to get dressed - ideal for drama-free mornings.

Customer review: "By far my favourite from this line, a very nice body butter. Use it before bed to moisturise your body and relax due to the lavender scent. You don't need a lot of product, so use sparingly, but it's absolutely lovely."

Pros

  • An affordable price range
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Unreal scent

Cons

  • The consistency is quite thick

Best fragrance-free body moisturiser

A picture of the Nu00e9cessaire The Body Lotion - Fragrance FreeNu00e9cessaire

Necessaire focuses on putting skincare-focused ingredients at the heart of their body care. The Body Lotion is a gentle, fragrance-free hydrating lotion full of nourishing omegas ideal for moisturising sensitive skin.

Customer review: "Just so many great things about this body lotion... its antiaging, deeply moisturizes without leaving a film, soaks in right away so you can get dressed immediately, and keeps your skin hydrated for 24 hours. My skin feels and looks incredible. My only complaint is I wish it came in a larger size."

Pros

  • Best for sensitive skin
  • Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • A small bottle size

Best body moisturiser for dry skin

A picture of the Ameliorate Transforming Body CreamAmeliorate
Price: £21.75 (was £29)

www.lookfantastic.com

A saviour when it comes to dry or bumpy skin. The blend of lactic acid removes any texture or dryness, leaving the skin feeling supple and super soft. Ameliorate is known to be a winning product to treat those who suffer from keratosis pilaris, commonly known as 'chicken skin', which causes bumps and redness. Usually, KP is found on the back of the arm; if you're trying a variety of creams and your skin doesn't seem to be improving, give the Ameliorate Transforming Body Cream a whirl.

Customer review: "Fantastic product. Smooth, and quickly and easily absorbed. Skin on my arms and legs is becoming softer. It has a slight oily feel to it after application which is great for that dewy glow look. Keeps my skin feeling cool. Love this and will buy again."

Pros

  • Best for dry and very dry skin
  • SLS and paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Scent isn't for everyone

Best body moisturiser for deep nourishment

A picture of the Frank Body Smoothing AHA Body LotionFrank Body

A gentle blend of AHAs that promises to banish any dry skin and texture throughout the year. Important ingredients to note in the Frank Body Smoothing AHA Body Lotion are the blend of mango seed butter and macadamia oil, which both deeply nourish and hydrate as the moisturiser exfoliates.

Customer review: "I'm loving the texture and effect of this smoothing lotion on my skin, my skin feels hydrated the whole day. I'm using this to treat my "strawberry skin" and I'm happy with it so far. It smells nice and light too, it's worth trying to see if it works for you! Glad I found it."

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Contains lactic and glycolic acid
  • Contains a blend of natural oils

Cons

  • May take a while to see results

Editor's choice

A picture of the Tan Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning LotionTan Luxe
Price: £25.00
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=c84bfba7fb9057c609599595b4f5e218&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=C0xAEhVYThgRFU4eQFsXVx5aWlQWRRZSEFUCQAReHApUWBcLCw9WEgtXVxhDAlheUFteFFlWQQtbCBgdXkIqVUQSFA0FBlBTDgEFB1QJQ1JABAsACAdQDF8%3D&x=v1&prdId=9876144272&barcode=Uw0EUVNaUgVXUgwBBAE%3D
Alternative retailers
Kohl's$34.00View offer
Sephora$34.00View offer
Neiman Marcus$34.00View offer
REVOLVE$34.00View offer

A lotion and oil formula combined to create a flawless-looking tan that develops in just one hour. The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion works to create a radiant, healthy glow as well as deeply hydrating the skin making your tan last. Tan-Luxe gets it right when it comes to achieving a natural, everyday tan.

Customer review: "I have tried every gradual/self tan over the years. I usually find others greasy when applied and then dry quite streaky. Not with this one. I use it every other day throughout the year and have a lovely glow. If I want to look more tanned, I use it every day for a while. It sinks in like a dream, smells fab and does the job. I always use this now and would never try anything else. I use it at home and I take it on holiday with me to top up. Brilliant!"

Pros

  • Highly rated
  • A buildable formula
  • Doesn't have fake tan smell

Cons

  • The consistency is quite runny

Best in-shower body moisturiser

A picture of the Frank Body In-Shower MoisturiserFrank Body

Before you jump out of the shower, pop this Frank Body In-Shower Moisturiser on wet skin and wash it off - a quick and easy way to keep the skin hydrated and you can get dressed in an instant. Key ingredients: shea butter and grapeseed oil - simple, hydrating ingredients guaranteed to not irritate but deeply moisturise.

Customer review: "A new lease of life in the shower. What a time saver this lotion is. Apply to wet skin after showering. Rub over the body and simply rinse off. A great time saver. Leaves skin beautifully soft. Smells lovely and fresh."

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic formula
  • SLS, sulphate, paraben and phthalate free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • The bottle design could be improved

Best affordable body moisturiser

A picture of the Soap & Glory All The Right Smoothes In Shower MoisturiserSoap & Glory

An in-shower treat that smells of delicious grapefruit and rhubarb. Save time in the mornings by applying this soothing Soap & Glory All The Right Smoothes In Shower Moisturiser, saving you the hassle of waiting for a body lotion to absorb.

Customer review: "Love this in-shower moisturiser. It's quick, convenient and the perfect alternative to in shower body oil that I use in the winter. It provides light moisture for summer skin when less moisture is needed. Scent is quite floral and citrusy which I love - definitely uplifting."

Pros

  • An affordable price point
  • Enriched with vitamin E
  • Smells unreal

Cons

  • Scent isn't for everyone

Best recommended body moisturiser

A picture of the Nivea In Shower Body MoisturiserNivea
Price: £7.28
Alternative retailers
Walmart$7.28View offer
Target$7.39View offer

You can always rely on Nivea to make a product designed to care for sensitive skin. This Nivea In-Shower Moisturiser allows you to get silky soft skin without ever feeling sticky, leaving your skin feeling nourished with natural almond oil extract.

Customer review: "I am terrible about putting lotion on so this makes it so easy and convenient while I shower. Non-greasy, hydrating and easy to apply. Would recommend and purchase again."

Pros

  • Best for dry to very dry skin
  • Contains natural almond oils to nourish
  • Has a non-sticky formula

Cons

  • Scent isn't for everyone

FAQs

What should I look for in a body moisturiser?

It's totally dependent on what you want your moisturiser to do. If you are a fake tanner and like to top up your glow, you'll want a moisturiser dedicated to gradually adding tan. But, if your skin is on the drier side, you'll want to look for a moisturiser that is dedicated to improving the condition of drier skin much like the best barrier creams.

Do I need to apply body moisturiser every day?

This totally depends on your skin. If you find, once you get out of the shower, that your body is craving some hydration, moisturising every day could really help. However, if your skin feels comfortable daily, you could benefit from moisturising one or two days a week. Although, using moisturisers with SPF is a must - do this on the daily.

Does body moisturiser have to be expensive to work?

Absolutely not. There are so many moisturisers available at all different price points to suit everyone. You may prefer a specific scent, prefer a richer cream or like to switch up your moisturiser as the seasons change. Even celebs have their favourite budget body moisturisers, just take the CeraVe moisturising cream as loved by Love Island's Anna Vakili.

Georgia Scott is a beauty and fashion product writer writing across brands such as heat, Closer, Grazia and Yours specialising in all things lifestyle and trending. Before starting at Bauer, Georgia completed her degree in Journalism at University and worked as a retail beauty advisor and make-up artist.

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