If you—like many of us—subject your skin to long, hot showers, excessive hand washing, compulsive sanitizing, or exposure to cold air (hello, winter), moisture loss is all but guaranteed. According to esthetician Dana Murray, the skin below the neck is particularly prone to dryness. "The body has fewer oil glands than the face so that it can dry out a lot quicker," she explains.
Men may experience especially dry skin since a lot of them are guilty of being lax with their skincare routines (we see you, guys). “They may also use harsher soaps so they can feel more squeaky clean,” says board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD. Harsh soaps leave skin stripped, making replenishing lost moisture essential. That’s where body lotion comes in. Beyond hydration, you'll want to think about other needs you might have in a body lotion (maybe you'd prefer an unscented one, for example). Luckily, tons of outstanding unisex body lotions cover all bases, as well as many formulated specifically for men.
To find the best options for various skin types and skin concerns, we tested dozens of top-reviewed products over 317 collective hours at home. We evaluated each based on consistency, absorption, effectiveness, and overall results. After analyzing our insights, we narrowed down the list to the 10 best performers across a range of scents, price points, and dermatologist recommendations.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Budget:
Best Splurge:
Best Fresh Scent:
Best for Date Night:
Best Fragrance-Free:
Best Cooling:
Best Absorption:
Best for Warm Weather:
What We Love
Available in three scent options, including unscented
Fast-absorbing
No sticky feeling
A little goes a long way
What to Consider
Only available in one size
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil, seaweed | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This body lotion is a 10/10 product. We wouldn’t change a single thing about the comfortable formula from Blu Atlas. It left our skin looking brighter after regular use and made us feel pampered. A dime-sized amount went a long way and absorbed quickly to imbue our skin with lasting moisture, leaving zero stickiness in its wake and never causing transfer unless we happened to apply too much. It also has a delicate fragrance, which smells like a very close-sitting cologne. We happened to love this, but if scents aren’t your thing, there is a fragrance-free option.
While we have no complaints about the formula or performance, we do wish it came in a larger bottle. We enjoyed it so much that all we want is more!
What We Love
Mild scent
Lightweight texture
Didn’t irritate sensitive skin
Comes in a large bottle at an affordable price
What to Consider
May not provide lasting hydration to dry skin
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin C, vitamin E | Skin Type: Balanced | Size: 13.5 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No
We were impressed by this affordable pick—its silky, fluid formula glided across the skin and sank in quickly, delivering a rapid dose of moisture without making our skin feel wet or tacky. It also didn’t leave any residue behind, just nourishment, which we appreciated during the winter months. It features a very mild floral scent (we think it’s lavender), which is subtle and settled into the skin nicely.
Though it initially hydrated our skin well, we wished this lotion left more long-lasting moisture behind—we found that our skin felt a bit dry just a few hours after application. If your skin is especially dry, you may want to seek out a different formula for the harsher months. That said, this lightweight pick could be a nice option for daily use during the warmer seasons.
What We Love
Absorbs rapidly
Leaves skin remarkably soft
Pleasant consistency that spreads easily
What to Consider
The scent may be too strong for some
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, sweet almond oil, avocado oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The luxuriousness of this lotion was apparent as soon as we applied it, thanks to its indulgent yet fast-absorbing texture that didn’t leave any residue behind, it just quenched our dry skin with a blend of plant oils and butters. The fluid formula spreads easily across the skin, with just a little bit going a long way to deposit nourishment along with the signature scent of Le Labo Santal 33, a sophisticated and sultry blend of smoky, leathery, and spicy notes. We were duly impressed by how soft this product left our skin throughout the testing process.
While it’s creamy, it isn’t thick, and therefore, it might not saturate deeply dehydrated skin with moisture. Before purchasing it, you’ll also want to know if you’re a fan of Santal 33. The scent is truly the star of the show in this lotion and it can come on strong, but if you’re a devotee of the cologne, you’ll want to make this lotion the foundation of your scent wardrobe.
What We Love
Smooth, light texture
Absorbs well
Available in tube and pump format
What to Consider
Fragrance could be too intense for some
Key Ingredients: Plant oils, shea butter, cocoa butter, essential oils | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4, 16.5 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re looking for a lotion that will hydrate your skin and make you smell fresh, this Aesop formula should be in your body care rotation. It has a green, citrusy scent that’s suitable for day or night. Don’t be put off by the name “balm,” which is somewhat deceptive—it has a smooth, lightweight texture that dries down quickly, instantly making skin look and feel smooth. Though our fingers stayed a bit sticky after application, anywhere we’d applied the lotion directly felt smooth to the touch and never transferred to our clothes.
The fragrance of this lotion is a bit stronger than most, so keep that in mind if you prefer a more mildly scented product for everyday wear.
What We Love
Subtle masculine aroma
Fluid, fast-absorbing formula
Leaves skin hydrated without feeling heavy
What to Consider
Only available in one size
Key Ingredients: Fatty acids, vitamin B5, avocado oil, grapeseed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 8.5 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
While some boozy-scented products can leave you smelling like you’ve just left the bar, this lotion’s rum fragrance is subtle, sumptuous, and sexy—perfect for a night out with someone special. The lightweight consistency spread easily, so a little went a long way and absorbed quickly to nourish skin with fatty acids and plant oils. We liked this product so much that we found ourselves applying it more liberally than we would other lotion—it’s that good.
We highly recommend this to those looking for a lightweight, pleasant-smelling lotion to hydrate their skin. The only caveat is that it’s only available in one size—we wish it came in jumbo-sized bottles and travel-friendly minis, too.
What We Love
Indulgent texture
Leaves behind lasting moisture
Doesn’t irritate allergy-prone skin
What to Consider
Packaging can look a bit messy
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, ginger root extract, lime fruit extract, | Skin Type: All | Size: 12 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you prefer fragrance-free products, this one is worth checking out. It features a thick, rich texture that absorbs quickly, and we appreciate that a little went a long way to deeply hydrate our skin. The long-lasting moisturizing effects of this lotion allowed us to occasionally skip a day—even when we missed an application, we found that our skin still felt soft and smooth. And, yes, though it’s formulated without synthetic fragrances, it features a pleasant natural scent, likely courtesy of the lime and ginger extracts.
Our only (admittedly nitpicky) gripe is the packaging. The matte finish of the bottle looks elevated, but it can pick up fingerprints and grime easily which can be hard to remove.
What We Love
Leaves skin looking more radiant
Subtle and pleasant fragrance
Provides a lasting nourishing effect
What to Consider
Took a few minutes to absorb
Only available in one very large size
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, argan oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 16 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This lightweight lotion features a very satisfying and unique texture—something of a hybrid between water and shaving cream. It spread easily across the skin and felt incredibly smooth. After consistent use, our skin was softer, smoother, and looked more radiant than usual. We also enjoyed its pleasant, subtle aroma.
While we appreciate that it’s pretty affordable, given how much product comes in the bottle, we do wish it was offered in additional sizes that would be more suitable for travel.
What We Love
Leaves behind lasting moisture
Makes skin look healthy and radiant
A little goes a long way
What to Consider
Scent may be too strong for some
Key Ingredients: Soy protein, vitamin E, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, menthyl lactate | Skin Type: All | Size: 3,16 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This formula from Jack Black combines unique cooling properties and impressive moisturizing capabilities. We tried this product during the winter when our skin gets extremely dry and found that it left our skin nourished for about 12 hours without feeling heavy or greasy. At no point did our skin peel or crack during the brutal cold front; using this formula ensured our skin was left glowing by the end of our test. We also appreciate that a little went a long way (we used about a finger’s worth of lotion for our application), which makes the lotion’s large size a great investment.
Though we liked the scent (a combo of citrus, mint, and oakmoss), it was strong, so keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to fragrance
Best Absorption
Hempz Original Herbal Moisturizing Body Lotion
What We Love
Rich formula spreads easily
Absorbs rapidly without leaving residue behind
Delivers lasting moisture
What to Consider
The scent could be too strong for some
Key Ingredients: Organic hemp seed oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.3, 17 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Usually, our hands look dry and feel scratchy during the winter season, but that never occurred while using this lotion. Though this formula features a very rich texture, it spreads easily and absorbs incredibly quickly, leaving no residue behind. It didn’t transfer to our clothing nor did it leave our hands feeling greasy, just moisturized. While we were very satisfied with the results, we weren’t thrilled with the product’s fragrance, which is described as a sweet, floral, tropical banana scent. It’s pretty intense, so we’d love to see the brand release a fragrance-free version.
Best for Warm Weather
Marlowe. No. 002 Sensitive Skin Body Lotion
What We Love
Dries rapidly
Doesn’t transfer or leave residue
Non-irritating
What to Consider
This formula may not be rich enough for very dry skin
Key Ingredients: Green tea leaf extract, brown algae extract, stearic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 15 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Though this lotion’s texture was dense enough to hold its form, it spread easily and absorbed within a minute of application. After slathering it onto wet skin post-shower and pre-bed, we woke up to soft, comfortable skin. We did notice our skin starting to get dry again about eight hours post-application, so it might not be rich or long-lasting enough for super dry skin or cold climates.
Our testers with sensitive skin didn’t experience any irritation when using this formula, but it’s worth noting that it contains a synthetic fragrance, despite being formulated for those with sensitive skin. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but fragrance can be irritation-inducing for reactive skin, so be sure to patch-test it first.
What to Look for When Shopping for Body Lotion for Men
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Body lotion is designed to hydrate and moisturize the skin, so nourishing ingredients are the most important thing to look for when shopping.“To maintain the skin barrier, look for ingredients that can draw moisture in, and those that soften skin and lock in moisture,” says Kobets. Ingredients that pull water into the skin are known as humectants, which include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera. To soften skin and seal nourishment in, look for emollients and occlusives, like ceramides, dimethicone, petrolatum, and many plant oils and butters.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: While the priority should be moisturization, it’s wise to look for a lotion that has vitamins and antioxidants, which help protect your skin from harmful free radicals. “Even though the skin on our body gets less UV damage than the face, it is still subjected to external pollution and damage,” says Kobets. This damage can take the form of hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and skin laxity.
- Appealing Scent (or Non at All): Many body lotions for men can be used in place of or as a complement to cologne. If you want something that not only hydrates but also makes you smell good, consider a scented product. However, if you have sensitive or dry skin, or a history of atopic dermatitis, eczema, or contact dermatitis, Kobets advises using a fragrance-free lotion. “When the skin barrier is chronically disrupted, outside fragrances can cause irritation,” she says. “Over time, allergic sensitization to these ingredients can lead to a full-blown allergic reaction.”
FAQ
When should men use body lotion?
Everyone should use body lotion consistently, regardless of gender. “Apply lotions right after toweling off [post shower] to lock in moisture,” says Kobets. It's good to moisturize while your skin is still a bit damp because this allows for better absorption. Allow the lotion to dry completely before using any additional products.
What happens if you don't put lotion on your body?
Skin gets dry, and lotion moisturizes it. So if you have dry skin and you opt not to do that, your skin may continue to get drier. It can even get flaky if the dryness becomes excessive. This is especially the case in the winter when temperatures are cold and humidity is low.
Why Trust Byrdie
Emily Orofino has nearly 15 years of experience in the beauty industry across editorial, marketing, and product innovation, writing for publications such as InStyle, RealSelf, and Harper’s Bazaar and working behind the scenes at major brands and retailers.
Adam Hurly is an experienced writer and editor specializing in men's grooming with bylines in GQ, Men's Journal, Forbes, and Gear Patrol.
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product tester specializing in skincare and lifestyle.
Contributors also consulted with experts to learn more about what to keep in mind when shopping for body lotions for men. Those experts included:
- Dana Murray of Babe + Beauty, an esthetician with nearly two decades of experience in the beauty industry.
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.