Searching “body lotions” on Google and scrolling through thousands of options can make your head hurt. There are body lotions for dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Filtering out the best of the best products that actually work well, plus match perfectly with your skin type, is a chore in itself.
This guide is here to help you find out which skin type you have, what products your skin requires, and of course a list of the best after shower lotions you need based on your skin type. Keep reading for all the details.
How to Determine Your Skin Type
First things first–what skin type do you have? Before buying a body lotion, it’s helpful to know your type of skin so you can get a product that doesn’t cause any adverse effects and addresses your concerns. Let’s take a look at each:
- Dry skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have dry skin, you will notice tightness, fine lines or cracks, and a reddish or gray tint to your skin. You can also experience itchiness, peeling, and a rough skin feeling. Christina DiFerdinando, a doctorate-level nurse with over 10 years of experience specializing in skincare, notes that people with dry skin should look for lotions that include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter. “Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants that draw moisture into the skin, while ceramides and shea butter help to repair and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss,” she says.
- Oily skin. If you struggle with excess body oil, the experts at DermNet say you may experience shiny and greasy skin that seems to get dirty quickly. Many people also notice scaly patches on their body from the excess oils. DiFerdinando says that oily skin needs hydration without the extra heaviness some lotions can give. She recommends products with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and aloe vera. “Hyaluronic acid provides lightweight moisture, niacinamide regulates oil production, salicylic acid gently exfoliates to prevent pore clogging, and aloe vera soothes the skin,” she adds.
- Sensitive skin. The doctors at Houston Methodist explain that with sensitive skin, people typically have the following symptoms: swollen and itchy skin, redness that presents with or without swelling, a feeling of stinging or burning on the body, and rashes or hives. With sensitive skin, you want products that have aloe vera, allantoin, chamomile, and oatmeal. “Aloe vera and chamomile calm the skin, allantoin helps with healing, and oatmeal is known for its anti-inflammatory properties,” DiFerdinando notes. These ingredients are gentle and soothing and will help reduce redness and irritation.
- Acne-prone skin. With skin that breaks out easily in acne, you will notice increased whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and bumps on your body. Lotions with salicylic acid, niacinamide, tea tree oil, and hyaluronic acid will help the most to fight this acne and not cause more to form. DiFerdinando says that salicylic acid exfoliates and unclogs pores, while niacinamide controls oil and reduces inflammation. Plus, the antimicrobial power of tea tree oil combats acne-causing bacteria, and the hyaluronic acid will hydrate without adding extra oil or clogging pores.
Best After Shower Lotion for Dry Skin
Nuventin Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
Nuventin’s powerhouse formula stands out for its remarkable ability to instantly hydrate skin, leaving your body feeling revitalized and refreshed. Its secret ingredient? Hyaluronic acid. This powerful moisture magnet draws vital hydration back into the body, even in the deepest, driest cracks. Plus, this lotion strikes the perfect balance, delivering intense moisturization to dry skin without leaving behind any oily residue. One reviewer even noted seeing visible results after just a single application. “I love this stuff! Absolutely a returning customer!”
What we love:
- Made in the USA
- Cruelty-free
- Non-greasy formula
Things to note:
- Some buyers had issues with broken lids and leaking product
Price: $19.99
Medix 5.5 Hyaluronic Acid + Cica Extract Body Lotion
Give your thirsty skin a moisturizing kiss with Medix 5.5’s hydrate and renew body lotion. With just about 7K customer reviews and a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, this body lotion is a rising star in the beauty world. Their commitment to quality sets Medix 5.5 apart, having undergone rigorous clinical testing to ensure its efficacy. And when looking at this body lotion’s ingredients, skin-nourishing hyaluronic acid acts as a shield against flakiness. At the same time, the soothing touch of cica extracts (a hydrating skin-care herb used in folk medicine) adds an extra layer of optimal nourishment for dry skin.
What we love:
- Non-greasy formula
- Dermatologist tested
- Optimized to maintain balanced pH levels
Things to note:
- Some find the scent too strong at first
Price: $24.99
Tree to Tub Shea Butter Body Lotion
Infused with milky Shea Butter, this body lotion goes beyond mere hydration and actively repairs and strengthens your skin barrier. Its fragrance-free formula also is something to note, making it an excellent option for the most sensitive skin. Tree to Tub’s body lotion has a well-deserved recognition in major publications like Elle, Bustle, QVC, and Business Insider for good reason. Plus, this lotion’s potency is not only praised in the media but also affirmed by satisfied users, with one reviewer highlighting its easy absorption and cost-effectiveness–requiring only a small amount for outstanding moisturization.
What we love:
- Fragrance-free
- Sensitive skin friendly
- Money back guarantee
Things to note:
- Can be on the pricey side for the size (8.5 oz)
Price: $18.04
Best After Shower Lotion for Oily Skin
APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Body Lotion
APLB’s body lotion offers a solution for those struggling with excess oil and shine–a Niacinamide formula. This powerful ingredient is known to regulate oil production. Meaning you can moisturize already oily skin without being overloaded on oils yet still keep your after shower lotion routine. Its awards really speak volumes, having secured the Grand Prize at the Korea Popular Brand Awards for three consecutive years. And not to mention the fragrance-free formula, perfect for people who don’t want an overly-scented lotion. Overall, this product strikes a delicate balance between providing long-lasting hydration and not leaving skin feeling oily, making it a must-have for those navigating oily skin.
What we love:
- Non-sticky formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Improves wrinkles
Things to note:
- Sometimes out of stock on Amazon
Price: $13.90
Q+A Salicylic Acid Smoothing Body Lotion
Boosted with salicylic acid, this lotion takes a different approach to oily skin by exfoliating and preventing clogged pores, actually addressing the root causes of oiliness. The addition of colloidal oatmeal adds an extra layer of power, too. Oats help absorb excess oil buildup in your pores to wipe out oiliness even more. Beyond its amazing performance, the lotion proudly declares its cruelty-free status by never testing on animals, ever. You can find many reviewers boasting about this lotion’s gentle yet effective nature, easy spreadability, and quick absorption.
What we love:
- Exfoliates skin
- Lightweight formula
- Helps clear up rough, bumpy skin
Things to note:
- Some find the watermelon fragrance too strong
Price: $12.00
Nivea Aloe Hydration Body Lotion
When applied to your skin, aloe vera provides a light moisturizing effect without adding on that extra oily feeling–perfect for oily-prone skin types. That’s why this body lotion made our list as one of the top products for oily skin. And not only does it effectively hydrate but it also offers a unique shine without the undesirable greasiness often associated with traditional moisturizers. This body lotion is a refreshing solution that provides necessary hydration that lasts all day long. With over 11K reviews and a 4.4 out of a 5-star rating on Amazon, it’s clear people love this product.
What we love:
- Non-greasy
- Comes in two different sizes
- Keeps moisture locked in all day long
Things to note:
- Doesn’t absorb as fast as competitors
Price: $16.00
Best After Shower Lotion for Sensitive Skin
Hempz Sensitive Skin Herbal Moisturizer
This herbal moisturizer has rightfully earned its place as a frontrunner in the best body lotions this year. Crafted with an effective blend of ingredients, including anti-inflammatory oatmeal and calming chamomile, this body lotion gives a soothing touch to sensitive skin. Even adding pure hemp seed oil–rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids–contributes to its nourishing qualities. And the best part? You’ll never find any perfumes or dyes. Raving reviews also mention its substantial bottle size at a whopping 17 fl oz.
What we love:
- No artificial fragrance
- Made in the USA
- Comes in a large 17 oz size
Things to note:
- Some aren’t a fan of the natural hemp scent
Price: $14.99
Lubriderm Fragrance Free Daily Moisture Lotion
Lubriderm comes out noteworthy by incorporating oat oil, known for its anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate skin irritation. You can also expect swift absorption without any tackiness and clinically proven 24-hour moisturization to ensure a lasting protective shield for your sensitive skin. This is a standout option for those looking for reliable, sensitive skin care. In fact, it’s been tested by dermatologists. One reviewer says, “As someone with sensitive skin, it gives me no problems at all. I will most definitely be purchasing again and recommending to friends.”
What we love:
- Comes in a very large 24 oz size
- Lightweight formula
- Allergy tested
Things to note:
- Some experience loose lids in packaging
Price: $14.81
Cetaphil Body Moisturizer
Right off the bat, this body lotion offers an impressive 48-hour hydration, going beyond the ordinary. Its notable formula, free of fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, is not only gentle but also recommended by dermatologists for those with sensitive skin. Plus, 94% of buyers attest to its immediate hydration even after the first use. Its powerful ingredient, avocado oil, further enriches the formula, providing a soothing touch that smooths the rough texture of chapped skin. If you struggle finding a body lotion that nourishes and hydrates your skin–without all the added irritation that comes with traditional lotions–Cetaphil is a brand you need in your beauty corner.
What we love:
- Fast-absorbing
- Hypoallergenic
- Hydration lasts even after showering
Things to note:
- Can be too oily for some skin textures
Price: $15.97
Best After Shower Lotion for Acne-Prone Skin
Majestic Pure Tea Tree Oil Moisturizing Cream
Crafted with the powerful acne-fighting properties of tea tree oil, this body lotion stands out because it’s specifically designed to prevent breakouts. Its 100% pure tea tree oil should remove excess oil, unclogging pores in your body. But beyond its acne-banishing capabilities, this lotion’s substantial jar size and affordability make it a great buy. You’ll find many reviewers raving about its cool and minty refreshing sensation when applying–the power of tea tree oil does not disappoint.
What we love:
- Contains therapeutic-grade tea tree oil
- Not tested on animals
- Diminishes appearance of blackheads
Things to note:
- Some buyers find the consistency too thin
- Can be a little oily due to the tea tree oil
Price: $16.79
TreeActiv Acne Eliminating Body Lotion
This body lotion is another fantastic solution for acne-prone skin. Its key ingredient, salicylic acid, takes center stage in the fight against acne by exfoliating and unclogging pores–actually addressing the root causes of breakouts. Unlike other acne-fighting alternative lotions that typically cause itching and redness, customers boast about this product’s quick and effective results while still leaving their skin free from irritation. Filled with about 2000 pumps, this body lotion gives buyers about a 75-day supply.
What we love:
- Small business brand
- Great for backne
- Light cucumber scent
Things to note:
- Can be expensive for the amount
Price: $19.99
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
This body lotion features a seriously potent blend of ingredients: salicylic acid for exfoliation and unclogging pores, and niacinamide to control oil production and reduce inflammation. These two elements go hand-in-hand, creating a mighty product to fight acne. The hyaluronic acid in this formula also ensures that while addressing acne concerns, the skin’s moisture is still retained, creating plump skin. One reviewer says, “I have been happy with this cream and feel like it definitely helps my skin to feel less rough and bumpy, which relieves the discomfort I experience.” You can also feel rest assured that this lotion is even dermatologist-recommended.
What we love:
- Fragrance-free
- Comes in two different size options
- Provides 24-hour hydration
Things to note:
- Can be very thick
- Some find it a little pricey
Price: $28.00
