Reader question: What's the difference between body oil, butter, and lotion?
Hi Ms. Liz! I've been an avid reader since last year & I would like to commend you for inspiring many girls. I especially love your makeup tutorials! I always have a blast when I try them out myself! Anyway, I wanted to ask you about the difference between body oils, butters and lotions? I have dry skin & religiously use hydrating lotion to no avail. I'm thinking of switching but I always get confused because the market right now is bombarded with many products claiming to be effective, you dont really know what to get. Thank you in advance! - Class
Hi Class! Thanks for reading my blog. I would definitely love to do more tutorials once my schedule eases up a little. It's just been hectic but the next one I plan to do is a summer look. ;) Anyway, let's get crackin' on your question!
Body oils are literally oils with very little to no preservatives. These naturally-derived moisturizers can lubricate and maintain your skin's moisture barrier. It doesn't really penetrate deep into the skin, instead coating it with a layer of oil that prevents moisture from escaping the surface (that's why it's called an occlusive agent). Oils also serve to condition and maintain the suppleness of the skin.
I've only used one oil for the body and it's the Snoe Oil For All Argan Oil. It's light, moisturizes well enough, but is predictably a little greasy. It's fantastic as a facial moisturizer and for calming irritated skin.
Body butters, on the other hand, are a combination of oil, water, wax, petroleum, humectants (attacts water to skin), and emulsifiers (to keep the mixture together). They are designed to provide intensive moisture for dry skin due to the higher oil content as compared to garden variety lotions. Butters usually have a heavy, dense texture. They are absorbed by the skin so you can get deeper conditioning from them compared to oils.
Try the Body Shop Body Butters, they're a cult favorite for a reason. If you don't want to spend so much, you can check out Watsons branded body butters - they're pretty good too, for the price. And they smell just as nice as TBS. ;)
Body lotions have higher water content and less oil; therefore, they're lighter in texture and more easily absorbed compared to oils or butters. It depends on the brand though. Some lotions are heavier and more moisturizing than others. They also usually have additional properties like whitening, SPF, vitamins, anti-oxidants and what not. Lotions are best for everyday use and can work with all skin types.
MoringaO2 Malunggay Herbal Moisturizing Lotion
Avon Skin So Soft lotions. Been using SSS since high school!
If you have dry skin, try these heavy, hydrating lotions - the Jergens Overnight Repair and Ultra Healing Moisturizers
So there you go! Hope that helps, Class. ;) Sooo...who's a body oil, butter, and/or lotion girl? I prefer body lotions since they don't feel greasy during the day, but when I feel dry I usually apply a body butter as a sort of treatment.
