What's The Difference Between Body Cream & Lotion? What You Need To Know

Wonder no more: Here's what you need to know about using them both. 

At the end of the day, though, ​​there are no stringent rules for what's considered a body cream versus a lotion (you may even discover a lightweight product that calls itself a body cream or a butter-thick formula sold as a lotion). Ultimately, we can chalk the difference up to marketing, but overall most experts agree on this textural distinction. 

Have a decadent cream you're dying to try? Keep these factors in mind before slathering on: 

"Creams are thicker in consistency," says King. "They will usually have more occlusive properties." That said, body creams are typically fit for drier skin types that may need more help keeping hydration locked inside—those with dry or sensitive skin conditions (like eczema) may also find a dense cream suitable for laying the moisture on thick, adds board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D., co-host of The GIST Show. 

The timing matters, too, as the skin is more permeable at night (here's a 2016 study explaining why1), which means your skin can lose significant hydration as you sleep. That's why experts recommend applying a heavier, more occlusive moisturizer before bed to help your skin deal with transepidermal water loss2. 

Finally, you can massage a rich cream into drier portions of your body—like the hands, feet, elbows, knees, etc. Pay special attention to those paws: "They tend to be drier with constant washing," says Downie. 

On the flip side, here's what to know about opting for a thinner lotion:

Those with acne-prone skin might fare better with a lotion, as these typically aren't as occlusive as their body cream counterparts—meaning, they don't include heavier ingredients (the shea butter, the coconut oil) that can be comedogenic for those prone to breakouts.  

A thinner lotion is also best for daytime use, says King: "It's more readily absorbed by the skin and it leaves a less greasy residue." Lotions also tend to have a quicker dry-down time and an easier slip, which makes them more wearable for daytime hours (read: It won't stick to your clothes).  

See here for our list of body lotion recommendations, make a vat of your own DIY version, or select one of the lightweight confections below. 

It's just about lotion versus cream that you should keep in mind, there are other factors at play if a product is right for you.

If you have easily congested skin, you'll want to make sure whichever product you use is noncomedogenic. While body creams tend to be more occlusive (which can trap oil and bacteria and potentially lead to breakouts), don't think that lotions are an immediate safe bet. See, there is no set definition for this skin care term—so you have to peek at the individual ingredients and point out any red flags. So a lotion, while technically thinner, may wind up comedogenic, whereas a body cream may work just fine for your skin. 

No matter your product, you'll also want to pay attention to fragrance: "If the body lotion or the body cream is scented, it could be more irritating," says Downie, especially if you have sensitive skin. Artificial fragrance is "one of the most common ingredients to cause sensitivity, puffiness, itch, and rash," board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, once told us, but even natural fragrances (essential oils and the like) can sneak into the formula and trigger irritation for some. If your skin feels itchy or irritated after you slather on a cream or lotion, you may want to opt for a fragrance-free number (these options will make your skin feel like butter). 

Not all body creams and lotions are the exact same, but generally, creams tend to be richer and denser than lotions. To determine which product you should use, there are a few factors to mind (skin type, time of year, and select parts of the body), but as we discussed above: Finding the best body product is a personal journey, so you may have to test some formulas before you find one you adore. Want something that's best of both worlds? Try a light body cream, which should have a texture somewhere in the middle.