Summer heat can dry out your skin fast. You need the best body lotion to keep it soft, glowing, and protected. Whether you have dry, sensitive, or normal skin, there’s a lotion here for you. We’ve tested dozens to find the top picks. These are hydrating, smooth, and perfect for every season. Use this list to find the body lotion for glowing skin, no matter your skin type or budget.
Our Top Picks
We tested over 80 lotions. After weeks of use, 13 stood out. These products hydrated well, felt good, and worked for many skin types. Some smell amazing. Others are fragrance-free. Some are thick and rich. Others feel light as air. Each product in this guide has a reason to be here. Let’s dive into what makes them great.
Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream
This lotion feels rich and silky. It smells like a summer vacation. The scent blends jasmine, vanilla, and fruit. It stays on your skin all day. Made with squalane and cacay oil, this lotion locks in moisture. It gives you a glowy, dewy finish. It’s perfect for dry skin that needs lasting hydration.
This pick is more than hydrating—it’s a beauty ritual. Use it after showers or before bed for soft, radiant skin.
Best Splurge
Luxury isn’t always necessary. But when you want to treat yourself, this pick is worth it. It offers firming, hydration, and repair all in one jar. This formula uses the TFC8 complex from Augustinus Bader. It’s designed to protect, heal, and smooth skin over time. The texture is thick and melts into your skin. It’s perfect for winter months or dry, aging skin. It’s pricey, but many call it life-changing.
Best Overall
This lotion works for everyone. It absorbs quickly, leaves no grease, and keeps skin soft for hours. It’s great for both morning and night routines. You get hydration and barrier support in one. Niacinamide, shea butter, and fatty acids do the heavy lifting. It’s also fragrance-free, so it doesn’t clash with perfume. Whether you have dry, normal, or combo skin, this is the body lotion for daily use.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
If you have sensitive skin, this one is safe. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and works on the face too. The texture is thick but smooth. It absorbs without stickiness. Glycerin and panthenol keep your skin soft all day. It also helps calm redness and irritation. Dermatologists often recommend this. If your skin reacts to everything, start here.
Necessaire The Body Lotion
This lotion feels clean and minimalist. But don’t let that fool you. It’s packed with skin-nourishing ingredients. Niacinamide, marula oil, and peptides support hydration and firmness. It’s ideal if you hate thick lotions. The texture is light but effective. It works for men and women, and the packaging looks great on any shelf. It’s one of the body lotion for glowing skin options without scent or irritation.
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Herbivore’s lotion is soft, whipped, and creamy. It smells like coconut water with a hint of sunshine. It absorbs well and spreads evenly. This formula has squalane, glycerin, and maca root. Together, they boost skin’s texture and hydration. If you’re into light, tropical scents and cloud-like textures, this one’s for you.
Best Budget
Don’t want to spend much? No problem. This best body lotion is under $20 and delivers great hydration. It’s rich in omega fatty acids, shea butter, and sodium PCA. It’s fragrance-free, creamy, and absorbs in seconds. You also get a big bottle with a pump. That means convenience and savings. This lotion proves that quality skincare doesn’t need to be expensive.
Augustinus Bader The Body Cream
Another nod to this high-end pick. Why? Because it performs. The TFC8 complex helps your skin repair, heal, and glow. This lotion is thick but doesn’t feel greasy. It hydrates dry spots and smooths skin texture. It’s best for dry, mature, or dull skin types. And yes—it’s expensive. But many users say it’s worth every cent.
Best Scented
If you love smelling amazing, pick this. The scent lasts all day. Think floral, fruity, and sweet—but not overpowering. It’s rich, creamy, and leaves a light glow on your skin. Ingredients like cacay oil and squalane keep your skin hydrated for hours. Great for days when you skip perfume. One of the body lotion for glowing skin picks in terms of both scent and shine.
Best Fast-Absorbing
In a rush? This lotion dries fast. No waiting. No mess. It has a liquid feel that spreads easily and disappears quickly. Marula butter, ceramides, and shea butter keep your skin soft and smooth. Great for layering under clothes. Use it post-shower or right before heading out the door. Ideal for busy mornings.
L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate
This is the ultimate night lotion. It’s smooth, soft, and lightly scented with almond. It calms the skin and mind. The formula absorbs into damp skin easily. It doesn’t stain clothes or sheets. It’s comforting and gentle—great for evening routines. The scent lingers but isn’t strong. It’s subtle, relaxing, and warm.
Best for Night Application
Need deep overnight repair? This lotion is rich and nourishing. It uses lipids, oatmeal, and jojoba oil to restore your skin. Apply it before bed, and let it work while you sleep. Your skin will feel smoother by morning. It’s also great for cracked heels, elbows, and dry hands.
Herbivore Cloud Milk Coconut + Maca Firming Body Cream
Whipped like frosting, this lotion feels airy but hydrates deeply. The coconut scent is natural and not overwhelming. It spreads fast and covers a lot of skin. A small amount goes far. Perfect for post-shower use or after-sun hydration.
What to Look for When Buying Body Lotion?
Buying the right lotion can be confusing. Here’s what to look for:
Know your skin type:
- Dry skin needs thicker creams
- Oily skin loves light gels
- Sensitive skin needs fragrance-free options
Watch for these ingredients:
- Niacinamide evens skin tone
- Glycerin and squalane hydrate
- Ceramides repair skin barrier
- Shea butter seals moisture in
- Colloidal oatmeal soothes irritation
Bonus tip: Always apply to damp skin. It locks in more moisture.
How We Tested Body Lotions?
We tested over 80 body lotions. Each product was used daily for four weeks. We focused on:
- Hydration
- Texture
- Absorption
- Scent
- Skin feel
Testers had different skin types—dry, oily, and sensitive. We also checked real-world results: Did the skin look better? Feel softer? Glow more? Only the best made it onto this list.
Bonus Tips for Glowing Skin
Want that glow year-round? Use these steps:
- Exfoliate once a week
- Apply lotion on damp skin
- Drink water daily
- Use body oils over lotion for extra shine
- Try lotion with brightening ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C
Your glow starts with care.
Final Verdict
Whether you want deep moisture, a radiant finish, or something gentle for sensitive skin, there’s a product here for you. Our favorites like Necessaire, Sol de Janeiro, and Cetaphil are popular for a reason—they work. Don’t skip body care. The best body lotion makes your skin feel good, look healthy, and shine naturally. Choose wisely, and make moisturizing a part of your daily routine. Looking for long-lasting glow? Go with the body lotion for glowing skin and let your skin shine.
