12 best body moisturisers & lotions in Australia for 2024
The “holy grail” body lotion offers an affordable price point, hydrating formula and comfortable texture.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
Who else is guilty of moisturising their face day and night, but only giving their body some love when they remember to (once in a blue moon)? I know it’s not just me.
Stepping out of the shower, there’s nothing worse than waiting for your body creams and lotions to dry – you just want to get dressed and get on with it!
But taking care of the skin on your arms, legs and everything else in between is super important.
Here’s a roundup of the best body moisturisers the news.com.au checkout team has tried, including picks that are budget-friendly, high-end, lightweight and fast-absorbing.
Our top choice from the bunch is the newly released Natural Moisturising Factors + Inulin Body Lotion from The Ordinary – it’s our new holy grail body moisturiser for totally hydrated skin.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST OVERALL BODY MOISTURISERS
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + Inulin Body Lotion, $24 at Sephora
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion
Why we love it: Affordable price point and sinks beautifully into skin – no wait time to dry!
What to consider: The pump style packaging may make it hard to travel with.
Formulation: Lotion
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 240ml
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
This is my new holy grail body moisturiser.
The newly released body lotion from The Ordinary’s new bodycare range is seriously impressive. First off, the price point is incredibly reasonable, sitting at just $24 for 240ml.
Next the formulation is fantastic.
We spoke to The Ordinary’s Chief Scientific Officer, Prudvi Mohan Kaka, to give us more information on how the new body lotion works so well for all skin types, including those with dry and sensitive skin.
“The formula contains Natural Moisturizing Factors (also known as NMFs) which are
skin-identical molecules that work to retain moisture inside the skin. They are found within the cells at the surface layer of skin and work by binding and holding on to water to minimise water loss.”
He continues, “the formula also includes Inulin, a prebiotic, which supports the skin’s microbiome by supporting the moisture barrier.”
It’s hydrating, nourishing and super gentle on the skin, leaving my skin feeling smooth.
It also dries down super fast and doesn’t leave me feeling sticky or tacky – it’s so comfortable to wear!
L’Occitane Almond Delightful Body Balm, $65 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Smells delicious and feels super luxurious on the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Balm
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 100ml
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
This body balm saved my skin during winter. As my colleagues will know I’m not the best at moisturising my body but this winter my skin was not impressed with all the wind and really needed some TLC. Crafted with almond oil, it feels so luxe on the skin and actually left my skin feel hydrated for hours. I only wish the tub was bigger because I went through it so quickly. It’s for sure my new favourite.
Rose Body Lotion, $55 at Jurlique
Why we love it: Super comforting smell that also makes a fabulous gift idea.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Lotion
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 300ml
Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, news.com.au checkout Social Media Producer
I love winter. I love the fashion, I love the cozy blankets, I love the warm fireplaces – but I do not love how dry my legs ALWAYS become in the cooler months.
Last week I’d noticed my legs had begun to resemble that of a blue tongue lizard and it was time for some heavy duty self care. So I decided to pull out my brand new Jurlique Body Lotion and give it a run for it’s money.
My first reaction? The rose scent is divine. It’s not overpowering so if you like a floral smell, this is the lotion for you. As for the cream itself, it’s super lightweight but immediately gets to work absorbing into your skin and leaving you feeling instantly hydrated. Within seconds my legs looked smooth, glowy and ready for summer.
In case you needed another reason to cry the lotion, it’s also jam packed full of macadamia seed, avocado oils and botanicals from the Jurlique Farm – which adds a nice little extra touch of indulgence.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY BODY MOISTURISERS
Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion Cocoa Glow, $15.95 at Priceline
Why we love it: Super affordable price tag.
What to consider: May be hard to travel with.
Formulation: lotion
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 750ml
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If you’re not looking to break the bank when it comes to an ultra hydrating and nourishing body moisturiser, this is the best body lotion.
Coming in at under $20, the Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion Coca Glow is made with pure cocoa butter, essential fatty acids and loads of lipids to totally transform your dry and dehydrated skin.
It leaves my skin feeling so soft, smooth and radiant – my skin barrier always feels so much better after using it and the hydrating lasts for days to come.
It also has a wonderful cocoa smell which is just so addictive – highly recommend!
Why we love it: Super budget friendly and comes in multiple sizes, depending on what you need.
What to consider: Doesn’t have any added benefits or fragrance for the luxurious experience.
Formulation: Lotion
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 1L
Tried and Tested by Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
A dermatologist recommended this specific Aveeno for my toddler’s dry and sensitive skin (look for the green stripe, she said) and since using it she’s had very minimal flair ups.
I love how affordable it is (I can almost always find it on sale somewhere at 50 per cent off), the easy pump action, and that it’s lightweight and non-greasy. It also absorbs quickly, which is a must when you have a squirmy child that you need to moisturise and dress.
BEST HIGH-END BODY MOISTURISERS
Charlotte’s Magic Body Cream, $80 at Charlotte Tilbury
Why we love it: Makes a lovely gift for someone special.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Lotion
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 200ml
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Never have I ever tried a Charlotte Tilbury product I didn’t like so I had high expectations for the Magic Body Cream. I’ve used the original Magic Cream on my face multiple times and loved it so I was very excited to put this to use. First things first, it smells amazing. The scent isn’t too overpowering or strong but the rose extract and magnolia oil perfectly blend to really help add that little bit extra and make this cream first just as luxurious as the pricepoint dictates it should be. It’s designed to help with cellulite and stretch marks and is supposed to have a lifting, firming effect. I’ve only been using it for a few weeks now but haven’t noticed anything significant in that regard. Overall, it has a super lovely feel and is definitely a buy I’d recommend.
Fenty Skin Butta Drop Hydrating Body Milk, $50 at Sephora
Why we love it: Super luxurious and lightweight lotion that offers lasting hydration.
What to consider: Glass bottle with a pump makes it a little hard to travel with.
Formulation: Lotion
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 410g
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
You know when you’re putting on a body moisturiser and it just feels like a super luxe experience? That’s what happened every single time with this Fenty Skin Body Milk. It comes packaged in a beautiful glass bottle with a handy pump, and the formulation itself is so silky, creamy and smells beautiful.
This body moisturiser sinks quickly into my skin and leaves it feeling hydrated until the next day. It’s packed with Kalahari Melon, Baobab and Coconut oils to hydrate and replenish your skin, with a gorgeous light scent of Bergamot, Jasmine and White Orchid.
BEST SCENTED BODY MOISTURISERS
Urban Jungle Midas Touch Body Lotion, $38 at Sephora
Why we love it: Great bang for your buck, and offers a super delicious scent.
What to consider: Big pump bottle may be hard to travel with.
Formulation: Lotion
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 500ml
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor
I tend to use body creams, not lotions, as my skin is so dry it generally needs something thicker. But I, and my skin, have been loving the Urban Jungle Midas Touch Body Lotion. As it’s a lotion, it’s nice and lightweight, which is perfect for hotter, humid days. Most importantly, as a thinner lotion it still keeps my skin so hydrated and smooth. It has a lovely scent – a fruity apricot! – but it’s not too sweet or overpowering. I also love the pump bottle, it makes it very easy to use daily.
MOST FAST-ABSORBING BODY MOISTURISERS
FRESH Milk Body Lotion, $65 at Sephora
Why we love it: You don’t have to wait too long to put your clothes on after.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Lotion
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 260ml
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I have been loving this body lotion as someone with dry skin. It has a subtle milky scent and lightweight yet creamy texture, and it’s super hydrating and absorbs into the skin oh-so effortlessly without leaving a greasy or sticky feeling. So, if you hate the icky feeling of putting clothes on after moisturising, you won’t have to worry about that with this lotion. It’s packed with rich plant-based milks like centella, rice and linseed – so it’s very soothing and strengthening, as well as key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and niacinamide which leave the skin hydrated, soft and radiant. I highly recommend this one!
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT BODY MOISTURISERS
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion, $49 at Sephora
Why we love it: It’s super fast-absorbing and feels lightweight on the skin.
What to consider: Packaging makes it hard to squeeze the lotion out.
Formulation: Lotion
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 250ml
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, news.com.au checkout Partnerships Writer
I pretty much love the range of products by Rare Beauty (hello, Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil!), but this month in particular, I’m loving their Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion. The weather has warmed up and my legs are coming out from behind jeans and stockings in need or moisturisation. The thick and luxurious cream keeps my skin soft and hydrated and I absolutely love the fragrance. The container is a little hard to squeeze so I have been just undoing the lid to access the cream. So worth it for such a beautiful and effective product.
BEST BODY MOISTURISERS FOR TRAVEL
Butter Up Hydrating Body Butter, $34 at Epzen
Why we love it: Smells super delicious and offers a spa-like experience.
What to consider: Can be hard to get your hands on.
Formulation: Cream
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 150ml
Tried and Tested by Jessica Smith, eCommerce Health & Wellness Writer
I was using this Epzen Body Butter until my mum stole it and never returned it, because it’s just that good. Super rich, this thick moisturiser literally melts on the skin and feels so incredibly hydrating. Made with cocoa seed butter, shea butter and mango seed butter, this feels like a day spa on the skin, yet it’s only setting you back $34. The only thing better than how soothing and enriching it feels is the seriously wonderful smell.
BEST BODY MOISTURISERS FOR VERY DRY SKIN
CeraVe Moisturising Cream, $22.99 at Priceline
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Why we love it: It’s fragrance free and suitable for both very dry and sensitive skin types.
What to consider: The tub is quite large and bulky so may be hard to travel with.
Formulation: Cream
Skin types: Very dry skin types
Size: 340g
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Editor
I’ve been using this tub of goodness ever since Cerave launched in Australia. For the last five years, I’ll use this on and off as it’s without doubt the best body cream that nourishes dry, parched skin. I’m a big fan of the tub so you can easily grab a big dollop of cream for your body. It’s thick – which I need as my skin is perpetually dry – but absorbs super quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy residue.
I’ve lost count of how many tubs I’ve been through over the years. I’ve tried all manner of body lotions and creams – expensive, budget and in between – and I still come back to this chemist buy time and time again whenever my skin is in need of some serious TLC.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING BODY MOISTURISERS
When choosing what body moisturisers to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Your skin type: Your choice may be influenced by whether your skin is dry, very dry or sensitive.
Ingredients: Depending on your skin type and concerns, you may prefer a body moisturiser that’s packed with anti-ageing or anti-redness benefits.
Texture: You may prefer a thick, rich formula or something that’s more lightweight and fast-absorbing.
Scent: Do you like your body lotion to have a sweet-smelling formula or do you prefer it to be fragrance-free?
Price: You don’t have to break the bank to get a hardworking body moisturiser, so we’ve included picks on both ends of the price spectrum.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of products available, it’s impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best body moisturiser we tested a few well-known brands at different price points.
In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best body moisturisers, creams and lotions from premium to budget to help you find the right one for you.
To understand why you need to be using a body moisturiser every single day, we also spoke to The Ordinary’s Chief Scientific Officer, Prudvi Mohan Kaka.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU APPLY BODY MOISTURISER?
There’s no right or wrong answer here – according to Prudvi, they can be used twice a day but also as frequently as needed to provide hydration and soothe your dry, tight or itchy skin.
“Moisturising after handwashing or cleansing the face and body is also beneficial as the skin is softened and applying moisturiser helps seal in hydration. With consistent use, moisturisers help support the skin barrier which enhances the healthy appearance of skin and makes it more resilient to daily wear and tear,” said Prudvi.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO APPLY YOUR BODY MOISTURISER?
“Apply however you feel most comfortable”, Prudvi told news.com.au checkout.
“Make sure to apply with clean fingertips and on cleansed skin. Using a gentle massaging motion has the dual benefit of encouraging the absorption of the product as well as providing a relaxing sensorial experience.”
CAN YOU USE BODY MOISTURISER ON YOUR FACE?
The concentrations of different ingredients can impact whether a product can be used for both your face and body.
Prudvi notes, “for example, our Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum was formulated with the concentration of the active ingredient that was found to be the most adequate for those experiencing blemish-prone skin on larger areas of the body.”
More Coverage
To save on beauty products, check out news.com.au Coupons for the best discounts and deals at stores like Adore Beauty, Myer, The Iconic and many more.
We also recommend signing up our newsletter – it’s free and it means you’ll get the best sales, shopping tips and guides delivered to your inbox every single week.
Easy drink hack for ‘glowing, brighter’ skin
It’s the ingredient for radiant skin, luscious hair, and strong nails and we’ve uncovered the top picks on the market.
$11 beauty buy Zoe ‘can’t live without’
For glowing, hydrated skin, these are the sheet masks that will actually make a difference.
’Obsessed’: $24 buy that brightens dark circles
We try this budget-friendly pick – made from an unusual ingredient – that promises to “brighten, tighten and hydrate.”
‘Holy grail’ buy that sells over 4000 times a day
The much loved French skincare favourite gets a “supercharged” upgrade but does it live up to the hype?