body butter vs lotion

Exercise Daily – If you are about to step into the never-ending debate of body butter vs lotion, then you should read this article first.

Furthermore, if you have dry skin and are unsure whether you should use body lotion or body butter, this article will help you make an informed decision.

Winter has arrived, and with it, the cold weather. It carries with it plenty of skin problems, the most prevalent of which is dry and flaky skin. 

We tend to lose all of the moisture from our skin during the colder seasons. Many women use thick, buttery creams and lotions to keep their skin smooth and nourished, and they have a variety of options.

Body Butter vs Lotion – What’s the Difference?

Natural ingredients are used in both body butter and lotions to keep your skin smooth and moisturized, but the two products are completely different. 

It’s necessary to keep in mind that various skin types require different products, even if there are a variety of alternatives available on the market.

It is certain that this article will clear up any confusion you may have about the differences between body butter and body lotions.

Body Lotion

body butter vs lotion

In comparison to body butter, lotions are lighter, non-greasy, and swiftly absorbed into the skin. Due to the fact that it is an emulsion combination of both water and oils, it is ideal for persons with normal to slightly dry skin.

When you’re in need of some lightweight moisturizing, reach for the lotion. This is especially beneficial for people with a less than dry skin texture on their face and hands, as well as their feet.

The lotion is more moisturizing and non-sticky than the butter. Because lotion has a larger water content than butter, it distributes more widely and transports less fatty stuff. 

They may be applied to the face and contain a small level of SPF, which is an added bonus if you choose lotions over creams or lotions over moisturizers.

Lotions are suitable for use both during the day and at night. They are non-comedogenic, which means they will not clog pores.

Body butter, on the other hand, has a thicker, balmier texture than lotion. It’s especially beneficial for dry parts of our bodies, such as the elbows, hands, legs, and feet.

They are ideal for those who have extremely dry skin since they have a greasy feel and are rich in nutrients. So, this was all about body lotion in our comparison of body butter vs lotion.

Body Butter

body butter vs lotion

When you require a more intense moisturizer, use body butter. This is particularly beneficial for rougher skin, as well as for use all over the body.

When compared to lotion, butter carries less water and distributes less easily on the skin. Body butter is unrefined and pure, whereas lotions are more polished. 

Our facial skin is extremely sensitive, and applying butter can cause acne or darken the complexion owing to the high concentration of greasiness and low concentration of water in the butter. It is not recommended to use butter on the face.

While sleeping, butter should be used sparingly since our skin is in a state of healing, making them very effective. As a result, using it at night has proven to be more effective.

In most cases, body butter comprises cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, or another vegetable-based oil as the primary moisturizing ingredients. 

It’s thicker than lotion and has a greater ability to rejuvenate dry skin, whether applied all over or specifically to problem areas such as elbows and knees. It’s also more affordable than lotion.

Which is Better Body Butter or Lotion?

Body butter vs lotion, both types of skincare products have their own time and place. In fact, you might want to keep one of each in your cosmetics cabinet to ensure that your body care regimen is as personalized as possible. 

Here are a few considerations that could influence your decision on whether to use body butter or body lotion to keep your skin moisturized.

What is your skin type, and what are your primary skin concerns?

Body butter includes a higher concentration of heavier moisturizers and, as a result, tends to deliver a more intense level of hydration. 

These are excellent for individuals who suffer from dry skin, as well as for those who have dehydrated skin or rough areas on their skin. These luxurious compositions are ideal for rapidly restoring the skin’s moisture levels with a concentrated amount of moisture.

Body butter may leave a greasy feeling on the skin, especially in the case of people with oily skin. 

A water- or aloe-based moisturizer, such as a body lotion, will most likely be a better suit for this type of skin. 

People who are prone to body breakouts can benefit from the lightweight, ultra-breathable texture of body lotion, which is often more effective.

People with older skin who want to improve the flexibility of their skin (as well as pregnant women who want to reduce the appearance of stretch marks) may find that body butter is a suitable choice because the formulae tend to contain more elasticity-boosting substances such as fatty acids.

While talking about body butter vs lotion, both of them have benefits for your skin.

What season are you using them?

In the winter, the cold, dry air may drain moisture from the skin, leaving it looking and feeling drier and dehydrated as a result. 

In order to maintain the skin barrier strong and hydrated throughout this period, you may discover that you need to use body butter on a regular basis.

It is often the case that during the warmer months, when humidity is higher, and temperatures are milder, your skin is better equipped to retain moisture naturally. 

As a result, it may not necessitate the usage of a complex formula. For everyday usage during these seasons, a body lotion will most likely prove to be a more suitable option.

What kind of skin feel do you prefer?

If you have typical skin that is neither too dry nor excessively oily, you may find that you may use either recipe on a daily basis to hydrate your skin without irritation. If this is the case, it may come down to personal preference in terms of how you want to feel.

Body butter is a thicker moisturizer that tends to leave the skin feeling smooth. Because they are intended to give intensive hydration while simultaneously creating a protective barrier, they might take longer to absorb than other types of products. 

When used in the same way as night creams, body butter can be quite beneficial in increasing the skin’s moisture levels while the skin is in recovery mode at night.

When making a comparison of body butter vs lotion, it all depends on your skin type.

In the case that you want a body moisturizer that does not leave any sort of distinct sensation on the skin, a body lotion will be a great option for you to consider.

Because they are often designed with substances such as water, aloe vera, and glycerin, they are fast-absorbing and provide a daily dose of hydration while still feeling light and fresh on the skin. 

As with lightweight day creams for the face, body lotion may be an excellent choice for the mornings when you need to hydrate while still getting ready for the day ahead of you. When using this sort of moisturizer, there is no need to wait for the product to absorb.

5 Best Body Butters in 2021

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body ButterBuy on Amazon

Josie Maran Body butter is the first one on the list of our comparison of body butter vs lotion.

Pure Argan Oil, whipped to buttery perfection, revitalizes skin, restores suppleness, and enhances the texture of the skin.

Infused with vital fatty acids and antioxidants, this ultra-hydrating body butter helps to soften, smooth, and soften skin. The lightweight, silky texture absorbs rapidly, providing immediate and long-lasting sustenance.

Use it anywhere on your body to soften and keep your skin well-hydrated all day. Use after bathing to achieve the finest effects since pores are open and ready to absorb the whipped, velvety sweetness of the product.

Josie Maran believes in the need for cosmetics with a social conscience. Whipped Argan Oil is devoid of animal byproducts and synthetic fragrances. It is also free of formaldehyde and pegs and is paraben and sulfate-free, gluten-free, and phthalate-free.

Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter has a lightweight, velvety texture that absorbs rapidly thanks to the inclusion of shea butter, avocado oil, white tea extract, and other key ingredients in the formulation.

The Bottom Line

From top to bottom, this luxurious oil-powered body butter softens, smoothes, and noticeably firms skin thanks to its nutrient-rich fatty acids and antioxidants.

The lightweight product, which is packed with nourishing nutrients and all-natural aromas, sweeps on and rapidly settles in, bathing your entire body in intense, long-lasting hydration.

Pros

  • Highly moisturizing
  • Soothing and anti-aging benefits
  • Suitable for normal or dry skin types

Cons

  • Not suitable for extremely dry skins

Truly Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Butter

Truly Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body ButterBuy on Amazon

You can’t forget about Truly skincare products when you are discussing topics like body butter vs lotion.

If you enjoy having fun with your skincare products, this is the body butter for you! The rainbow-colored cream has the appearance and scent of whipped icing, and it is just as delightful. 

If you are a lover of all things bright and beautiful, you will undoubtedly like having it in your bathroom cabinet.

It’s a bit on the thick side for body butter, with very little water or humectants included. The product is therefore extremely reparative and highly efficient in locking moisture into the skin. 

Additionally, it is thick and oily, which is particularly noticeable if you are used to commercial body butter. We recommend using it over a milder, moisturizing lotion or shortly after a shower to ensure that you receive the maximum advantages of the product.

There are several different body butter and oils in the mix, as well as extracts from green tea, eggplant, acai berries, and other plants. 

This indicates that it may contain some skin-preserving antioxidant capabilities in addition to the many various body butter and oil options.

The Bottom Line

If you desire smooth, healthy skin, moisturizing is an absolute must-do step in your skincare routine. 

This brightly colored cream includes shea butter to hydrate the skin, collagen (a protein found in the skin) to plump it up, antioxidants from acai berries to protect the skin from environmental damage. 

You may use it anywhere your skin feels dry, but the brand suggests concentrating on your feet, knees, elbows, and cuticles after taking a shower or bath. According to the reviews, the butter has a pleasant, candy-like fragrance.

Pros

  • Attractive colors
  • Rich in moisture
  • Contains reparative oils and butter

Cons

  • Greasy feel

Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter

Clinique Deep Comfort Body ButterBuy on Amazon

The skin can absolutely benefit from body butter’ hydration, but that is not what they are renowned for! Because of this product, you will choose body butter while comparing body butter vs lotion.

One of the things that distinguish this body butter from others is that it is packed with humectants, which are substances that actively draw water into the skin.

The fact that it’s still a body butter means that it contains a significant quantity of shea butter, even though there are no other plant oils in the mix. 

The primer-like texture is created by silicone and a few additional emollients rather than by a solvent. Afterward, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and butylene glycol contribute to the humectant.

It also works well for those who are sensitive to fragrances, as it, like other Clinique products, does not include any scent ingredients. 

It does not deliver the aromatic sensation that many other body butters provide, and some people may find it a little boring without the fragrance. However, if your skin is really sensitive, it’s better to keep things boring!

The Bottom Line

Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter is an excellent body butter that is reasonably priced. It’s thick and hydrating, yet it doesn’t leave a greasy residue. 

It feels light on the skin, yet it gives the same amount of hydration as thicker skin creams. Because a small amount of this distributes evenly, it will last much longer than you would expect.

Pros

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Highly moisturizing
  • Silky texture

Cons

  • No fragrance

L’Occitane Pure Shea Butter

L'Occitane Pure Shea ButterBuy on Amazon

As we discussed in our comparison of body butter vs lotion, most body butters include a significant quantity of shea butter if you’ve been paying attention. Remove all of the frills and go straight for the pure substance if that’s what you choose to do.

In addition to linoleic acid, which is very soothing to the skin, shea butter contains a few other hydrating fatty acids, including oleic acid. 

It has a high occlusive property, which means that it stops moisture from evaporating, making it an excellent post-shower therapy for dry skin.

Aside from that, it is also high in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and epicatechin gallate (which is also present in green tea), which enhances its relaxing properties and helps to prevent premature aging. 

While it is slightly thick on its own, it does not require as much effort to melt as many other plant butters and oils, and it does not have the greasy sensation of many other plant butters and oils.

The Bottom Line

Natural and organic, Organic Pure Shea Butter from L’Occitane is a deeply nourishing spot treatment that softens even the driest skin. 

Make use of this product on your elbows, lips, cuticles, feet, and even your hair! Shea Butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree and is 100 percent natural in origin.

This essential beauty balm helps to protect, soothe, and nourish dry and parched skin while also enhancing the appearance of skin. It also contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.

Pros

  • Very occlusive
  • No greasy feel
  • Suitable for anti-aging

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter

Tree Hut Shea Body ButterBuy on Amazon

Body butters are often more costly than creams since they include a larger proportion of oils and less water than creams. In order to offset this, they are slightly more expensive to manufacture. 

However, even if you’re on a tight budget, there are still some fantastic solutions available to you, due in part to Tree Hut. It would be negligence not to review Tree Hut while discussing body butter vs lotion.

These body butters from Tree Hut are notable for not compromising on the quality of their ingredients. It is organic shea butter that serves as the main component, and it appears prominently on the ingredient list. 

In addition to safflower oil and cocoa butter, the mixture contains a few additional excellent plant emollients, such as butter and coconut oil. Because it also contains glycerin and water, you can use it as a stand-alone moisturizer.

Due to the use of light synthetics, the texture is very smooth and non-greasy. This is mostly due to the addition of an airy, velvety sensation created by the thinned-out texture. 

This sophisticated blend of natural oils and exquisite synthetics is the reason why this product feels so good on the face while being reasonable. 

However, companies that stick to all-natural formulae must make trade-offs in terms of either skin feel or price.

The Bottom Line

Tree Hut offers products that gently exfoliate, wash, nourish, soften, and protect your skin without the use of toxic materials.

Manufactured from the seeds of the Shea (Karit) tree, shea butter is regarded as a skin superfood. Shea Butter, which is naturally high in vitamins, assists in the formation of collagen while also protecting and nourishing the skin to keep it from drying out.

Pros

  • Highly moisturizing
  • Less greasy
  • Wide range of flavors

Cons

  • Not organic

5 Best Body Lotions in 2021

In our discussion of body butter vs lotion, the following are the 5 best body lotions in 2021:

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body CreamBuy on Amazon

Since the company’s founding more than a century ago, its best-selling product has been the Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream, which remains a fan favorite to this day. 

Known as a “savior” for dry and rough skin, you may use this product as much as you need throughout the day! 

Calendula, rosemary, and sweet almond oil are included in the formula, which provides results that are visible on the surface but not beneath the skin.

This rich, plant-based solution changes skin to make it seem more radiant, making it the best moisturizer for dry, rough skin.

Extracts of rosemary, chamomile, and pansy are infused in a nourishing foundation of sunflower and sweet almond oils to help unlock the appearance of radiance and give you a healthy-looking glow, while sunflower and sweet almond oils nourish the skin.

In spite of its 100-year history, Weleda continues to place a high priority on fair trade working conditions, regenerative agricultural techniques, and organically certified natural ingredients.

The Bottom Line

Weleda Skin Food is the natural option for everyday skincare, especially for dry or rough skin. It is available in a variety of formulations. 

Skin Food, which is formulated with extracts of viola, chamomile, and calendula, helps to restore balance to the skin’s structure while also soothing and nourishing the skin.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Suitable for dry and rough skin
  • Organic certified

Cons

  • Doesn’t absorb easily

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body LotionBuy on Amazon

In addition to Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy, AmLactin is the number one dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand on the market. While talking about body butter vs lotion, let’s see how much effective is this body lotion.

When lactic acid is combined with additional moisturizers, it helps to stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process through mild exfoliation. The result is skin that is highly moisturized and seems to be younger in appearance. 

However, despite the fact that this lotion is packed with emollients and humectants, it is mild enough to use on a daily basis and will relieve your body of dry, flaky, rough, and bumpy skin. It is a perfect product to keep on hand throughout the fall and winter seasons.

Shake thoroughly before using. Apply twice daily or as advised by a doctor for best results. On sensitive or damaged skin, mild stinging or discomfort may occur. If this continues, discontinue usage of the product. This product is not suitable for use on the face.

The Bottom Line

It is perfect for moisturizing and smoothing rough, dry skin over wide parts of the body such as the arms, legs, trunk, and back.

This daily moisturizer includes clinically proven lactic acid at a concentration of 12 percent, which helps to stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process through mild exfoliation.

Pros

  • Highly moisturizing and soothing
  • Non-greasy
  • Suitable for dry and rough skin

Cons

  • Not suitable for skin conditions

Alaffia Everyday Coconut Hydrating Body Lotion

Alaffia Everyday Coconut Hydrating Body LotionBuy on Amazon

Alaffia Body Lotion is a skincare product that moisturizes, repairs, and protects the skin. It is a great addition to the list of body lotions while we are discussing body butter vs lotion.

EveryDay Coconut Body Lotion is made with certified fair-trade virgin coconut oil and coffee berry extract, and it is suitable for everyday use. Skin that is normal to dry will benefit from this hydrating and antioxidant-rich product.

Vitamin E-rich virgin coconut oil from fair-trade sources moisturizes, protects, and helps to keep moisture in the skin. 

Coffee Berry is a powerful antioxidant that helps to soften skin and neutralize free radical damage. It helps with hydrating and moisturizing skin, resulting in smooth and supple skin.

The Bottom Line

Enjoy the pureness of fair-trade coconut oil with coffee berry.

It is created with affection and care. Products from Alaffia contain “NO” sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, mineral oil, artificial color, or synthetic scent, among other things.

Pros

  • Moisturize and protects your skin
  • Sulfate-free ingredients
  • Certified fair-trade virgin coconut oil

Cons

  • Weird smell

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Moisturizing CreamBuy on Amazon

CeraVe was created by dermatologists, and it makes use of a trademarked composition that promises to create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. 

It claims that this unique composition (known as Multivesicular Emulsion Technology) guarantees that the moisturizer will be time-released throughout the day, providing total hydration. 

CeraVe also makes use of ceramides, which are intended to assist in the retention of moisture in the skin. 

Ceramides are naturally present in our skin, but they begin to diminish with time. There are three separate ceramides in CeraVe products, all of which are suitable to assist not only protect the skin but also keep it smooth throughout the day.

The Bottom Line

CeraVe is especially beneficial for individuals who have severely dry skin or skin that dries out by the middle of the day. One application will be plenty for the entire day. 

This moisturizing cream is also fragrance-free, allowing people who are sensitive to the aroma in skincare products to experiment with it with confidence. 

The lotion may also be beneficial for patients who are receiving chemotherapy and have extremely dry skin as a result of their treatment. CeraVe is a good addition to our discussion of body butter vs lotion.

Pros

  • Multivesicular Emulsion Technology
  • Suitable for people with dry skin
  • No fragrance to avoid allergies

Cons

  • A bit greasy

Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

Drunk Elephant Sili Body LotionBuy on Amazon

This vegan and cruelty-free product from Drunk Elephant’s Sili Body Lotion is the perfect everyday moisturizer to keep dry skin at ease, and we love that it meets Byrdie’s requirements for being “clean.” 

A powerful mix of five distinct ceramides helps to reinforce the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss, while marula and shea butters, squalane, and amino acids hydrate and enhance the skin’s defenses against environmental aggressors. 

A mix of fruit-derived antioxidants that protect against free-radical damage is also included, and the pH level is 4.2, which is skin-friendly for sensitive skin.

There are no sulfates, silicones, irritating fragrance, and essential oils, color, or drying alcohols in this lotion, and there aren’t any of the other skin-care irritants that tend to find their way into your body care products.

The Bottom Line

The Sili Body Lotion is moisturizing and nourishing, and it replenishes and soothes the skin, bringing dull, dry, and irritated skin back to a healthier and more balanced condition. 

This formulation is suitable for all skin types, and you can be certain that it will keep your skin moisturized for a long time.

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Contains shea butter
  • Sulfate-free 

Cons

  • Not as effective as other body lotions

FAQs – Body Butter vs Lotion

How often should I use body butter?

You can apply your body butter on a daily basis or as often as necessary. It is suitable that you use it on a regular basis if you have dry skin.

Depending on your skin type (normal or oily), you could choose to use it as a weekly treatment or to treat dry patches.

Can body butter be used as a moisturizer?

Maintaining your skin’s hydration is essential, regardless of the season or weather. Because body butter is such an excellent moisturizer, it’s not a bad idea to experiment with it on your face. 

When using this product, as long as you do not encounter any irritation as a result of specific substances, it has the potential to help you restore brightness and moisture to your skin.

Is body butter good for your skin?

Body butter is beneficial to your skin because it includes healthy fats such as omega 3 fatty acids, which may help alleviate the symptoms of various skin disorders such as rashes, stretch marks, burns, and bites, among other things. 

In this way, body butter can work as an anti-inflammatory for your skin, alleviating any discomfort you are experiencing.

Does body butter lighten skin?

Herbal skin lighteners such as shea butter are effective because of the high concentration of vitamin E in the product. 

Vitamin E encourages the renewal of skin cells and assists in the healing process. There are several essential oils available on the market that are effective in producing a more even skin tone, treating hyperpigmentation, and lightening dark spots.

Is body butter good for stretch marks?

Those expecting mothers who want to escape the stretch mark and scarring situation completely might use Body Merry’s Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream. 

If you already have stretch marks, this body butter will help to lessen their appearance, but its true value lies in its ability to prevent those annoying markings from emerging in the first instance.

Is it OK to put body butter on face?

When it comes to moisturizing the skin on your face, you can use body butter if you have a normal complexion. It is okay to use argan oil butter on the face as well. 

Body butter is an excellent moisturizer, but due to its greasy texture, it may not always be the best choice for all skin types.

Conclusion

So, this article was all about body butter vs lotion. We hope you liked the products reviewed in this article. Let us know your favorite body butter or body lotion in the comments section below!