Body lotion tends to get overlooked. Some of us might swipe on an illuminating formula to offset a summer dress, or apply a crisis-point dose to cracking heels, but it’s unlikely we’ll give it much more thought than that.
But actually, the meditative process of massaging in a luxurious cream has never been more welcome than it is now, which likely explains the triumphant return of body lotions. Sales are soaring across the board, with Space NK reporting an 847 per cent increase compared to 2019.
Perhaps we’ve all got a little more time to indulge in such beauty rituals now, or maybe we’re in search of a small luxury to see us through anxious evenings spent inside. Either way, a luxurious, scented body lotion is an (admittedly frivolous) yet entirely welcome addition to our routines.
Here, see the 12 best to try now, from mind-soothing aromatherapy blends to a formula that will eradicate dryness in minutes.
Best For A Clean Scent: Blanche Body Lotion, Byredo
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Byredo has formulated some of its most-loved scents into lightweight body lotions, so you can double the trail of your signature (or simply wear it in place of a perfume). Blanche is crisp, clean and cocooning, like just-laundered cotton sheets. Day or night, it’s perfect.
Best For Skin Repair: The Body Cream, Augustinus Bader
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So much more than a hydrating cream, this revolutionary formula prompts skin cells to repair themselves at a faster rate, working to fade pigmentation and redness, and even smooth cellulite (a feat many have tried, but few have managed to achieve). If you’re looking for something to repair long-neglected skin, this is it.
Best For Fine Fragrance Fans: Rose Atlantic Body Lotion, D.S. & Durga
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This body lotion is the best introduction to D.S. & Durga’s deliciously niche fine fragrances. Don’t be deceived by the name: rose plays a supporting role here, pepped up by citrus and tempered by sea spray. It’s the ideal gift for any serious fragrance buff.
Best For Silky Limbs: Sili Body Lotion, Drunk Elephant
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Drunk Elephant’s new body line really lives up to the hype. It’s lighter than most – so absorbs in seconds – and leaves sun-starved limbs both soft and luminous. There’s a signature Bakewell-tart scent, but it doesn’t hang around for long.
Best For Better Sleep: Bedtime Hero Magnesium Body Butter, NEOM
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It’s tricky to formulate magnesium flakes into a body lotion, but Neom has absolutely mastered it with this rich, nourishing butter.
A 20ml application, massaged head to toe, delivers the RDA of 300mg magnesium to the skin, where it may regulate sleep patterns, reduce anxiety, and even help to restore overworked muscles.
There are four scents to choose from, but our favourite is Bedtime Hero: a chamomile-based blend that makes a soothing alternative to lavender.
Best For Dull, Dry Skin: Renaissance Hand & Body Cream, Oskia
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Oskia’s souped-up body lotion contains natural fruit AHAs that will slowly dissolve dead skin cells, revealing the brighter, softer skin beneath. A heavy dose of plant oils delivers supremely long-lasting moisture, while the rosy scent is an uplifting treat.
An added bonus, it works wonders on ragged cuticles too.
Best For Keratosis Pilaris: Transforming Body Lotion - Rose, Ameliorate
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This dermatologist-developed body lotion (recently luxed-up with a hint of rose) is especially good as nixing mild skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris. It’s formulated with lactic acid, which gently resurfaces the top layer of the skin, eliminating those tiny bumps while delivering deep hydration.
Best For Energising: Rind Concentrate Body Balm, Aesop
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Aesop’s long-coveted body care is loved for more than its inimitably chic packaging. This thick, extra-nourishing body balm is energised with grapefruit and orange oils, which creates an intensely juicy citrus scent that lingers long after you’ve massaged it in – a perfect hot-weather choice.
Best For A Lighter Texture: Firm & Replenish Body Serum, Aurelia Probiotic Skincare
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This milky serum is the best choice for anyone who prefers a lighter texture. That’s not to say it doesn’t pack a serious hydrating punch though: the collection of (steam-distilled) essential oils makes sure of that.
Best For Cult Appeal: Body Lotion [Santal 33], Le Labo
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Layering your fragrance with a corresponding body lotion is the best way to lengthen and intensify its trail. Lucky then, that Le Labo‘s phenomenally popular Santal 33 also comes in a lotion formula.
Best For A Foggy Head: Revive Body Lotion, Aromatherapy Associates
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From one of the most accomplished aromatherapy brands in the industry, this body lotion is a mind-rejuvenating treat. Fatty acids and hyaluronic acid work on dry, dull skin, while a masterful cocktail of essential oils – dominated by grapefruit and rosemary – awakens a sluggish mind.
This subtly spicy rose body lotion has been raved about for years, and it’s still one of the best. Use it (or gift it) alongside the matching bath oil or body polish for a decadent sensory treat.
