Best body moisturiser 2023: Feed your skin with the best creams, serums and more
Discover softer, smoother skin with our pick of the very best body moisturisers from as little as £6
Whether its rain, wind or sun, your skin has to put up with a lot. But while we often pamper our face with SPF-laden creams and lotions, it’s easy to forget to give our arms, legs and body the same moisturising love and care they so richly deserve.
Body moisturisers are quite different from those that are designed for facial use. They’re often thicker and more intensely fragranced, with ingredients such as essential oils added to nourish your skin. In some cases, these moisturisers will quite literally leave you smelling of roses.
We’ve collected up some of the best body moisturisers around, from rich creams to refreshing gels, all dedicated to keeping your skin feeling amazingly soft and hydrated. Read on to discover our favourites.
How to choose the best body moisturiser for you
When is the best time to apply body moisturiser?
This depends on your lifestyle and schedule but general wisdom recommends that you apply your moisturiser straight after a shower or bath in order to lock in existing moisture and prevent your skin from drying out due to the heat. The time of day is up to you, whether you love a morning shower just before you head out, or a longer, more luxurious routine before you head to bed for the night.
What are parabens and should I be avoiding them?
While lots of skincare products have and still list parabens – preservatives that prevent microbes and bacteria from growing – in their ingredients, some recent studies have suggested that they could be harmful to some. The dangers range from irritation for certain skin types to fears that the chemicals disrupt normal hormone function and lead to more serious health issues. There are lots of products that have eliminated parabens entirely, and others are strictly regulated, but always read the label before buying if you’re concerned.
How much do I need to spend?
This depends entirely on personal preference. If you simply love the consistency, ease of application and smell of a particular product, and it just so happens to be a pricey one, that’s worth paying a premium for. We would always recommend trying to get your hands on some sample size testers of the moisturisers you like the look of – that way you can try them out without sinking too much money into a moisturiser you really don’t like. Regardless of your budget, though, you’ll find something here that suits: this list includes moisturisers that cost anything from £6 right up to £50.
How we test body moisturisers
At Expert Reviews, we know that hands-on testing delivers the most complete information about a product. As such, we personally test all of the body moisturisers in the roundup below, following the directions on the packaging.
Having first examined the main ingredients making up the various formulas and, where applicable, the recommended skin type, we use the products as directed for one week. We note the effects on the skin, paying particular attention to any softening, smoothing and plumping effects, and any additional benefits such as calming itchy or sensitive skin. As well as considering how comfortable the skin feels after application, we also note how the product smells, the ease of use (including the package design), how much product is required for one typical application and the length of time for which the moisturising and softening effects of one application last.
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The best body moisturisers you can buy in 2023
1. Sanctuary Spa Wet Skin Moisture Miracle: A real time-saver
Price: £6.40 | Buy now from Look Fantastic
The perfect pick for people who always forget to moisturise, the Sanctuary Spa Wet Skin Moisture Miracle goes on straight after your shower or bath, without the need to even dry off first. It’s the ideal way for the less beauty-inclined among us to make sure they’re treating their skin right with a minimum of hassle. The product is full of good stuff too, with apricot and avocado oils as well as scents from patchouli, sandalwood and jasmine leaving you not just smooth and hydrated, but also smelling amazing.
Key specs – Paraben-free?: Yes; Volume: 200ml
2. Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme: Best luxury body moisturiser
Price: £53 | Buy now from Cult Beauty
If you like to make your skincare routine the best part of your day or week, then the Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme may just serve up the touch of luxury you’re looking for. The ‘souffle’ label comes from the fact that the solution has been whipped to create a consistency that feels amazing, with a whole host of nourishing ingredients including vitamin A, C and E, vanilla, honey, grape seed and rice bran oil. You can pick your scent, too, with the cream available in Almond Coconut Milk, Creme Brulee, Fresh Fig or Ambre Vanille fragrances.
Key specs – Paraben-free?: No (Fresh Fig and Creme Brulee); Volume: 300g
3. E45 Skincare Rich 24hr Lotion: Best for sensitive skin
Price: £5 | Buy now from Argos
E45’s reputation has come from the ability of its creams and lotions to ease symptoms of uncomfortable skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, and the Rich 24hr Lotion range does the same while also feeling amazing and keeping skin moisturised around the clock. There are no added nasties like colours or fragrances to be found in the product, and even sensitive or dry skin will be absolutely fine when the cream is applied regularly. It’s also a bargain and can be picked up for less than a tenner.
Key specs – Paraben-free?: Yes; Volume: 400ml
4. Love Beauty and Planet Soothe and Serene Lotion: Best vegan body moisturiser
Price: £6 | Buy now from Amazon
For those who want to save the planet but don’t want to give up their favourite skincare rituals, this lotion from Love Beauty and Planet is just the ticket. Not only is the moisturiser itself suitable for vegans, but the bottles have been made from recycled plastic – the only thing better would be no packaging at all! The product contains argan oil and ethically-sourced lavender and is infused with sandalwood and shea butter but is completely free of parabens, silicones and colourants. Luxurious, ethically-minded and environmentally-friendly – what more could you want.
Key specs – Paraben-free?: Yes; Volume: 400ml
Love Beauty And Planet Argan Oil and Lavender Vegan Body Lotion, Soothe & Serene Calming Body Lotion, 400 ml
5. Molton Brown Body Lotion: Best smelling body moisturiser
Price: £26 | Buy now from Cult Beauty
A perennial favourite of fancy hotels, there’s no reason you can’t introduce Molton Brown products into your own bathroom and enjoy them every day. The range is well-known for its strong scents, and you can pick your favourite fragrance from Fiery Pink Pepper, Jasmine & Sun Rose, Mesmerising Ouadh Accord & Gold, Heavenly Gingerlilly, Orange and Bergamont, Re-Charge Black pepper, Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel, or Delicious Rhubarb & Rose. The packaging looks gorgeous on the shelf, and you’ll smell amazing to boot – it’s a win-win.
Key specs – Paraben-free?: Yes; Volume: 300ml
6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream: Best budget body moisturiser
Price: £6 | Buy now from Lookfantastic
More of a gel than a traditional cream, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a no-fuss, fragrance-free option for beautifully moisturised skin. The light consistency feels really nice to apply all over the body and absorbs super-fast without leaving you sticky or greasy afterwards, so it’s perfect for those who don’t want to spend ages applying their moisturiser. In short, it’s much better than the budget price suggests, and can also be used by those with more sensitive skin.
Key specs – Paraben-free?: Yes; Volume: 400ml
7. Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser: Best spray-on body moisturiser
Price: £3.29 | Buy now from Boots
Find it too time-consuming and awkward to apply traditional creams and lotions? Then a spray-on body moisturiser could be the answer, allowing you to keep your skin in tip-top shape in double-quick time. This one from Vaseline which comes in three fragrances including Cocoa Radiant and Aloe Soothe is super easy to use. Simply spray the desired area from around 4-inches away and rub in – simple as that! The secret ingredient is tiny droplets of Vaseline jelly, locking in moisture and leaving behind a pleasant smell.
Key specs – Paraben-free?: No; Volume: 190ml