Beauty
Heres the deal.
Both will moisturize your skin and make it feel more soft and plump.
If thats the case, then, why are they called two different things?
According to dermatologists, there are a few key differences between the two body care staples.
They also contain similar ingredients.
Choosing one over the other often comes down to personal preferences, says Pielek.
What Is Body Lotion?
Think ofbody lotionas an everyday all-over moisturizer.
Its used to provide [hydration], soften the skin, and make it feel smoother, saysDr.
Brendan Camp, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist atMDCS Dermatology.
Lotion usually containshumectants like glycerinandhyaluronic acid, skin-soothing emollients, and occlusive ingredients that absorb into your skin.
Many also contain soothing and skin barrier-fortifying ingredients likevitamin Eandceramides, addsDr.
Arash Akhavan, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner ofThe Dermatology and Laser Group.
What Is Body Cream?
If yourskin is extra dry, thats when youll want to dip into a body cream.
You might crave a body cream in thewinter when your skin is dryfrom cold weather.
They also come in clutch when you need a more intense treatment for cracked skin thinkchapped handsorcracked heels.
This ingredient serves as a semi-occlusive agent that helps protect and seal in moisture.
Body Lotion Vs.
Body Cream
The main difference between creams and lotions lies in their consistency.
Body creams are thicker than lotions because they contain a higher concentration of oil, Camp says.
Akhavan adds that lotions tend to absorb faster while creams feel heavier and take longer to rub in.
Body lotions are better for oily skinbecause of the lightweight consistency, he says.
Studies referenced:
Chen, HJ.
(2022).Moisture retention of glycerin solutions with various concentrations: a comparative study.
Sci Rep. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-13452-2.
(2021).Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals.
