I have a weird, love-hate relationship with body lotion. On one hand, I know a consistent lotion habit will keep my skin suffused with hydration, glow, and nutrition (flakes, back away), but I just can’t stomach lotions that leave me so sticky or greasy I’m 99.9% tempted to jump right back into the shower. Anyone else?
It was only recently (okay, since becoming a beauty editor) that I’ve finally curated a pot-of-gold collection of body lotions— the crème de la crème of creams that curb my previous cringies by delivering high-wattage moisture to my skin without making me feel like I could go down a waterless Slip ‘N Slide. It’s a slippery slope, and I dare say my group of chosen ones (aka the lotions lining my bathroom vanity) walk the line with dependable steadiness. The one glitch? The majority of lotions I’ve begun to prioritize are seriously debilitating to my bank account, and considering my body’s surface area (I’m 5’10), my bottles hit empty real fast.
So I did what any self-respecting beauty reporter would do, and I did some research—scanning labels, cross-checking ingredients, and diving headfirst into hundreds of reviews until I found 10 affordably priced dopplegänger body lotions that could twin with all of my more expensive favorites. Now, I’m not saying I’ll say sayonara to my budget-busting favorites altogether (I love them so much), but I’ll save them for indulgent occasions while reaping the still-decadent benefits of their thriftier counterparts. Curious to see what I came up with? Keep scrolling! The 20 best body lotions (cheap and not so cheap) are just below!
Don’t get it twisted. We will never be able to replace our beloved bottle of Kayo body lotion, but $58 isn’t anything to sneeze at. The good news? It features hero ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and CoQ10 and omega-rich oils like avocado, coconut, Kukui nut, macadamia nut, and acai—not dissimilar to Palmer’s iconic blend of coconut oil and vitamin E.
Laura Mercier’s dessert-level body lotions are legendary, but we can’t help but be drawn to Bekura’s equally tempting concoctions. Not only do the scent notes sing to a similar tune, but it’s also stacked with an ultraclean lineup of ingredients like African shea fruit, aloe vera, illipe seed butter, and skin-smoothing oils from coconut, olive, and grape-seed. Plus, it absorbs quickly and won’t leave you feeling greasy! (Just velveteen soft.)
One of the many reasons we adore Nécessaire’s cult-loved body formulas is their fairly affordable price tags. The brand prioritizes quality, but a back-to-basics simplicity gives its concoctions a clean, no-frills effectiveness we appreciate. CeraVe’s formula may not be as clean or chic as Nécessaire’s (let’s just be candid, folks), but it is dermatologist tested, fragrance-free, and superbly hydrating.
Okay, nothing can compare to La Mer in the luxury department. (That $200 price tag speaks for itself!) But if you’re looking for something with a few notably shared attributes, we’d direct you to this top-rated body lotion from Soap & Glory. Just like La Mer’s repair-focused body lotion, it features sea-derived ingredients to put some pep back into dull skin’s step.
Both of these best-of-the-best body lotions are top-tier options for anyone searching for a bottle of cream that will keep skin topped up with moisture for hours and hours without aggravating even the most sensitive of skin. We’re fans of both formulas, but if you’re looking to save a few, we highly suggest this hit from Bioderma.
Creme de Corps is so famous, and many a celebrity, beauty editor, and dermatologist recommend this OG formula. Alas, this thick, vegan, fragrance-free lotion from Bliss is (quite honestly) just as good. It has all the must-haves thirsty skin craves, like shea butter coconut oil, soybean oil, sodium hyaluronate (which is even more hydrating than hyaluronic acid!), and candelilla wax (a vegan swap for beeswax, which helps protect the skin barrier).
No, this CBD-spiked body lotion from Pacifica isn’t as potent as Lord Jones’s muscle-soothing bottle, but it smells amazing and still gives tired skin and aches a little something-something, with less sting to your bank account.
Drunk Elephant’s popular body lotion is one of the best when it comes to delivering long-term moisture and hydration, and it’s especially nice for anyone who loves slightly sweet (but not sickly sweet) scents. (We’d describe it as a light marzipan that doesn’t linger.) This calming option from The Body Shop offers your skin and senses a similar vibe, thanks to key hitters like honey and organic almond milk.
There is only a $3 difference here, but hey, we wanted to offer you the option! Both of these natural formulas feel like the most succulent tropical vacation—a very nice escape if you’re tired of 2020’s Groundhog Day-esque repetition. Plus, your skin will practically shimmer with nutrition.
Augustinus Bader answered our hopes and dreams when it came out with a lighter version of its much-adored body cream. Don’t get us wrong, this body lotion is definitely worthy of a splurge thanks to the patented TFC8 that just might turn you into a Benjamin Button, but not many of us have the funds right now to reach for a $95 lotion our skin will lap up in one month’s time. This French balm (it’s a lotion, don’t trip) covers similar bases with lots of strategic additions like prebiotic thermal water, lipid-rich shea butter, hydrating glycerin, and soothing niacinamide to keep your skin just as soft and dreamy. Up next, The Only Foundations That Matter If You Have Dry Skin
