What Is the Difference Between Body Oil vs. Lotion? (2025)

Body Oil vs. Lotion: What’s the Difference?

Body Oil

“Body oil is a concentrated oil-based product typically made from plant oils like jojoba, almond, sunflower, etc. that mimic the skin’s natural lipids,” Dr. Turegano tells Parade. “It’s used to seal in moisture, nourish the skin and provide a natural glow. A product is classified as a body oil if it primarily consists of oils without water.”

Lotion

“Lotion is a lightweight moisturizer made of water, oils and emulsifiers that help hydrate the skin,” Dr. Turegano states. “It’s used to replenish moisture and improve skin barrier function. A product is considered a lotion if it has a high water content and a creamy or fluid consistency.”

When Should I Use Body Oil vs. Lotion?

When it comes to choosing between body oil and lotion, some people use them interchangeably. However, Dr. Turegano mentions there are some instances when one works better than the other.

Lotion

• Best for itchy skin: “Lotion is better to use than body oil for itch relief because it hydrates the skin, while body oil mainly seals in moisture,” she recommends.
• Best for during the summer: “Lotion is better for someone to use during the summer months when it’s hot because it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, while body oil takes time,” Dr. Turegano points out.
• Best for oily skin: “Lightweight lotions are better to use if you have oily skin because they have a lower risk of comedogenic ingredients, which can clog pores and cause acne and blackheads to form,” she shares.
• Best for quicker absorption: When it comes to drying, sometimes you don’t have a lot of time to wait for a product you apply to your skin to dry. In those cases, Dr. Turegano says lotion is the best choice. “Lotion absorbs faster due to its water content, making it more lightweight,” she says. “Body oil takes longer to absorb and may leave a slight residue.”

Body Oil

• Best for retaining skin’s moisture: “Body oil locks in moisture better than lotion because it creates a stronger occlusive barrier, preventing water loss from the skin,” Dr. Turegano reveals.
• Best to use in colder months: “Body oil is more suitable for people to use than lotion in the wintertime as it provides extra protection against dryness,” she says.
• Best for keeping skin moisturized longer: Dr. Turegano says body oil helps keep a person’s skin hydrated for a more extended period of time than lotion does. “Because body oil is heavier than lotion—since it lacks water and consists entirely of oils—it sits on the skin longer,” she tells Parade.
• Best for dry skin: “You should use body oil if your skin needs deep moisture retention and extra nourishment,” Dr. Turegano suggests.
• Best for achieving a dewy look: If you want to make your skin glisten, body oil is for you. “Body oil gives your skin a natural glow,” Dr. Turegano shares.

Can You Mix Lotion and Body Oil?

If you’ve considered combining body oil and lotion but aren’t sure if it’s ok to mix the two, don’t worry. Dr. Turegano tells Parade it’s completely fine. However, she notes that there is an order you should follow if you’d rather apply both back-to-back instead of mixing them.

Do You Apply Lotion or Body Oil First?

“When applying the two products, make sure you apply lotion first for hydration, then body oil afterward to lock in the moisture,”Dr. Tureganoinstructs. “This combination provides deep hydration and long-lasting softness.”

Are Lotions and Body Oils Safe To Use?

How To Apply Body Lotion and Oil

Body Oil Directly On Your Body

• Place a small amount of body oil in the palm of your hand. Tip: A little goes a long way, so start using a few drops per body area and add more if needed.
• Make sure you apply body oil to clean, damp skin to enhance its absorption.
• Gently massage the oil into your skin, focusing on particularly dry areas.
• Once finished, do not dry off the oil on your skin.
• When using body oil on your face, apply it after using lighter water-based products, not before.
• You can apply body oil in the morning or at night, but nighttime is ideal if you want deeper nourishment.

Body Oil in a Bathtub

• Start filling up your tub with warm water.
• While water is still running, add in 1–2 tablespoons of body oil.
• Let the body oil disperse evenly throughout the water, and then get in and enjoy.

Lotion

• Squeeze lotion into your hand and rub it between your palms to warm it up. Tip: Use a quarter-sized amount of lotion per body part.
• Apply lotion to slightly damp skin in circular motions to help it penetrate deeper and provide better hydration.
• When using lotion on your face, apply it to freshly washed skin and before you add on heavier creams.
• You can apply lotion to your skin in the morning or at night, but nighttime is best for deep hydration.

Up Next:

Source

• Dr. Mamina Tureganois a board-certified dermatologist plus the co-founder and lead scientific advisor of Beautycore.