The popularity of body moisturisers can largely be attributed to the fact that they seamlessly combine skincare with everyday self-care rituals. They hydrate the skin by providing a barrier to lock in moisture, improving the skin’s overall texture and appearance. This is especially important for people with dry or dehydrated skin. Body lotions can also help soothe skin irritation and inflammation. While the skincare community now has an abundance of moisturising products to choose from – body oils, serums, and the rest – two bath and body care products need special mention: body butters and body lotions.
Difference between body butter and body lotion
Body Butter
Formulation:
A body butter is formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter cream, cocoa butter, or mango butter. They are particularly rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
Texture:
Body butters are thick and creamy, with a heavy consistency that can take longer to absorb into the skin.
Benefits:
Body butter benefits very dry and rough skin, as well as areas that need extra attention, such as elbows, knees, and heels. Body butter is also great for people who live in colder or drier climates.
Body Lotion
Formulation:
A mixture of water, oil, and other ingredients, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, forms the basis for body lotions.
Texture:
Body lotions are more lightweight, less greasy, and have a more fluid/watery texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin.
Benefits:
Body lotion uses cover everyday rituals and is suitable for all skin types. Based on the ingredients used, they can be formulated to be rich for dry skin types or lighter for oily or combination skin.
Body butter or body lotion: which is better
Is body butter better than lotion? There is no definitive "better" option between the two. The ideal pick for you comes down to your skin type, personal preference, the environment you’re exposed to, and the unique needs of your skin.
1. Skin type:
Body lotions are a better choice for people with normal to oily skin as they don’t overwhelm already grease-prone skin. Body butter is ideal for people with dry, dehydrated skin. They also come in handy for skin that has with a compromised barrier.
2. Climate:
Dry, cold climates call for the added protection of body butter as they can better protect the skin against the elements. Body lotions work wonders for humid or warmer climates, as they don’t make the skin unnecessarily greasier than it is.
3. Time of day:
Many people prefer to use body lotion during the day, as it can come with added SPF protection and does not leave behind a greasy residue. Body butter may be more suitable for the PM and can be a good way to deeply nourish your skin while you snooze.
4. Functionality:
Body lotions have more innovative and flexible formulations than butters. While most body butter focuses on deep nourishment, body lotions can be infused with actives like AHAs, BHAs or retinoids to further your skincare goals.
