Walk down the body care aisle, or scroll through our bath and body shop, and you'll find dozens of body butters, lotions, creams and moisturizers, each promising silky, hydrated skin. But what's the difference between these formulas? And more importantly, which one is best for your skin type?

The short answer is that all three hydrate skin, just in different ways. All three have different textures and different levels of richness. Knowing what sets them apart can help you choose the right product for your skin type, unique needs and skin care goals. In this blog, we'll discuss:

• What is body butter?
• What is body butter used for?
• Body butter vs. lotion vs. cream vs. moisturizer: what's the difference?
• Which one is right for your skin type?

What is body butter?

Body butter is a thick, rich skin care product made primarily from plant-based fats like shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter or kokum butter. Unlike lotions, which contain a significant amount of water, body butters are typically anhydrous—meaning they're formulated without water entirely. The result is a dense, deeply nourishing texture that melts into skin on contact and provides a long-lasting barrier that helps seal in moisture.

Because they're so concentrated, body butters tend to have a heavier feel than most lotions or creams. They're generally not formulated with preservatives (since there's no water to encourage bacterial growth), and they often contain added skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E, essential oils or botanical extracts to enhance their nourishing benefits.

What is body butter used for?

Body butter is used to deeply hydrate, soften and protect skin, especially in areas that are prone to dryness, roughness or cracking. It creates an occlusive seal over the skin's surface, which means it locks in the moisture already present in your skin rather than delivering water directly. This makes it especially effective when applied right after a shower, when skin is still slightly damp.

Common uses for body butter include:

• Softening rough patches on elbows, knees and heels
• Providing relief for very dry or flaky skin
• Maintaining moisture during cold, dry weather
• Nourishing skin post-shave or after exfoliation
• Supporting skin elasticity during pregnancy (applied to the belly, hips and thighs)

Because it forms such a protective barrier, body butter works best as a finishing step, not a first step, in your body care routine.

Which one is right for your skin type?

The most significant difference between body butter and body lotion comes down to water content and texture. Here's a comparison of each:

Body Moisturizer Guide