The body lotions we look to for softer skin – and a sensorial treat (2024)

The bodycare sector is thriving. Since 2022, beauty retailer SpaceNK has reported an 847 per cent increase in sales of body lotion, while Google searches for "body skin care" are up an incredible 1,025 per cent since last December. Chalk it up to our collective awareness surrounding self-care since the pandemic and a rising focus on wellness; it's clear that we're ready to carve out a little more time to show our limbs the same love and attention as we do our complexions.

Vanity reasons aside, the skin is the largest organ, so it makes complete sense to nurture it with nourishing ingredients to ensure it stays well-hydrated, protect it from the elements and prevent any unwanted issues such as itching, flaking or irritation.

There are a myriad of products that now cater for the body, from scrubs and oils to serums for every need. If you don't have the luxury of spending more than three minutes in the morning, a good body lotion with useful ingredients can do most of the heavy lifting, so you can massage in and go.

Look for hydrators such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and plant butters to soften, alongside active ingredients such as niacinamide, retinol and exfoliating acids to brighten and smooth. Resurfacing formulas are best used in the evening, while lighter lotions work well for daytime and in the summer. There are also plenty on this list that boast a beautiful scent, for added sensorial bonus.

The best luxury body lotions to indulge in this season

Fresh from LA, Youth To The People's bodycare range aims to treat the limbs with the same amount of care it does for the complexion. This means a formula packed with niacinamide to brighten and bolster the skin barrier, alongside nourishing plant butters for softer, plusher skin from the neck down.

No bodycare list is complete without a L'Occitane mention. This vegan velvety cream floods skin with long-lasting moisture, leaves behind a gentle scent trail that won't interfere with your scent, and a little goes a long way to nourish your skin, which means a jar can last for months.

Refillable products are all well and good, but plastic refill pouches still lead to unnecessary wastage of the material. That's why the Somerset-based brand Commune produces all its refills in easily recyclable aluminium bottles. The nourishing formula is rich in potent hydrators including rosehip oil, cocoa seed and shea butter while the scent is equal parts grounding and refreshing thanks to geranium and wood.

For an invigorating hit of citrus to perk up dreary mornings, try a generous helping of Sugar Lemon from Fresh. The silky lotion sinks in quickly (ideal for summer days) and is packed with vitamin C for brighter skin over time.

Surprisingly light in texture, this hazelnut oil-infused body lotion cocoons dry skin in moisture that really goes the distance, making it an excellent option for warmer weather. The sunny floral scent is endlessly refreshing, too.

Consistent use of this retinol-infused silky lotion can help to gently fade any scarring, soften the appearance of stretch marks and aid in tackling keratosis pilaris (the bumpiness often found on the back of arms).

For a decadent dose of nourishing actives (including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and amino acids), Joonbyrd's Little Love goes a long way. Despite the playful appeal of its soft-while-weighty packaging and drool-provoking syrupy scent, it's as hard-working as you'd expect from a brand with a dermatologist behind it. Dr. Alexis Granite's expertise has ensured this is as functional as it is fun – and the results speak for themselves: smooth-as-butter skin (and a mood-boost to boot).

A Bazaar Best of Beauty Award Winner, Beauty Pie's dermatologist-developed body cream works harder than most. Mega hydration is a given, but what we really love about this smoothing formula is that is contains retinol and alpha-hydroxy-acids to treat fine lines and crepey skin. Try it on your décolletage for impressive plumping effects.

This Works leads the way when it comes to soporific bodycare. This whipped, gel-like body mousse combines the mind-soothing powers of the brand's Deep Sleep fragrance with biome-supporting copper PCA (which is behind the azure-blue hue) and magnesium, which studies have shown is able to be absorbed through topical application, and may help to relax aching muscles.

London's favourite perfume also comes in the form of a body lotion. This quick-absorbing hydrator is infused with Le Labo's universally adored Another 13 scent: a curious combination of creamy ambrette and vegetal moss.

A chic way to wear fragrance, Chanel's silky body lotion offers a trail intense enough to negate the need for perfume. It's as luxurious as you'd imagine, and the scent likely needs little introduction. A flawless gifting option.

The beauty section of & Other Stories is one of our favourite high-street beauty spaces, and the brand really excels at fragrant body products. Fleur de Mimosa is a fitting warm-weather scent: as the name suggests, it delivers a sweet floral trail with a lingering musky base.

Dr. Sturm's bodycare line follows the same anti-inflammatory blueprint as her acclaimed facial skincare. This body cream doesn't feel especially rich, but keeps limbs hydrated and supple for longer than most. There's a very faint refreshing scent (think spa-like, not sickly) and it's happily compatible with both sensitive skin and just-shaved legs.

Not just great for a plump complexion, Sisley's iconic Black Rose line can be used from head to toe. Incredibly indulgent, the Beautifying Emulsion imparts a radiant finish and long-lasting hydration alongside that famously decadent scent.

This one is neither new nor frilly, but when it comes to a believable bronzed glow, it has never been beaten. The smell is fresh and fruity – not too cloying – and the tan builds gently and gradually, so there's no risk of you veering into tangerine territory.

By rebalancing the skin's microbiome, this specialist balm moisturiser can both soothe the irritating symptoms of eczema and prevent flare-ups from reoccurring. With glycerin, shea and niacinaimde, it's a precisely formulated saviour for anyone with very dry or easily upset skin. Even better, it now comes in a tube that involves 45 per cent less plastic than the original bottle.