Best Ingredients to look for in Body Lotion

what ingredients to look for in lotion

Whether your skin is dry, oily, or a combination of the two, finding the best body lotion can make all the difference. But with so many products on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones actually work. Fortunately for our readers, we've done the investigating to compile a guide to the most effective moisturizing ingredients guaranteed to leave your skin looking and feeling its best.

From powerhouse hydrators like hyaluronic acid to natural emollients like avocado oil, we've got the insider scoop. So kick up your feet and follow along as we break down the best moisturizing ingredients to look for in a lotion.

Best moisturizing ingredients for lotions

Ceramides

Ceramides are fatty acids that make up your skin’s protective barrier, which works to retain moisture, fight early signs of aging, and shield your skin from the environment. Although the body naturally produces ceramides, this process slows as you approach your 30s and 40s. Supplementing your skincare routine with a ceramide-rich body lotion will restore your skin’s natural barrier, replenish hydration, and support youthful, radiant skin.

Hyaluronic acid

If you haven’t heard of hyaluronic acid, you’ve certainly been living under a rock. Peruse the aisle of any drugstore, and you’ll see countless products advertising it as an active ingredient. Though it’s typical to see hyaluronic acid in facial serums and creams, it works just as well on the body. The next time your skin feels dry and taut, reach for a moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid. You’ll immediately notice softer, smoother skin that glows from the inside, out.

Glycerin

Glycerin is classified as a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin from the atmosphere. If you’re tired of fighting dry, cracked skin, it may be worth giving glycerin a try. Not only does it rehydrate the skin, it actively works to prevent moisture from further escaping the skin. Glycerin also defends against other harsh products that strip your skin of its natural oils.

Squalene

Like ceramides, squalene is a fatty acid naturally produced by the body and found in the skin’s sebum. In fact, squalene is believed to make up about 10% of your skin’s oils. Thanks to squalene being a powerful antioxidant, it protects the skin from UV rays while simultaneously working to reverse existing sun damage. With continued use, squalene can diminish scarring, fade freckles, and lighten sun spots on both the body and face.

Lactic acid

Are you prone to rough, bumpy skin? Lactic acid may just be the solution you need for smoother, more even skin. Belonging to the alpha hydroxy acids family, lactic acid offers a number of beauty benefits. In particular, lactic acid speeds up cell turnover, doing away with dead and dry skin. Working lactic acid into your self-care routine will improve your skin’s tone and texture for a brighter, healthier complexion from head to toe.

Natural Moisturizing Ingredients

Coconut oil

Not only does coconut oil smell amazing but it's also packed with skin-loving benefits that make it a must-have in any beauty routine. Coconut oil is extremely hydrating, plus its unique composition of fatty acids works to penetrate deep into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration that leaves your skin feeling smooth and supple.

Shea butter

Shea butter is deeply moisturizing, making it perfect for treating dry, rough, or flaky skin. It boasts a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins which help to hydrate and protect the skin, leaving it feeling soft as a baby’s. Shea butter has also proven to be effective at soothing skin irritation caused by conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a powerful plant derivative that has been used for centuries to heal various ailments, including those that affect the skin. Abundant in antioxidants, aloe vera acts as a defense against free radicals that can cause long-term damage and accelerate aging.

Honey

Pamper your skin with one of the ultimate organic ingredients, honey. More than just a sweetener for a hot cup of tea, honey is a humectant that attracts and captures moisture for long-lasting hydration. Because honey also possesses antibacterial properties, it’s an effective deterrent for unwanted acne.

Green tea

Green tea is what we like to call a triple threat— an antioxidant with both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Bring balance and harmony to your complexion by working green tea into your self-care ritual. Its antibacterial properties will keep breakouts at bay, while the anti-inflammatory elements will reduce redness and calm irritation.

Tips for making the most of your moisturizer

●     Use moisturizer daily on both your body and face

●     Apply body lotion to damp skin immediately after you shower

●     Exfoliate your skin at least once every 7-10 days

●     Choose a moisturizer with ingredients suited to your skin type

●     Apply your skincare in the proper sequence (cleanser, toner, serum, spot treatments, moisturizer, face/body oil)

Selecting the best body lotion for your skin type

You don’t have to search too far to find a natural and nourishing body lotion you’ll love. Here at Moody Sisters Skincare, we’ve refined our selection of face and body moisturizers to flatter all skin types.