Ceramides
Body Lotions, Creams and Moisturisers

Body lotions come in a range of formulations to suit different needs:

• Moisturising lotions: The standard type of body lotion, primarily focused on hydrating and softening the skin.
• Firming body lotions: Formulas that help skin look firmer and more elastic, often with active ingredients like retinol that visibly reduce signs of skin ageing.
• Brightening lotions: A skin-brightening lotion will hydrate while supporting a more radiant complexion. They contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice extract to help brighten the appearance of uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
• Barrier-supporting body lotions: Are aimed at hydrating and helping repair the skin and may contain ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, or other ingredients that support the skin's moisture barrier function.
• Sunscreen lotions: A sunscreen lotion, or a moisturising body lotion with SPF, combines skin hydration with sun protection from included UV filters.

Both body lotions and body creams provide hydration for the skin, but lotions and creams differ in consistency. Body creams are generally thicker and richer for more intense hydration. Lotions are more lightweight and absorb more quickly.

Body butter is a rich, oil-based moisturiser that's often formulated with ingredients like shea butter to create a protective layer to help reduce transepidermal water loss. It's thicker than both body lotion and body cream, making it an ideal hydrating body moisturiser for very dry or rough-looking skin.

Whether you reach for body butter or lotion depends on your skin type and the season. Body butter vs body lotion comes down to texture: body lotion is mostly water-based, absorbs quickly and suits warmer weather, while body butter provides deeper, longer-lasting hydration for cooler months or targeted dry areas.

For rich shea butter and ceramide-enriched hydration, try the CeraVe Intensive Moisturising Cream.

Consider both ingredients and texture when choosing a body lotion for your skin type. Here’s what we recommend:

• For dry skin: Look for richer lotions containing ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter and humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help draw moisture from the air to restore hydration in dry skin.
• Sensitive skin: Use formulas with minimal ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation. Look for lotions that are fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and that contain comforting ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
• Oily/blemish-prone skin: Choose lightweight lotions that absorb quickly and are labelled as non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. You can also opt for an exfoliating lotion formulated with salicylic acid, so you can remove excess oil and dead skin cells while nourishing the skin.
• Mature skin: As skin ages, it's more prone to drying out. Richer body moisturiser formulas and anti-ageing lotions containing peptides, retinol and other collagen-promoting ingredients can help restore skin elasticity in mature skin and even out skin tone.
• Normal skin: Normal skin can tolerate most body lotions, so you can choose based on your preference!

The best body lotion and skincare routines for dry skin combine humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin with skin-identical lipids such as ceramides to support the moisture barrier. Look for formulas that offer both immediate hydration and long-lasting moisture. Choose a lightweight texture under clothing during the day and a richer body moisturiser for dry skin overnight or for targeted use on very dry areas.

Our pick is the CeraVe Intensive Moisturising Lotion, a deeply hydrating formula with MVE technology and Hydro-Urea. MVE technology delivers ceramides gradually throughout the day, helping to maintain hydration, while Hydro-Urea supports the skin's natural moisture levels. It's designed for dry to very dry skin.

A body lotion for sensitive skin should be fragrance-free with a hypoallergenic formula. Lightweight textures that support hydration without feeling heavy are often better suited to sensitive skin types. We recommend the CeraVe Moisturising Lotion as a lightweight body moisturiser for sensitive skin.

For rough or uneven-looking skin, look for a body moisturiser formulated with chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid or lactic acid. The CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream hydrates while gently exfoliating, to visibly smooth the appearance of dry, bumpy skin.

Australia's climate and high UV exposure can contribute to skin dryness year-round. Choosing the right CeraVe body lotion or CeraVe body moisturiser for your skin type makes a difference. For dry to very dry skin, the Intensive Moisturising Lotion provides lasting hydration with MVE technology. Always pair body moisturising with daily sunscreen on exposed skin to help protect against UV.

Body lotion can be applied once daily or as needed. For rough or cracked skin, or dry skin on the heels and soles of the feet you may need to apply more frequently. To help lock in moisture, apply after showering or bathing when skin is slightly damp.

Some body lotions can be used on the face, but many are formulated with richer textures and heavier emollients that may not suit delicate facial skin. Thicker body moisturisers can clog pores and aren't always designed for concerns specific to the face, such as oil control or hydration around the eye area. It’s best to use a moisturiser that’s been specifically formulated for the face, especially if you want to address specific skin concerns.

Most body lotions typically last between 12 and 24 months after opening, depending on the formulation and storage conditions. You can check the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol on the packaging, which indicates how many months the product remains suitable for use once opened.

To help your body lotion last as long as possible:

• Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the lid tightly closed to prevent air and contamination.
• Avoid storing lotion in very humid environments, such as the shower.
• Use clean hands when applying to maintain product quality.

If a lotion changes in smell, texture or appearance, it’s best to stop using it.