The best body lotions: Aveeno, CeraVe, Garnier and more lotions to keep your skin hydrated

Do you want to know about the best body lotions for keeping skin hydrated and glowing? Well, we’ve compiled this handy guide on what to look out for when choosing a new one (and avoid) when shopping for the right body lotion for you. Read on to discover what the best hydrating body lotions are for every skin type.

You probably have an array of face creams in your bathroom cabinet already and adapt your skincare regime to the season, but when it comes to nourishing the rest of your body from the neck down, do you invest so much time and consideration? A good nourishing body lotion will make dry, dull skin a thing of the past.

When shopping for a body lotion, always opt for a hydrating body cream with a vitamin-packed formulation made with deeply nourishing ingredients like coconut, almond, and avocado, which will hydrate parched skin to look and feel its best.

Performance is vital, you don’t want a lotion that is too thick and difficult to sink in or one that is too watery – finding that perfect balance of texture is a major factor in getting ready, as no one wants to be standing around waiting for a cream to be adsorbed before putting clothes back on. The scent is always a key factor to consider when selecting a new lotion! If you suffer from eczema-prone or sensitive skin, choose a demagogically tested or fragrance-free one to prevent skin irritation and redness.

Whether you prefer a budget-friendly body lotion, a luxurious cream, a fragrance-free lotion, or a body lotion with added self-tanning care, these products are guaranteed to nourish and brighten your skin.

The best body lotions at a glance:

• Best body lotion for sensitive skin: E45 Moisturising Lotion
• Best unscented body lotion: Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion
• Best self-tanning body lotion: Garnier Summer Body Gradual Self Tan Moisturising Lotion
• Best body lotion for dry skin: CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
• Best budget body lotion: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisturising Lotion
• Best coconut body lotion: Palmers Coconut Oil Body Lotion
• Best firming body lotion: Nivea Q10 Rich Firming Body Lotion
• Best all-round body lotion: Burt’s Bees Body Lotion
• Best soothing body lotion: Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Body Lotion
• Best luxe body lotion: L’Occitane Shea Rich Body Lotion

The best body lotions

Best body lotion for sensitive skin: E45 Moisturising Lotion

Dermatologically tested to suit all skin conditions

This classic body cream works to hydrate and soothe even the most sensitive skin types whilst being on a budget. The added pump dispenser makes this lotion a breeze to apply.

Those with dry, flaky, irritated skin will enjoy slathering on E45’s moisturising lotion, a deeply nourishing formula that melts into the skin upon contact to soothe and condition. Launched back in 1952 and has been a beauty classic ever since thanks to its fragrance-free formula to combat extremely dry and irritated skin.

Best unscented body lotion: Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion

With a probiotic triple oat complex to balance the skin

A clinically proven formula that contains nourishing shea butter and prebiotic oatmeal that helps improve the balance of the skin's natural microbiome. It moisturises your skin without being too greasy, plus it sinks in quickly too.

Aveeno’s skin relief moisturising lotion is ideal for those who suffer from sensitive skin and prefer an unscented formula that is gentle enough for everyday use. It also locks in hydration for an impressive 24 hours. providing immediate, long-lasting relief for very dry skin.

Best self-tanning body lotion: Garnier Summer Body Gradual Self Tan Moisturising Lotion

With a subtle hint of colour to help build a sun-kissed glow

There’s nothing quite like a sun-kissed glow over the body – and the best way to do that is with Garnier’s self-tan infused silky lotions. Expect a subtle glow and an impressive 24 hours of hydration.

Garnier’s Summer Body Gradual Self Tan Moisturising Lotion has already made our ‘best fake tan’ list thanks to it being such a cult classic. Infused with nourishing and softening apricot oil for a buildable tan that is moisturising and quick drying, minus any tell-tale fake tan streaks.

Best body lotion for dry skin: CeraVe Moisturising Lotion

Deeply nourishes skin without any greasiness

For extremely dry skin, this exceptionally rich lotion can deliver a serious moisture boost to parched skin. It's especially good to use throughout the winter months when your skin is very dry.

If you're looking for a body lotion that helps nourish skin without greasiness, this CeraVe dermatology-tested body moisturiser is the one to go for. It’s made with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help renew and maintain your skin’s natural protective barrier and delivers a serious moisture boost.

Best budget body lotion: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisturising Lotion

This affordable body lotion offers serious hydration at a budget price

Address dryness, dullness and uneven skin tone with Neutrogena Norwegian moisture lotion. The cushion-textured formula contains a powerful cocktail of active ingredients that delivers moisture ten layers deep while keeping the skin soothed.

This body lotion works to hydrate and soothe dry, parched skin for an impressive 24 hours while smoothing and replenishing. This body lotion is fast-absorbing and hypoallergenic, which means it won’t irritate super-sensitive skin – plus, it is fragrance-free, so your body lotion won’t overpower your perfume.

Best coconut body lotion: Palmers Coconut Oil Body Lotion

An oil-cream formula that provides 24 hours of moisture

If you like the smell of summer… think sun-soaked beaches with a piña colada in hand, then you’ll love this sweet-smelling body lotion. Expect soft, nourished, and conditioned skin.

This body lotion oil is infused with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients, such as Tiaré flower petals, coconut oil and Tahitian monoï oil, which works to replace moisture loss in thirsty skin, resulting in radiant, healthy-looking skin.

Best firming body lotion: Nivea Q10 Rich Firming Body Lotion

Infused with hydrating Q10 and firming vitamin C

This purse-friendly body lotion won’t break the bank but doesn’t compromise on results, thanks to its highly nourishing and firming formula, which is all thanks to its star ingredients, Q10 and vitamin C.

This extra-rich body lotion is ideal for those who suffer from dry skin and are in need of an extra moisture boost. Made with Q10, which helps to hydrate skin for 48 hours and is infused with vitamin C, which works to firm and improves elasticity over time.

Best all-round body lotion: Burt’s Bees Body Lotion

A milky body lotion featuring nutrient-rich botanicals

This skin-loving formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients, including honey, milk, vitamin E, coconut oil and grape seed oils that work together to soothe dry skin fast and are designed to prevent moisture loss.

If you're looking for a body lotion that helps nourish and lightly scent the skin, this Burt’s Bees 98.6% natural origin body moisturiser is one to invest in. This creamy, fast-absorbing formula promises to deeply hydrate and comfort your limbs. Designed to leave skin feeling supple and deeply nourished until your next morning shower.

Best soothing body lotion: Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Body Lotion

To deeply repair and soothe

Consider this body lotion a great way to heal and refresh sun-exposed skin without that greasy factor which some body lotions can leave behind. Enriched with aloe vera, which assists with calmness and soothes dry, irritated skin. This lotion is also clinically proven to lock in moisture from the first application…result.

This lightweight formula is perfect for any time of the day, whenever you need a hydration boost or to soothe sun-exposed skin. Made with drops of the classic Vaseline jelly and aloe vera, which refreshes and calms irritated skin.

Best luxe body lotion: L’Occitane Shea Rich Body Lotion

Infused with comforting ingredients to deeply nourish skin

L’Occitane’s highly conditioning formula is all thanks to its star ingredient, shea butter, combined with calendula, honey and sweet almond extracts, which helps comfort dry skin and soothes tightness.

Those with very dry, flaky skin will enjoy slathering on this rich body lotion infused with shea butter, a luxuriously creamy formula that absorbs well into the skin upon application and helps protect from dryness for up to 48 hours after applying.

Want to read more beauty product round-ups? Check out our Cosmetics page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best fake tans and the best foundations recommended by professional makeup artists.