Body Oil vs Lotion: Which One Does Your Skin Really Need?

Last Updated: 23/07/2025

When you think of skincare, your face probably gets all the attention. Cleansers, serums, moisturisers, and masks are your go-tos. But your face is just a small part of your skin. Your body’s skin is your largest organ and deserves care too.

The skin on your body varies in thickness, texture, and oiliness depending on the area. Your neck might wrinkle before your legs. You could have back acne while your face is clear. Your body might be dry while your face is oily.

Because of this, you need products designed for your body, not just your face. A strong moisture barrier is key. It protects your skin from dryness, irritation, aging, and environmental damage.

To get it right, you need to understand body oil vs lotion, how they work, and how to use them together.

What Does Body Oil Do Compared to Lotion?

Body Lotion

Body lotion is usually water-based and lightweight. It absorbs quickly and adds hydration deep into your skin. Lotions help keep your skin moist and balanced by restoring water to dry areas.

For best results, apply lotion right after a shower while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture and repair your skin barrier.

Body Oil

Body oil is thicker and sits on the surface of your skin. It doesn’t add water but locks in moisture by forming a protective barrier. Oils shield your skin from drying out and environmental stress.

Body oil works great on dry, rough patches like elbows, knees, and ankles. It can also be used on top of lotion to seal in hydration and give your skin a healthy glow.

Body Oil or Lotion First? What You Need to Know

If you’re wondering whether to use body oil before or after lotion, here’s the answer:

Apply lotion first to hydrate and add water to your skin.

Follow with body oil to lock in that hydration and protect your skin barrier.

Using both in this order delivers the best results. Lotion hydrates. Oil seals. Together, they keep your skin soft, nourished, and healthy.

Which Should You Use?

Use Lotion If:

Your skin feels dry or tight after washing.

You want a light, fast-absorbing product.

You want to keep your skin hydrated daily.

You want to protect your skin barrier.

Try:

High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Body Therapy

It uses multiple types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and includes ingredients that tighten and protect skin, leaving it smoother and firmer.

Use a Body Oil If:

Your skin is already moisturised and you want to keep that moisture.

You have stubborn dry patches lotion can’t fix.

You want a silky finish and healthy glow.

You want rich nourishment that works over time.

Try:

Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Chia Body Oil

This dry oil melts into your skin with chia, flax, and macadamia oils. It smooths rough areas and strengthens your skin’s barrier.

Why Not Use Both?

For the best skin, use both lotion and body oil together. Lotion goes first to hydrate. Oil goes second to lock in moisture and protect your skin.

This is especially helpful in dry or cold weather when your skin needs extra protection.

Combining both steps gives you a more complete bodycare routine that strengthens your skin barrier, improves texture, and keeps moisture levels balanced all day.

Lotion hydrates. Oil locks it in. If you’re only using one, you’re missing half the picture.

Start with a moisturising lotion to feed your skin what it needs. Layer a body oil on top to seal that moisture in and strengthen your barrier. The two aren’t interchangeable, they’re better together.

No matter your skin type, this duo can help you build stronger, healthier, and more resilient skin from the neck down. For more expert guidance, explore our body skincare routine to support your skin beyond the face.

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