In the vast galaxy of body care, body butters are the stars that twinkle with promise. Like a masterful symphony of luxurious oils, butters, and botanical extracts, they drench your skin with the nourishment it craves, leaving behind a soft, supple glow that’s irresistible to touch.
Body butters are the guardians of your skin, offering a sanctuary for the parched and depleted. With their innate ability to lock in moisture, they are perfect for those with dry skin or anyone in need of that extra hydration boost. Unlike many lotions, their rich, creamy texture can penetrate the surface of the skin to deeply hydrate, rejuvenate, and shield against environmental aggressors.
You can apply these buttery miracles with an upward circular motion, focusing on the areas that need the most attention. To prevent a greasy after-feel, be patient and allow the body butter to absorb fully. Body butters are exceptionally concentrated, so a little can go a long way. If you feel you’ve been overly generous, simply use a soft cloth to remove any excess.
Plus, they’re available in many delightful forms: jars, tubes, sticks, and more. It’s the same tale of indulgence across the board: Scoop a dollop straight from the jar, or glide the stick over your skin, then massage gently to distribute. Whether you prefer a butter with a subtle sheen or a high-gloss finish, they’re versatile enough to cater to your skin’s unique needs. The magic lies in finding a body butter that resonates with your skin and your senses.
Choosing the right body butter can be like navigating through a maze. With myriad choices lining the shelves, each with its unique blend of ingredients and promises, it can get overwhelming. That’s why we’ve taken on the challenge of investigating numerous body butters in the market, evaluating them based on their texture, hydration capacity, absorption rate, and their ability to leave your skin with a healthy glow.
Our quest led us to discover body butters that truly stand out. Each of them excelled in delivering exceptional hydration while melting effortlessly into the skin, leaving it gleaming with a radiant sheen, without feeling heavy or greasy. Keep scrolling to find the crème de la crème that will take your skincare routine to the next level, no matter your skin type or concern.
1. Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream With Tropical Oils + Shea Butter
This body butter from Fenty Beauty is rich, thick, and nourishing—like the best kind of whipped oil cream you can imagine.
It’s loaded with rich butters as well as restorative tropical oils and extracts, so it melts onto the skin and gives it intense moisture instantly and over time. The formula also has a blend of seven conditioning essential oils that will renew your skin’s vibrancy with antioxidant-packed Barbados cherry.
Elsewhere, glycerin helps lock in moisture and make sure that when you’re done slathering this stuff on your whole body, your skin doesn’t feel sticky or greasy.
And did I mention that it smells amazing? It has a tropical fruit and floral scent that will leave you smelling like sunshine all day long!
2. Paula’s Choice Ultra-Rich Soothing Body Butter
If you’re looking for a body butter that’s rich, sumptuous, and creamy, than the Ultra-Rich Soothing Body Butter from Paula’s Choice is a good choice. This luxurious blend of plant oils, emollients, and shea butter leaves dry skin feeling velvety-smooth and silky-feeling—and it’s gentle enough to use on sensitive skin.
This product is so rich that it delivers copious long-lasting hydration for hours at a time. It’s perfect for improving rough-textured skin on trouble spots like the heels, knees, elbows, and hands.
The solution to dry skin problems is finally here!
“This cream is unusually light and easy to apply. It absorbs very quickly. It has no fragrance and is so easy to mix with other fragrant creams or oils,” explained one tester.
3. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Firming Refillable Body Cream
Sol de Janeiro’s body butter is the perfect way to take care of your skin after a long day. It’s fast-absorbing, so it won’t leave a greasy residue on your skin.
It also contains key notes of vanilla, salted caramel, and pistachio that will leave you smelling delicious. But even more than that, the butter has guaraná in it—a plant extract that helps visibly smooth and tighten the appearance of skin. And cupuaçu butter works to lock in moisture and visibly restore skin’s elasticity.
When you use this body butter, it melts into your skin like a dream—it doesn’t leave any kind of residue behind or make your skin feel greasy at all!
According to reviews, “Easy to rub in and a little goes a long way. The product will last you. Keeps body moisturized all day.”
4. Kopari Ultra Restore Body Butter With Hyaluronic Acid
Let’s be honest: sometimes you just want to slather on a thick, rich body butter, and that’s fine. But if you’re looking for a moisturizer that can give you the same results without feeling too heavy or greasy, Kopari’s Ultra Restore Body Butter is a great contender.
The lightweight formula provides deep, long-lasting moisture and keeps skin hydrated so it feels smooth and supple all day long. The best part? The three different scents—coconut, vanilla, and guava—are all equally delicious!
The formula is made with hyaluronic acid, which is known for its moisture retention. Prickly pear flower extract works to nourish and replenish skin, while mango seed butter leaves it smooth.
5. Clinique Deep Comfort™ Body Butter
Clinique’s Deep Comfort Body Butter is an amazing body lotion that will instantly soothe dry skin.
It contains shea butter and glycerin, which are both great for your skin. The formula is dermatologist-tested and appropriate for eczema-prone skin. Don’t let the name fool you—you can use it on your legs as well!
This product is best used after bathing or whenever your skin needs a moisture boost. You don’t need to apply much—just a little bit goes a long way! Pay particular attention to rough, dry areas such as elbows and knees.
“It is thick enough for hydration but not too thick where it becomes messy,” explained one reviewer. “I have sensitive skin, and this is not loaded with perfumes, so it does not irritate.”
6. Keihl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk Honey Whipped Body Butter
When you’re feeling dry, cracked, or parched, it’s time to reach for Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter.
This product has a light texture that absorbs quickly and feels light on the skin. It’s infused with a light scent that won’t overwhelm your senses but will give you enough of an aroma to remind you of its freshness.
While this body butter is great for all skin types, it’s especially helpful for those who have dry skin. Not to mention, shea butter restores suppleness and improves the appearance of dry skin.
Meanwhile, jojoba butter is known to nurture and soften skin and honey is often used as an emollient to moisturize it.
7. Tatcha Indigo Soothing Body Butter
Tatcha’s Indigo Soothing Body Butter is a godsend for anyone who has sensitive, irritated skin.
It’s a thick, moisturizing cream that boasts calming Japanese indigo and naturally therapeutic ingredients, like shea butter and rice bran oil. It has a light scent that will remind you of soft blue skies and warm sunshine—and it feels just as luxurious on your skin.
When you massage this body butter liberally anywhere on the body (especially areas with redness or irritation), it becomes invisible upon application and delivers long-lasting hydration that keeps your skin smooth and healthy.
It’s not going to be cheap—but trust us when we say that it’s worth every penny!
8. MUTHA Body Butter
Bump up your skin’s moisture and firmness with this body butter from MUTHA.
It’s infused with shea, cocoa, and mango butters, which are known for their intense hydration power. The butter also improves tone and discoloration of stretch marks thanks to its antioxidant and vitamin-rich formula.
Its subtle citrus notes will leave you feeling like you’ve just stepped out of a spa treatment.
This body butter is especially great for pregnancy—it supports your skin’s barrier function while delivering intense moisture that lasts all day long. It’s also great for dry winter skin or anyone who wants to add more moisture into their skincare routine!
9. The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter
When you think of The Body Shop, one word comes to mind: “majestic.” That’s because their products are truly the stuff of legends.
The formula is a must-have for any dry-skinned beauty. It’s enriched with sustainably-sourced strawberry seed oil and contains shea butter—so it’s basically a match made in heaven for your skin.
This body butter provides long-lasting moisture without any stickiness or greasiness, which makes it perfect for all-day wear. It absorbs easily into your skin and leaves you feeling soft, smooth, and smelling like a field of strawberries! The scent is light and fruity—it lingers just enough to remind you that summer isn’t over yet.
10. OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter
If your skin is feeling dry, flaky, and tight, you need OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Butter.
This ultra-rich, fast-absorbing formula is packed with seaweed to fight free radicals and support the skin’s own moisture barrier. It also contains skin-identical carbohydrate complex for deep hydration and ceramides that help maintain the integrity of your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
It leaves skin looking healthy and hydrated, with a healthy shine that lasts all day long.
“My skin is now really soft and glowing-and still that way the following day. Any crepey tendencies have disappeared. Love them all,” explained one shopper.
What to Look for in Body Butters
Ingredient Quality
When selecting a body butter, the ingredient list is a vital aspect to consider. Opt for butters with natural, organic ingredients that are nourishing for your skin. Look for key ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or mango butter, which are known for their moisturizing properties.
Moisturizing Properties
Body butters are typically used for their deep moisturizing abilities. Different products offer varying levels of moisture, so consider your skin type and moisture needs when making your choice. If you have very dry skin, for example, you might want a richer, thicker body butter.
Fragrance
Body butters often come in a variety of fragrances. This can range from fruity scents to more natural or floral scents. Consider your personal fragrance preference when choosing your body butter. If you have sensitive skin or are sensitive to fragrance, opt for a fragrance-free version.
Absorption
While body butters are denser and heavier than body lotions, they should still absorb well into the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. Look for a product that absorbs quickly and fully for the most comfortable wear.
Skin Type Suitability
While body butter is typically suitable for all skin types, those with specific skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis might need to be more careful. Look for body butters specifically formulated for sensitive skin or approved by dermatologists for these skin types.
