Unfortunately body care products can sometimes be put to the wayside as we invest in our skincare products for our face. Plus, it’s hard to know what body care items we even need. I am zeroing in on body butter vs body lotion today, so you can find the best clean options out there plus decipher the difference.
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Body Butter vs Body Lotions
When it comes to skincare, the debate between body butter and body lotions often arises. Both products aim to moisturize and nourish the skin, but they have distinct characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences. Meaning depending on your skin type and needs, you may opt for one over the other.
Similarities
1. Moisturizing Properties: Both body butter and body lotions are designed to moisturize the skin. They contain emollients and humectants that lock in moisture, preventing and improving dryness.
2. Skin Softening: Whether you opt for body butter or lotion, you can expect softer, more supple skin with regular use. Both products work to improve skin texture and appearance.
3. Variety of Formulas: Both body butter and body lotions come in various formulas to suit different skin types and preferences. From lightweight to rich and creamy textures, there’s a product for everyone.
Differences
1. Texture and Consistency: One of the most noticeable differences between body butter and body lotions is their different textures. Body butter tends to be thicker and richer whereas body lotions are lighter.
2. Ingredients: Body butter often contains a higher concentration of nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, or oils like coconut or jojoba oil. Body lotions will have a higher water content and lighter oils, making them less heavy on the skin.
3. Packaging: This will differ between a body lotion and body butter because of the difference in the texture and thickness of the product. Body butter will most likely be found in jar due to being thicker and richer, whereas body lotions will be found in pump or squeeze bottles as they more lightweight.
When To Choose One Over the Other
– Body Butter: Choose body butter when you need intense hydration and want a product that offers long-lasting moisture. It’s perfect for dry or rough skin, especially during colder seasons or in dry climates.
– Body Lotion: Opt for body lotion if you prefer a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula. It’s suitable for all skin types, and is great for maintaining soft, smooth skin throughout the year.
Ingredients to Avoid in Body Butter and Lotions
Here are some toxic ingredients commonly found in body care products like body butters and lotions that you should avoid if you are looking for a non toxic product:
- Parabens (ethyl-, butyl-, methyl-, etc): These are a family of related chemicals that are preservatives commonly used to extend the shelf life of skincare products. Unfortunately they are endocrine disruptors that can mimic estrogen in the body.
- Fragrances: Fragrances can contain a mix of chemicals, including phthalates and other potentially harmful ingredients, that are responsible for the scent, or even lack of scent, of a product. Due to trade secrets the exact ingredients in fragrance don’t have to be disclosed. Just some of these thousands of synthetic fragrance ingredients are linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, and allergies and sensitivities.
- Mineral Oil and Petroleum Derivatives: These ingredients, such as paraffin oil or petrolatum, are used as an occlusive to lock in moisture. However, they offer little to no nutritional benefit to the skin. And studies indicate possible carcinogenic links due to contamination, endocrine disruption, and more.
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): A petroleum based compound that is used as an emollient in cosmetics. It is created when ethylene oxide (known carcinogen via inhalation) is reacted with other, less harmful ingredients. Unfortunately the reaction process that creates this ingredient also creates by-products such as 1, 4 dioxane (probable human carcinogen). It is possible to remove this contaminant but unfortunately this is rarely done.
The bad news….the list could go on and on to include even more ingredients. The good news…there are many clean body products out there without toxic ingredients that contain nourishing ingredients instead!
Related Content: Best Natural Body Lotion Roundup
Best Body Butter
Osea Undaria Body Butter
A body butter that includes whipped shea butter, ceramides and Undaria seaweed, Osea’s body butter is the ultimate in hydration for your body. It provides 72 hours of hydration as well as skin firming and anti-aging benefits.
Price
$56
Review
This body butter is just as you would expect: rich, creamy and provides deep hydration. It really does provide the 72 hours of hydration it claims! So you can say goodbye to dry, crepey skin and hello to soft, smooth, and of course healthy skin. Plus, with all star worthy ingredients this body butter really acts more like an age-defying product than any other body butter I’ve used. This is one product that you’ll want to use over and over again.
Use code gurlgonegreen10 to save 10%!
Best Body Lotion
Aleavia Prebiotic Body Lotion
Aleavia Prebiotic Lotion uses antioxidants and fruit oils to fight aging. It is a microbiome friendly product that provides relief from common skin issues like allergic dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, and keratosis. This lotion works well for the whole family!
Price
$24.99
Review
This body lotion is going to feed the good microorganisms on your skin and help soothe it. Not only does it contain antioxidants but also fruit oils to truly nourish the skin. This is the best body lotion for anyone with eczema, rosacea, or just skin irritation. They have an unscented version as well as a Grapefruit, an Orchid scent and a limited edition Cranberry scent. They all smell great!
Use code GGG15 to save 15%!
More Clean Body Products
There are many more body products than just body butters and body lotions. Here are some more of my favorites:
- Body Oil– If you are looking for a body oil, check out OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil. It is the very best when it comes to natural body oils. It is one of a kind with its star ingredient being Undaria Algae. This body oil is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and essential fatty acids, providing so many benefits to the skin. It is a lightweight and non-greasy formula and offers such a luxurious application experience while also supporting skin’s natural barrier function. A must have when it comes to natural body care. Use code gurlgonegreen10 to save 10% off your order here!
- Body Cream– Thicker than a lotion, but with more water content than a body butter, a body cream can work well for so many. Le Prunier’s Plumbody™ is an absolute must have! From their signature plum scent, to packaging, they just hit the mark in every way. The cream has such a luxurious feeling on the skin! It’s a cream, but not overly thick that it’s hard to spread. A great consistency. It’s rich and nourishing. My dry skin loved every bit! I was literally scraping the jar. It soaks in nicely too. No greasy residue. A total winner!! Get it here.
- Body Serum– Free + True Body Prophet is technically called a body serum. To me it feels like a creamy and lightweight lotion, but regardless of what you want to call it, it’s really just so good! I love how it comes in a glass pump bottle that makes application so easy. I also love how it smells. Such a light scent, nothing overwhelming. Plus, it has antioxidants that help to protect your skin and fight free radicals. It absorbs instantly into the skin and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue. If you’re looking for a new body product that easily rubs in, hydrates but isn’t too heavy- this is it. Get it here!
What are your favorite body products? Share below!
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