Body Creams: What They Are & How to Pick the Best One
With so many body creams, lotions, butters, and other moisturizers available, it can sometimes be overwhelming to sift through them all to choose the best one for your skin. To confuse matters even further, there are no scientific or standardized differences between body creams, lotions, or butters. Here, we break down the implied meanings behind these terms and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about how to pick the best body creams for different purposes.
Body creams, lotions, and butters can all mean the same thing.
Body creams and butters tend to have a thicker consistency and richer formula than body lotions or mousses.
The best body creams to repair the skin barrier have a 1:1:1 ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.
Table of contents
What Are Body Creams?
The term “body cream” refers to a moisturizing product that is formulated to be used on your body (not necessarily your face, although some can be used interchangeably). These creams can contain a wide range of hydrating ingredients, aimed at both increasing moisture content and sealing that moisture inside the skin.
Just a few common ingredients that you’ll often find in body creams include:
Body Creams vs. Body Lotions
While there isn’t a standardized difference between the terms “body creams” and “body lotions,” there is an implied difference in the way that these types of products are marketed. Body creams tend to have a creamier, thicker consistency than body lotions, which tend to have a higher water content, making them thinner, lighter, and more spreadable. Body creams, on the other hand, tend to contain more oil, which gives them a thicker consistency.
Body Creams vs. Body Butters
Both body creams and body butters tend to be richer, thicker formulations with higher oil contents than body lotions. However, using the term “butter” implies an even thicker and richer consistency than a body cream. It is important to note, however, that these two terms can technically be used interchangeably to mean the same thing, as there is not always a distinct difference in the way they are formulated.
Body Creams vs. Body Mousse
Body mousses tend to have a much lighter, whipped consistency compared to body creams or body lotions. While body mousse products can have a very lightweight feel, they may not be as effective at delivering the same level of hydration as other types of creams.
Body Creams vs. Body Yogurt
“Body yogurt” is another marketing term that does not have a uniform definition. Many products that use this term have a lightweight, gel-like consistency and claim to absorb quickly into the skin. If you have sensitive skin, read the full list of ingredients on body yogurts before trying them, as many contain lots of fragrances and other ingredients that can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Are All Body Creams Barrier Repair Moisturizers?
Not all body creams are formulated to effectively repair the skin's barrier. For effective barrier repair, look for creams containing ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids in a 1:1:1 ratio. Additionally, the best barrier repair creams will show a Maltese cross pattern under a cross-polarized microscope. Products like Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream and Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream are specifically formulated with this 1:1:1 ratio to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, making them some of the best barrier repair creams for dry and cracked skin.
How to Use Body Cream
For best results, apply body creams to warm, damp skin immediately after taking a shower or bath. Gently pat your skin with a towel, leaving it slightly moist, then apply the cream. This helps to lock in moisture.
How Often to Use Body Cream
Body creams should be used a minimum of once per day, but twice per day is better, especially if you are struggling with very dry skin. If you have eczema and are experiencing a flareup of symptoms, you can apply a body cream three times a day to help manage extremely dry, flaking, or uncomfortable skin.
Bottom Line: Is Body Cream Good for Your Skin?
Yes, body creams can be very good for your skin and can significantly improve dryness, flaking, and cracking. The key is to choose body creams that contain the correct 1:1:1 ratio and that do not contain harmful preservatives or fragrances.
Remember that terms like body cream, body lotion, and body butter do not have strict definitions and often mean the same thing. So it is always better to read the ingredients on a product rather than take the marketing terms on the front label at face value.
Dr. Leslie Baumann MD, FAAD
Can I use a body cream with an oil?
Yes, you can apply the oil before or after the body cream. I personally prefer to put the oil on top after the cream to help seal in the body cream.
What’s the best body cream for crepey arms and legs?
Any good quality barrier repair cream, including Zerafite Barrier Repair Cream, will help with crepey arms and legs by adding moisture and smoothing the skin’s texture.
Can you use body creams on your face?
Generally, it’s not recommended to use body creams on your face, as they may be too heavy and contain ingredients not suitable for facial skin. Facial skin is more delicate and requires products specifically formulated for its unique needs and type.
Best References and Scientific Publications on Body Creams
- Baumann L. Moisturizers in Ch. 43 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
- Baumann, L. Chapters 7-30 in Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
- Baumann, L. S. Moisturizers and skin barrier repair. (2021) Dermatology News.
- Kwak, M. S., Ahn, H. J., & Song, K. W. (2015). Rheological investigation of body cream and body lotion in actual application conditions. Korea-Australia Rheology Journal, 27, 241-251.
- De Paepe, K., Derde, M. P., Roseeuw, D., & Rogiers, V. (2000). Claim substantiation and efficiency of hydrating body lotions and protective creams. Contact Dermatitis, 42(4), 227-234.
- Mohiuddin, A. K. (2019). Skin care creams: formulation and use. Dermatol Clin Res, 5(1), 238-271.
