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

When it comes to skincare, few steps feel as indulgent or as essential as moisturizing. So, how do you choose between a body cream and a lotion? Let’s break down the differences and when to use each, to help you build a routine that leaves your skin radiant, nourished, and glowing from head to toe.

What Is Body Cream?

Body cream, on the other hand, is richer, thicker, and more emollient than lotion. With a higher oil concentration and less water, creams create a luxurious barrier on the skin’s surface, helping to seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (a fancy way of saying your skin won’t dry out as fast). The result? Deep hydration, lasting comfort, and skin that feels cocooned in moisture.

Because of its decadent texture, body cream is especially beneficial for dry, very dry, or mature skin types, or for areas that tend to need extra love, like elbows, knees, and feet. It’s also a cold-weather essential, acting like a protective coat for your skin during harsh winter months or in dry climates.

Indulge in Patrick’s luxurious, skin-perfecting body crème that deeply hydrates while blurring imperfections. Infused with nourishing oils, it leaves your skin radiant, smooth, and glowing with confidence.

What Is Body Lotion?

Body lotion is a lightweight moisturizer made with a higher water content than oil. Its texture is typically fluid, silky, and fast-absorbing, making it ideal for daytime use or when you’re in a rush. Because it’s thinner in consistency, body lotion spreads easily over large areas and doesn’t leave behind a heavy or greasy residue. Think of it as the daily hydrator that keeps your skin comfortable without weighing it down.

Body lotions work well for people with normal to slightly dry skin, especially during warmer months when humidity helps lock in moisture. They’re also perfect for layering with other products, like body serums or fragrance mists, because they won’t compete with heavier textures or stronger scents.

When to Use Body Cream

Reach for body cream when your skin needs a little more TLC. It’s particularly effective at night, when your skin is in repair mode, or anytime you’re feeling dry, flaky, or tight. Use it to:

• Restore moisture in dry or mature skin
  
  
• Heal rough patches (like hands, heels, or elbows)
  
  
• Soothe winter skin
  
  
• Add a touch of luxury to your wind-down routine
  
  

Ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or squalane are commonly found in body creams and provide rich nourishment that lingers, giving your skin that ultra-soft, lit-from-within finish.

When to Use Body Lotion

If you’re looking for a fast-absorbing moisturizer that can easily become part of your everyday routine, body lotion is your go-to. Use it right after showering, when your skin is slightly damp, to lock in hydration without feeling sticky or heavy. It’s perfect for:

• Morning routines
  
  
• Warm, humid climates
  
  
• Post-workout hydration
  
  
• Daily use under clothing
  
  

For added benefits, look for body lotions with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or glycerin, which help attract and retain moisture without clogging pores.

Which One Is Right for You?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your skin’s needs can change with the seasons, your environment, or even your stress levels. Many skincare lovers find that using both, a lotion during the day and a cream at night gives them the best of both worlds: lightweight hydration when they need it and intensive nourishment when they want to treat their skin.

Glow tip: After applying your body lotion or cream, try layering on a body oil or mist from the Major Glow collection for a radiant, camera-ready finish that feels as good as it looks.