We asked 266 panellists to test the best body moisturisers on the market (2024)

Score: 88/100

Rare indeed. Testers loved how thick and luxurious this product felt for the price, as well as praising the unique packaging and the jasmine, lemon and tonka bean fragrance notes, which were described as “lovely and comforting”.

“It left my skin so soft all day, even my husband commented and asked if I’d bought a new moisturiser!” said one panel member. Miracles do happen. Everyone who tried it told us their skin felt hydrated all day after application and they enjoyed the firming effects that helped smooth rough skin. Though most loved the unique bottle, some said it was more style over function, with a few struggling to squeeze out every last drop. However, it’s nothing a good shake shouldn’t sort.

Score: 87/100

Looking for a deeply nourishing moisturiser with no greasy feel? Get your hands on this body butter, which is bursting with occlusives, including olive oil and the brand’s dual-action moisturising complex, Nutri-DUO.

So, what’s the ‘pro-age’ element about? Well, it’s designed to improve the appearance of dark spots and accelerate the renewal of new skin cells, to help combat the slower rate of regeneration in more mature skin.

Testers told us it deeply moisturised and, most importantly, the effects lasted a long time. “Skin stayed plump and noticeably soft for at least a day,” said one. Plus, it’s a bargain at just over £7.

Score: 87/100

You'll often find us waxing lyrical about the resurfacing superpowers of AHAs in our facial skincare, and we're now seeing their firming, tightening benefits in our body care, too.

This sensory dream of a product – with a watermelon fragrance and sumptuous feel – gave those who tried it some of the glowiest skin they’d ever had. They said it sank in well and was lightweight. It's a good option for daily use, without greasiness or causing build-up, and many said they started to see improved firmness in their skin after a few applications. Sign us up.

Score: 83/100

Described as having the “calming aroma of a spa treatment” by one of our testers, this lavender-packed, magnesium-enriched cream aims to ease you into a better night's sleep.

It topped our softness test in the lab, leaving all panellists with silkier skin, while boosting hydration for most. Nearly everyone who tried it loved it so much, they said they'd happily make space for it on the bedside tables in future.

Score: 83/100

The only bad thing anyone had to say about this formula was that they missed having a strong fragrance, but as far as results were concerned, it was a resounding success. Many of our testers commented on the cream’s lovely consistency, which they said was “rich but well balanced” and “absorbed well”.

One person noted that the subtleness of the scent means it doesn’t clash with your perfume, sending your skin into some sort of olfactory overdrive. Many told us it gave them a great glow, as well as seriously soft and supple limbs without residue or grease.

Granted, it’s fairly pricey, but with feedback like, “It provided huge relief for my dry patches which never seem to budge when using other creams”, we can’t really complain.

Score: 82/100

This one performed best for locking in moisture and providing a healthy dose of hydration in our beauty lab, making it a great pick for those with seriously dry skin.

Our panel agreed. “My dry skin has significantly improved after using it for two weeks,” said one tester, while another added: “This was so moisturising and comforting and soothing to use – I think it would be great for skin conditions and sunburn, as it’s not fragranced and feels lovely to apply.” Panellists also raved about the generous tub.

Score: 82/100

Much like the Cetaphil moisturiser, a few grumbled about the lack of fragrance with this cream, but nobody bemoaned its firming and softening effects. Everyone thought it was a good option for sensitive skin too, saying it didn’t cause any irritation, something CeraVe is quite rightly famed for.

Flaky, dry skin didn’t stand a fighting chance with this cream – it left limbs “rejuvenated and radiant”, according to one panel member, with dry elbows given the TLC they deserve.

Score: 80/100

Bouncy, firm and fabulous skin awaits with this nifty two-in-one number. It’s packed full of goodness and light enough to use on your face, but comes as a full-size fluid that allows you to smother it over your body, too.

Some people felt slightly uncomfortable using the same product for both areas, but once they got past the concept, our testers couldn’t stop talking about how lovely and moisture-locking this lotion is.

They loved that the hydration hit lasted all day and one praised how it made their oft-neglected arms and elbows feel softer. “The smell was fresh, but luxurious,” said another and many commented on its ability to sink in “without unwanted stickiness.” Not bad for under £10.

Score: 79/100

“The fragrance is reminiscent of a spa treatment,” one relaxed tester told us, and – having tested out a fair few massages and facials in our time – we must agree. A session with this sumptuous lotion truly does make you feel like you’re skipping away from a soporific spa day.

The scent is citrus-y and fresh, and it oozes quality, with many commenting on how expensive the formulation feels as it effortlessly sinks in. The pump makes it a doddle to apply and the lotion left skin soft, while still feeling clean and fresh.

Score: 77/100

For gorgeous, glowy, almost iridescent skin, this Refy option should be what you reach for. Perfect for party season, it’s subtly sparkly and it enhances the skin’s natural shine with a petit portion of pigment.

“The colour and sparkles were still there the next morning – it had real staying power and didn’t rub off once properly dried,” one satisfied tester told us. A great option for getting ready before a night out.

Score: 77/100

is having a fashion renaissance, with its new-in section sparking joy for Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X and Boomers alike, which is no mean feat. But does its Apothecary skincare range live up to the brand’s elevated sartorial status?

This two-in-one lotion, with its sleek packaging and practical pump dispenser, left testers raving about the "pleasant but not overpowering scent" and conveniently quick absorption, leaving skin feeling velvety-soft and hydrated without any overly oily after-effects.

The stylish bottle – crafted from dark brown plastic, mimicking expensive glass – means you can still have something sexy on your bathroom shelf when you’re on a budget. Some found the formula a bit thin for intense body moisturising, though, so it's probably better for daily moisture top-up than treatment really dry spots.

Can I use a body moisturiser on my face?

Body moisturisers can be used all over your body, but not on your face, unless you’re opting for the Olay Beauty Fluid Face and Body Moisturiser on our list above. Body creams generally tend to feature fragrances or other irritants that are unsuitable for use on delicate facial skin.

The best time to use a body moisturiser is immediately after a bath or shower, when your skin is damp. The oils in the product trap the water on the skin, keeping it moist. Remember to exfoliate first to remove any dead skin cells.

What body moisturiser is best for my skin type?

Most body moisturisers should be suitable for everyone, but here’s a general guide to the best formulations for different skin types.

Normal/combination: Plump for products with water-based formulas.

Dry: Try thicker, oil-based creams.

Oily: Choose lightweight, oil-free lotions. These tend to be labelled as ‘non-comedogenic’, which means they won't clog pores.

Sensitive: Look for soothing ingredients, such as calendula, chamomile or aloe vera and avoid potentially irritating fragrances and acids.

Mature: Opt for formulas with pro-ageing ingredients such as retinol or gentle exfoliating acids such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

If you suffer from a particular skin condition, always seek advice from a dermatologist before use.