Body Lotion, Body Cream, and Body Butter Benefits

Body lotions, creams, butters—tomato, tomato, right? After all, moisture is moisture. 

Not quite. When it comes to body moisturization, not all forms are created equal. 

Body butter benefits your skin in ways that lotions and creams may not, and vice versa. Understanding which fairs best for you is vital to giving your skin the hydration it needs. 

At MD GLAM, we’ve always underscored the importance of moisture in skin health. And while some moisture is certainly better than none, honing in on what level of hydration your body craves takes your regimen to a whole new level. 

In this skin nourishment essentials guide, we closely examine the differences between body cream, lotion, and butter—from their benefits and uses to our lineup and advice for peak hydration.

Curious about which is best for you? Let’s start with comparing body hydration products. 

Up first: body butter.

Body Butter: Deep, Luxurious, Intensive Moisture

When it comes to the best moisturizer for dry skin, body butters reign supreme. 

Body butter is the thickest of all the body moisturizers. It’s typically formulated with natural butters and oils (like cocoa or shea butter), making it thicker and more concentrated than lotions or creams. As a result, they can take a little longer to absorb into the skin than water-based moisturizers.

But since body butter typically lacks water content, applying it when your skin is damp is the way to go. This way, it absorbs better and spreads more easily for better hydration.

Some significant body butter benefits include:

• Penetrative moisture
• Long-lasting hydration
• Nutrient-rich
• Soothing properties
• Moisture barrier protection
• Promotes natural healing
• Ideal for dry, rough texture
• Luxurious and indulgent
• Often additive-free
• Safe for most skin types
  

Body butter is not for you if you:

• Struggle with body acne
• Have oily skin
• Live in a humid climate
• Prefer fast-absorbing moisture

The next tier? Body creams.

Body Cream: A Balanced Hydration Conduit

Body creams are lighter than body butters, but thicker than body lotions. These types of body moisturizers are made of water and oils. 

The most significant difference between body cream and body lotion is the water-to-oil ratio. This is why creams, while emollient, may not pack the same hydrating punch as body butter.

As for how to apply it, body butters contain water (or water substitutes). Meaning? You can apply them to damp or dry skin all the same. 

The biggest benefits of body cream include:

• Balanced hydration
• Lighter and quicker to absorb
• Ideal for normal to oily skin
• Can be applied to dry skin
• Enhances your skin barrier
• More practical packaging
• Can contain pleasant fragrances
• Doesn’t feel as thick or greasy
  

Body creams aren’t for you if you:

• Struggle with excessively oily skin
• Are prone to body acne
• Live in a hot, humid climate
• Prefer invisible moisture

Now, what’s the difference between body cream and lotion?

Body Lotion: Light, Daily, Effortless Hydration

Body lotion is the lightest of all the body moisturizers. It’s made of mostly water with some oil, making it easy to spread and fast-absorbing. In fact, sometimes body lotions can sink in too quickly, demanding you reapply more frequently.

While it plays well with almost every skin type, many prefer body lotion for sensitive skin. This is because thick emollients, like body butters and creams, can potentially overwhelm complexions prone to sensitivity. 

However, sensitive skin types should still tread carefully. Given that body lotions are primarily water-based, they also contain more additives to extend their shelf life, which can irritate existing skin conditions.

Body lotion perks include:

• Lightweight hydration
• Quick-absorbing
• Ideal for warm, humid climates
• Often contains nice fragrances
• Ideal for layering under SPF or makeup
• More affordable and widely available
  

Body lotions aren’t for you if you:

• Have extremely dry skin
• Prefer clean, unscented products
• Need penetrative moisture
• Want lasting hydration
• Struggle with eczema or psoriasis

As for using body moisturizers on your face? That’s a recipe for irritation. 

MD GLAM Hydrating Products: Our Philosophy and Offerings

The skin on your face is thinner and much more sensitive compared to the rest of your body. As much as we may love body butters, creams, and lotions, their magic is best reserved for your shoulders down. 

That’s why it’s essential to use products specially formulated to nurture facial skin and enhance your natural glow. 

Here’s a line-up of MD GLAM hydrating products that deliver just the right dose of hydration for your face:

DMAE Antioxidant Day Moisturizer

A cult favorite, our DMAE Antioxidant Day Moisturizer is loaded with…. you guessed it: antioxidants! These powerhouse ingredients combat free radicals and environmental toxins. DMAE mainly boosts elasticity and moisture. 

This lightweight moisturizer melts into your skin, delivering antioxidants, delicious botanicals, age-defying retinol, and apple fruit stem cells for a radiant finish. Greasy residue? Not here—just invisible hydration that layers seamlessly with makeup and sunscreen.

Hyaluronic Acid Night C-Complex

The Hyaluronic Acid Night C-Complex is one of our most intensive skin hydration products. Dr. Cat formulated this moisturizer with “everything she ever wanted” in a night cream, including low-molecular hyaluronic acid (HA). This HA absorbs deep into your skin, rejuvenating from within rather than just sitting on the surface.

Packed with vitamins A, B, C, and E, this formula not only boosts collagen for that coveted glow but uses glycolic acid to renew texture. The result? Rich and luxurious moisture that’s like a wish fulfilled for your skin.

Want body butter for your face? This is it, and then some. 

But if you really want to quench your skin’s thirst, you might want to consider switching up your products with the seasons. 

Navigating Seasons: Adapting Your Choice to Weather Variations

Choosing the right body moisturizer is only the beginning. As we’ve touched on, different environments can affect how your skin behaves and, in turn, your skincare.  

The solution? Transition your skincare to align with the seasons. 

Here are some seasonal skin moisturizing tips to keep your complexion thriving all year long:

• Opt for lightweight moisturizers in the summer 
• Consider triple-cleansing during hot, muggy weather
• Double-up on moisturizer during the dry, cold months
• Incorporate vitamin C for extra protection against UV rays
• Exfoliate every other day in the fall and winter
• Don’t forget to hydrate your eyes and lips
• Always wear sunscreen outside, no matter the weather
• Throw out expired skincare and makeup regularly

Just like you rotate your clothes, hobbies, and food with the seasons, it’s only natural that the same goes for your skincare—right?

Put these tips into practice, and you're well on your way to keeping that 365-glow.

MD GLAM: A Glowing Finish for Your Skin

As we’ve discovered, body lotion, body cream, and body butter benefits your skin in their own unique ways. But finding your perfect match? That means tuning into your skin’s needs, knowing your environment, and recognizing which ingredients help your skin flourish.  

And when it comes to your face? We’re here to take the guesswork out of your routine. At MD GLAM, you have a collection of luxurious, medical-grade skincare at your fingertips.

Not sure where to start? Our skin quiz can guide you to your perfect routine.