Skincare is a large category, and when we narrow it down to moisturizing products, two immediately stand out: body oil and lotion. Both are designed to do the same thing—to hydrate and nourish the skin—but their makeup is quite different, and so is their use. Whereas body oil is pure fat (with some variation in formulations), lotion is mostly water. That, right there, is a fundamental difference. Knowing it can help you decide which product is right for you—and whether to use one or both, since they do have different effects.
What really sets body oil apart from lotion is their composition. Body oils are generally composed of a blend of natural or synthetic oils, things like coconut oil or argan oil, that have a high concentration of fatty acids in them. That speaks to the nature of body oil. It's a concentrated source of hydration, which can be particularly beneficial in times when your skin is really parched and there's a lot of desert terrain on it. But what about lotion? The progression from body oil to body lotion is not a downgrade. It's not that we're moving from a more potent formulation to something that's less effective. Emulsions, which is what lotion is, are able to combine two elements that, when added together, produce a substance that's greater than the sum of its parts. In this case, it's with the combination of water and oil in lotion that you're able to gain concentrated hydration along with lightweight, easy-to-absorb moisture.
The consistency and absorption of body oils and lotions are quite different. Body oils are thick and greasy, but this consistency helps them penetrate the skin. When applied right after a shower or bath, the oil helps trap in moisture and makes the skin feel silky smooth.
On the other hand, body lotion is generally lighter, so it gets absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Because it's absorbed so well, most people use body lotion during the day since it doesn't interfere with getting dressed. And when you're on the go, using body lotion is efficient; it takes little time to apply. Whether you use body oils or body lotion, they both serve the same function—moisturizing your skin.
Selecting between body oil and lotion requires consideration of individual skin conditions and types. Body oils are typically recommended for individuals with dry, flaky, or mature skin. The ingredients in oils can help restore moisture and improve the texture of the skin. Furthermore, oils can provide a protective barrier that helps to lock in hydration, which makes them a top-of-the-line choice for anyone living in a space with a dry climate or harsh weather. Conversely, lotions may work better for the individual with "normal" skin or skin that is a combination of different types. The lightweight nature of lotions, when compared to oils, allows for an effective level of hydration that makes them feel comfortable on the skin.
How you apply body oils and lotions can influence their effectiveness. Body oils are usually best applied to damp skin. This is said to not only help seal in moisture but also enhance absorption. I have done this with a few different body oils, and my experience is that they really do work better when my skin is freshly out of the shower or the bath. I think part of the reason for this is that body oils tend to have a greater viscosity than lotion. As a result, it feels as though the oil does not spread as easily, nor does it penetrate the way a lotion tends to.
Oils serve their best purpose when they are used for full-body massages. Interestingly, I find that the technique I use for applying oils is not far off from what one might use for massage. Both require time (again, something that seems to be in short supply these days) and a good level of intention and attention.
The debate over whether body oil or lotion is superior has no clear resolution. It centers, rather, on particular moisture-sealing preferences and the type of skin one has. I like both for different reasons, but if I’m being honest, I use body oil far more often than lotion. It definitely offers a richer, more decadent way to keep skin hydrated, not to mention the intoxicating scent my body oil has. But for those who maybe don’t necessarily align with the body oil lifestyle, lotion can serve your skin just as well, in a way that arguably makes it more easily embraced. I mean, consider the number of drugstore and high-end scents alike that offer moisture in lotion form.